While Mexican Independence Day technically isn't until Sept. 16, a few communities are getting a head start on celebrating, including East L.A. and Buena Park. Esotouric launches a new historical landmarks excursion. Ali Wong begins a run of more than a dozen shows at the Wiltern. Buskerfest returns to Long Beach. Descanso Gardens inaugurates a new concert series called Silence. And KPCC's Unheard LA heads to Scripps College.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
Classic Photography Los Angeles 2019
Bergamot Station Arts Center, B7 (ROSEGALLERY) -- 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica
Now in its 10th year, the annual photography fair has become the premiere West Coast destination for discovering and buying the best in vintage, modern and contemporary photography. More than a dozen galleries from North America, Paris and Shanghai are participating, showcasing works available for purchase, even if you're a beginning collector.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
Lightbox Expo
Pasadena Convention Center -- 300 E. Green St., Pasadena
View the works of more than 250 artists from the animation, live-action, illustration and gaming industries. Meet the creators and mingle with fellow fans or attend portfolio reviews, drawing sessions, panels and live demos.
COST: $50 single day, $135 for three days; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
Tallships and Ocean Festival
Ocean Institute -- 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point
Calling all SoCal pirates: The festival features cannon battles and tours of the brig on the Pilgrim, Spirit of Dana Point and other visiting vessels. Educational activities include squid dissections, gold panning and pirate camp. For the adults, there's music, food trucks, shopping and access to the Sierra Nevada Beer Garden. There are add-on activities like breakfast with a mermaid and pirate school.
COST: $12.50-$50; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
Light the Barricades
various locations in L.A. and Santa Monica
The Annenberg Space for Photography debuts its first-ever public art installation. Inspired by the I Ching, a philosophical system of diagrams, artists Candy Chang and James A. Reeves have "reimagined the wall as a site for contemplating our inner obstructions." The installations will be on view at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, at Grand Park in downtown L.A. and at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles in Exposition Park. They serve as a prelude to Annenberg Space of Photography's Fall exhibition, W|ALLS: Defend, Divide, and the Divine (opening on Oct. 5), where the three lightboxes will be presented together as one installation.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6; 8 - 10 p.m.
Airplane! The Reading!! Endgame?!?!
TreePeople Headquarters at Coldwater Canyon Park -- 12601 Mulholland Dr., Beverly Hills
The Actors Conservatory Ensemble's Classic Movie Theatre Players present a "deliberately uncensored re-imagination of the first table-reading of the original screenplay" of the hilarious 1980 film. Expect 11 actors performing 69 characters and an evening of fun under the stars. Proceeds from the event benefit the care and maintenance of the park.
COST: $15 - $20; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7; 10:30 a.m.
Killer of Sheep
Vista Theatre -- 4473 Sunset Blvd., Los Feliz
Watch the classic 1978 film in 35mm. Directed by Charles Burnett, a member of the L.A. Rebellion film movement that started at UCLA, the film is "one of the most powerful, quietly devastating movies about the black experience in Los Angeles and America ever put to film." The narrative follows a black family in South Central Los Angeles in the 1970s. The father works at a local slaughterhouse while his children wander the neighborhood in the afternoons.
COST: $12.75 - $20; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7; 12 - 4 p.m.
Saving Los Angeles Landmarks Tour
Urban Radish -- 661 Imperial St., downtown L.A. (meeting point)
Estouric presents an excursion that examines local history by visiting several locations in danger of being demolished. Learn about their significance and meet some of the citizen-preservationists who are working to save them. Each tour visits different landmarks. The inaugural edition features Lytton Savings in Hollywood and the Metropolitan Water District in Victor Heights. Check-in is at 11:30 a.m.
COST: $64; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 - SUNDAY, OCT. 5
Ali Wong
The Wiltern -- 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown
The writer, actor and comedian (Baby Cobra, Always Be My Maybe) holds court for 13 shows in L.A. as part of her Milk and Money tour. This is a hot ticket and many of the shows are sold out, so act fast. The use of cellphones, smart watches, cameras or recording devices is strictly prohibited and will be locked in Yondr pouches for the duration of each show.
