Posts Tagged ‘Artesia’

OC Roller Derby Orientation
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, October 4
The Rinks, Huntington Beach
http://www.ocderby.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/446207475751468/

If you ever wanted to try roller derby, you have a chance to join a league. Click the link to send your information to them, and then show up to orientation this Wednesday night in Huntington Beach.

2017 Los Angeles Fashion Week
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 4
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 5
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 6-7
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 8
Alexandria Ballrooms, Downtown Los Angeles
http://lafw.net/

The latest in fashion goes public this week in Los Angeles. Check the website for a list of all fashion events all over Los Angeles going on this week.

3rd Annual San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 5
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, San Gabriel
http://sangabrieled.com/255/Dumpling-Beer-Fest

The San Gabriel Valley puts their spin on Oktoberfest with this dumpling & beer fest this Thursday night in San Gabriel. Free to attend for all ages, this festival will feature numerous dumpling vendors, other food vendors, live entertainment, a craft beer garden, and more. A wristband for unlimited beer sampling costs $20 for 16 beer pours or $30 for unlimited beers while supplies last. All food comes at cost, so bring plenty of cash for that.

Buccaneer Days
7:00 pm – 2:00 am, October 5
11:00 am – 2:00 am, October 6-7
10:00 am – 2:00 pm, October 8
Two Harbors, Catalina Island
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/event/buccaneers-weekend-2017

A weekend full of pirates, booty, and booze comes to Catalina Island. Admission starts at $45 and goes up based on how many days you want to attend and if you want to include lodging.

Death By Stereo – Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 5, Brick By Brick, San Diego
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 6, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 7, The Garage, Ventura
http://www.deathbystereo.com/

Hardcore band Death By Stereo will headline a handful of shows in Southern California this week. Ticket prices to these shows vary by location, so check with the venue for details. No one under 21 may enter any of these shows.

28th Annual VenturaĀ Harvest Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 6-8
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura
http://harvestfestival.com/

Shop thousands of handmade American arts & crafts in hundreds of booths over the weekend. Find beautiful jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, photography, hand-turned wood, ceramics, and more. Admission costs $9 for Adults, $7 for Seniors, $4 for Youth, and 12 & under get in free.

Gaslight Steampunk Expo 2017
11:30 am – 11:00 pm, October 6
9:00 am – 1:30 am, October 7
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 8
Town & Country Resort Hotel, San Diego
http://www.gaslightexpo.org/

An all-ages expo for all things steampunk comes to San Diego this weekend. Tickets start at $15.

13th Annual Ocean Beach Oktoberfest
1:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 6
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 7
Ocean Beach Pier, San Diego
http://oboktoberfest.com/

Enjoy Oktoberfest on the beach this weekend with this two-day Oktoberfest celebration. For just $3 admission, gain access to this event filled with beer, pretzels, sausages, and other typical Oktoberfest festivities.

31st Annual California Avocado Festival
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 6
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, October 7
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 8
Downtown Carpinteria
http://avofest.com/

A free and all-ages street fair will take place in Carpinteria this weekend. Visitors will find vendors, food, arts & crafts, activities, games, rides, entertainment, and more.

30th Annual Tustin Tiller Days
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 6
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 7
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 8
Columbus Tustin Park, Tustin
http://www.tustintillerdays.org/

Bring the family out to this all-ages city fair this weekend. Free to attend, this fair has everything that a family can enjoy, from the rides and games for kids, to the entertainment and vendors for adults. Remember to check out all the fair food, drinks, and dessert too, since buying food here supports local organizations and businesses. Guests can find free street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Pacific Beachfest Beer Cup
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 6
Pacific Beach Shore Club, San Diego
http://www.beachfestbeercup.com/

Homebrews and microbreweries collide at this beer tasting event this Friday night in Pacific Beach. The $25 admission grants you access to taste the homebrews, as well as sample beers from all the participating breweries while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

First Fridays
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 6
Various locations
Long Beach: http://firstfridayslongbeach.com/
Venice: http://www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com/

This monthly artwalk occurs on the first Friday of every month. Each location offers different activities, but most will contain food & drink specials, art exhibits & displays, street performers, and more. Venice and Long Beach have the two largest gatherings of all First Fridays. Other locations include Westchester, Fullerton, and City of Industry. Most First Fridays locations cost nothing to attend, while the local businesses uphold their standard rules (e.g. bars 21+ only).

