The Taste
This locally focused food event has five amazing events, including a brunch with Thomas Keller, two nighttime events hosted by Pulitzer Prize winner Jonathan Gold, and an opening night bash with food from Providence’s Michael Cimarusti, drinks from Riviera’s Julian Cox, and music from Thrillist Editor Jeff Miller’s Black Crystal Wolf Kids. August 29-31; Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Build Your Own Burger
It’s a long weekend. Indulge a little. Get over to the Viceroy’s pool to build your own huge hamburger. First you’ve got to decide between protein options like bison and beef, then adding up to 20 toppings. Don’t work, it’s still the weekend. Take your time. $12-$16; Monday, 3-8 pm; At the Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; 310.260.7511
Bottomless Lunch at The Must
Labor Day weekend’s starting early this year. Just as long as you leave early to get to the Must for lunch today. They have duck sloppy joes and, more importantly, bottomless beer or wine for an extra $15. Monday-Friday, 11:30 am-3 pm; 117 Winston St., Downtown; 213.628.2000
John Williams: Maestro of the Movies
Composer, John Williams returns to the Hollywood Bowl. This year, he welcomes special guest vocalist Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, Ted), salutes dance in the movies and conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic in selections from some of his movie hits, like Jurassic Park, Superman and Star Wars. Friday & Saturday; 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood; 323.850.2000
Shoreline Jam Festival
Rock out with Pepper and The Dirty Heads as they headline this two-day festival on the waterfront. Other performances include The Aggrolites, Collie Buddz, The Grouch & Eligh, The Simpkin Project, Brewfish and Jet West. Enjoy yard-games, beer, cocktails and food. $45+, $15 parking; Saturday & sunday; 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach; 877.342.0742
Dog Days of Summer
Angel City is changing things up for this month’s Barks, Bubbles & Brews event because of our drought. Rather than a bath, pups will have their moment in the spotlight, receiving a professional photo. A $10 donation includes the photo and a pint, and proceeds go to Chews Life Dog Rescue. Pints for Pitties, Inc. will be there with adoptable dogs and Bow-Wow Barkery will have tasty canine treats for sale. Sunday, 11:30 am-2:30 pm; 216 S Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Brownies and Lemonade Present Camp Trill
This outdoor bash will feature specialty cocktails and eccentric DJ performances! Celebrate the summer right! Saturday, 1-8 pm; Lock & Key, 239 S. Vermont Ave., Koreatown
Body Rawr Presents Snooze + Booze
Head to Escala in K-town’s Chapman Plaza for Body Rawr’s first Snooze + Booze for drinks, beats, and eats. Tunes provided by Kentaro, J-Louis, DJ Reach, and DJ Technicolor. Saturday, 10 am-6 pm; Escala, 351 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020
Fiesta Hermosa
This festival has been going on since 1972, and it’s the ”largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California” with 300 artists and crafters including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers and sculptors. There are also two stages featuring live music – one at the Main Stage on the Pier and another in the Charity Beer & Wine Garden. The Main Stage features “tribute bands” like Led Zeppelin, the Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, Phil Collins, Fleetwood Mac, and Crosby Stills Nash & Young. The Food Court offers 18 different kinds of ethnic food choices. Don’t miss the Charity Beer & Wine Garden featuring many different brews of beers, a selection of wines, margaritas, and icy coolers. All proceeds are returned to the participating organizations for their good works in the community. Saturday–Monday, 10 am; Pier Ave., Hermosa/Manhattan/Redondo Beach
The Big Picture: Hitchcock
See Hitchcock like you have never seen him before and head to the Hollywood Bowl for screenings of his classic nail-biters, all scored live for a classic tribute. Sunday, 7:30 pm; Hollywood Bowl, 231 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068
Laughing Glass Margarita Tasting
Who doesn’t want a fiesta to celebrate Labor Day? Here, the booze is all natural! Of course it is…this is Los Angeles, after all. Free; Saturday, 6-8 pm; Remedy Liquor, 1700 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale
Endless Summer
Not ready for summer to end? Neither is Angel City. They’re celebrating LA’s endless summer with a full day of activities, including indoor lawn games and beach-ball volleyball, eats from The Surfer Taco truck, and of course, cold beer. The night will end with a screening of Point Break for the weekly “Movies on the Mezz.” Free; Monday, 12-10 pm; 216 S Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Food Cluster Truck
Things heat up at this month’s Food Cluster Truck with the special ingredient being habanero. Participating trucks are: Street Kings Food Truck, Trukquito and Flatiron Truck. Taste test your way through each truck and vote for the truck you think does habenero best. Voting boxes will be at each truck and will be counted at 6 pm, with the winner announced at 6:30 pm. Saturday, 12-6:30 pm; 216 S Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Made in America Fest
The festival, born in Philly in 2012, expands to the West Coast with performers including Kanye West, John Mayer, Kendrick Lamar, Imagine Dragons, Juanes, Iggy Azalea, YG, Rita Ora and a few dozen others. $80; Saturday & Sunday, 2 pm; Grand Park, 210 N Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Eat|See|Hear: Django Unchained
Former dentist, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), buys the freedom of a slave, Django (Jamie Foxx), and trains him with the intent to make him his deputy bounty hunter. Instead, he is led to the site of Django’s wife (Kerry Washington) who is under the hands of Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), a ruthless plantation owner. Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. $10; Saturday, 5:30 – 11 pm; Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Bigfoot West Turns 5!
