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10 fun things happening in Southern California this Labor Day weekend – Orange County Register


10 fun things happening in Southern California this Labor Day weekend – Orange County Register

Southern California summers are slowly coming to an end, but don’t worry, we still have a holiday weekend to have some fun before it gets cold (yes, anything below 70 degrees is cold in Southern California). If you’re looking for something else to do this weekend, we’ve put together some suggestions that have something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy Greek food, dance to your favorite K-pop songs, hear classic soul and R&B live, immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s prose in the park, or enjoy a refreshing cocktail by the pool, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our curated list of 10 things to do over Labor Day weekend.

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Screening for the 25th anniversary of “10 Things I Hate About You”

The screenplay for 10 Things I Hate About You, by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, turns 25 this year! The film, starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, is a modernization of William Shakespeare’s comedy The Taming of the Shrew and is retold in a late 1990s American high school setting, but is still as relevant as ever. To celebrate, the Autry Museum in Los Angeles is hosting a screening on Saturday, August 31, with special guest Gil Junger, who directed the film. In addition to a Q&A opportunity, Junger will present part of his World Speaking Tour: Surviving The Creative Brain, which aims to “inspire all creatives to set aside their self-limiting beliefs, embrace their creative genius, and reveal it to the world.” Folks will also be treated to live music from Lunar Riptide and food truck options: Pickles & Peas, Tropic Truck, Lupita’s Tacos, FryDay, Love Bird Chicken, Rice Balls of Fire, and Sure Good Soft Serve.

Where: 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles.

When: Doors open at 6:00 p.m., screening at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, August 31

Tickets: General admission is $22-$27, reserved section $27-$32, general children’s admission is $10-$15, and reserved children’s admission is $15-$20. For more information, visit streetfoodcinema.com.

The Cove at Pechanga Resort Casino

Summer is coming to an end, reminding us that the sun’s rays will soon be a little sparser. Even though the sun is shining brightly for a few more weeks, it would be great to touch up that tan or attend a pool party one last time. Instead of making the long trip to Las Vegas for a three-day weekend, you can visit The Cove at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, which will feature live music from DJ LEONIDIS starting at noon on Saturday, August 31. The Temecula resort’s 11-acre pool complex features four chlorine pools, three hot tubs, two winding waterslides, an upgraded chlorine family pool, 27 cabanas, six daybeds, a walk-up restaurant and a swim-up bar. Before you leave, check the property’s website for daybed, cabana pricing and other frequently asked questions.

Where: 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula.

When: Saturday, August 31, 12:00

Tickets: Free for hotel guests and $50 for non-hotel guests.

340 Nightclub

If you’re looking for a place to party every night over the holiday weekend, check out 340 Night Club in Pomona. The LGBTQ club kicks off its series of live DJs and drag shows Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 3. Saturday night at 9:30 p.m., guests will be treated to a performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race queen Gia Gunn, who will also stick around for a free meet-and-greet. Another perk besides a nonstop dance party featuring the best in pop and Latin music is the venue’s drink menu, which is half-price before 10 p.m.

Where: 340 S Thomas St., Pomona.

When: 8:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m., Thursday, August 29 to Monday, September 2.

Tickets: Free for guests 21 years and older before 9pm and $20 after 9pm

K-Play Fest

Are you a K-pop fan looking for a way to meet other like-minded people? Check out K-Play Fest at the Anaheim Convention Center, an event hosted by K-pop fans that offers dance workshops to master the complex choreography of some of the biggest K-pop stars. Whether you’re a pro or ready to show off your dance moves, you’ll want to participate in Random Play Dance, an activity where random songs are played and, if you know the choreography, you can jump into the performance. The event also features several K-pop cover dancers and DJs performing throughout the weekend, and there’s a scavenger hunt where fans receive prizes at the end of each day.

Where: 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim.

When: Saturday, August 31st, 12:00 noon – Sunday, September 1st.

Tickets: $40 at kplayfest.com.

Greek Festival in Long Beach

The annual Long Beach Greek Food & Music Festival is back with a full weekend of programming. Festivalgoers can sample authentic Greek meats, vegetarian dishes (including a full gyro stand), beer, coffee and desserts. There’s also entertainment including live music by Olympians Rena and Angelina Alexon. Spectators can also watch a performance by a Greek dance school and enter the food raffle and Opportunity Raffle, where first place will receive a Dolce & Gabbana handbag, second place will receive two Dodgers tickets and third place will receive two tickets to a Kings hockey game. Raffle winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 4 and do not need to be in attendance.

Where: 5761 E. Colorado St., Long Beach.

When: Friday, August 30th, 12:00 noon to Monday, September 2nd.

Tickets: $5. For more information, visit lbgreekfest.org.

Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival

Celebrate the magic of Shakespeare under the stars at the Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival, a completely free summer tradition. The Independent Shakespeare Co. is staging As You Like It this year at the historic Old Zoo in a smaller, more intimate setting. With 40 performances to choose from, each show offers something unique thanks to immersive pre-show elements. Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket and snacks while you enjoy the show.

Where: The Old Zoo in Griffith Park, 4801 Griffith Park Drive, Los Angeles.

When: 7pm Friday, August 30th – Sunday, September 1st

Tickets: The shows are free, but participants must register in advance at iscla.com.

The Fool In Love Festival

Fans of classic soul and R&B can look forward to a soulful gathering at the inaugural Fool In Love Festival on August 31, taking place on the grounds of Hollywood Park next to SoFi Stadium. Headlining acts include Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, and the event brings together a lineup of R&B and soul legends including Santana, Al Green, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, the Isley Brothers, Charlie Wilson, Eric Burdon & the Animals, the O’Jays and the Jacksons.

When: 11:00 – 23:00 31 August

Where: Hollywood Park, 1001 S. Stadium Drive, Inglewood.

Tickets: Tickets start at $200-$450 at foolinlove.com.

626 Night Market

The 626 Night Market returns to the Paddock Gardens in front of Santa Anita Park, bringing with it one of America’s largest Asian food markets. Held on summer evenings, the event features over 250 vendors offering a wide variety of Asian street food, drinks and more. With live music, artists and games, the market stays alive until midnight, making it a perfect destination for foodies.

When: 16:00 – 00:00 30 August – 1 September

Where: Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia.

Tickets: Passes start at $5.77 at 626nightmarket.com.

Jazz at LACMA

Jazz at LACMA remains one of LA’s best free live music experiences, offering a chance to hear jazz legends in a relaxed atmosphere. For over three decades, this series has brought world-class performances to the museum’s plaza, where seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If seats are full, you can still enjoy the music while picnicking on the lawn, though your view of the stage may be limited. Held on Friday nights in LACMA’s Welcome Plaza, just behind Urban Light, this event is a perfect way to end the week with some quality jazz.

When: Friday evenings at 6pm all summer long

Where: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.

Tickets: Free seating, first come, first served

Zoo Friday Nights

Spend your Friday night at the LA Zoo, where a mix of activities are offered on select nights. From live music performances and dance parties to educational talks and twilight animal viewing, there’s plenty to enjoy. The carousel spins, adding a touch of nostalgia to the evening, and there’s a bar available for those 21 and older.

When: 18:00 – 21:00 Friday, August 30

Where: LA Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles.

Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 per child, and $15 for LA Zoo members. lazoo.org.

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