19th Annual Los Angeles Greek Festival
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm,Ā October 6
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm,Ā October 7
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm,Ā October 8
Saint Sophia Cathedral, West Los Angeles
http://lagreekfest.com/

Los Angeles gets their own Greek Fest this weekend that will basically have the same things as any other Greek Fest: food, drinks, desserts, music, dancers, games, rides, and more. Admission to this all-ages festival costs $5 per person per day.

6th Annual Los Angeles Podcast Festival
5:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 6
12:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 7-8
Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.lapodfest.com/

Meet the top names in podcasting, entertainment, comedy, and technology this weekend in West Hollywood. Tickets start at $49. Although all-ages, anyone under 18 must attend with a paid adult.

Circle One – Live in Long Beach
7:00 pm – 2:00 am, October 6
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/1796261697263014/

Rock out to some local punk rock bands this Friday night in Long Beach. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

The Color Run 5k – Huntington Beach
7:00 am – 1:00 pm, October 7
Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach
http://thecolorrun.com/locations/huntington-beach-ca/

The color run that started it all returns to Huntington Beach this Saturday morning. This fun run takes the racing out of a 5k or 10k, and places participants in a running course where they will get showered with bright colors. All runners should wear white for this run, as they run through the course and absorb all the colors flying through the air. Registration for this color run costs $50 per solo participant, or $45 per person if registering as a team of four or more. Waves of runners will start at 9am and launch every few minutes following that for up to two hours, so do not fret about getting there on time.

2017 Grape Day Festival + Wine & Craft Beer Tasting Pavilion
7:00 am – 8:00 pm,Ā October 7
Grape Day Park, Escondido
http://visitescondido.com/1777/grape-day-5k-parade-and-festival/

Bring out the family to this all-day celebration at the park. In the morning, a 5K race will take place around the park. At 9:30am, a local parade will run through Downtown Escondido. From then until the end of the celebration, a fair will take place at Grape Day Park, free to the public to attend. In addition, a wine & craft beer tasting pavilion will take place from 11am to 3pm. Sample wine from local wineries and beer from local breweries while enjoying live entertainment and other activities. Admission costs $20 presale and $25 at the door, and include a souvenir glass. No one under 21 may attend.

Aquarium of the Pacific 5k Run/Walk
7:30 am – 11:30 am, October 7
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/5k

Go on a nice 5k run down on the beach this Saturday morning starting at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. All participants who register prior to race day will receive a t-shirt, goodie bag, and a ticket to the aquarium with registration. Registration costs $45. Bring cash for parking in the aquarium parking structure.

Fit Foodie Festival & 5K
8:00 am – 11:30 am, October 7
Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.fitfoodierun.com/san-diego-california.html

A 5K meets a food tasting event this Saturday morning in San Diego. Run a race and eat food along the way, as well as all the food available after thge finish line. Registration starts at $45.

20th Annual Pacific Beachfest
8:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 7
Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach, San Diego
http://pacificbeachfest.org/

Enjoy a full day of outdoor activities at this free and all-ages beach festival in Pacific Beach. Visitors will find sports, tournaments, activities, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, food, drinks, and more.

2017 Los Angeles Dragonboat Festival
8:30 am – 4:00 pm,Ā October 7
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, Irwindale
http://ladragonboat.com/

Come to watch Dragonboat races at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area – free parking and admission to spectate!

Crossroads of the West Gun Shows
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 5
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 6
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://www.crossroadsgunshows.com/

Find hundreds of gun vendors at this two-day gun show this weekend. Admission to this all-ages event costs $18. Check the website for a printable coupon to take $1 off admission.

3rdĀ Annual Maker Faire San Diego
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 7-8
Balboa Park, San Diego
http://sdmakerfaire.org/

Celebrate local makers, artists, designers, and more at this two-day fair taking place in Balboa Park this weekend in San Diego. Attendees will experience handmade goods such as gadgets, sculptures, art, food, apparel, accessories, merchandise, and more. Admission costs $20 for adults or $12 for children.

45th Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 7-8
Live Oak Park South Field, Manhattan Beach
http://www.mbfair.org/

This free fair for all ages makes its annual return this weekend, featuring games, arts & crafts, food, beer & wine gardens, live entertainment, and more. The city will provide free parking and shuttle transportation at the Northrop Grumman Building at 15092 Aviation Blvd near the intersection of Aviation Blvd and Marine Street in Manhattan Beach.

