SEPT. 25–26
An Inspired Performance
British prog-rockers Muse cross the pond for two performances at Staples Center amphitheater downtown. The band’s aptly titled Resistance Tour is in support of its eponymous fifth full-length record. Since bursting onto the radio waves with Origin of Symmetry in 2001, Muse has carved out a reputation for creating robust, stadium-filling anthems like “Time Is Running Out,” “Hysteria” and “Starlight.” Subsequent hit albums Absolution, Black Holes and Revelations and The Resistance have garnered Muse critical acclaim and comparisons to Radiohead. As The New York Times wrote of Muse’s recent show at Madison Square Garden, “Every song in its set aimed to be a showstopper by any means necessary.” Electropop sensation Passion Pit, the young quintet responsible for the indie radio hit “Sleepyhead,” opens the show.

THROUGH SEPT. 4
THE ART OF TELEVISION COSTUME DESIGN See more than 100 of television’s most memorable costume designs from hits like Big Love, Glee and True Blood, plus a showcase featuring the work of 2010 Emmy Award-nominated costume designers. The free exhibition is at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising downtown.

OPENING SEPT. 7
RUINED The Geffen Playhouse in Westwood opens the fall season with this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama from Lynn Nottage. It tells the story of a brothel in war-torn Congo, where matron Mama Nadi is at turns protector for the women in her charge and profiteer.

SEPT. 10
FASHION’S NIGHT OUT This new fashion and shopping bonanza is a spinoff of the New York event sponsored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue magazine. Participating stores and shopping centers spanning Venice to Los Feliz offer extended business hours, sales and parties. A Ferris wheel erected on Rodeo Drive adds to the festive spirit.

THROUGH SEPT. 12
JOHN BALDESSARI: PURE BEAUTY Don’t miss the end of this long-overdue retrospective for the influential California-based conceptual artist. The exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art features more than 150 works spanning the artist’s career from 1962 to present day. An installation was conceived especially for this show.

SEPT. 21–23
DODGERS VS. PADRES It’s that time of year again, as Matt Kemp and the rest of the Los Angeles Dodgers work it in hopes of finagling a spot in the championships. The Boys in Blue play ball with their SoCal rivals, the San Diego Padres, at Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine.

SEPT. 25–27
TARFEST Museum Row in the Miracle Mile District comes alive for this fest of film screenings, art exhibitions, live music and more at venues including the El Rey Theatre, La Brea Tar Pits and Korean Cultural Center. It culminates with 1-mile and 5K races ending at LACMA.

THROUGH SEPT. 26
DENNIS HOPPER: DOUBLE STANDARD The late film actor Dennis Hopper was also an accomplished and prolific artist. This exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art downtown, curated by artist Julian Schnabel, showcases works from his 60-year career, including paintings, photographs, sculptures and assemblages.

Here for the weekend? Go to WhereLA.com for our Weekend Roundup, where you’ll get the lowdown on the coolest concerts, festivals, pop-up restaurants, art exhibits, drink deals and more.