SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes The Other Art Fair, Oktoberfest celebrations, a new Brentwood street festival, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival, and much more!
dublab Open Air: Cosmic Sounds & Dance Floor Vibes: dublab brings two free evenings of live music, DJs and dancing to Reed Park. Thursday features jazz, psychedelia and improvisation from SML & Liberate Elemental Forces, while Friday turns the park into an open-air dance floor with Spiñorita, GANAS & ANTHNY GBRIEL. Thursday & Friday, Sept. 24–25, 5–8 p.m., Reed Park, 1133 7th St. Free. eventbrite.com/e/dublab-open-air-tickets-1999731567951
The Other Art Fair Returns: More than 160 independent artists take over Barker Hangar for four days of original art, immersive installations, performances and DJs. The accessible art fair lets visitors meet artists directly—and, if something catches your eye, actually buy the artwork. Thursday–Sunday, Sept. 24–27, Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave. Children under 12 are free. theotherartfair.com/la
Marina Movie Nights - Hocus Pocus: Grab your family, a picnic dinner, and a blanket or low-profile beach chairs and make your way to Burton Chace Park for the free Summer Concerts presented by the L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors on select Saturdays through Sept. 26. Movies start at 8 p.m. but arrive by 7 to pick out your spot on the lawn. Free admission! visitmdr.com/annual-events/marina-movie-nights
Inaugural Brentwood Bash: San Vicente Boulevard gets a neighborhood street-festival makeover with local restaurants and businesses, food, live entertainment, wellness and fitness activities, family-friendly fun and community organizations. Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., San Vicente Blvd. (between Wilshire Blvd. and Barrington Ave.) thebrentwoodbash.com
Where Legends Took Flight: The Santa Monica Conservancy's “Final Approach” livestream explores the history and legacy of Santa Monica Airport, from its Clover Field origins and pioneering aviation history to its role in Santa Monica's arts community. Sunday, Sept. 27, 5–6:15 p.m., online via Zoom. Free. smconservancy.org/airport
“Into the Woods” at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre: Sondheim and Lapine's Tony-winning musical sends Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, a Baker and his Wife into the woods in search of their wishes—and forces them to deal with what happens after “happily ever after.” Sept. 26–Oct. 18, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., 2627 Pico Blvd. $29–$39. morgan-wixson.org
ONGOING: Museum of Illusions; The CUBE VR; Splatter Studio; Wellness & Waves (Saturdays through 10/17); Locals' Night Third Thursdays; Perrys Beach House DJ Event (Saturdays and Sundays in Sept.)
WHAT'S NEW & DELICIOUS?
35+ Singles Wine & Mingle Night at AJA Vineyards: Ditch the dating apps for a night of real-world connections as the “Thursday” app is taking over AJA wine bar for a 35+ singles gathering, pairing local boutique wines with a laid-back, open-format social hour designed for meeting local neighbors. Thursday, Sept. 24, 7 – 10 p.m., 417 2nd St. ajavineyards.com/events
Wallys - A Tasting with Tenuta Trinoro & Passopisciaro: This tasting is paired with a small cheese and charcuterie board for each guest. Thursday, Sept. 24, 214 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1020850&restref=1020850&experienceId=790883
Penmar Oktoberfest Sunset Session: Their Friday event goes Bavarian for a one-night Oktoberfest celebration featuring live tunes, seasonal brews, food platters, and golden-hour lawn vibes. Advance tickets include a drink token. Friday, Sept. 25, starting at 5:30 p.m., 1233 Rose Ave., Venice tickets.thepenmar.com/e/sunset-sessions-date-4-5-11-11-5
Florentine Steak Dinner Series: All'Antico Vinaio's Florence Underground dinner series continues with another night centered around bistecca alla Fiorentina. For $65, the meal includes cured meats, cheeses, house-made schiacciata, a massive T-bone seasoned with salt and olive oil, family-style sides, and olive oil cake with crema. I've been twice, and this remains one of my favorite Santa Monica dining experiences. Friday, Sept. 25, 316 Santa Monica Blvd. www.toast.app/r/all-antico-vinaio-santa-monica-blvd/experiences/fiorentina-night
Oktoberfest Grilled Cheese & Beer Night: Andrew's Cheese Shop pairs its famous grilled cheeses with specialty Oktoberfest beers for a very Santa Monica take on Bavarian season. Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m., 728 Montana Ave. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oktoberfest-grilled-cheese-beer-night-tickets-1998451951584
Josiah Citrin Hosts ‘Stop the Void’ Charity Dinner: Enjoy an 11-Michelin-star collaborative five-course charity dinner at Citrin & Mélisse alongside chefs Michael Cimarusti, John Shields, and E.J. Lagasse. Proceeds benefit Stop the Void to support fentanyl poisoning prevention and education. $900. Sunday, Sept. 27, Citrin & Mélisse, 1104 Wilshire Blvd. stopthevoid.org
Tiki & Fire Comes to Marelle: Marelle gets a tropical makeover with a one-night “Coastal Roast” featuring ahi tuna, miso-glazed pork belly, char siu short rib, island-inspired sides, pineapple rum cake and tiki cocktails. Thursday, Oct. 1, 5–10 p.m., 1740 Ocean Ave. marelle.com/event/tiki-fire-a-coastal-roast
Further Afield: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival: Head down the coast for a two-night culinary showcase featuring top chefs from the South Bay and Los Angeles. The opening night Grand Tasting pairs signature dishes from acclaimed local restaurants with tastings from premier wineries, craft breweries, and artisan spirits producers. Use the code MEDIA26 for $15 off. Friday, Sept. 25 & Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 – 10 p.m., Manhattan Country Club, 1330 Parkview Ave., Manhattan Beach manhattanbeachfoodandwine.com
Looking Ahead: Montana Avenue Art Walk (10/3); Oktoberfest at the Fairmont (10/8-10); Off the Hook Seafood Festival (10/11); Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (10/18); LA Times Food Bowl (10/23-24)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, you can reach out directly at instagram.com/seanbesser or email me at sean@smdp.com. Here are my past columns and let me know if you have any feedback on Around Town: Art, Oktoberfest & Fall Fun!