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💎 Labor Day, Top Gun, and Taylor Swift

August 28–September 3, 2025, news, food, and events in the Valley (and beyond).

Welcome to your weekly San Fernando Valley update: August 28–September 3, 2025.

In this week’s NoHo Nick:

  • 🎣 Labor Day Fishing

  • 🎭️ Musical Theater

  • 🍦 Pistachio Cream Treats

  • 🌺 Bougainvilleas

“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married," Taylor Swift said on Instagram about her engagement to Travis Kelce.

Well…

My English teacher taught me how to use BitTorrent.

And my gym teacher was also my history teacher.

So, that probably explains a lot about why I am the way I am.

Reader Love: “Thanks for recommending the 818 Night Market. I went with a friend and we had a great time.”

🎭 One Man, Two Guvnors (Pasadena)

Non-stop laughs at this Tony Award-winning farce set in 1960s Brighton.

Francis tries to work for two bosses without either of them knowing.

Comic chaos, physical comedy, and a live skiffle band.

A Noise Within is a leading regional theatre in Pasadena, CA. They immerse audiences in timeless stories in an intimate setting.

Tickets start at $50.

August 31 to September 28.

I’ll be there opening night!

Advertise in NoHo Nick Promote your event or business to 1,791+ highly-engaged readers.

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Los Angeles News

Here’s what’s happening:

🔥 No More Bougainvilleas? Bougainvillea, trumpet vines, and wisteria are fire hazards. The County Fire Department advises removing them. It creates a safer “defensible space.” Some people are pushing back against the loss of iconic plants. CalFIRE says stricter rules are coming. (LAist)

San Fernando Valley things to do this week.

These are my favorite upcoming events:

Ongoing

🎤 Musical Theater Open Mic (Burbank): A new musical theater open mic is starting at The Colony Theatre. Singers of all levels are welcome to share a song or soak in the music. An accompanist is provided. Bring your own sheet music or voice. Cocktails and mocktails are sold at the bar. Free. Every Tuesday, doors open at 6 PM at The Colony Theatre.

🌙 818 Night Market (Northridge): The 818 Night Market kicks off at Northridge Fashion Center every Thursday this fall. Food vendors and local creative gifts. Runs weekly from September 4 through December 11. Free. Thursdays from 5 PM to 10 PM at Northridge Fashion Center.

Thursday, August 28

🎭 Musical Theatre Benefit Concert (Studio City): A cabaret honoring LA's immigrant heritage. Broadway, Off-Broadway, and original songs. Local musical theatre artists will share stories that celebrate the contributions of immigrants. Proceeds benefit the Immigrant Defenders Law Center. Thursday, August 28, at 8 PM at Stellar Sound LA.

Friday, August 29

🚚 Food Truck Fridays (Burbank): Magnolia Park’s monthly food fest wraps up the summer—30 trucks serving tacos, burgers, and sweets. Shops along Magnolia Blvd will also stay open late. Free. Friday, August 29, from 6 PM to 9 PM on Magnolia Blvd between Hollywood Way and Catalina Street.

📊 “Pitch-Your-Friend” Dating Night (Woodland Hills): Give your single friends the spotlight. Give a fun 4–5 minute PowerPoint presentation at Pinstripes. Laughs, matchmaking, and a lively crowd with bowling, bocce, and drinks. Free. Friday, August 29, at 8 PM at Pinstripes Topanga.

💿 Sabrina Carpenter "Man's Best Friend" Record Release Party (San Fernando): Celebrate Sabrina Carpenter's new album at this special record store listening event. Freebies, special treats, and copies available for purchase. Free. Friday, August 29, at 8 PM at Midnight Hour Records.

🎬 Top Gun Outdoor Movie (Burbank): Watch Top Gun under the stars—the last Movies That Rock screening of the summer. Food trucks arrive at 6 PM. The movie starts at dusk. Bring your picnic blanket and settle in for a summer night. Friday, August 29, at UMe Credit Union.

Saturday, August 30

🎣 Labor Day Fishing Sale (Lake Balboa): The Tackle Box is celebrating Labor Day weekend and its 1st anniversary. Three days of deals on bait and tackle. Stock up on gear before hitting the lake and support a local pop-up shop. Saturday, August 30 – Monday, September 1, from 5:30 AM to 1 PM at Lake Balboa.

🎶 San Fernando Birthday Concert (San Fernando): Celebrate the city’s 114th birthday with live Latin music. Food for purchase, free tours of the historic Casa de Lopez Adobe, and community festivities under the stars. Free. Saturday, August 30, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Casa de Lopez Adobe, 1100 Pico St.