COST: $49.50 - $99.50; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Repair Café and Really Really Free Market
Villa Park Community Center Auditorium -- 363 E. Villa St., Pasadena
Participate in the sharing economy as experts and specialists teach you to repair things that need fixing -- clothes, furniture, small electrical appliances (except sewing machines), toys and bikes. It's an ongoing process. If you have nothing to repair, come down and lend a hand. In addition, the Really Really Free Market runs simultaneously. Bring an item or two to donate or trade but not the entire contents of your junk room.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAYS, SEPT. 7, 21 and 28
Silence Concert Series
Descanso Gardens -- 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge
Anna Bulbrook of Girlschool and Christopher Rountree of Wild Up co-curate a new, multigenre music series at Descanso. Taking place at specific sites within the gardens, each of the concerts explores different themes: "Ritual" (9/7), "Light" (9/21) and "Listening" (9/28). The artists performing often straddle the line between experimental pop and classical new music. This week's performers include Zola Jesus, Jonas Baes, Low Leaf, Miya Folick and Saul Williams.
COST: $30 - $37; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
PokeBar Pop-Up Los Angeles
Common Space Brewery -- 3411 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne
This pop-up bar has nothing to do with raw fish and everything to do with Pokémon. Catch a Charmander, Pikachu or Jigglypuff in seven regions while listening to music or noshing on Pokémon-inspired creations. There are prizes for best-dressed at each session. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Ticket prices include a burger and a themed drink. There are additional sessions on Sept. 14 and 15.
COST: $55; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7; 5 - 11 p.m.
Buskerfest 2019
East Village -- 1st and Linden, downtown Long Beach
Close out the summer concert season with eight local and regional bands performing almost unplugged on four stages set up on flatbed trucks. The performers play their hearts out for your wooden nickels (provided for free). Whichever band collects the most nickels wins the competition. After the champion is crowned, the headliners take over. Stick around for sets by Jonathan Wilson, Jade Jackson and Primrose Forever Sanctuary. There's a free bike valet on the corner of Elm & First as well as a scooter drop off. Scooters are not permitted in the event space. All ages.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7; 8 - 11 p.m.
LOVE &/ OR FEAR: A Celebration of Gender
6500 - 6600 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Freewaves, one of L.A.'s oldest art organizations, presents a large-scale public performance art event that involves more than 30 local artists, performers, collectives and community groups. The three-hour sidewalk performance celebrates diversity and gender expression. Participating performers include bauhaus.photo, Catherine Bell, Christy Roberts Berkowitz, Arshia Haq in collaboration with Cassils, Thinh Nguyen, Reach LA, #SNATCHPOWER (The Uhuruverse, Davia Spain, SondriaWRITES and Jordi Phi), Kristina Wong, Austin Young and Yozmit.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7; 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Unheard LA
Garrison Theater at Scripps College -- 241 E. 10th St., Claremont
We're partnering with Scripps Presents to kick off their Fall 2019 season with our very own Unheard LA community-centered storytelling show. Join host Bruce A. Lemon Jr. and a lineup of community members sharing authentic, first-person experiences of life in L.A. Then stick around for a mixer and fun in the photo booth.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7; 7:30 p.m.
Muse 'til Midnight
LACMA -- 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
The museum's annual dance party features music curated by record label Ninja Tune and DJ collective/internet radio station dublab. Inspired by the current exhibition The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China, guests get late-night access to several galleries where they can watch performers (including Actress, Julianna Barwick, Yu Su, Octo Octa, Ana Roxane) and participate in art-making. There's a cash bar (for those 21+) and food for purchase. This party is 18+.
COST: $20 - $30; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 - MONDAY, NOV. 4
The Scenario Studio - LA Pop-Up
Grand Central Market -- 317 South Broadway, downtown L.A.
Cameras ready? The Scenario Studio opens its immersive and professional photography sets to the public for the first time. Bring your camera or smartphone and take your pictures at a pop-up that features elaborate sets designed John Ganun (and previously open to private parties only).
COST: $29; MORE INFO
SATURDAYS, SEPT. 7, 14 and 21
Musubi Madness
LONO Hollywood -- 6611 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
A SPAM pop-up restaurant from Foodbeast explores the versatility of the canned pork product. Enjoy a build-your-own musubi bar that highlights global eats from Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Vietnam and the U.S. The pop-up also includes items like a SPAM corn dog, a SPAM soft serve sundae and a SPAM-themed cocktail.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
10th Annual OC Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festival
Oak Canyon Park -- 5305 E. Santiago Canyon Rd., Silverado
The 2019 festival features more than 160 craft beers ready for tasting. (Admission tickets include unlimited tastes and a commemorative festival glass). The live music lineup includes the Aquabats, Save Ferris, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Suburban Legends, Skapeche Mode & Code Name: Rocky. Food vendors and trucks will be onsite for purchase but there will be free soda and water. This is a family-friendly, all-ages event but you must have ID for the beer tastings (21+).
