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Los Angeles is a city people love to hate. A city of contradictions. The sprawl is both a blessing and a curse, as while the traffic can be more than a challenge, it is also one of the most diverse cities on earth – waves crashing against the Pacific coastline to one side and designer labels flying off racks to another. And with the advent of Uber and Lyft, it’s now easier than ever to get around for those who do not own four-wheeled transportation. With a brimming culinary scene, art and culture offerings reaching new highs, and the sunshine on repeat, Los Angeles is the place to be, especially in the month of October.
Laugh With Grumpy Old Men: The Musical at La Miranda Theatre
Who could forget the beloved 1993 film Grumpy Old Men starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Ann-Margret? Capturing the stories and lives of these memorably crotchety characters with humor and honesty, the beloved film has been transformed into a warm and lively stage musical of the same name (until October 13). There is still a great deal of wit and charm to be found in the antics of these iconic American characters.
Hike to Eaton Canyon Falls
This hike up a canyon in the lower San Gabriels ends with the payoff of a cascading 40-foot waterfall. In spring wildflowers line the pathway, and on weekends tourists and locals alike flock to test out this popular hike. Best for adventurous beginners and above, as it’s not uncommon to be required to leap over a boulder or traverse a small stream.
Learn With Writers Bloc
Writers Bloc Presents is the Los Angeles-based nonprofit literary series that packs a punch. Having launched its 24th season with none other than Salman Rushdie, the forthcoming literary events have a similar star wattage and present gripping narratives told by well-informed and high-status authors, journalists and TV personalities. Taking place at the New Roads School in Santa Monica, book tickets to hear Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, the two New York Times reporters who opened the Harvey Weinstein floodgates and helped launch the #MeToo campaign, or Andre Acimen, the author of the elegant Call Me By Your Name, which went on to provide the source material for the mesmerizing movie of the same name.
Recharge At The Langham Pasadena
Old-world luxury abound, the Langham Pasadena overlooks the San Gabriel Mountains, making it the ideal retreat for avid hikers. With its own 23 acres of manicured lawn and gardens, as well as its pristine facilities—from its gym to swimming pool to tennis courts—the Langham feels a little like a country club of generations past. The rooms are large and regal with gleaming marble bathrooms and glittering crystal chandeliers.
Dance Along With Once at the Cerritos Centre
Once has charmed audiences in both New York and London and is now making its way to the sun-bathed shores of California. This feel-good story of an Irish busker who falls in love with a young Czech woman stole our hearts on the silver screen before opening as a stage play. Written by John Carney, who also penned the film, it’s upbeat and catchy from beginning to end.
Stretch Out At The Nomad Hotel Los Angeles
The Nomad Los Angeles is housed in one of the city’s most formidable buildings. What was once the Bank of Italy is now an elegant and ornate five-star hotel that has retained many of the building’s original fittings. For example, what were once the bank’s impregnable vaults has been transformed into the restaurant’s lavatory. Sumptuous and sublime, the decor has a Parisian sensibility, thanks to its well-known French interior designer Jacques Garcia. The rooftop pool is sublime.
Feel Enlightened After an Evening With Richard Dawkins and Ann Druyan at the Alex Theatre
Dig into the big and philosophical questions as bestselling author Richard Dawkins and Ann Druyan, the co-creator, writer and producer of the Cosmos television series, come together for an dynamic evening of discussion, hosted by science writer and longtime editor of Skeptical Inquirer magazine Kendrick Frazier. Taking place at The Alex Theater on October 20, the well-read and world-renowned pair will be tackling a wide variety of compelling topics spanning science, religion and morality.
Sing Along to Rocketman Live in Concert
On October 17, for one night only, under the direction of Principal Conductor John Beal, the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra will perform the instrumental score alongside a special screening of Rocketman. A beautifully realized biopic following the meteoric rise of singer/songwriter/musician Elton John, none other than Elton John himself and Taron Egerton, the award-winning actor who soars in the film’s leading role, will also perform onstage at the historic Greek Theatre.
Rest Up at Hotel 850 SVB
British designer Rita Konig has created the homey and cozy designs at this low-pressure, 23-room (including two suites) boutique property Hotel 850 SVB. Owned by Jeff Klein–whose other property is the Herculean Sunset Tower–this is a place that understands what makes for an outstanding hotel experience. There is no restaurant, but expect coffee, pastries, yogurt, granola and fresh fruit to be laid out each day in the sun-drenched lounge.
Laugh Out Loud With Office Hour at Second City
The Second City is widely hailed as the Oxbridge of comedy schools. And any college student is well-acquainted with the concept of office hours–the time set aside for students and faculty to meet outside of class. The clever staff and alumni of the Second City have added a twist, and every Tuesday, members of the public can come witness Office Hours hosted by the likes of Rob Belushi and Tim Stoltenberg, as faculty, students and administrative staff join together and hop on stage to do what they do best: improvise.
Spend the Night at the Chateau Marmont
The Chateau Marmont requires little introduction. Hollywood’s playground, everyone from Greta Garbo to Howard Hughes to Errol Flynn to Yoko Ono has made this “castle on the hill” a short-term home. The restaurant and terrace are always abuzz, not to mention a place where the world’s biggest stars let out a short-term sign of relief – as the whole place is a paparazzi- and photograph-free zone. Beyond the sleek decor and stellar amenities, the location is outstanding. The hotel is both a ten-minute drive from the name-brand shops of Rodeo Drive and the Design District, and less than five minutes from the 160 acres of trails in popular Runyon Canyon Park.