9th Annual La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 7-8
Girard Ave, La Jolla
http://www.ljawf.com/

This free and all-ages street fair takes over the streets in La Jolla. Visitors will find hundreds of booths containing artists, merchandise, vendors, food & drinks, arts & crafts, live entertainment, and more.

3rd Annual Shopping Extravaganza
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, October 7
Outlets at San Clemente, San Clemente
http://www.outletsatsanclemente.com/

Do shopping, enjoy a catered lunch, and sip on some adult beverages this Saturday in San Clemente. Participation in this charity shopping event costs $35.

4th Annual Artesia International Street Fair & Diversity Festival
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 7
Pioneer & 183rd, Artesia
http://www.cityofartesia.us/index.aspx?NID=282

At this free and all-ages street fair this Saturday, visitors will find food, music, dance, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, rides, vendors, and more.

1st Annual San Diego Barrel Aged Beer Fest
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, October 7
Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.sandiegobeerfest.com/
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-barrel-aged-beer-fest-tickets-35801102060

Dozens of locals breweries will bring out their strongest beers for you to try this Saturday afternoon in San Diego. General admission costs $55 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $65 and starts at 12pm. No one under 21 may attend.

Hot Wings & Craft Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 7
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.santaanita.com/events/hot-wing-and-craft-beer-festival/

$40 gets you in to enjoy six wings, eight 3oz beer tasters, and access to betting on horse races. Parking costs $4 per vehicle. No one under 21 may attend.

2017 Dana Point Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 7
Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point
http://www.danapointoktoberfest.com/

South Orange County gets their own free & all-ages Oktoberfest celebration this weekend. Expect to find all of the typical Oktoberfest festivities here: chicken dancing, German music, stein holding, beer chugging, sausages, pretzels, normal bar beers, and more.

BrewBQ – Food & Beer Pairing
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 7
Cismontane Brewing, Santa Ana
http://www.cismontanebrewing.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1540993299292111/

A barbecue and beer pairing will take place at Cismontane Brewing in Santa Ana this Saturday. Admission costs $12 presale or $17 at the door, and provides you with four food and beer pairings.

King Harbor Brewing Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 7
King Harbor Brewing, Redondo Beach
http://www.kingharborbrewing.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1897338370283398/

Redondo Beach’s King Harbor Brewing will have Oktoberfest festivities this Saturday. Registration for one of the games starts at $30, and gets you a stein and four fills. If you do not want to participate in the games, you can enter the tasting room for free and pay for beers as you go.

Oktoberfest 2017
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 7
8 bit Brewing Company, Murrieta
http://www.8bitbrewingcompany.com/
http://8bitbrewingcompany.ticketleap.com/oktoberfest-2017/

Murrieta’s 8 bit Brewing Company will host their own Oktoberfest festivities this Saturday. $10 gets you a pint glass and a goodie bag. $20 gets you a stein, one full pour of an Oktoberfest beer, and the aforementioned goodie bag. Minors enter for free with paid adult admission.

35th Annual Carlsbad Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 7
Holiday Park, Carlsbad
http://www.rotaryoktoberfest.org/

An all-ages Oktoberfest celebration comes to Carlsbad this Saturday. Adult admission ranges from $5 to $15, while children enter for free with paid adult admission.

California Brew Festival
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 7
Chase Palm Park, Santa Barbara
http://nightout.com/events/california-brew-festival-santa-barbara/

A beer festival comes to Santa Barbara this Saturday afternoon. General admission costs $75 and starts at 2pm. VIP admission costs $100 and starts at 1pm. All attendees receive unlimited beer tasters for the duration of the event while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

3rdĀ Annual Los Angeles Paella & Wine Festival
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, October 7
Pershing Square, Los Angeles
http://paellawinefest.com/

Enjoy paella and lots of wine and spirits this Saturday in Downtown Los Angeles. General admission costs $50 presale or $85 at the gate, and includes unlimited food and drink samples. VIP admission costs $120, and also includes access to a VIP area with some exclusive food and drinks.

Culver City Art Walk 2017
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, October 7
Washington & La Cienega, Culver City
http://culvercityartsdistrict.com/artwalk/

A free and all-ages art walk will take place in Culver City this Saturday afternoon.

