The only rule I have for this blog is that whatever I write about has to be to my tastes. In the professional writing I do, I have to tailor what I write about to stuff that normal people like. Here, I can write about whatever the hell I like and recommend whatever I want. That is why, even though it’s Labor Day Weekend, I am not recommending any pool parties. I love swimming, but hate pool parties. If that’s what you want, look around elsewhere for recommendations. Here, you’ll get mostly concerts and movie screenings.
Happening all weekend
Recently, I wrote about The Samurai and the Prisoner, which I caught when it was playing at Alamo Drafthouse. It’s a wonderful movie, which I recommend seeing if you’re a fan of Rashomon and Columbo. It’s playing at Vidiots throughout the holiday weekend, so try to catch it.
I hadn’t heard of Filipiñana before reading about it on Laemmle’s blog, but now I really want to see the movie. It looks fantastic and it’s playing at multiple Laemmle theaters. Writer-director Rafael Manuel will be on hand for Q&As on September 3 at the NoHo and September 4 and 8 at Glendale. All the details are in the blog post linked above.
On September 4, the re-release of Akira hits multiple theaters in the Los Angeles area. If you’ve never seen this sci-fi anime classic, change that and catch it during this theatrical run.
Also this weekend, Cinecon is happening at the Nuart. The film festival focuses on classics that you don’t normally see on TV or in theaters. Check out the full schedule to see what piques your curiosity.
Thursday, September 3
Show-wise, I think the best option for Thursday night is Cold Gawd, who released a new EP, Glory2, last week. They’re playing over at the Moroccan Lounge, with Soft Blue Shimmer opening. It’s an early-ish show, doors are at 6:30 p.m., and the Moroccan is walking distance from Little Tokyo, where some restaurants still stay open late-ish, so you can get dinner or drinks or whatever afterwards.
Also on Thursday night, Philosophical Research Society’s 7th House and Dirty Looks are presenting a world premiere of the new restoration of Derek Jarman’s 1985 film The Angelic Conversation.
Friday, September 4
Although it was a very long time ago, I have seen Charlatans U.K. live and they are excellent. So, if you’ve been thinking about going to the show at the Hollywood Palladium, I’m here to say that’s a good idea. Maybe head down to Club Underground after the show for an extra dose of British indie tunes.
For the city pop heads, Tokyo Love Song, the monthly bash with resident DJs XL Middleton and Kaistar, is happening at Hello Stranger on Friday night. Special guest Reiko Takahashi will be performing her classic “Sunset Road.” She’ll also be signing copies of her re-recorded “Sunset Road” 7” at the show.
Saturday, September 5
Sway Fest is happening on September 5 and 6 at Teragram Ballroom, with Ringo Deathstarr headlining on Saturday. That same night, Nitzer Ebb is playing The Fonda. Take your pick.
Sunday, September 6
Frankie Rose, who is opening for Charlatans U.K. in a bunch of cities that aren’t Los Angeles. Here, she headlines Zebulon on Sunday, September 6. Her new album, Hila, will be out in the middle of September, but you can check out a few of the tracks on Bandcamp right now. The vibe is synthwave-meets-Cocteau Twins, which I really enjoy.
If you’re more into exotica, cumbia and psychedelic sounds, check out Healing Gems, who are headlining Sid the Cat Auditorium on Sunday night.
Sunday is also the last Bears in Space of the season at Akbar. Resident DJs Chris Bowen and Victor Rodriguez will be joined by Heidi Lawden & Lovefingers, Stacy Christine and Cocteau Twinks.
Monday, September 7
If you’re up for a movie night, Pink Flamingos is playing the Los Feliz 3 on Monday, September 7, and Hausu will be on the Cinemaland screen at Human Resources.
Tuesday, September 8
It looks like there are still tickets left for Liz Phair and Sleater-Kinney’s co-headlining tour stop at The Greek on Tuesday, September 8.
Wednesday, September 9
I’m writing this one week prior to Bikini Kill’s September 9 stop at The Wiltern and, as of right now, there are very, very few tickets left. This night is also the very last show from the Alice Bag Band, who opens the night.
Also on Wednesday night, blues guitarist Sue Foley plays The Mint with support from V Torres, who just released a terrific album called Woman. Torres’ sound is a little classic rock with a bit of The Good, The Bad and the Ugly in it. This is a pretty early show, with doors at 7 p.m.
Liz O. is an L.A.-based writer and DJ. Follow on Instagram or sign up for the weekly, Beatique newsletter for updates on new stories and gigs.
Listen to the September, 2026 edition of Beatique, featuring music from Olivia Rodrigo, ear, Purity Ring, Brigette Calls Me Baby, Slayyyter and more.
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