Top Things to Do in SoCal This Week: September 15-21, 2025
Dazzle with Danish Heritage
Step into old-world charm as Solvang Danish Days returns for its 88th year, transforming California’s “Little Denmark” into a three-day celebration of heritage, history, and hygge. From September 19-21, the entire village comes alive with traditional parades, folk dancers in colorful costumes, live music, Viking encampments, and endless bites of aebleskiver and other Danish treats. This free, family-friendly festival is a living preservation of Solvang’s cultural roots and invites visitors to savor the sights, sounds, and tastes of Denmark without leaving California.
Copenhagen Dr & First St
All Aboard for Train Festival 2025
Train Festival 2025: LA's Spirit in Motion returns September 20–21 for a weekend celebrating the magic of rail. Explore historic and modern locomotives, marvel at intricate model train displays in the Ticket Concourse, and meet transportation experts from Metro, Metrolink, Amtrak, and California High-Speed Rail Authority. Enjoy docent-led tours highlighting Union Station’s iconic architecture and art, plus giveaways, merchandise, and hands-on activities throughout Union Station. Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or just curious, this immersive festival offers something for every age.
800 North Alameda Street
A Powerhouse Panel and Advance Lost LA Screening
Dive into the world of true crime with an all-star panel as Marcia Clark, Susan Orlean, and Kate Winkler Dawson join forces for a riveting conversation on the genre’s past, present, and future. From ethical dilemmas to the cultural fascination with crime narratives, the discussion will unpack how storytelling shapes our understanding of justice and history. Moderated by Lost LA host Nathan Masters, the evening kicks off with an advance screening of the upcoming Lost LA episode “True Crime,” featuring rare archival materials from USC Libraries and interviews with leading voices including Michael Connelly and historian William Deverell. Witness this rare chance to see the genre’s sharpest minds tackle true crime live.
3550 Trousdale Pkwy
Discover Art and Crafts in Newport Beach
Celebrate creativity at Newport Beach’s 20th Annual Art in the Park, where over 100 local artists and artisans gather for a lively outdoor showcase of original works. Stroll through a vibrant marketplace filled with jewelry, sculpture, photography, paintings, textiles, and more. Meet the makers behind the art, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and discover one-of-a-kind treasures to take home. Free and open to all, this community event blends shopping, culture, and connection in a beautiful coastal setting.
100 Civic Center Dr
ARTWalk in Pasadena
Stroll through the 17th Annual Pasadena ARTWalk, where Jackalope Arts and Playhouse Village brings together more than 180 hand-selected artisans for a weekend of creativity and community. Along Green Street, explore an eclectic mix of fine art, photography, jewelry, fashion, paper goods, and home décor while enjoying bites from local food vendors. The festival buzzes with live music, family-friendly fun like face-painting, slime-making, and tarot readings. This free celebration of art and culture is the perfect way to experience Pasadena’s vibrant creative spirit with the whole family.
521 E Green St.
Cross-Cultural Solidarity with Dance
Step into the circle at Great Leap’s FandangObon, a joyful, cross-cultural celebration weaving together Japanese, Mexican, African, and Sufi Muslim music and dance traditions. Held at the Mineta Democracy Plaza , this gathering is a living practice of place-keeping, environmental wisdom, and community solidarity. Whether you’re learning new steps or revisiting beloved classics, the event invites everyone to dance, move, and play alongside diverse communities. To learn more about the origins of FandangObon, watch the Artbound episode, Nobuko Miyamoto: A Song in Movement.
100 N Central Ave