Preview: The 3rd Annual Los Angeles Cookie Con & Sweets Show

The 3rd Annual Los Angeles Cookie Con & Sweets Show returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend. As the name suggests, this all-ages event features all manners of sweets and desserts, but especially cookies and anything related to cookies. From traditional cookies to cookie sandwiches to cookie ice cream to cookie cups, if it has to do with cookies, attendees will find it here. The price of admission actually went down this year from last year’s $50 admission. However, they have introduced multiple levels of attendance, from as low as $20 up to $60. I do not understand why, as they sold out last year even with the $50 admission. Parking at the convention center costs $20 per vehicle.

As anyone can guess, this event draws massive attention from the local populace. As of the time of this post, Saturday has already completely sold out. For anyone planning to attend Saturday, expect wall-to-wall people with long lines at every booth. I highly suggest early arrival, as the line to get in to the building takes about half an hour to clear through, and then you have to face another line to enter the convention hall. Once inside the actual event, you will have to endure even more lines to get to the vendors. I hope you bring your patience this weekend, as well as comfortable shoes, and cash since you will have to pay for the food you consume here. By the way, very few of the vendors actually bring samples – the vendors need to make a profit, after all!

Do some research about the businesses that will attend Cookie Con. Local businesses such as Velvet Rope Bake Shop or Bad Pickle Tees often set up at other cheaper, less crowded events. The Cookie Con site (linked above) has a full list of all the vendors. By directly supporting the vendors, you omit the middleman, and you get to select what you want without the hassle of dealing with crowds of people and the dozens of strollers taking up space. Plenty of other dessert events will come up soon in the greater Los Angeles area, so check out my weekly events post every Monday to see how you can satisfy your sweet tooth.

Preview: The 2017 Long Beach Comic Expo

The 2017 Long Beach Comic Expo returns to the Long Beach Convention Center this weekend, taking place over two days in all its glory. Returning to Hall C and the Pacific Promenade area, hundreds of local comic book writers and artists will travel here to exhibit their merchandise, art, books, toys, and more. Eager fans can gain access to the entire show floor for $30 per person for Saturday, $25 for Sunday, or $50 for both days, with children 10 and under entering free with a paid adult admission. In addition to the expo on the show floor, various workshops and seminars will occur in the surrounding meeting rooms for those who register ahead of time. Diehard fans will recognize the various celebrities sitting in for meet & greet and autograph sessions.

Some general tips to make your visit pleasant:

• Peak time: 12pm-2pm on Saturday, as you will encounter the most amount of cosplayers at this time
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will walk a lot.
• I advise staying for as long as possible to see more and interact with other attendees. Also have enough energy to last the entire time.
• While mostly indoors, a lot of the cosplayers like to hang out outside for photo shoots. Regardless, it would behoove you to dress for chilly or possibly rainy weather.
• Have extra cash available for food as well as merchandise if you think you will buy something inside the expo.
• Get into character! Even if you cannot dress up, cosplayers love to act their part and interact with others.
• Expect to take a lot of photos, so bring an extra camera or power bank for smartphones.
• I know we normally tell our kids to not talk to strangers, but at this event, attendees encourage others to chat with the cosplayers, especially children.

Even to those not interested in comics, everyone should attend a comic expo/con just to see everyone dressing up in costume. At any expo involving comics, video games, anime, manga, and more, any attendee cannot avoid seeing another guest participating in the inevitable cosplay for the duration of the event. Cosplay has turned into a staple for any sort of expo in this industry, and the fans proudly don their best gear for this expo.

Upcoming Events: February 13-19, 2017

Mustard Plug 2017 West Coast Tour
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, February 13, Mission Tobacco Lounge, Riverside
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, February 14, Slide Bar, Fullerton
8:30 pm – 12:30 am, February 15, The Casbah, San Diego
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, February 18, The Viper Room, West Hollywood
http://www.mustardplug.com/

Famous ska band Mustard Plug currently tours across the west coast, and that tour swings through Southern California this week. Ticket prices and age limits vary with each show, so refer to Mustard Plug’s website for show details.