OMOCAT Pop-Up Shop / Omori Demo
3:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 7
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 8
Dave Frey Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.omocat-shop.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1439239359466586/

This free and all-ages art exhibit will appear in Downtown LA only this weekend. On Saturday night, the exhibit will have live music, which costs $20 to attend.

25 Years of Union 13
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 7
Self Help Graphics & Art, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/1978038242431554/

Catch music and art to celebrate the band Union 13 at this all-ages show this Saturday evening. The cover for this show costs $10.

18th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 7
Colorado Blvd & Eagle Rock Blvd, Eagle Rock
http://eaglerockmusicfestival.org/

Take over the streets of Eagle Rock with this FREE and all-ages music festival this Saturday evening. With six stages all providing different genres of music, surely something exists for everyone here. In addition to all the music, check out the food trucks, local food, arts & crafts, vendors, and more.

79th Annual LA Chinatown Moon Festival
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 7
Chinatown, Los Angeles
http://chinatownla.com/wp1/event/mid-autumn-moon-festival/

Chinese Thanksgiving celebrations continue this Saturday in Chinatown with their annual Moon (Cake) Festival. Free to attend for all ages, participants celebrate by eating mooncakes, mini pastries that may contain up to 2,000 calories each. In addition, guests can see kung fu demos, lion dancers, live music, food trucks, ping pong tournaments, and more. Guests can find free street parking beyond Spring St. or close to LA State Historic Park.

Harvest Moon Walk
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, October 7
Barnes Park, Monterey Park
http://www.heart.org/la-hmw

Raise money to walk around Monterey Park during this charity walk this Saturday evening.

2017 Long Beach Marathon
6:00 am – 3:00 pm, October 8
Shoreline Village, Long Beach
http://runlongbeach.com/

The annual Long Beach Marathon takes place this Sunday. Please note the street closures for that day, and adjust your day accordingly.

CicLAvia
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 8
Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.ciclavia.org/

Much of Downtown Los Angeles will close to bikers this Sunday afternoon. Cars may not enter the designated areas during this time – only bikers and pedestrians may roam the streets.

2017 Grand Fall Festival & Street Faire
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 8
Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos
http://www.sanmarcoschamber.com/events/details/2017-grand-fall-festival-street-faire-we-re-making-an-impact-join-us-support-and-strengthen-the-voice-of-local-business-7964

A free and all-ages street fair will take place in San Marcos this Sunday. Visitors can expect to find vendors, booths, games, rides, arts & crafts, food, entertainment, and more.

Pier Del Sol
10:00 am – 2:00 pm, October 8
Pacific Park, Santa Monica
http://sosc.org/pierdelsol

This event has food, drinks, rides, games, live entertainment, and more. Tickets start at $75 – see the website for a full list of ticket types and prices.

Valley Retro Game Swap
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 8
Game Realms, Burbank
http://game-realms.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/343214646131193/

A swap meet for video games will take place in Burbank this Sunday, free to attend for all ages. The venue may also have some retro games available for play as well.

12th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Art & Music Festival + Tribute Car Show
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 8
Casita Del Pueblo, Whittier
http://www.casitadelpueblo.org/

A free and all-ages cultural street fair and car show comes to Uptown Whittier this Sunday afternoon. Visitors will find lots of cars, vendors, food, arts & crafts, activities, entertainment, and more.

The Big Draw LA: 8th Annual Make Your Mark in the Park
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 8
Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://thebigdrawla.org/

A free and all-ages drawing event will take place in Downtown LA this Sunday afternoon. They will have live music and drawing tools for anyone who visits.

Eagle Rock Brewery’s Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, October 8
Eagle Rock Brewery, Eagle Rock
http://www.eaglerockbrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/834601516708342/

Participate in some good ol’ Oktoberfest activities this Saturday afternoon in Eagle Rock. While free to attend, no one under 21 may enter.

TheĀ 2016 Cerritos Taste of the Region & Business Expo returned to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts this past Wednesday night. Open to all ages, this food fest, colloquially known as the Taste of Cerritos, allows all attendees to sample food, drinks, and dessert from various restaurants from the Cerritos region. Participating restaurants and caterers, which contained more corporate businesses than local businesses, hailed from neighboring cities such as Artesia, Norwalk, and Whittier. At first, this sounds less likely of a taste of the region if attendees mostly sample food from restaurants found nationwide.Ā However, this event focuses on all businesses in the area, corporate or not.

