Best Things To Do Labor Day Weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: Aug. 29 – Sept. 1

LOS ANGELES, California — From Hollywood Bowl concerts and free festivals to outdoor movies, art exhibits, and food competitions, Los Angeles and Southern California are buzzing with activity this Labor Day weekend. Here’s a curated list of the top things to do from Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.

Major Concerts & Shows

• Cyndi Lauper at the Hollywood Bowl — Her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour takes the stage Aug. 29–30, followed by Smooth Summer Jazz with Dave Koz & Regina Belle on Aug. 31.
• The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, New Found Glory at The Forum — Punk rock energy fills Inglewood’s Kia Forum.
• Weird Al Yankovic at The Forum — The parody icon brings his Bigger & Weirder tour back home Aug. 30.
• Betty Who with the LA Philharmonic — Pop meets orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl.
• Osees at Teragram Ballroom — Psychedelic garage rockers perform downtown.
• Red Kross at Levitt Pavilion — Free SoCal punk show Aug. 30 with Kate Clover, Juanita & Juan, and DJ Keith Morris.

Theater & Dance

• Just Another Day at Odyssey Theatre — Actor Dan Lauria stars in his own play about two comedy writers with dementia reliving love and laughter daily.
• ate9 & Jacob Jonas The Company: FOG at Kirk Douglas Theatre — Contemporary dance meets live music Aug. 29–30 in Culver City.

Festivals & Cultural Events

• Leimert Park Jazz Festival — Aug. 30, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Headlined by Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet plus Sasha Berliner and poetry performances. Free/pay-what-you-wish with RSVP.
• Gelato Festival World Masters — Aug. 30–31 at Ovation Hollywood. Global gelato competitors serve up inventive flavors.
• Robot Karaoke at The Elysian — Aug. 29. A quirky live music show with “Weird Algorithm” versions of pop hits.

Exhibits & Art

• Carlo Maghirang: ANITO — At L.A. State Historic Park through Sept. 7. A performance-driven installation reflecting Filipino spiritual traditions and queer identity.
• American Artist: Shaper of God at CAAM — A new Octavia Butler–inspired exhibit combining sculpture and drawings, free through March 2026.
• Christopher Nolan Non-70mm Series — Aug. 29–30 at Fine Arts Theatre, Beverly Hills. Screenings include Memento, Insomnia, and the Dark Knight trilogy.

Outdoor & Family Fun

• South Coast Botanic Garden Dog Walking Hours — Aug. 31. Bring your pup for a stroll across 87 acres in Palos Verdes. $18 admission, members free.
• Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival — Closing weekend with The Tempest under the stars.
• Hansen Dam Aquatic Center — Family-friendly water slides, beach-style pool, and obstacle fun.

Food & Drink

• Yogurtland x Laufey Collab — Limited flavor A Berry Laufey Day with collectible spoons available at locations through Aug. 31.
• New Restaurant: darling in West Hollywood — Chef Sean Brock of Charleston’s Husk fame debuts his first California-inspired concept on Sept. 1.

Los Angeles and Southern California have no shortage of entertainment this Labor Day weekend — whether you want a music-filled night, a quirky comedy show, an art exhibit, or just gelato in Hollywood.

Stay connected with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for more guides to festivals, concerts, and cultural events nationwide.