Valentine’s Day
February 14

Happy Valentine’s Day! Many businesses may offer special meals for this occasion, so check with your favorite local establishment to see if they have anything special to offer. This includes non-food places, such as museums.

Wine, Cheese & Chocolate
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, February 14
Eat Drink Americano, Arts District, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.winela.com/wcc

Indulge in a cheese, chocolate, and wine pairing session this Tuesday night in Downtown LA. Admission costs $90 per person, and includes all foods and wines that attendees will enjoy. No one under 21 may attend.

Naughty Valentines Burlesque Show
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, February 14
Gaslamp, Long Beach
http://www.dirtylittlesecretsburlesque.com/

Come see some sultry dancing this Tuesday night in Long Beach. Admission starts at $10 and goes up depending on where you want to stand or sit, with a dinner package available as well, starting at $50.

Bottle Share @ The Rookery
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, February 15
The Rookery, Pomona
http://rookeryalehouse.com/Events.html

Share your favorite craft beer with other craft beer enthusiasts at this bottle share this Wednesday night in Downtown Pomona. Bring in a 750ml bottle of craft beer and order at least $10 of food in order to participate. Guests can find plenty of free parking in the area, and can avoid paying for parking entirely.

Long Beach Coin, Stamp, & Sports Collectible Expo
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, February 16-18
Long Beach Convention Center, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.longbeachexpo.com/

This show brings tens of thousands of collectors worldwide to share, buy, sell, and trade their collectibles. Complete with seminars, workshops, press conferences, vendor booths, auctions, and more, this all-ages expo will delight anyone interested in collecting valuable goods. Admission costs $8, with discounts available for seniors and children. Use promo code MEDIA for free passes. Parking at the convention center costs $10.

Reel Big Fish: 2017 US Winter Tour
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, February 16, The Belasco Theater, Downtown Los Angeles
6:30 pm – 11:30 pm, February 17, House of Blues, San Diego
http://www.reel-big-fish.com/

Reel Big Fish currently tours across the country as part of their annual winter tour, and that tour swings through Southern California this week. Tickets to these all-ages show vary in price, so check the venue’s link for details.

Fang: Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, February 16, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, February 17, The Garage, Ventura
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, February 18, The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, February 19, Five Star Bar, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.fangofficial.com/

Hardcore punk band Fang will headline a bunch of shows in Southern California this week. Ticket prices will vary by the show’s location, so refer to Fang’s website for details. No one under 21 may enter any of these shows.

5th Annual San Diego Comic Fest
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, February 17
9:00 am – 11:00 pm, February 18-19
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, February 20
Four Points by Sheraton, Parkview, San Diego
http://www.sdcomicfest.org/

Much smaller and more intimate than the San Diego Comic Con, this weekend expo will feature artists, writers, actors, models, screenings, speakers, autograph sessions, merchandise, apparel, accessories, and more. Admission on Saturday or Sunday costs $25 for adults, $12.50 for students, and free for children. Admission for Monday costs $15 for adults, $7.50 for students, and still free for children. A 4-day weekend pass costs $50 for adults, $25 for children, and still free for children. Parking costs $4 per vehicle per day.

Foam Wonderland – Climax Tour 2017
6:00 pm – 2:00 am, February 17
City National Grove, Anaheim
http://foamwonderland.com/

Want to get covered in foam without the necessity of moving for five kilometers? Check out this foam party this Friday night in Anaheim. Take a nighttime EDM scene, throw in colors, lights, and foam, and you have one messy and wet dance party. Tickets start at $58. No one under 18 may attend.