Taste of the Region stands out from the pack with its great value, despite raising the admission fee in 2014.Ā Unlike many other tasting events that either cost over $40 or cost low but limit how much food attendees may receive, the Taste of the Region costs a mere $10 to enter, then allows attendees to eat & drink all they want until the participating businesses run out of food or drinks. Early arrivals can consider this “$10 All You Can Eat” considering the businesses bring their best food at the beginning, then start to run out after an hour or two. By about two hours into the tasting, over half of the booths had run out of food, so this becomes an early bird case. Also, starting at 4:30pm on a Wednesday makes for a strange time to host such an event.

For the price to enter this annual tasting event & expo, you cannot go wrong unless you arrive late. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements from Cerritos every year around September, as they will run this again next year. It appears that with each year, they shift more towards the business expo while shifting away from the restaurants. Make sure you attend the Taste of the Region next year, as they may scrap the tasting altogether, god forbid, and focus solely on the business expo!

San Diego Restaurant Week
September 25 – October 2
Various Restaurants, San Diego County
http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/

For eightĀ full days, various restaurants all over San Diego County will participate in this special week, where they will offer special prix-fixe meals that highlight their unique cuisine. Use this chance to explore and discover new restaurants in the area!

2016 Taste of Pomona Valley
4:30 pm – 8:30 pm, September 26
Mountain Meadows Golf Course, Pomona
http://pomonachamber.org/event/taste-pomona-valley/

Sample food from dozens of Pomona restaurants tonight in the Pomona Valley. Admission costs $55, and allows unlimited food samples while supplies last.

2016 Taste of Arcadia
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, September 26
Los Angeles County Arboretum, Arcadia
http://arcadiacachamber.org/events/taste-of-arcadia/

The annual Taste of Arcadia returns TONIGHT, so for those planning to go, buy the $50 presale tickets now, as you cannot purchase tickets at the door. More than 40 food vendors will serve samples, while over 30 other vendors will keep guests occupied between eats.

Madball: Live in Southern California
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 26, Brick By Brick, Linda Vista, San DiegoĀ http://brickbybrick.ticketfly.com/event/1285123-madball-special-guests-san-diego/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 27, Alex’s Bar, Long BeachĀ http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1249345-madball-long-beach/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 28, Union Nightclub, Los AngelesĀ http://www.unionclubla.com/event/1295661-madball-los-angeles/
http://madballhc.com/

East coast hardcore band Madball currently tours across the country, and that tour will swing through Southern California this week. Ticket prices to these shows vary, so click on a show’s link for pricing details. No one under 21 may enter any of these shows.

Monkey & GOGO13 @ Out Of The Park Pizza
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 26
Out Of The Park Pizza, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/173680816401677/

Get your skanking on at this free and all-ages show tonight in Anaheim.

2016 Cerritos TasteĀ ofĀ theĀ Region & BusinessĀ Expo
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, September 28
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos
http://www.cerritostaste.com/

This “Taste of Cerritos” makes its annual return this WednesdayĀ to the same location, the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. Unlike other food fests in LA & OC, this event does not cost as much – attendees pay $10, then receive unlimited tastes once they enter. Over 30 restaurants will serve food samples, meaning attendees will certainly get a bang for their buck. Also, guests do not have to pay for parking here.

2 Towns Ciderhouse Pint Nite
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 28
Great Society Cider & Mead, Long Beach
http://www.greatsocietycider.com/event/2-towns-pint-night-save-date/

This Wednesday night, Long Beach’s Great Society Cider & Mead will have a bunch of ciders from 2 Towns on tap for you to try. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold oneĀ or two.

Los Angeles Fashion Week
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, September 29, October 2
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, September 30 – October 1
Hollywood Athletic Club, Hollywood
http://lafw.net/

The latest in fashion goes public this week in Los Angeles. Check the website for a list of all fashion events all over Los Angeles going on this week.

End of Summer Barbecue Spectacular
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 29
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonarboretum.com/Culinary-Series/

Enjoy fresh barbecue cuisine and learn about grilling too at this barbecue class this Thursday night in Fullerton. Registration costs $90 per person, and includes a full grilling class and complete dinner.

