10 Things to Do in L.A. This September

Through 12/1
Donna Huanca: OBSIDIAN LADDER
The first major stateside exhibit from Bolivian American artist Donna Huanca is a site-specific work for the senses, utilizing performance art, sound installations, scent, and paintings and sculptures that explore everything from science and politics to memory and time. Marciano Art Foundation, Windsor Square, marcianoartfoundation.org

9/5-10/20
Latin History for Morons
Sure, you could stream film, TV and stage legend John Leguizamo’s hit one-man show, Latin History for Morons, on Netflix, but like most great classes, this lesson is best experienced in person. Leguizamo schools audiences on everything from the ancient Mayans to Pitbull in this fun and fascinating look into Latin culture and history. Tickets from $35, Ahmanson Theatre, DTLA, centertheatregroup.org

9/7
El Nido’s Fifth Annual Garden Gala
Youth support service organization El Nido Family Centers hosts this fifth annual garden party, inviting guests into Robinson Gardens for tours, a welcome reception, dinner and presentations from young people who have experienced the impact of El Nido firsthand. 5-9:30pm, tickets $375, Virginia Robinson Gardens, Beverly Hills, elnidofamilycenters.org

9/13-10/6
La Bohème
In the Latin Quarter in 19th-century Paris, young bohemians try to make sense of love, heartache, friendship and the pressures of living a creative life in this opera composed by Giacomo Puccini. Witness the beauty of this romantic production, new to LA Opera, up close. Tickets $24-$344, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, DTLA, laopera.org

9/14
Face Forward Gala
Kilts are encouraged at this year’s Face Forward International gala as the Highlands to the Hills Scottish-themed benefit raises funds to provide pro bono reconstruction surgery for those who have been victims of violence and cruel acts. 6pm, Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills, faceforwardla.org

9/14
L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade
The city’s most beloved chefs make their way to UCLA each year for this fundraiser benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. Expect bites from Josiah Citrin of Melisse, Adam Perry Lang and event host Suzanne Goin, and go VIP for early access to the event and an invitation to an exclusive dinner held the night before the food festival. 12:30-4:30pm, tickets $195, VIP tickets $1,200, Royce Quad at UCLA, Westwood, alexslemonade.org

9/17
Mary J. Blige & Nas: The Royalty Tour
Oscar-nominated actress and “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” Mary J. Blige leaves it all on the stage when she co-headlines this show with rap legend Nas. Expect the diva to perform hits like “Family Affair” and “Real Love” and go VIP for a meet-and-greet with the singer. 7:30pm, tickets from $36, VIP tickets from $279, Hollywood Bowl, ticketmaster.com

9/22-4/5/20
Betye Saar: Call and Response
LACMA takes visitors inside Betye Saar’s creative process, curating the first major exhibit dedicated to the artist’s sketchbooks and assemblage work spanning five decades. View classic and new installations that boldly examine race, faith and gender during this celebration of the Los Angeles luminary. Tickets $25, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Museum Mile, lacma.org

9/26
Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles Builders Ball
Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles helps make home ownership a reality for families in need. Salute the people and organizations involved and be ready to “Jump” when The Pointer Sisters hit the stage. 5:30-9pm, tickets from $500, The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, habitatla.org

9/26
St. Jude Invest in Hope
Now in its fourth year, St. Jude’s Invest in Hope party invites guests to dance, dine and place bids at a silent auction, all while helping St. Jude continue its mission of providing children and their families with medical treatment and resources free of charge. 6:30-10:30pm, tickets $250, Viceroy, Santa Monica, stjude.org