Yes, it’s September — or as some people here call it, locals’ summer. The tourists have gone home and we have things all to ourselves. Why sit home because you don’t want to spend any money? Here are some fun activities that don’t cost a dime.
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Sept. 1, 8 — Chatsworth: Want to learn to play mah-jongg? Yes, everyone’s doing it now. It’s a thing. Take a free two-session beginner’s class from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Chatsworth library. Over two consecutive Tuesdays, you’ll learn about the tiles, plays, structure and how the game is played. You must sign up in person and commit to both classes. When the classes fill up, there will be a waitlist. 21052 Devonshire St. Chatsworth. lapl.org/events/introduction-mah-jongg-0
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 — Long Beach: Enjoy free Queen Mary ship admission for “Meet Me at the Mary” Tuesday happy hours 4-8 p.m. in the Observation Bar (ages 21+). Live music and drink specials. Parking discounted to $10. Must reserve online for free admission.1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. queenmary.com/whatsondeck.aspx
Sept. 3 — Dana Point: This is the last Orange County Parks free concert of the season, and it’s at the beach! Go see the band Family Style at beautiful Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Event starts at 5 p.m. concert at 6 p.m. Bring your chair and blanket. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. ocparks.com/news/oc-parks-presents-2026-summer-concert-series-and-sunset-cinema-film-series
Sept. 5, 6 — Huntington Beach: The annual Civil War Days reenactment on Labor Day weekend is always free to visit. It starts at 10 a.m. on Sept. 5 and 6. There’s food, music, talks and shopping. Reenactors come from all over the country. Anyone can sign up to participate but must pass a safety test. The camp is located in Central Park behind the library, on Gothard St. between Slater and Talbert. Battle times are Saturday between 1:30 and 4 p.m. and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn more: hbhistory.org/civilwar
Sept. 5, 12 — Pasadena: It’s time for the Levitt Vibe Music Series in Memorial Park next to City Hall. Event starts at 6 p.m. La Verdad Latin funk and salsa performs on Sept. 5 and Troop with Jon B on Sept. 12. Bring a chair, a blanket and your friends. 85 E. Holly St. Pasadena. levittvibepasadenamusicseries.com
September 6 — Riverside: Enjoy the monthly Storytime in the Gardens at the University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens. Admission is free, but parking on campus is paid. This event is held on the first Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. until October. Look for the docents in Alder Canyon or the meeting room to hear a story read out loud. This is designed for ages 3-8. No registration is required. Paid parking is in the BG Visitor Lot, Lot 10, or Lot 13 Blue. Location:1 Botanic Gardens Drive, Riverside. gardens.ucr.edu/events
Sept. 8 — Studio City: Enjoy a reading of the great Russian author and playwright Anton Chekhov from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with storyteller Arnold Weiss. He’ll present a dramatic reading of Chekhov’s famous short story, “The Lady with the Dog” at the Studio City library Meeting Room, 12511 Moorpark St., Studio City. lapl.org/events/evening-chekhov
Sept. 12 — Lancaster: Head to the General William J. Fox Airfield to view the free monthly display of classic, antique, and vintage aircraft. See the aircraft up close and meet and speak with their owners from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please contact the airport manager’s office at 661-945-0078. 4725 William J Barnes Ave., Lancaster. calendar.pw.lacounty.gov/event/aircraft-display-day-132
Sept. 12 — Rosemead: Experience the Rosemead Moon Festival, one of the largest fall celebrations around, from 2:30-11 p.m. Enjoy live performances, cultural celebrations, fun for kids, photo opportunities, food for sale and lots more. Free parking. It’s on Valley Boulevard between Ivar and Walnut Grove avenues in Rosemead. eventbrite.com/e/2026-rosemead-moon-festival-tickets-1984419193226
Sept. 12 — San Pedro: Head on over to the beautiful ocean view Point Fermin Park for the 32nd Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This celebrates Filipino creativity and culture with cultural performances, art, dance, crafts and more. This year’s theme is “Balangay: From Islands to Infinity!” Bring a folding chair. 807 West Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro. filamarts-fpac.org/
Sept. 13 — Claremont: The California Botanic Garden offers free admission on California Biodiversity Day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. if you get free tickets you can download online. This year, there will aso be a special Latin Conservation Week that includes bilingual tours. Take this opportunity to learn more about California native plants. 1500 N, College Ave., Claremont. calbg.org/event/california-biodiversity-day-free-day-2026
