Nisei Week – Japanese Festival
August 9-17
Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.niseiweek.org/
Participate in any of a variety of events celebrating Japanese culture during this nine-day period based out of Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles. Numerous events will occur at Little Tokyo or the Japanese American National Museum on the north side of Little Tokyo. Check the website for a full list of events, which include some eating competitions, the free family festival, and a car show.
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Belmont Shore Stroll & Savor
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, August 13-14
Along 2nd Street, Belmont Shore
http://www.belmontshore.org/events.html
This “Taste of Belmont Shore” occurs during the summer months annually from May through August on the third Wednesday and the Thursday immediately after. Attendees may purchase booklets of 12 tickets for $10, and redeem these tickets for food & drink samples from various restaurants along 2nd Street. Buy tickets presale now at Olives Gourmet, La Strada, We Olive, Mail Boxes etc. & Sweet Jill’s, or purchase tickets in front of CHASE BANK during the event.
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2014 Idea World Fitness Convention
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, August 14-15
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, August 16
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/idea-world-fitness-convention
Check out this FREE* all-ages fitness expo going this this week at the Anaheim Convention Center. Numerous workshops, sessions, demos, and activities will go on all week outside of the expo hours (see the website for the full schedule), while over 300 exhibitors will occupy the expo hall to display their goods and/or services. Learn about the latest fitness trends, diet plans, health statuses, and more from the various speakers and coaches throughout the expo. Although visitors can receive free admission, visitors will still have to pay for parking, so have cash available for that. Circumvent the parking fee by parking in the neighborhood west of the convention center down S Casa Vista St and walking to the convention center from there.
* = Register yourself online to receive free admission to this expo. At the door, entry will cost $15.
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2014 Taste of Downtown Disney
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm, August 14
Downtown Disney, Anaheim
http://choc.convio.net/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=100222
Relax in Downtown Disney as servers bring the food and drinks to you at this Taste of Downtown Disney. Also enjoy the best in local entertainment that only Downtown Disney can provide a venue for. Admission varies depending on the package, with general admission costing $75.
Business & Beer @ Dudes’ Brewing
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 14
Dudes’ Brewing, Torrance
http://www.facebook.com/events/290157877836409/
This monthly networking event for small business owners visits a South Bay brewery every second Thursday of the month. This week, they will hit up Dudes’ Brewing in Torrance. If you have involvement with a small business, love craft beer, or both, then stop by this Thursday night.
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Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 14
Downtown Los Angeles
http://downtownartwalk.org/
This free monthly event takes place over many blocks in Downtown Los Angeles. Many galleries will open late, and some parking lots will contain more art, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and more. Unless you know business owners, free parking barely exists in Downtown LA, although some meters only operate until 8pm. First-time visitors should attend with someone who has gone here prior.
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7 Seconds @ The Glass House
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 14
The Glass House, Pomona
http://www.theglasshouse.us/event/566187-7-seconds-pomona/
Legendary punk band 7 Seconds ends their tour in California this week, and that tour swings through Pomona this Thursday night. Check out them, JFA, and more at this all-ages show for just $15 for a ticket.
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Costa Mesa Restaurant Week
August 15-22
Various locations, Costa Mesa
http://www.travelcostamesa.com/costa-mesa-restaurant-week/
The annual Costa Mesa Restaurant Week returns! Numerous restaurants in Costa Mesa will feature special prix fixe meals or other discounted items during this time. Many of these restaurants have amazing food, so I encourage you to check out at least one of the restaurants during this week.
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626 Night Market
4:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 15-16
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 17
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.626nightmarket.com/
The largest Asian night market in America returns to Santa Anita Park this weekend. For just $3 to enter, this flea market of sorts will host tons of vendors selling Asian wares, merchandise, apparel, appliances, food, drinks, and more.
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Angry Samoans @ Blacklight District Lounge
6:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 15
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/270778399780260/
Enjoy some good ol’ punk this Friday night in Long Beach. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may attend.
