5 Ways to Enjoy a Labor Day Staycation in LA

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If you’re one of the many that couldn’t, for whatever reason, leave Tinseltown this Labor Day, don’t have FOMO—there are plenty of options right here at home in Los Angeles. The plus to staying local: you won’t have to fight the ridiculous crowds that inevitably flock to any haute end-of-summer destination. So cheer up, love the one you’re with and the place you call home—this is the City of Angels, after all—and check out five ways to enjoy an awesome Labor Day staycation in L.A.

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1. THE TASTE. Have a true Hollywood moment and head to Paramount Studios to enjoy some of the best cuisine in Los Angeles. The three-night event kicks off tonight with “Opening Night,” where you’ll sample some of the best food the city has to offer; it continues with “Field to Fork,” hosted by LA Times food editor Amy Scattergood and Michael Cimarusti, chef and owner of Providence, one of L.A.’s most celebrated restaurants; Saturday evening’s “Dinner with a Twist,” is hosted by feted L.A. Times food critic Jonathan Gold and Broken Spanish chef Ray Garcia and includes a plethora of live food/cocktail demonstrations; Sunday’s “Sunday Block Party” and “Flavors of LA” cooking event cap the weekend. The Taste, Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood; Fri., Sept. 2, 7:30-10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., Sept. 3-4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & 7:30-10 p.m.; $100-$300.
2. BOWIE TRIBUTE NIGHT. Pay homage to Ziggy Stardust himself, David Bowie, as Cinefamily launches its new partnership with Barnsdall Art Park Foundation in the Hollywood park. Bring a picnic and enjoy an outdoor screening of the 1973 documentary/concert film Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, which will—drum roll, please—be accompanied by a live performance of classically arranged Bowie favorites by the Stardust String Quartet. Bonus: there will also be wines on site from San Antonio Winery as well as food trucks for those who forgot (or were too lazy to) bring their own fare.  4800 Hollywood Blvd., East Hollywood; Sun., Sept. 4, 5:30 p.m.; $25. (323) 655-2510, cinefamily.org.
3. L.A. FLEET WEEK. Hello, sailor! Whether you’ve experienced New York’s Fleet Week—where Navy and Coast Guard ships dock and the city is overtaken with a plethora of seamen—firsthand, or just seen the Sex and the City episode, you can’t miss L.A.’s very first Fleet Week. Over Labor Day weekend, check out aerial demonstrations, live music and food trucks when the sailors dock at San Pedro’s Port of Los Angeles. Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro; Fri., Sept. 2-Mon., Sept. 5; free. lafleetweek.com.
4. THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR. For 94 years, the Los Angeles County Fair has marked the beginning of Labor Day weekend. That said, this isn’t some simple, organic fun. There are awesome concerts to attend from the likes of Bad Company, The Isley Brothers & The O’Jays, WAR, Tierra & Malo, Blondie, Iggy Azalea, Gabriel Iglesias, Billy Currington with special guest LeAnn Rimes and Chicago, among others. There’s varied entertainment as well, including rides, competitions wine tastings and acrobatics, exhibitions. L.A. County Fair, $14-$20 adult, $8-$12 child; $15 parking; $30 season pass$14-$20, 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Los Angeles, http://www.lacountyfair.com/.
5. WET CARNIVAL ABOARD THE QUEEN MARY. On September 3, head to Long Beach to board the Queen Mary for its awesome Labor Day celebration. This year’s Art Deco Festival features water slides, a foam dance floor, food, booze, dancing, DJs and a variety of musical performances including B.o.B., Lil Jon, Tyga and Kent Jones. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, www.queenmary.com