Blanks 77 – Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, February 17, The Observatory, Santa Ana
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, February 18, Club Los Globos, Silverlake
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, February 19, Soda Bar, San Diego
http://www.facebook.com/Blanks-77-256493316808/

Oi punk band Blanks 77 will headline a group of shows this weekend in Southern California. Ticket prices to these all-ages show vary by location, so check on their Facebook page for prices for each show.

Punk Rock Karaoke
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, February 17, Saint Rocke, Hermosa Beach
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, February 18, Mission Tobacco Lounge, Riverside
http://www.originalpunkrockkaraoke.com/

Live out your punk rock dream with Punk Rock Karaoke this Friday night in Hermosa Beach, complete with a backing band consisting of professional musicians. Admission costs $10 for Friday in Hermosa Beach, or $15 for Saturday in Riverside. No one under 21 may enter.

Rock The Boat: Love Stinks
10:00 pm – 2:00 am, February 17
Grand Romance Riverboat, Long Beach
http://www.rocktheboatla.com/

Take a boat ride out to sea this Friday night to enjoy an unregulated no-limits skacore show. Admission costs $25 presale. No one under 21 may attend.

Insane Inflatable 5K San Diego
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, February 18
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista
http://insaneinflatable5k.com/san-diego-ca/

It appears that people will do anything to break the mundane cycle of 5k runs. Introducing the Insane Inflatable 5K, a 5k obstacle course that takes you through inflatable obstacles. You remember these things as a kid. Now endure them as you challenge yourself and others to get through over three miles of this stuff. Registration costs $65 online or $75 on the day of the event, and comes with an event t-shirt.

24th Annual Queen Mary ScotsFest
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, February 18-19
The Queen Mary, Long Beach
http://www.queenmary.com/events/scotsfestival/

Exhibit and explore Scottish culture this weekend at the Queen Mary’s annual Scottish Festival. Open to all ages, this festival will allow guests to experience Scottish music, dancing, athletic competitions, food, apparel, merchandise, and more. Plenty of activities will keep guests of all ages occupied, such as a kids’ zone and petting zoo for little ones, and a darts tournament and whiskey tastings for adults. Saturday ticket-holders also receive a discount for the ensuing Scottish music concert at night (see event below). Single-day tickets cost $19 for adults, while other ticket packages will vary in prices. Parking will get hectic, so I highly recommend taking the FREE Passport bus from downtown to here. As the majority of the fest takes place outdoors, I suggest applying sunscreen and dressing for outdoor weather.

12th Annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, February 18-19
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://travelshows.com/losangeles

Interested in traveling and getting out to explore? Find all the information and resources you need and more this weekend at the Travel & Adventure Show. Presale admission costs $11 for one day, or $18 for both days.

2017 Long Beach Comic Expo
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, February 18
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, February 19
Long Beach Convention Center, Downtown Long Beach
http://longbeachcomicexpo.com/

Comic fans rejoice! The Long Beach Comic Expo returns for its annual installment at the Long Beach Convention Center this Saturday. Admission costs $30 for Saturday, $25 for Sunday, or $50 for both days, giving guests all-day entry to the all-ages expo, where they can find plenty of merchandise, vendors, workshops, seminars, comic book signings/autographs, and more. Expect hundreds of cosplayers, as both exhibitors and attendees will dress up as their favorite fictional character. The convention center will sell food to hungry guests, but you can also check out the other great restaurants nearby if you get hungry, plus the bike fest going on across the street. Convention Center parking costs $10, so I suggest taking carpooling, taking public transportation, or parking in the neighborhoods east of Alamitos Ave and walking to the Convention Center.

Southern California Pet Expo
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, February 18
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, February 19
Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, San Diego
http://www.petexposandiego.com/

This FREE all-ages expo for all things pet-related takes place this weekend at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego County. Open to all types of pets (with proof of vaccination), visitors can experience agility demos, prize giveaways, pet adoptions, free grooming, training sessions, and more. Bring cash for parking, which will cost between $5 to $10 per vehicle.