2nd Annual San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 29
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, San Gabriel
http://www.sangabrielcity.com/dumplingandbeerfest

The San Gabriel Valley puts their spin on Oktoberfest with this dumpling & beer fest this Thursday night in San Gabriel. Free to attend for all ages, this festival will feature numerous dumpling vendors, other food vendors, live entertainment, a craft beer garden, and more. A wristband for unlimited beer sampling costs $20 for 16 beer pours or $30 for unlimited beers while supplies last. All food comes at cost, so bring plenty of cash for that.

VenturaĀ Harvest Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm,Ā September 30 – October 2
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura
http://harvestfestival.com/

Shop thousands of handmade American arts & crafts in hundreds of booths over the weekend. Find beautiful jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, photography, hand-turned wood, ceramics, and more. Admission costs $9 for Adults, $7 for Seniors, $4 for Youth, and 12 & under get in free.

Stair Climb for Los Angeles
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, September 30
YMCA, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.ymcala.org/stairclimb

On this day, the city will shut down Hope Street as thousands attempt to race up the stairs of the US Bank tower in Downtown Los Angeles. This all-day fest also includes food trucks, live music, a beer garden, rock-climbing walls, and more. Even if you cannot participate in the climb, the actual festival requires no fee to enter.

Bootlegger’s Brewery Pumpkin Release Party
11:00 am – 12:00 am, September 30
Bootlegger’s Brewery, Fullerton
http://www.bootleggersbrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/541357092741318/

This Friday, Bootlegger’s Brewery in Fullerton will have a lot of pumpkin beers available for you to taste. This event has no cover chargeĀ – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.

Wet Hop Simcoe Pale – Day One
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
El Segundo Brewing, El Segundo
http://elsegundobrewing.com/

Get a taste of extremely fresh hops this Friday from El Segundo Brewing. Simply show up, and enjoy a fresh pale ale right there at the tasting room, or take a bottle or more home.

Hamilton Family Brewery’s Oktoberfest
2:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 30 – October 2
Hamilton Family Brewery, Rancho Cucamonga
http://www.hamiltonfamilybrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/196958947383432/

Rancho Cucamonga’s Hamilton Family Brewery will celebrate Oktoberfest this weekend with lots of beer plus a souvenir glass. Buy the Oktoberfest mug, and you can get $1 off refills all weekend.

43rd La Mesa Oktoberfest
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 30
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, October 1
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 2
La Mesa Village, La Mesa
http://www.cityoflamesa.com/1420/La-Mesa-Oktoberfest

Enjoy a family-fun Oktoberfest celebration this weekend in La Mesa. Free to attend for all ages, this Oktoberfest celebration will have all the usual Oktoberfest festivities such as dance, music, sausages, pretzels, beer, and more. In addition, visitors will find hundreds of vendors, arts & crafts, games, and more activities for all ages.

59th Annual Tustin Tiller Days
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm,Ā September 30
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 1
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 2
Columbus Tustin Park, Tustin
http://www.tustintillerdays.org/

Bring the family out to this all-ages city fair this weekend. Free to attend, this fair has everything that a family can enjoy, from the rides and games for kids, to the entertainment and vendors for adults. Remember to check out all the fair food, drinks, and dessert too, since buying food here supports local organizations and businesses. Guests can find free street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Pacific Beachfest Beer Cup
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, September 30
Pacific Beach Shore Club, San Diego
http://www.beachfestbeercup.com/

Homebrews and microbreweries collide at this beer tasting event this Friday night in Pacific Beach. The $25 admission grants you access to taste the homebrews, as well as sample beers from all the participating breweries while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

2016 Orange County Lebanese Cultural Festival
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 1
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 2
St. John Maron Church, Orange
http://www.oclebanesefestival.com/

Check out this FREE and all-ages Lebanese cultural festival taking place this weekend in Orange.

3rd Annual Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm,Ā September 30
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, OctoberĀ 1-2
Newport Beach Civic Center, Newport Beach
http://newportwineandfood.com/

Lots of activity will take place in the culinary world this weekend in Newport Beach. On Friday night, a VIP party will take place with a cocktail reception and a three-course food & wine pairing dinner. On Saturday and Sunday, attendees of the festival gain access to unlimited food tastings, cooking demos, cocktail mixing demos, live music, a silent auction, and more. Admission prices significantly vary based on the mode of attendance, with single-day admission costing $175 and a weekend pass costing $295.

