Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer with a three-day weekend packed with community events and parties. From food events to big concerts and nightclubs, there is no shortage of things to do.
August 29-31: The Taste
Paramount Studios
Soaked in Hollywood history, the sets of the back lot at Paramount Studios serve as the backdrop for The Taste food and wine festival. Guests can nibble on bites from more than 100 restaurants, including newcomers Mud Hen Tavern, Bowery Bungalow and Smoke.Oil.Salt, and sip on beer and wine from more than 60 vendors. (Christina Khabertyan)
August 29-September 28: Los Angeles County Fair
Pomona
The LA County Fair kicks off Labor Day weekend and continues through September 28. There are rides and carnival games to keep kids of all ages busy, romantic activities for couples, horse races, competitions (including a battle of the bands and multiple cook-offs), concerts (performances by Cheap Trick, Jason Derulo, Martina Mcbride, Neon Trees, and many more). Attendees can dine on anything from food truck cuisine to farm fresh flatbread to deep fried treats. The fair takes place every Wednesday-Sunday with tickets starting as low as $6.
August 29-31: Disney Half Marathon
Anaheim
Exercise enthusiasts can celebrate the holiday by getting their sweat on at the Disney Half Marathon. The races take place from Friday-Sunday and include the half marathon, A Disneyland 10k, the Dumbo Double Dare (a 19.3 mile race where participants run in the half marathon and the Disneyland 10k on back-to-back days), the Family Fun Run 5k and kids races. Those with qualifying times will win special medals. Spots are limited, so runners will want to sign up sooner rather than later.
August 29-31: Create Nightclub
Hollywood
The holiday weekend is full of big name DJ’s at Create Nightclub in Hollywood. The dance party kicks off Friday with a set by the Australian DJ duo the Stafford Brothers. The real life brothers are ranked as the number one DJs in Australia for three years running (at the ITM Awards, the Australian version of the People’s Choice Awards) and are known for their big house tracks.
Borgore keeps the EDM coming on Saturday. The Israeli DJ and music producer is known for his hip hop remixes and hard trap beats. Closing out the holiday weekend are, LA favorites, the EC Twins. The British twins are known for their high-energy performances and electro-house hits. Tickets for the Stafford Brothers and the EC Twins begin at $20. Tickets for Borgore begin at $40. Tables are also available for those willing to shell out the big bucks.
August 30: The 232nd Los Angles City Birthday Celebration
Olvera Street, Downtown LA
For 232 years old, LA is looking pretty good. The city’s family friendly birthday celebration takes place on Olvera Street on Saturday and includes historical reenactments, live entertainment, and, best of all, free birthday cake. Admission is free.
August 30-31: John Williams: Maestro of The Movies
Hollywood
Legendary composer John Williams will take center stage at the Hollywood Bowl with special guest vocalist Seth McFarlane. Williams is responsible for numerous well-known film scores from movies such as Jurassic Park, Superman and Star Wars. The night is sure to include some laughs from McFarlane, the creator and man behind most of the voices on Fox’s Family Guy, who also recently released an album with his take on classic vocal standards. Tickets are still available and begin around $28.
August 30-31: Made in America Music Festival
Grand Park, Downtown LA
This Jay Z created event expands to Los Angeles for the first time this year with headliners Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, John Mayer, and many more. The first set begins at noon, and there will be food trucks and free water to keep attendees hydrated and well fed.
August 30-September 1: Fiesta Hermosa 2014
Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach is a city known for partying, and Labor Day weekend will be no exception. The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce calls the event “the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California,” with more than 300 booths showcasing all kinds of artwork and knickknacks. Drinks are available all day at the Charity Beer & Wine Garden and 18 food vendors will be on site. The musical main stage features tributes to music legends, including Steely Dan, the Beatles, and Led Zeppelin, while carnival rides and a petting zoo keep the kids entertained. The fiesta is from 10am to 6pm throughout the weekend. However, the party doesn’t have to stop. Hermosa Beach is filled with late-night bars and restaurants that will keep the good times going.
August 30-September 1: Queen Mary Shoreline Jam & Long Beach Funk Fest
Long Beach
It’s a funky reggae party all weekend at the Queen Mary Waterfront. The two-day Shoreline Jam starts at noon each day with sets by eight bands, including Saturday headliners The Dirty Heads and Sunday headliners Pepper. The fun continues on Monday with the Long Beach Funk Fest. This all ages event has everything from art to dance to kid’s activities (Kid Zone of Funkativity) to funk performances, including a closing set by George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. Tickets are still available, can be bought as one, two, or even weekend long passes, start at $25, and include admission onboard the Queen Mary.
August 30: Boogie Knights
The ’70s are alive and well with Boogie Knights, a cover band that only plays songs from that decade. Performing hits from Rick James, The Village People, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and Donna Summer, Boogie Knights always parties like it’s 1973.
