The last hurrah of summer is upon us. How can this be? While the light nights, warm temps and cool vibes may have limited days, that just means pumpkin spice latte’s and a winter wonderland (if you call LA that, that is!) is approaching. In the meantime, though, you have one more chance to bust out the white and get ready for a long weekend over Labor Day. We have rounded up some of our picks for a Labor Day to remember in Downtown Los Angeles, and beyond. Read on and decide where you will be at.

LA TIMES THE TASTE

The ultimate LA experience, LA Times’ The Taste brings winos and foodies from all over the country (if not world) to the Paramount back lot for a Labor Day weekend of some of the best food and wine L.A. has to offer. You will get the opportunity to hob nob with some of LA Times’ head honchos from their Food department (photo opps with food critic, Jonathan Gold, anyone?) to dozens of tastings from eateries around the city. The weekend rounds out with a “Sunday Block Party”, followed by a colorful “Flavors of L.A.” cooking event. In addition, various LA Times editors and writers will host daily panel discussions and demonstrations on topics from farm-to-table cuisine to how to mix the perfect cocktail. One pass will get you all of these privileges, and you are sure to leave in a glorious Los Angeles food coma!

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Get your Labor Day party started at Downtown LA’s The Bloc when they get several food trucks pulling up and setting up shop from 11am to 2pm. Perfect to get you in the spirit for the long weekend before the grind ends!

ROOFTOP CINEMA CLUB

This may just have our vote as best way to spend your Labor Day weekend while staying close to Downtown Los Angeles. Rooftop Cinema Club hosts their famous summer outdoor movie nights at Downtown LA’s Level (wait til you see the view). Over Labor Day weekend, cruise on over and arrive early for food and drinks and just to soak in the views while you await to screen classics like Pulp Fiction (9-1), Reservoir Dogs (9-2) and Casablanca (9-5).

FREE MUSIC at THE ACE HOTEL

Another fantastic option for staying local to Downtown Los Angeles while getting your Labor Day on is definitely over at The Ace Hotel. From Friday through Sunday, check out the sounds of DJ’s like Booby Trap creator and DJ Kim Anh as they host Yowsah. An event that is open to all who love and live to dance. On Sunday, dance to the sounds of DJ sets from special guests DJs Francesca Harding and Tomi Tribe, hosted by Chief Boima and Nora Rahimian, who will bring an international flare to LA.

Psst, did we mention these sets are free?!
There’s also fun to be had on the outskirts of LA like at the LA County Fair and Knotts Berry Farm, but, we think you will be busy keeping up more locally. Let us know where you at on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Let’s face it, living in LA is not cheap. But, the plus side? The City of Angels is bursting with loads of free fun to be had. This month alone, there are countless free concerts in Downtown LA. We decided to tally up some we cannot wait to head on out and rock to. Read on and get ready to grab your friends for a fabulous, free night out in Downtown LA. You’re welcome.

TOAD THE WET SPROCKET, AUGUST 5TH AT PERSHING SQUARE

Alt favorites Toad the Wet Sprocket bring their eclectic mix of alternative, folk and blue grass to Pershing Square August 5th, along with stellar 80’s favorites, 10,000 Maniacs. While the beloved founder of the Maniacs, Natalie Merchant, has long retired and moved onto solo success, 10,000 Maniacs soldiered on and continue to play all their favorites you’ll be rocking out to like These Are the Days and Candy Everybody Wants. Get there early and enjoy!

THE B-52’S, AUGUST 12TH, AT PERSHING SQUARE

Love Shack, baby! Who doesn’t know the B-52’s for such radio favorites like Roam, Your Own Private Idaho and, of course, Love Shack?! They will be headlining Pershing Square for a radical, tubular evening August 12th. And, just to clarify: Yes, this will be a free concert! As always, Pershing Square fills up quick, so, arrive early to ensure you can ‘roam around the world’ with Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson and all the rest!

X, AUGUST 19th, AT PERSHING SQUARE

And, the hits just keep coming. Guitarist, Vocalist and Rocker, John Doe, brings his 80’s rock band, X, to Pershing Square with equally awesome opener, The Meat Puppets. X, right along with 10,000 Maniacs and the rest of the classic 80’s lineup, rose to success with such memorable songs like Riding with Mary and Los Angeles. This is sure to be a night of rock and roll so get ready for a ruckus and rad evening.

SEPTETO SANTIAGUERO, AUGUST 11TH, AT GRAND PERFORMANCES
Along with Pershing Square, California Plaza on Grand has become famous for their summer long series of free concerts in Downtown LA. With more of a mix of funky, jazz and international favorites, check out Septeto Santiaguero on August 11th; a Grammy award winning group, this Cuban based band combines tropical and funk sounds that is sure to have you dancing all night long.
If you want to venture out of Downtown, check out Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena, Jazz Nights at LACMA and Twilight Concerts in Santa Monica.
Make sure to let us know where you’re rocking out on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!