They grow up so fast! In celebration of its 5th birthday, Bigfoot West in Culver City is opening its back lot for a self-serve beer truck and all-you-can-eat bash. Party-goers can enjoy an open selection of beer (Lagunitas, New Belgium, Firestone 805, and Corona Light) and bites from Meat, Inc. and like any 5th birthday party, there will be face painting, party hats, and yes, a clown (terrifying)! Live bands hit the stage at 1 pm, and after-dark dancing with DJ Charlie X is at 9 pm. $25; Saturday, 11:30 am – 8 pm Open beer truck, all you can eat, live music, 9 pm – 2 am DJ Charlie X; 10939 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064; 310.287.2200
Angel City’s Community Cleanup
Each month the team from Angel City, along with a group of volunteers, head out into an LA community with a mission to cleanup a neighborhood. This month Angel City has their sights focused on Venice, where they will return to do just that. Participating volunteers will gather at The Venice Whaler to pick up their volunteer t-shirt, gloves, trash bags and trash pickers. After the cleanup, the group will head back to the Whaler for some tasty food and Angel City Beer. Sunday, 11:30 am; 10 W Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292; register: Emily@angelcitybrewery.com.
LA County Fair
Just in case you didn’t get enough fried awesomeness at the OC Fair last month, the LA County Fair’s also coming up, with food vendors, fair rides and a band lineup, with Neon Trees, War and LL Cool J. Friday-September 28; Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
Whiskey Red’s Labor Day California Clambake & Cookout
Whiskey Red’s will savor the season at the first annual Labor Day California Clambake and Cookout fundraiser on the largest outdoor patio in Marina del Rey. Enjoy a taste of the Midwest and New England with a traditional clambake and cookout/BBQ, complete with an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, whiskey tastings, s’mores, food and drink specials, including $3 PBR, live music, corn hole games and more to celebrate the long weekend and raise money for Heal the Bay. $10/general admission, $45/ buffet (A portion of proceeds from the clambake will benefit Heal the Bay and keep Southern California beaches clean); Monday, 1-8 pm; 13813 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292; Don’t Drink & Drive! Download the all new Curb app and use code ‘CLAMBAKE’ to receive $10 off your first ride.
The Culver Hotel’s Labor Day
Enjoy brunch at Culver City’s landmark hotel with an array of special dishes including the Frisée Madame, a frisée salad with crispy prosciutto, toasted brioche, gruyere cheese and quail eggs, or the John Wayne with corn tortillas, pan roasted potatoes, two fried eggs, sharp cheddar, sausage, and Spanish ranchero sauce (John Wayne was rumored to have won ownership of the hotel in a poker game). At 7:30 pm, live music fills the Grand Lobby with tunes from bygone era and you can sip specialty cocktails like the Marilyn Monroe made with Prosecco, Campari and St. Germain, or the Red Slipper made with Absolut Wild Tea Vodka, Kappa Pisco, sweet & sour, agave nectar and house-made strawberry puree. Brunch: Monday, 7 am-2 pm, Live Entertainment: 7:30 pm; 9440 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232; 310.558.9400
La Sandia’s Labor Day
The modern Mexican restaurant will be featuring a special Labor Day Brunch with specialties include the Carnitas Sopes Eggs Benedict with corn cakes, mole poblano and potatoes plantains, the Breakfast Relleno de Tamal featuring a poblano stuffed with chicken tinga tamal fried egg, jalisco sauce, charros and a crema garnish, as well as Mexican Chocolate Waffles served with fried plantains, whipped crema and strawberry sauce. Make it a boozy brunch by ordering up a Bloody Maria made with Tequila Blanco and Sangrita, or choose one of La Sandia’s FreshTropical Fruit Margaritas. A 2-hour time limit is applied to all unlimited brunch tables. Monday, 11:30 am-3 pm; 395 Santa Monica Place, 305 N Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.393.3300
Zengo’s Bottomless Brunch
