Best things to do this weekend in LA and SoCal: September 20 – 22

Through the generous support of Los Angeles County and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, L.A. Opera will present a live, high-definition video simulcast of the opening night of Madame Butterfly, free of charge as a special gift to the community. Audiences can enjoy the simulcast at either of two outdoor locations: the Santa Monica Pier and El Cariso Community Regional Park in Sylmar.

Some of us didn’t get to see MVP Simone Biles’ athleticism IRL at the Paris Summer Olympics, but there’s a chance to see it this weekend. Biles joins other gymnasts in the Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour, where they will showcase their talent and high-energy choreography. Audiences can expect to be wowed with every tumble, twist, and gravity-defying trick. Pro-tip: Head to downtown early and check out our recommendations for cheap, fast eats around the neighborhood.

If you’re a Galaxy fan (or soccer enthusiast overall) and a dog parent, then this one’s for you. Buy a Pups at the Pitch ticket and bring your four-legged bestie to this match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. There are rules and regulations for this offering so check the website for more info, and make sure to remember that dog parents and their pets must enter via the northeast gates. Don’t forget a blanket to sit on and a portable water bowl for your pup!

Music and art are always a vibe for me. This special night at the Norton Simon Museum will allow visitors to explore galleries and experience live music and interactives by Lance Hill of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum. This event will spotlight how artists experimented with technology and electricity in their work. There will be art-making activities so it’s perfect for the whole family.

The film festival dedicated to promoting Mexican talent on the big screen is back in L.A. during Hispanic Heritage Month. The weeklong festival is screening documentaries, comedies and shorts that touch on contemporary and classic Mexican cinema. Check out their website and browse their guides — comedy, LGBTQ, documentaries — assorted by genre. Most screenings will be held at the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live, but their opening night will be held at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. (We have a great How to LA podcast episode about the history of the theater.)

The organizers of this event describe it as “a mashup of the newlywed game and the stock exchange.” It’s a speed dating experiment, meets a reality show with audience voting and all (they use their own app for this). Whether you dare to participate as a dater or be in the audience, honestly both perspectives sound fun. Check out their website for more info. P.S.: organizer Next Fun Thing offers different settings for diverse gender expressions, but this event might be catering to heterosexual relationships. I did get a taste of a speed dating event in honor of Valentine’s Day, check out this How to LA episode to see how it went — spoiler: it was kinda fun.

This free event kicks off Banned Books Week and will explore how banning measures prohibit essential learning. A cast of actors will highlight historical and current lists of banned books, and there will be music too. This event will also be streamed online.

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is such a historic place and venue for any type of event. If you’ve never been there for a music show, add it to your list. I recently touted this to NYC friends and they were equally shocked and interested. You’re lucky that Toro y Moi and Zack Fox (of Abbott Elementary fame) are performing Friday night. Put on your dancing shoes and have a kiki — just be respectful of the space.

The late R&B legend Frankie Beverly is getting his (white) roses at Alta Adams this Friday. The “Before I Let Go” singer died Sept. 10, and Alta will be honoring him by playing his classics at the restaurant and the Adams Wine Shop next door. Organizers are asking patrons to wear white in a nod to Beverly. They’re curating special drinks and food offerings for brunch (11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 – 10 p.m.).

This event features traditional Greek music, dance, and a variety of foods from all over the country. It’s a family-friendly environment where everyone can experience the unique culture and flavor of Greece. On the menu: Greek cooking classes and demonstrations.