COST: $25 (nondrinking pass), $45 - $65; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 - SATURDAY, OCT. 19
Douglas Tausik Ryder: Body Language
Jason Vass Gallery -- 1452 E. 6th St., downtown L.A.
Ryder's solo show features technology-assisted art, in which woodworking pieces are informed by computer-driven exercises and formulas. The opening reception takes place on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.
COST: FREE, but reservations recommended; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7; 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Camp SCUM
Armory Center for the Arts -- 145 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena
Queer youth of color (ages 12-17) and allies are invited to participate in a day of creative workshops and presentation that empower and celebrate all youth through art. Programs include workshops on zine production, queer photography, DJ-ing, basics and Drag 101 with the queens of Club SCUM. Listen to talks from Project Q founder Madin Lopez, comic book artist Sina Grace and performance artist Rafa Esparza. Throughout the day, queer trans barber Eli Shaffer provides free, gender-affirming haircuts for youth (with sliding-scale cuts for adults). All proceeds to benefit Gender Justice LA.
COST: Prices vary; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The 73rd annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival
East LA Civic Center (Grand Festival) -- Mednik and 1st, East L.A.
This weekend and next, a number of events will celebrate Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16). One of the oldest and largest is East L.A.'s celebration, which draws about 100,000 people. It starts at 10 a.m. with a parade down Cesar Chavez Blvd. featuring school bands, equestrian units, folkloric groups and floats. This year's theme is International Year of Indigenous Languages -- Encounter of Two Worlds. Heavyweight boxer Andy Ruiz Jr. serves as grand marshal. The festival opens at 11 a.m. with foods, games, rides and family-friendly fun.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
Other Mexican Independence Day events this weekend include
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
OC Vegan Fest
253 E. 3rd St., downtown Santa Ana
OC Vegan Village presents a festival with more than 25 cruelty-free vendors to usher in fall. Park in the surrounding neighborhood or at the 4th St. Market Parking Lot.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8; 2:30 - 3 p.m.
Animate Space with Debbie Allen Dance Academy DADA Ensemble
California African American Museum -- 600 State Dr., Exposition Park
On the closing day of Ernie Barnes: A Retrospective, CAAM hosts the Debbie Allen Dance Academy DADA Ensemble in a performance inspired by Barnes' works, which often depict movement, dance and music.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8; 3 - 7 p.m.
Gustavo's Great Tortilla Tournament
Plaza de Cultura y Artes -- 501 N. Main St., downtown L.A.
L.A. Times writer Gustavo Arellano and KCRW's Good Food host Evan Kleiman host a battle that tries to answer the age-old question: corn or flour? The winner of the Golden Tortilla -- earning the title of the best tortillas in Los Angeles -- will be crowned on Saturday. (Last year's winner, Sonoratown, is still in the running.) Throughout the event, visitors can also try multiple vendors, margarita and michelada bars (21+), tortilla tastings; watch live demos and listen to live music. RSVP for entry although admission is not guaranteed.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8 and SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
The Belize September Fest (Day 1)
Little Belize -- 217 E. Nutwood St., Inglewood
The family-friendly festival celebrates Belizean food and culture over two days. Shop arts and crafts, listen to music and eat. Proceeds benefit two scholarship programs, the Elda Rudolph Scholarship Fund (in Belize) and The Ione Ernest Scholarship Fund (in the U.S.).
COST: $15 entry; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
Venice Beach Concrete Installation
Hillside across from Venice Beach Skatepark -- 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice
Thomas Musca, the artist responsible for the concrete art benches in Runyon Canyon last month, returns with new work. He and a few friends will install and unveil two larger pieces on the grassy hill opposite the skatepark.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8; 8 p.m.
Let's Go, Atsuko! A (woke) Japanese Game Show.
Dynasty Typewriter -- 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Westlake
Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka's parents met on a Japanse game show. Now, she brings that joy to L.A. audiences through a recurring evening of comedy, games and interviews satirizing current events in a game show format. This month's special guests include Baron Vaughn, Greta Titelman, Bryan Safi and Dani Fernandez.
Cost: $10 - $15; MORE INFO
Through MONDAY, SEPT. 30
Mezcal Midnight
Humphry Slocombe -- 1653B Abbott Kinney Blvd., Venice
The inventive ice cream shop teams with Mezcal El Silencio for a limited-edition scoop infused with smoky mezcal and blood orange. If you need an excuse for the decadent treat, mezcal week begins on Monday.
Cost: varies; MORE INFO
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