Sunday, August 31

🐶 Dog-Friendly Yappy Hour (North Hollywood): Lawless Brewing Co. hosts an afternoon of pups, pints, and treats featuring dog treats and pet photography. Get 20% off your tab with your dog and meet adoptable pups from Pups Without Borders. Free. Sunday, August 31, from 12 PM to 4 PM at Lawless Brewing Co.

👻 Summerween Spooky Bingo (San Fernando): Hollyweird Paranormal hosts an afternoon of ghost stories, bingo, and beer. Proceeds benefit CHIRLA, supporting immigrant rights. $28. Sunday, August 31, from 1 PM to 4 PM at Shadow Grove Brewing, 1116 2nd Street.

Happening Soon

🏊 Labor Day Pool Party (Burbank): Verdugo Aquatic Facility hosts a day of sunshine, music, and swimming fun with multiple pool sessions throughout the holiday. Registration is required for activity pool slots. Free with registration. Monday, September 1, sessions at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM at Verdugo Aquatic Facility.

🐦 Summer Morning Bird Walk (Sherman Oaks): Nature for All invites you to join a guided birding walk. Community games, breathing, and journaling exercises along the pond. A peaceful way to connect with nature and fellow bird enthusiasts. Free. Saturday, September 6, from 9 AM to 11 AM at the Amphitheater, Sherman Oaks.

🛠️ Maker Melee (West Hills): Teams of makers go head-to-head in a competition of creativity and chaos. Wild inventions, quirky art builds, and over-the-top pitches for the judges. A night of STEM, art, and laughs. $25 per person, free for members. Saturday, September 6, at 7 PM at Social Medium.

📚 Adult Scholastic Book Fair (North Hollywood): Idle Hour teams up with The Last Bookstore for a Scholastic Book Fair reimagined for adults. Drink specials, prizes, a playful school-supply shop, and the chance to meet authors while browsing books. 21+. Saturday, September 13, from 1 PM to 5 PM at Idle Hour.

Community shoutout: Shoutout to the squirrels who eat all of the avocados from the tree in my yard.

Food and Drinks

🥛 Homemade Pistachio Cream Treats (Northridge): Nicolorio’s has sweet pistachio treats. Homemade pistachio cream and Dubai chocolate—every Wednesday at the Northridge Farmers Market.

Coffee Shop Grand Opening (New—Canoga Park): Latin cafecitos with a modern twist. Jesse’s Grind celebrates the launch of its second location with complimentary coffee and live music. Ribbon-cutting at 9 AM. Free. Sunday, August 31, starting at 8 AM at 21608 Sherman Way, Canoga Park.

🍸 Mixology Class (Sherman Oaks): Who Goes There hosts a cocktail workshop. Learn to make three drinks and sip your creations. No experience needed, everything included. $45. Tuesday, September 2, at 7:30 PM at Who Goes There (Ventura & Woodman).

Not the Valley

🪩 Y2K Dance Party (LA River): End the summer with a throwback rave. Glitter, beats, and complimentary zero-proof cocktails as the sun sets over the river. Free. Saturday, August 30, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the LA River.

🎷 Jazz at LACMA (Mid-Wilshire): Jazz, soul, and swing at the Smidt Welcome Plaza. Dynamic arrangements blending R&B, bop, and timeless classics. Free. Friday, August 29, from 6 PM to 8 PM at LACMA.

🛹 LA County Skate Jam (South LA): Skaters take over Roosevelt Park with demos, competitions, live music, and giveaways. All ages and skill levels are welcome for an evening of wheels, tricks, and good vibes. Free. Wednesday, August 27, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Roosevelt Park, 7600 Graham Ave.

🧵 Sew Much Fun (Sylmar) is the Valley’s largest sewing skillshare meetup.

Bring a project to work on and learn from others.

Third Monday of every month.

Free. September 15th at 5:30 PM. Arrive early to secure a good spot.

Know of a hidden gem? Readers tell me about their favorite spots. Email me at [email protected]

Random News

🎹 John Williams, the composer for Star Wars, Jaws, and Jurassic Park, says he “never liked film music very much.”

🔫 Pamela Anderson & Liam Neeson were never actually dating.

❓️ Before the name was shortened to “Los Angeles,” what was the original name for our city?

Last week’s question: What city is considered the “heart of the Valley?”

Answer: Panorama City was SFV’s first planned community. It’s considered the Heart of the Valley.

Thank you for reading. See you next week!

PS Is Taylor Swift’s wedding our version of the royal wedding?

PPS Do you think she’ll include a “Golden Ticket” inside a vinyl copy of her album that invites one lucky fan to the wedding?

PPPS This week, I’ve been singing this in my head. Is anyone else going to watch the spinoff?

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