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Berserktown Fest
7:00 pm – 2:00 am, August 15-17
Los Globos, Silverlake
http://www.clublosglobos.com/event/612303-berserktown-festival-3-day-los-angeles/
Tons of hardcore and metal bands will take over Los Globos in Silverlake this weekend for an all-ages music festival, including well-known band A Global Threat. A weekend pass costs $45, while individual days range from $18 to $20.
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A Global Threat @ Characters Sports Bar
9:00 pm – 2:00 am, August 15
Characters Sports Bar, Pomona
http://gonzopresents.com/event/176588
Hardcore band A Global Threat will headline a small show this Friday night in Pomona. The cover for this show costs $13. No one under 21 may enter.
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14th Annual Uptown Whittier Car Show
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 16
Greenleaf Avenue, Uptown Whittier
http://whittieruptown.org/events-in-uptown/2014-uptown-car-show/
See hundreds of classic cars all for FREE at this all-ages car show on the streets of Uptown Whittier this Saturday. All of the businesses in Uptown Whittier will remain open under regular business hours. Interested visitors should park in the neighborhoods north of Hadley Street.
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2014 Long Beach Triathlon & Expo
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 16
4:00 am – 10:00 am, August 17
Marina Green, Downtown Long Beach
http://thelongbeachtriathlon.com/
Test your physical prowess with this triathlon as you swim, run, and bike your way around Downtown Long Beach. An expo where visitors can explore and learn about the triathlon will occur on Saturday at Marina Green, and participating athletes can pick up their race packets at this expo. The actual triathlon starts at 7am on Sunday morning. Registration varies in price, with individual registration costing $140. All participants receive a t-shirt, goodie bag, finisher medal, post-race food & entertainment, a swim cap, and exclusive access to online results & professional photos.
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82nd Annual Great Sand Sculpture Contest
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 16-17
Granada Launch Ramp, Long Beach
http://lbsandcastle.com/
This contest to build a unique and fascinating sand sculpture takes place over two days this weekend. Most of the building will take place on Saturday, with Sunday allocated mainly to spectators. All participants will get featured in local media, such as The Press Telegram. Interested individuals and/or teams may register for FREE, and all participants and spectators will find vendors, live music, food, and a kids’ area on both days.
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9th Annual ArtWalk San Diego
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 16-17
NTC Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.artwalksandiego.org/ntc/
Check out the best in local art at this FREE all-ages art walk in Liberty Station this weekend. In addition to seeing art on display, visitors will likely see many artists creating artwork on the spot.
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4th Annual Los Angeles International Tea Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 16-17
Japanese American National Museum, Downtown Los Angeles
http://teafestivalla.com/
Sample teas from around the world, and sample Japanese cuisine at this tea festival. General admission to this all-ages festival costs $20. Guests can park for free on the street on Sunday. On Saturday, all lots and meters will operate normally.
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Stone Brewing’s 18th Anniversary Celebration
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 16
Cal State San Marcos, San Marcos
http://www.stonebrewing.com/anniv/
Nobody throws a beer festival quite like one of the nation’s largest breweries! Featuring two sessions of beer drinking for the thousands of fans out there, Stone Brewing will once again return to the beautiful campus of Cal State San Marcos for this mega gala of epic proportions. With multiple levels containing many different beers and food, a three-hour session may not provide enough time to check out everything! Admission costs $45 per session, which run from 11am-2pm or 3pm-6pm. All attendees receive a souvenir glass, fifteen 3oz beer tasters, free sodas, free beer cheese, and access to other great Stone goodies, such as beer desserts.
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Timeless Pints 1-Year Anniversary Party
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, August 16
Timeless Pints Brewing, Lakewood
http://www.timelesspints.com/events.html
Lakewood’s premier microbrewery turns a year old this week, and to celebrate, they will throw a bash this Saturday where they plan to release several new brews to the public. In addition, they will have three food trucks visiting to serve food, plus live music all day. This party requires no admission – simply show up, and pay for beer as you go.