Santa Anita Winners’ Circle Chili Cook Off
10:30 am – 6:00 pm, February 18
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.santaanitabbq.com/santa-anita-chili-2017/

Enjoy chili tastings from local cooks as they enter their prized chili recipes in hopes of taking home the grand prize. General admission costs $10 and provides entry to the event as well as access to the racetrack and betting. All food and drinks sold separately.

3rd Annual Los Angeles Cookie Con & Sweets Show
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, February 18
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, February 19
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://www.lacookiecon.com/

Got a sweet tooth? You will not want to miss this event featuring all things sweet. General admission costs $25, and includes access to unlimited treats while supplies last. Celebrity chefs will also make an appearance for anyone wanting photos or autographs.

16th Annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, February 18
Venice Beach, Venice
http://www.visitveniceca.com/calendar/2017mardigras/

Get wild this Saturday afternoon in Venice Beach. Free to attend for all ages, expect to see of of wild and vibrant outfits in this parade. The public may jump in to the parade too!

Free Punk Rock Show @ The World Famous Doll Hut
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, February 18
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/343804072685338/

Enjoy a FREE local punk rock show this Saturday afternoon in Anaheim. No one under 21 may enter.

3rd Annual Air + Style Los Angeles
1:00 pm – 11:00 pm, February 18-19
Exposition Park, Los Angeles
http://airandstyle.com/los-angeles-2/

Music and snowboarding collide at this extreme sports event this weekend in Los Angeles. Tickets to this concert start at $79 and go up depending on your mode of attendance.

San Diego Winter Brew Fest
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, February 18
Hall of Champions, Balboa Park, San Diego
http://www.sandiegobrewfest.com/

This winter beer festival returns to Balboa Park this weekend. General admission to this winter beer festival starts at 7pm and costs $40 presale or $50 at the door. Pay $10 more to enter the festival an hour earlier at 6pm. No one under 21 may enter.

Anti Social: Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, February 18
Five Star Bar, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/1694642954199516/

Rock out to some local punk rock bands this Saturday night in Downtown LA. The cover for this show costs $5. No one under 21 may enter.

Dine Out Long Beach Restaurant Week 2.0
February 19-25
Participating restaurants, Long Beach
http://dineoutlongbeach.com/

The city of Long Beach has so many fine restaurants that they will have an entire week to celebrate the bounty. During this 7-day period, participating restaurants will have various food & drink specials. Check the website linked above for a list of participating restaurants and their specials.

Crave Expo
11:00 am – 8:00 pm, February 19
Phoenix Club, Anaheim
http://www.craveexpo.com/

Basically, a gourmet food truck or mobile food vendor fest. Preregister on their website to enter for free, or pay $10 at the gate to enter the event, and you gain access to a plethora of various food and beverage vendors. The admission only grants you entry, nothing else. Attendees will need to bring plenty of cash to pay for any food or drinks they intend to consume. Regular admission starts at 12pm, while a special VIP hour will take place starting at 11am. Dress appropriately for outdoor weather, including sunscreen for those intending to stay long. The venue provides free parking.

The Downton Abbey Tea
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, February 19
Whimsic Alley, Los Angeles
http://www.whimsicalley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/356173821431857/

Fans of Downton Abbey will not want to miss this formal tea supper this Sunday evening in Burbank. The $40 admission includes tea, sandwiches, dessert, entertainment, and themed activities.

Mad Caddies “Drinking For 11” Live at The Observatory in Santa Ana

The Mad Caddies (FB / TW) performing Drinking For 11 at The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA. Filmed on October 24, 2013.

