News Summary
Los Angeles gears up for an action-packed weekend with events spanning celestial observations, live music, cultural festivals, and exciting markets. Highlights include the LAAS Star Party at Mount Wilson Observatory, the final days of the OC Fair in Costa Mesa, and various performances across multiple venues. Other notable happenings include the Nisei Week – Plaza Festival in Little Tokyo and the Echo Park Rising music and arts festival. This weekend promises engaging experiences for everyone, making it an enriching conclusion to summer in the city.
Los Angeles is gearing up for an action-packed weekend from August 15 to 17, 2025, featuring a range of events across the city. From celestial observations at Mount Wilson Observatory to exciting performances at the OC Fair and an immersive festival celebrating television, attendees can look forward to experiences catering to all interests.
One of the highlights is the LAAS Star Party at the Mount Wilson Observatory, which invites the public to explore the night sky through telescopes from 7:00 PM on Friday until 1:00 AM on Saturday. This event, hosted by the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, promises an engaging evening for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Meanwhile, this weekend marks the final days of the OC Fair in Costa Mesa, running from August 15 through 17. Visitors can enjoy rides, games, and a plethora of food options, culminating in live music performances. The concert lineup on Friday includes acts such as Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and the Spin Doctors. Saturday will feature tributes to popular artists with Swift Nation and Bad Guy Billie, while Sunday wraps up the fair with performances from Grupo Marca Registrada and a DJ set by Trice.
The rooftop screening of Barbie: Hollywood Glam! at The Montalbán in Hollywood kicks off on Friday at 6:00 PM with happy hour, followed by the film at 8:15 PM. Attendees will enjoy cocktails and live DJ entertainment under the stars.
For plant enthusiasts, the 39th Annual Inter-City Cactus & Succulent Show and Sale takes place at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. Operating from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the event features over 1,000 specimens sourced from six continents and offers a chance to purchase unique plants for collectors and hobbyists alike.
The Televerse is another anticipated event, occuring at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE from August 14 to 16. This immersive festival will include panels, screenings, and reunions for popular shows such as Bones and Queer as Folk.
On August 16, the August Artisan Market will take place at RUNWAY Playa Vista from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This outdoor market is free to attend and welcomes dogs, showcasing handmade goods from local artisans.
A must-visit for cycling enthusiasts, CicLAvia will transform the streets connecting Culver City, Mar Vista, and Venice into pedestrian pathways on Sunday, August 17, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, promoting biking, skating, and leisurely strolls.
The Echo Park Rising music and arts festival will take place on Saturday, featuring various performances across multiple venues in Echo Park. This free neighborhood celebration will include live music, comedy acts, and art exhibits.
Japan’s rich culture will be celebrated at the Nisei Week – Plaza Festival on August 16 and 17, taking place in Little Tokyo from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event will showcase traditional taiko drumming, delicious Japanese food, and unique shopping opportunities.
Music fans can look forward to the Reggae Night XXIII at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, featuring performances by Damian Marley and Stephen Marley, as they pay tribute to their late father, Bob Marley.
Also on August 16, the Rose Bowl Stadium will host RÜFÜS DU SOL as part of their Inhale/Exhale World Tour, while the Kia Forum will welcome Thirty Seconds to Mars for their A Beautiful Lie 20th Anniversary concert, performing the iconic album in full with special guests.
Other exciting happenings include the Gloria Molina Grand Park – Sunday Sessions on August 17 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, celebrating L.A.’s house music scene with DJs and food trucks, as well as the Dodgers vs. Padres weekend series, with games scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Dodger Stadium.
This diverse lineup of events promises to offer something for every Angeleno and visitor, providing an exciting conclusion to the summer and an enriching experience throughout the city from August 15 to 17, 2025.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Best Things to Do This Weekend in Los Angeles
- Time Out: August Events Calendar
- Mommy Poppins: Things to Do in LA This Weekend for Kids & Families
- Time Out: The Week’s Best Events in Los Angeles
- Secret Los Angeles: Things to Do in September in LA
- Google Search: Los Angeles Events August 2025
- Wikipedia: Los Angeles
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