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3rd Annual Los Angeles Clitoral Mass
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, August 16
Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://ovarianpsycos.com/clitoral-mass-2/
Participate in a communal bike ride starting in Downtown Los Angeles this Saturday afternoon. Mix and mingle with the various diverse women joining in on this bike ride.
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4th Annual Los Angeles Taco Festival
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 16
Mariachi Plaza Station, Boyle Heights
http://www.latacofestival.com/
Check out the best in local tacos and local mariachi music this Saturday in Boyle Heights. This festival bears no admission fee – visitors simply pay for tacos as they order them.
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Skate For Losi Fundraiser Bowl Jam
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 16
Fontana Park, Fontana
http://www.facebook.com/events/821926791153778/
Skate, eat tacos, and listen to music all at Fontana’s north skate park this Saturday afternoon. Admission to this all-ages event costs nothing, but as a fundraiser, the organizers ask for donations to go towards the cause.
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2nd Annual Nard Fest
3:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 16
The Majestic Ventura Theater, Ventura
http://www.facebook.com/events/654532001282828/
If you missed last year’s Nard Fest because it took place in Northern California, you may now redeem yourself this weekend, as Nard Fest comes closer to home by taking over the Majestic Ventura Theater this Saturday evening. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $22.50 presale or $27 at the door.
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2014 Long Beach Grand Cru
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, August 16
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://www.longbeachgrandcru.org
Wine lovers will not want to miss this year’s Long Beach Grand Cru, a wine competition and tasting extravaganza, featuring some really rare and/or expensive wines. General admission costs $250 and starts at 6pm, while VIP admission costs $350 and starts at 5pm, but also includes access to a VIP area with premium food and drinks.
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Gourmet Food Truck Gathering in West Covina
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 16
West Covina City Hall, West Covina
http://www.facebook.com/events/342585829165177/
Various gourmet food trucks will gather in West Covina this Saturday night to serve dinner. If you find yourself in or near the San Gabriel Valley this Saturday night, swing on by and grab some dinner.
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Stinger’s Bacon Fest
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 16
Stinger’s Bar & Night Club, San Bernardino
http://www.facebook.com/events/284622945050888/
Bacon, beer, and music all collide in San Bernardino this Saturday night. Admission to this night only costs $10. However, I would advise bringing more cash, as they will likely charge for food and drinks. I envision this as simply a music show, with food & drinks sold during the show.
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Slow Children @ Maya’s Cafe
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm, August 16
Maya’s Cafe, Corona
http://www.facebook.com/events/1451525595112418/
Local punk bands will play an all-ages show this Saturday night in Corona for just $5.
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Confederate @ The World Famous Doll Hut
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 16
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/487902781340548/
Get your weekly fill of punk rock this Saturday night at the World Famous Doll Hut. The cover for this show costs $5. No one under 21 may attend.
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Killroy @ Cafe NELA
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 16
Cafe NELA, Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/1467961793456824/
Support your local bands this Saturday night at Cafe NELA in Northeast Los Angeles. The cover for this show costs $5. No one under 21 may attend.
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Los Angeles Fried Chicken Fest
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, August 17
Chinatown, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.foodgps.com/friedchicken/
The LA Fried Chicken Fest returns with the best fried chicken you will ever have, plus craft beers and cocktails to keep your thirst quenched. General admission costs $65 presale or $75 at the door, starts at 4pm, and includes unlimited tastings while supplies last. VIP admission costs $90 presale or $100 at the door, starts at 3pm, and includes reserved seating.
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Angry Samoans @ Redwood Bar
3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 17
Redwood Bar & Grill, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/314689232033016/
Dance like you have never danced in a circle pit before at this show in Downtown Los Angeles this Sunday evening. The cover for this all-ages show costs $10.
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