Wine & Cake Pairing
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
Public Beer & Wine Shop, Downtown Long Beach
http://publicbeerwineshop.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/174464426323592/

This Friday night, Downtown Long Beach’s Public Beer & Wine Shop will have special cakes for sale to pair with select wines. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, buy some cake, and pair it with some succulent wines.

Agent Orange: Live in Santa Ana
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 30
Underground DTSA, Santa Ana
http://www.facebook.com/events/1636128846704315/

Get your weekly dose of punk rock at this all-ages show this Friday night in Downtown Santa Ana. The cover for this show costs $15.

American Jihad: Live in Lakewood
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, September 30
Regal Inn, Lakewood
http://www.facebook.com/events/286367975088357/

Release some inner aggression at this hardcore punk show in Lakewood this Friday night. The cover for this show costs $7. No one under 21 may enter.

2016 Grape Day Festival + Wine & Craft Beer Tasting Pavilion
7:00 am – 4:00 pm,Ā October 1
Grape Day Park, Escondido
http://visitescondido.com/1777/grape-day-5k-parade-and-festival/

Bring out the family to this all-day celebration at the park. In the morning, a 5K race will take place around the park. At 9:30am, a local parade will run through Downtown Escondido. From then until the end of the celebration, a fair will take place at Grape Day Park, free to the public to attend. In addition, a wine & craft beer tasting pavilion will take place from 11am to 3pm. Sample wine from local wineries and beer from local breweries while enjoying live entertainment and other activities. Admission costs $20 presale and $25 at the door, and include a souvenir glass. No one under 21 may attend.

19th Annual Pacific Beachfest
8:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 1
Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach, San Diego
http://pacificbeachfest.org/

Enjoy a full day of outdoor activities at this free and all-ages beach festival in Pacific Beach. Visitors will find sports, tournaments, activities, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, food, drinks, and more.

2016 Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1-2
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.offroadexpo.com/pomona-ca

Check out all things off-roading this weekend at the Fairplex in Pomona, complete with hundreds of vendors, dozens of industry professionals, and acres of off-road. Adult admission costs $20, or $15 if you purchase it at O’Reilly Auto Parts. Children enter for $6. Bring cash for parking, which usually costs $10 per vehicle.

Activate Uptown: Long Beach
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 1
Artesia & Myrtle, Long Beach
http://gohumansocal.org/Pages/Events/ActivateUptown.aspx

This Saturday afternoon, a free and all-ages open streets event will take place in the north side of Long Beach. Plenty of booths and activities will line the surrounding streets, including a live music stage.

2ndĀ Annual Maker Faire San Diego
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1-2
Balboa Park, San Diego
http://sdmakerfaire.org/

Celebrate local makers, artists, designers, and more at this two-day fair taking place in Balboa Park this weekend in San Diego. Attendees will experience handmade goods such as gadgets, sculptures, art, food, apparel, accessories, merchandise, and more. Admission costs $20 for adults or $12 for children.

44th Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1-2
Live Oak Park South Field, Manhattan Beach
http://www.mbfair.org/

This free fair for all ages makes its annual return this weekend, featuring games, arts & crafts, food, beer & wine gardens, live entertainment, and more. The city will provide free parking and shuttle transportation at the Northrop Grumman Building at 15092 Aviation Blvd near the intersection of Aviation Blvd and Marine Street in Manhattan Beach.

2nd Annual SlutWalk
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1
Pershing Square, Los Angeles
http://amberroseslutwalk.com/

Assume the role of an activist for an afternoon this Saturday in Downtown Los Angeles. Participation costs $17, but use promo code THANKYOUFLIRT to register for free.

10th Annual International Chocolate Salon
11:00 am – 5:00 pm,Ā October 1
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.lachocolatesalon.com/

Chocolate lovers will want to attend the International Chocolate Salon this Saturday afternoon in Pasadena for an all-you-can-eat chocolate bonanza. Admission costs $20 presale or $25 at the door, while children can get in for $10.

Tater Tots & Beer Festival
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://tatertotfestival.com/events/orange-county-ca/

Snack on gourmet tots and craft beers this Saturday at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Two 3-hour sessions will take place: 11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm. Each session costs $40 to attend or $75 for VIP, and provides access to unlimited food samples while supplies last, and a beer stamp card good for one beer from each participating brewery. VIP admission receives a goodie bag plus access to a VIP lounge. Parking costs $8 per vehicle. No one under 21 may attend.

