Weekend Guide
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Weekend Guide

Weekend Guide

Los Angeles magazine's guide to having a great weekend

Gary Smith
September 12, 2025

Los Angeles comes alive this weekend with a mix of high-energy festivals, community celebrations, and foodie favorites. Dance under the stars at Nocturnal Wonderland in San Bernardino, or test your limits at the Zuma Beach Triathlon while supporting local causes. Food lovers can’t miss the Family Style Food Festival, serving up some of the city’s most buzzworthy bites at L.A. State Historic Park. For a more active day out, CicLAvia transforms South Central and Watts into a car-free playground, while downtown pups get their moment to shine at DTLA Dog Day with portraits, walks, and plenty of tail-wagging fun.

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Nocturnal Wonderland — Sept. 13–14

Dance into the night at Glen Helen Regional Park in San Bernardino, where Insomniac’s beloved Nocturnal Wonderland festival returns for another high-energy weekend. Expect dazzling light displays, immersive art, and a powerhouse lineup that includes Zedd, Axwell, Eric Prydz, Tchami, Benny Benassi, Blake Webber, and more. With multiple stages set against the scenic outdoor backdrop, this long-running event remains one of SoCal’s quintessential electronic music gatherings.

Zuma Beach Triathlon — Sept. 13–14

Test your endurance along the Malibu shoreline at the Zuma Beach Triathlon, where athletes of all levels come together for a weekend of competition and community. Beyond the racing, the event supports the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu’s Emergency Relief Fund—assisting families affected by recent wildfires—as well as the Challenged Athletes Foundation. It’s a chance to push your limits while giving back to causes that matter.

Family Style Food Festival — Sept. 13

Los Angeles State Historic Park transforms into a food lover’s paradise as Family Style brings together some of the city’s most buzzworthy chefs and eateries. From Burgers 99 and Holy Basil to Jon & Vinny’s, Howlin’ Ray’s, and Michelin-starred favorites, the all-day celebration serves up plates, drinks, and good vibes from noon to 8 p.m. Come hungry and ready to taste the best of L.A.’s ever-evolving food scene.

CicLAvia: Historic South Central Meets Watts — Sept. 14

Trade cars for sneakers, bikes, or skates as CicLAvia opens 6.25 miles of South Central and Watts streets to the community. The car-free route connects neighborhoods including Florence and Firestone, with plenty of hubs offering water refills, bike repair, rest areas, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re pedaling, strolling, or skating, it’s a one-day festival of movement, connection, and Los Angeles street life at its best.

DTLA Dog Day — Sept. 12

Bring your four-legged friend downtown for DTLA Alliance’s annual Dog Day at Maguire Gardens outside the Central Library. From 4 to 8 p.m., pups and their people can enjoy doggie portraits, community walks, shopping, and live entertainment. Stop by Settecento for a cocktail—part of the proceeds benefit The Vanderpump Dog Foundation—making it a night that’s as fun as it is furry.

DTLA Dog Day is Back, Friday, Sept. 12
Unwind with your furball and friends at this iconic DTLA event happening tonight, Friday, September 12, from 4PM – 8PM, at Maguire Gardens near the Los Angeles Central Library (630 W. 5th Street). New this year, the event features a satellite bar from Settecento, with proceeds of a specialty cocktail benefiting The Vanderpump Dog Foundation.
Sip and stroll through the lush gardens, featuring 20+ canine-centric businesses and organizations, community dog walks, live music, and tons of free activities for you and your pup (think ball pits, caricature drawings, and giveaways!).

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