Beer Up – Boomtown Brewery Has a Gigantic Space That Can Host Party After Party

When people go to visit a microbrewery, what do you think people look for? Do they simply want good beer, or do they want more of an experience? All sorts of breweries cater to their crowds differently, so some breweries will have a minuscule tasting room where they offer only their beers, while other breweries will have a larger tasting room with other things to see and do for customers to pass the time and enjoy their experience, such as at Boomtown Brewery. Located on the northern end of Downtown LA’s Arts District, this brewery has laid dormant for quite some time, brewing and distributing beer without a functioning tasting room. That all changed this past Saturday as Boomtown Brewery finally officially opened their doors to the public with the grandest of all grand openings. On their launch day, Boomtown had more than enough beer to last the entire day, and had multiple mobile food vendors throughout the day to keep the masses fed.

Take one step into Boomtown Brewery’s tasting room, and you will see that they mean business over here. From the outside, you will see two separate buildings for Boomtown Brewery – the tasting room to the left and the brewing facility to the right. While their brewing facility has lots to see for the brewing enthusiast, the tasting room has much more in terms of keeping the people happy and entertained. The massive tasting room allows for over a hundred customers at one time, which extends into an annex to the left of the entrance. This annex to the left makes for a great rental space for private parties or more. Each section of the tasting room contains multiple things to keep customers occupied besides the beer, such as billiards, shuffleboard, table tennis, darts, chess, foosball, and more.

Whether a craft beer enthusiast or just someone who likes to find neat local places like this to hang out with friends, you owe it to yourself to check out Boomtown Brewery, which opens for business Thursdays through Sundays each week. Check out what Boomtown Brewery has brewing up by liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.

Getting Loud With Noisemakers at the 118th Golden Dragon Parade & Chinese New Year Festival

This past Saturday, Chinatown near Downtown Los Angeles played host to the 118th Golden Dragon Parade & Chinese New Year Festival. Free to attend for all ages, this all-day festival celebrated Eastern culture and the turn of their new year with lots of festivities that included food, entertainment, arts & crafts, noisemakers, the inaugural parade, and more. The main Chinatown plaza had lots of gourmet food trucks, vendors, and stages for music and demonstrations. The parade encircled Chinatown, blocking off many of the streets in the area. The beginning of the parade had many of the traditional features of a Chinese New Year parade, with the dancing dragons and rhythmic music. Following this, the remainder of the parade consisted of the city’s important people passing by in cars, such as senators and the police chief.

While the actual Chinese New Year already occurred over a week, plenty more Lunar New Year festivals will take place within the next week, including one in San Diego this weekend. Check out your local cities to see if anymore Lunar New Year festivals will occur, since many of them make for a fun afternoon with friends and family.

Preview: The 13th Annual Bulldog Beauty Contest

The 13th Annual Bulldog Beauty Contest will take place this Sunday morning at Marine Stadium in the park at the north end. Over 500 dogs can compete in 19 different categories, most of which feature bulldogs, both English and French. Some categories will tailor specifically to other breeds, such as pugs, chihuahuas, and pit bulls. Other generic categories include cutest, ugliest, senior dogs, best in show, mutts, small dogs, and large dogs. Spectators can visit absolutely free, but for just $5, visitors may buy a seat along the runway to gain an up-close view as the dogs strut down the runway. For anyone wanting to enter their dog into the pageant, the organizers assess a $10 entry fee. The first contest begins at 9:45 am, and contests continue all the way to 3:00 pm. The main event, the English Bulldog pageant, begins at 10am, while French Bulldogs go on at noon. Various pet vendors will remain open to the public from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm. Some home breeders also bring their pups to sell to eager pet lovers!

For an event free to attend for the public, this makes for a nice Sunday morning getaway for you, your friends, and your family. If you do not currently have a pet, this event shows you the joys of having a furry companion in your life, and can pave the way towards having a pet of your own since this event has information about pet adoptions. In addition, some pet breeders may visit the event, so visitors can seek information from them as well. Come out to Long Beach this Sunday morning to see a bunch of cute pets for a feel-good time. Check out the Bulldog Beauty Contest on Facebook to keep up with their announcements and latest information. In the meantime, check out my photos from last year’s Bulldog Beauty Contest: