Labor Day weekend is upon us! Before you jet off to Palm Springs or some other exotic, out-of-state locale, make sure you’re aware of what’s going on right here in L.A. If you’re opting for a stay-cation, we’ve got ample opportunities to wind down by the pool, head to the movies, or scare yourself silly. (Reminder: Halloween is coming up, people!) Whatever you do, remember to be safe, have fun, and stay inspired.
Dust off your Sunday best at LACMA.
You love Disneyland’s legendary Dapper Day but hate going all the way to Anaheim to don your fancy duds, right? Never fear, stylish lads and ladies! On September 2, head to LACMA for its Dapper Day + Celebrate Chagall fete. The day’s agenda includes time for picnicking on the lawn, great Latin music, docent-led tours of the museum’s Marc Chagall exhibit, and even a discussion on costume design sure to enrich your understanding of film wardrobe. (Tickets: Free-$25 depending on events)
Step into a recreation of one of the scariest sets ever.
If there’s one thing Hollywood loves, it’s a good pop-up. Pre-game Halloween by visiting “The ‘It’ Experience” on Hollywood and Vine now through September 14. It’s an immersive excursion into the Neibolt House made infamous in Steven King’s miniseries, “It,” which is getting a feature film remake this fall. Expect a maze, recreated scenes, and live actors to make sure you’re inside the nightmare. Reservations are full, but get on the waitlist; there’s a good chance you’ll make it inside. (Tickets: Free)
Take a ride on an L.A. legend.
Closed for many years due to mechanical issues and failed inspections, L.A.’s historic Angels Flight will once again reopen to the public on August 31. Be one of the first to take one of two gondola cars up Bunker Hill downtown and brag to your friends about riding the “shortest railway in the world.” The funicular is just one of a few remaining reminders of Los Angeles in the Victorian era and is sure to ignite at least a bit of curiosity about a time before you could take the short ride down the hill and grab a bit at a place called Eggslut. (Tickets: $1; $.50 with valid Metro passes)
Send off summer by the pool.
This one’s a bit of a misnomer. In a place where summer never really ends, is it possible to have an event dubbed the “Last Pool Party of Summer”? Decide for yourself as you splash the day away at the Viceroy Santa Monica on September 2. At the very least, it’s a chance to wind down during the long weekend, enjoy some poolside cocktails, listen to music, and take oh-so-trendy selfies on flamingo floaties. (Tickets: $10-25)
See “Wonder Woman” in a different way.
If you’re part of the small contingent who still hasn’t seen “Wonder Woman,” run, don’t walk, to American Cinematheque’s 70mm screening of the film on August 31 at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. Even if you’ve witnessed the Patty Jenkins-directed epic in all its hi-def, IMAX-ed glory, the presentation here alone is worth another viewing. As you watch, think about how the format affects your perception of what’s happening onscreen, something any actor should contemplate. (Tickets: $13-15)
Check out Backstage’s Los Angeles audition listings!