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Sept. 13 — Santa Ana: — The Bowers Museum is hosting its free Asian Mid-Autumn Festival. Live music and dance, art projects, face painting and more. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2002 N. Main St, Santa Ana. bowers.org
Sept. 15 — Downtown Los Angeles: Visit the landmark Walt Disney Concert Hall to attend the Jazz Masters Tribute Concert, held by the National Endowment for the Arts, in honor of the recipients of the nation’s highest honor in jazz. You can get two free tickets in advance to this 8 p.m. event or line up and hope to get walk-up tickets. Live performances and short videos about the honorees will be featured. 111 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles. eventbrite.ca/e/2026-jazz-masters-tribute-concert-tickets-1996126641519
Sept. 17 — Everywhere: I’ll bet you weren’t expecting to get a free day in the national parks right now, but yes, you do in honor of Constitution Day. Yeah, I didn’t know that was a thing either. Enjoy your fee-free day but go at the crack of dawn, before everyone else gets out of bed. It’s a Thursday, so that will help. Note that you now must be a citizen or legal resident to get in free. nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Sept. 19 — Compton: Join the 200th anniversary celebration of the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be new exhibitions, adobe home tours, Native American storytelling, children’s activities, and an original play entitled “Remember the Rancho.” Food for sale. Bring a picnic blanket. 18127 Alameda St., Rancho Dominguez, Compton. dominguezrancho.org
Sept. 25 — Santa Clarita: Bring your chairs and blankets and hunker down to enjoy an outdoor movie at City Cinemas. This month, the movie is the original “Top Gun” and it’s at the Canyon Country Community Center. Bring a picnic or visit a food truck on site. Get there early. Movie starts at 7 p.m. santaclarita.gov/arts-and-culture/events/city-cinemas-in-the-park
Sept. 26 — San Bernardino: Head to the free community block party to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the renovation of the historic Mt. Vernon Bridge, as well as the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66. Classic cars, family zone and fun for kids, local food vendors and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On No. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino. sanbernardino.gov/route66.
Sept. 26, 27 — Pasadena: It’s time for the 33rd annual Pasadena Chalk Festival, where 500 skilled chalk artists gather to showcase their stuff. It’s on two days from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with chalk murals, a live DJ, a silent auction, food for sale and more. It’s all at Brookside Park, next to Kidspace Museum. Free parking. This project raises money for the Light Bringer Project arts education for underprivileged kids. 480 North Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. pasadenachalkfestival.org.
Sept. 26 — West Los Angeles: Start swiveling those hips or just get in the mood for this free belly dancing event at the Gypsy Camp Ethnic Arts Center in Palms, including a talent showcase and back-to-school supply drive. Enjoy live performances and have fun. The event is free but you’re encouraged to bring a new backpack or school supplies for kids to start school. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. 3265 Motor Ave., West Los Angeles. eventbrite.com/e/belly-dance-event-community-showcase-back-to-school-supply-drive-tickets-1998518034239
Sept. 26 — Calabasas: Celebrate 50 years of the Malibu Creek State Park with “Stories Under the Stars” from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Enjoy this open house with live music, art, storytelling and food trucks. Observe fossils and trees. The Los Angeles Astronomical Society will host a star party, weather permitting, starting at 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and flashlight. Event is free but parking is paid. Malibu Creek State Park Trailhead, 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas. eventbrite.com/e/stories-under-the-stars-celebrating-50-years-of-malibu-creek-state-park-tickets-1992177569739
Sept. 27 — El Monte: Head to the San Gabriel Valley airport for the monthly display day of classic, antique, and vintage aircraft at San Gabriel Valley Airport. You have a chance to see the aircraft up close and meet the owners. Admission and parking are free. Sponsored by LA County Airports. eventbrite.com/e/aircraft-display-day-tickets-1988835183572. SGV Airport, 4233 Santa Anita Ave. El Monte
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