This Labor Day weekend is all about celebration. Block parties, food and music festivals all await. So choose wisely and get out of the f*cking house Los Angeles!
Friday, August 31
Los Angeles County Fair
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he Los Angeles County Fair is one way we say our last goodbye to summer in L.A. Frankly, there’s no better way than by eating all those fried foods under L.A. skies. From a Route 66 exhibit to an Auto Alley to Halloween Super Show, the attractions at this annual historic fair are endless. There’s even a wine, beer, and spirits marketplace and a steampunk circus. Not to mention the fair’s local musicians area where you can hear acoustic performances in a more intimate setting, or La Plaza de las Americas, where you can start Day of the Dead craft making early. Their main summer stage will feature The Commodores, Luis Fonsi, Nicky Jam, Ramon Ayala, The Beach Boys, and more. If you’re on a budget, check out ways you save on food and deals available online. If that’s not enough to convince you, check out the fair’s Instagram for some inspo. More info here.
West Adams Avenues Jazz and Music Festival
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he historic West Adams neighborhood – known to some for its Italian Gothic, Georgian Revival, and other house style architecture – gave birth to a community music festival 16 years ago, when a few members of the community played gospel, jazz, zydeco, blues, and funk music. The West Adams Avenues Jazz and Music Festival still keeps that spirit alive with three full nights of music. From 6 pm. until midnight, the festival, which grew to 5,000 attendants last year, will feature music, food from local businesses, as well as food trucks and vendors. More info here.
Saturday, September 1
Vegan Street Fair Nights in NoHo
[dropcap size=big]W[/dropcap]hat is the Vegan Street Fair Nights? It is a two-night intimate event full of entertainment, games, live music, a beer & wine garden, and a celebration of vegan culinary badassery. The event is a smaller version of the Vegan Street Fair that happens in March. Its first night is strictly 21 and older. Sunday welcomes all ages and lets children 12 and under in free. Whichever day you decide to go, enjoy anything from fried desserts to healthy options curated by Vegan Fat Kid. Vendors include Alchemy Organica, Anthem Vegan, Cena Vegan, Charlie's Brownies, Cinnaholic, Donna Jean, and Donut Friend. Music is guaranteed to be loud, so don’t be shy with those dance moves either. More info here.
Yayoi Kusama, 'With All My Love For The Tulips'
If you haven’t seen that white and red polka dot background on your Instagram feed yet, get ready to find out about your next IG backdrop. Yayoi Kasuma is a contemporary artist from Japan who actively dips into film, fashion, and other arts. Kasuma has also given us the Infinity Mirrored Room at The Broad. For the first time in L.A., With All My Love For The Tulips, I Pray Forever, 2011 shows the dualism between the organic and the artificial that is found in Kusama’s work. More info here.
Sunday, September 2
Pedro Capo at the Conga Room
[dropcap size=big]P[/dropcap]edro Capo is taking a break from New York and acting – he’s been a part of the hit musical production CELIA: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz and Paraiso Travel, which co-stars John Leguizamo – to perform for one night at L.A.’s famous Conga Room. Capo’s music is a fusion of rock, reggae, and Latin rhythms. His latest single is called “Calma” which is about pressing pause on the daily grind and reconnecting with fun and the beauty in our environments. Hear “Calma” and new music from his forthcoming album at this free performance in the heart of L.A. More info here.
Delicious Vinyl West Adams Block Party
[dropcap size=big]R[/dropcap]eturn to West Adams for the Delicious Vinyl West Adams Block Party. Delicious Vinyl, a recording studio and record label, is celebrating Labor Day wit live jazz, funk, soul, hip hop artists, and DJs – including Soulection DJs, Boomyard LA, Delicious Vinyl, and SoulPeople Sound System. There will also be a surprise performance from up-and-coming local and international artists. To add to the fun, the Dilla’s Donuts pop-up shop will be in the house. This event is as much for adults as it is for kids – a jumper, face painting, and games are in store for both young and old. More info here.
