The Best Things to Do in LA This Weekend

From cultural events to superstar concerts and world-class sports, Discover LA is your go-to source for what's happening in Los Angeles. Be sure to follow @discoverla on Instagram to find out even more about what to do in LA. Read on for the best things to do in LA this weekend. Find more events and nearby hotels at the DiscoverLA.com Events Calendar.

Come for the show, stay for the weekend!

Now in its sixth year, the Leimert Park Jazz Festival is taking place on the rooftop deck of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza on Saturday, August 30.

Headlining this year is legendary jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater! The multiple GRAMMY and Tony Award winner is bringing her acclaimed project WE EXIST! to the stage with her first performance in South LA in decades. The lineup also includes vibraphonist Sasha Berliner, violinist Dayren Santamaría + Made in Cuba, The Melanin Horns, The World Stage Big Band and DJs Novena Carmel (KCRW) and Linafornia. Co-hosted by Rhonda Hamilton and José Rizo.

Admission is FREE with RSVP, or there's a new "Pay What You Wish" option and VIP tickets.

The Hollywood Bowl is hosting a weekend of music legends! Cyndi Lauper brings her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour to the Bowl on Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30. On Sunday, Smooth Summer Jazz features Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guest Regina Belle.

Jazz at LACMA kicks off the three-day weekend on Friday, August 29 with Trevor Ware & Positive People, a band of dynamic musicians led by GRAMMY-winning composer and bassist Trevor Ware. The band’s mission is to simply make audiences feel good by sharing spirit on stage. This is jazz, but it’s more than musicians playing notes; they believe music has many purposes, one of which is lifting the countenance of the collective audience. Vocalist Sidney Jacobs writes and arranges songs which incorporate elements of bop, R&B, swing and soul to create timeless music. He is also the newest member of the legendary group, The 5th Dimension.

In celebration of Sabrina Carpenter’s upcoming album release, Man’s Best Friend, Complex is hosting an exclusive experience from Friday, August 29 through Labor Day. Step into Sabrina’s world and shop exclusive Complex merch, her newest album and much more. The pop-up will be open from 11am to 7pm each day. RSVP does not guarantee entry, early arrival suggested.

Now in its 13th year, 626 Night Market is the largest Asian-inspired night market in the country. Taking place at Santa Anita Park from Friday to Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, the family-friendly festival features 300+ food vendors, arts & crafts, games, music and entertainment.

LA's local college football teams are kicking off their second year in the Big Ten conference this Saturday!

USC vs Missouri State - LA Coliseum
The USC Trojans host the Missouri State Bears at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with kickoff scheduled for 4:30pm.

UCLA vs Utah - Rose Bowl Stadium
USC's crosstown rivals, the UCLA Bruins are likewise hosting a nonconference opponent, the Utah Utes, to open the 2025 season. Kickoff at Rose Bowl Stadium is at 8pm.

Dim Mak Afloat, the poolside summer series at Golden Hour at Level 8, closes out its season on Saturday, August 30 with headliner Bynx along with Ladler, Minijoy, Mondry, Altierr and Chris Outlaw. Tickets at Eventbrite.

Featuring a wide range of films, gourmet food trucks and live music, Street Food Cinema presents screenings at outdoor locations from Los Angeles State Historic Park to the Autry Museum of the American West, Griffith Park and more.

On Saturday, August 30, SFC presents One Direction: This is Us at The Autry. Directed by the late Morgan Spurlock, the 2013 documentary looks at Niall, Zayn, Liam, Louis and Harry's meteoric rise to fame, from their humble hometown beginnings and competing on X-Factor; to conquering the world and performing at London's famed O2 Arena. Doors at 6pm, movie at 8:30pm. Leashed dogs are welcome!

Celebrate Black Business Month with Prosperity Market at the California African American Museum on Sunday, August 31. Prosperity Market returns to CAAM with a special pop-up farmers market that celebrates the conclusion of their 5th Annual Black Business Scavenger Hunt. Taking place from 11am to 4pm, enjoy an afternoon filled with local farmers, food, artisans, music, family activities, community resources, a wine bar by 1010 Wine and more. And if you’ve been playing the scavenger hunt all month long, then come and get your prizes!

Superstar Son Heung-Min will make his home debut at BMO Stadium when LAFC hosts in-state rival San Diego FC on Sunday, August 31. Last Saturday, Son scored his first MLS goal, a spectacular free kick against FC Dallas, that will build excitement for this Sunday's match.

LA's largest weekly open-air food market, Smorgasburg features dozens of vendors curated from the next wave of SoCal’s food, beverage and shopping scene. Smorgasburg takes place every Sunday, rain or shine, from 10am to 4pm at ROW DTLA. Smorgasburg is free to attend and open to all ages. (Sorry, no pets.)

Bring the whole fam for a Sundae Funday on the final day of Ice Cream Alley on August 31, featuring pop-ups like 626 Hospitality (soft serve), Lefty Gelateria, Mateo's Ice cream & Fruit Bars and Pampas Helados Argentinos (Argentinian ice cream). Smorgasburg residents include Sad Girl Creamery (ice cream tacos!), Moom Maam (Thai gelato) and Bernie's (shaved granita ice).

Yo Gabba Gabba! is back on the road and the beloved, recently revived, children’s show heads to The Novo on Sunday, August 31 for an early evening performance. This performance is all-ages, but note that children ages 2 and older are required to have a ticket.

Located in the Arts District, Resident DTLA is hosting Area Codes: 2000s Hip Hop Party on Sunday, August 31. Open-to-Close DJ Sets by Thurston & Treme. If you're a fan of Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, OutKast, Nas, 50 Cent et al this party is for you! Doors at 4pm, tickets at Eventbrite.

On Sunday, August 31, the Petersen Automotive Museum presents the All Porsche Cruise-In, a celebration of the legacy and passion of all things Porsche. From the iconic 356 to the high-performance GT series, experience the full spectrum of Porsche excellence with fellow enthusiasts. Enjoy a morning filled with hundreds of stunning Porsches, complimentary coffee and bagels, and take home an exclusive event poster to remember the day. Whether you're driving or just admiring, this is a can't-miss event for Porsche lovers of all kinds.

It’s LA Day at BMO Stadium on Labor Day, when Angel City FC takes on Bay FC on their home pitch. Arrive early for the Fan Fest at 2pm, with mini-skateboard giveaways at the gate, in addition to an LA Kings Beanie and college stein ticket packages. The match starts at 6pm.

"Become a Conqueror" at the 16th Annual Conquer the Bridge, which will take participants on a five-mile run/walk course over the historic Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro. The race starts at 7am on Labor Day, and all registered and timed participants will receive a custom finishers medal when they cross the finish line!

For the best guide to what's happening in Los Angeles, visit the Discover LA Events Calendar and book your stay today!