Their Bottomless Brunch expands to Monday for Labor Day! You can indulge in unlimited small plates and sip free-flowing brunch cocktails as you listen to the DJ spin. Breakfast items include the Jamon Omelet with ham, Oaxaca, rajas, sweet sambal, and pico de gallo; the Pan Dulce, a Mexican sweet bread with licor 43, star anise, orange agave syrup and cinnamon whipped cream; Thai Chicken Empanadas with chile poblano, Oaxaca cheese and fresh mango salsa; and their famous Chicken Chilequiles with salsa verde, crema, poached eggs, pickled onion avocado and Oaxaca. A 2-hour time limit is applied to all unlimited brunch tables. $39; Saturday-Monday, 10 am-4 pm; 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.899.1000
Sales:
The Splendid + Ella Moss sample sale
The sale will offer incredible deals on chic and comfortable items for everyone and new merchandise will be delivered daily from Splendid, Ella Moss, Splendid Mills (Men’s), Splendid Girl, Ella Moss Girl and Splendid Littles. All sales are final. No exchanges or refunds. Friday, 9 am - 4 pm & Saturday, 9 am – 3 pm; Splendid Ella Moss Warehouse, 860 S. Los Angeles St., 11th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014
California Market Center
Enjoy deals at tons of showrooms offering men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel; gift and home decor, furniture and more at the DTLA showroom and market’s one-day sample sale. Friday, 9 am-3 pm; 110 E 9th St., Los Angeles, CA 90079; 213.630.3600
Camarillo Premium Outlets
Hit up the Ventura outlet center for 25-65% off at BCBG, Restoration Hardware, Gap, Helmut Lang, Salvatore Ferragamo and more during the discount hub’s Labor Day weekend sale. Friday-Monday; 740 E Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010; 805.445.8520
Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Score 25-65% off designer brands like 7 For All Mankind, BCBG, DKNY, Joe’s Jeans, Theory and more during the outlet’s Labor Day Weekend sale. Friday-Monday; 48400 Seminole Dr., Cabazon, CA 92230; 951.849.6641
Fresh Peaches Swimwear
Enjoy 50- 85% off bikinis, one-pieces, vintage, plus-size and more during the women’s swimwear brand’s buy one/get one free Labor Day warehouse sale. Monday, 10 am-6 pm; 8423 Rochester Ave., #103, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
LF Stores
Score up to 70% off all spring/summer collections, including apparel and accessories from brands like Jeffrey Campbell, Child of the Wild, For Love & Lemons, UNIF and more during the trendy chain’s end-of-season sale. It’s also happening at their Santa Monica, Venice and Larchmont locations. Through Sunday; 106 S Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.271.2727
Milk Boutique
Now until stock lasts, enjoy 50-75% off brands like A.L.C., Iro, J Brand, Current/Elliott, Equipment and more during the West 3rd St boutique’s end-of-season sale. It’s happening online, too. 8209 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 323.951.0330
Tarina Tarantino
Now until stock lasts, save 30 to 80% off the DTLA-loving designer’s colorful accessories, cosmetics and more during her Melrose shop’s moving sale. 7957 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046; 323.651.5155
Urban Outfitters
Get additional 40% off all sale merchandise during their Labor Day sale. It’s happening at all locations, including Malibu, DTLA, Studio City, SaMo and more. Through Monday; 1520 N Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028; 434.964.0127
Reformation
Now until stock lasts, the sustainable LA brand is unveiling a second round of markdowns; expect 60% off dresses, jumpers, tops, bridal gowns and more just-added styles during their ongoing semi-annual sale It’s happening online, too. 8253 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Kelly Wearstler
Score 50% off select clothing, jewelry and accessories during the LA designer’s Labor Day sale. It’s happening online too; use code LABORDAY at checkout. Through Tuesday; 8440 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 323.895.7880
DLM Off Price
Save up to 90% off tons of contemporary and designer brands like BCBG, Marc Jacobs, Current/Elliott, Juicy Couture, Milly, Helmut Lang, Free People and many, many more during the off-price warehouse’s public sale. Saturday, 8:30 am-4 pm; 2343 Saybrook Ave., Commerce, CA 90040; 323.724.5474
Ampersand Boutique
Enjoy 25% off all summer merchandise during the designer and vintage consignment boutique’s end-of-season sale. Now through next Wednesday; 658 N Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004; 323.466.3300
