Los Angeles. The city of stars attracts around 47 million visitors every year to experience what they’ve grown up seeing in the movies: sunny weather, beautiful beaches, palm tree-lined streets, and familiar sights like Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
September is one of the best months to enjoy LA. The summer busyness has subsided, and you can still enjoy all the outdoor activities in beautiful weather.
Ask anyone who lives here, and they’ll tell you there’s an unlimited number of things to do on any day of the year. Which is why we’d love to help turn your time at InTheBlack into an LA getaway.
Location, Location, Location
This begins with the conference location. LA Live is one of the most entertaining places on the planet, with a host of mid to upscale dining options, the Regal Entertainment Group movie complex, and a sports game going on almost every night of the week.
Your evenings during InTheBlack will already be filled with LA-level entertainment, like exclusive performances by the Spazmatics at our 80s bash and KC & the Sunshine Band during The Close Party.
Here are some events, sights, and restaurants to help you plan the weekend if you decide to fly in early or extend your stay.
Experience the Magic of the Hollywood Bowl
There’s nothing quite like enjoying music under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. Earth, Wind & Fire will be playing at this iconic venue on Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14, and ending their show with a fireworks finale.
If you’re a fan of the Sound of Music, you’ll definitely want to stay for the weekend after the conference. The Hollywood Hills will come alive on Saturday, September 21 with a Sound of Music Sing-A-Long.
Watch a Movie Outdoors
There’s no shortage of unique experiences in LA, and one of our favorites is watching a movie in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This cultural landmark is one of the oldest cemeteries in LA, and you’ll see some familiar names on the ornate headstones like Rudolph Valentino, Jane Mansfield, and Johnny Ramone.
All About Eve is playing on Saturday, September 14 and you can catch Moulin Rouge on Saturday, September 21. Bring a picnic dinner and get there early to find a good spot.
If cemeteries aren’t quite your style, there are other locations throughout LA hosting outdoor screenings. Fight Club is playing in LA State Historic Park, downtown on Saturday, September 14 and The Lost Boys is showing in Beverly Hills’ Pan Pacific Park on Saturday, September 21.
Discover the Foodie Haven of Downtown
Grand Central Market recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary, and it is worth the trip just to see the historic landmark. Come hungry to take advantage of the thirty-seven vendors of trendy eateries like Sarita’s Pupuseria, Belcampo, La Tostaderia, Eggslut, and G&B Coffee, and become immersed in the vibrant atmosphere.
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, with markets in New York and Los Angeles attracting 50,000 people each weekend to eat from a hundred local vendors. Open every Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, you’ll also find craft vendors, cultural events, pop-ups, and other surprises.
Downtown LA glitters at night, and there’s no better place to admire the skyline than WP24 at The Ritz-Carlton. At twenty-four floors high, the panoramic views set a stunning backdrop for world-class service and incredible modern Asian-fusion cuisine and cocktails.
Fancy French food with live music instead? Go to Perch LA and request a table on the outdoor patio, under the stars. You’ll enjoy a beautiful view of downtown LA here as well, and if the night still feels young after dinner, head to the rooftop bistro for 360 views of the city. Cozy up to one of the many fire pits with a cocktail, and enjoy this quintessential LA experience.
Calling All Sports Fans
There are several games happening throughout the weekend, including a Kings preseason game:
**Saturday, September 14
**UCLA Bruins vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Rose Bowl, 5:00 pm
**Sunday, September 15
**LA RAMs vs. New Orleans Saints
LA Memorial Coliseum, 1:25 pm
**Thursday, September 19
**LA Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights
STAPLES Center, 7:30 pm
Friday, September 20
USC Trojans vs. Utah Utes
LA Memorial Coliseum, 6:00 pm
Volunteering Is at the Heart of BlackLine
Before you begin your action-packed weekend in LA, plan to participate in a BlackLine tradition: Giving Back Day. Each year, BlackLine works with local charities to provide a volunteering experience that brings InTheBlack attendees together to serve our community.
On Thursday, September 19, join BlackLine employees, partners, clients, and prospects for a community beautification project at Hollenbeck Middle School in downtown Los Angeles. General activities may include painting, light construction, and landscaping.
Ready to join industry experts and like-minded accounting and finance professionals at InTheBlack? You can register and check out the agenda here.