EAT Show 2016
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, October 1
The Reef, Los Angeles
http://theeatshow.com/

Over 50 Los Angeles restaurants will set up at The Reef this Saturday to sample their food for you. General admission costs $50 and gets you in to either of two 3-hour sessions: 12pm-3pm or 6pm-9pm. Upgrade to VIP admission for $90 to enter an hour earlier (11am or 5pm, respectively) and receive a goodie bag as well. No one under 21 may attend.

2nd Annual San Fernando Chile Festival
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, October 1-2
San Fernando Rd & Brand Blvd, San Fernando
http://www.chilefestival.org/

A free and all-ages street fair will take place in San Fernando this weekend. Visitors will find food, entertainment, vendors, games, rides, and more.

3rd Annual Artesia International Street Fair & Diversity Festival
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 1
Pioneer & 183rd, Artesia
http://www.cityofartesia.us/index.aspx?NID=282

At this free and all-ages street fair this Saturday, visitors will find food, music, dance, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, rides, vendors, and more.

Eagle Rock Brewery’s Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, October 1
Eagle Rock Brewery, Eagle Rock
http://www.eaglerockbrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/193985921013775/

Participate in some good ol’ Oktoberfest activities this Saturday afternoon in Eagle Rock. While free to attend, no one under 21 may enter.

Mad Decent Block Party 2016
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 1
Los Angeles Center Studios, Los Angeles
http://maddecentblockparty.com/

A dance party concert comes to Los Angeles this Saturday. Tickets cost $56.50 each. No one under 18 may attend.

2nd Anniversary ALToberfest Party
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 1
No Clue Craft Brewery, Rancho Cucamonga
http://www.nocluebrew.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1742535672678480/

Rancho Cucamonga’s No Clue Craft Brewery celebrates their second anniversary this weekend with an anniversary ale, lots of other beers, and German festivities. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, have some fun, and pay for beers as you go.

2ndĀ Annual Los Angeles Paella & Wine Festival
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 1
La Plaza de Culturas y Artes, Los Angeles
http://paellawinefest.com/

Enjoy paella and lots of wine and spirits this Saturday near Downtown Los Angeles. General admission costs $52.50 presale or $85 at the gate, and includes unlimited food and drink samples. VIP admission costs $120, and also includes access to a VIP area with some exclusive food and drinks.

Off The Hook: Santa Monica Seafood Festival
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 1
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
http://offthehookseafoodfest.com/

Enjoy lots of seafood, drinks, live music, games, and more fun this Saturday evening on the Santa Monica Pier. General admission costs $60, while VIP admission costs $90 and includes access to a VIP area with exclusive food and drinks. No one under 21 may attend.

Anaheim Brewery’s Oktoberfest #1
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 1
Anaheim Brewery, Anaheim
http://www.anaheimbrew.com/

Anaheim Brewery will celebrate Oktoberfest with two Saturdays full of Oktoberfest activities, such as live music, freshly-prepared sausages on-site, German-style beers, and more. No admission required – simply show up, paid for beers as you go, and have fun.

Anime Expo’s Christmas-Halloween Party & Open House
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 1
Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, Santa Ana
http://www.anime-expo.org/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1168307923215870/

The official Anime Expo will have a free and all-ages mixer in Orange County this Saturday evening. They will have costumes, games, food, and more.

8th Annual Taste of Italy
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 1
Italian American Museum, Los Angeles
http://italianhall.org/taste-of-italy-los-angeles/

Sample the best of Italian in Los Angeles at this tasting gala this Saturday evening in Downtown Los Angeles. Samples food & drinks from dozens of restaurants & wineries, enjoy the live entertainment, and more. General admission tickets cost $60, while children 12 and under get in for $25.

4th Annual Promenade Beer & Wine Festival
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 1
The Promenade, Downtown Long Beach
http://downtownlongbeach.org/Latest-News-Detail/BreweriesnWineries-Galore-4th-Annual-Promenade-Beer-Wine-Festival-to-Descend-onto-DTLB

Following last year’s success, Downtown Long Beach brings back their beer & wine festival this weekend, complete with lots of drinks, local food, and live music. For $40 presale or $50 at the gate, guests will receive unlimited 3oz beer or wine tastings, 10 food tastings, and a souvenir glass. No one under 21 may enter.

The Descendents: Live in Hollywood
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 1
Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood
http://www.thehollywoodpalladium.com/events/descendents/

Legendary punk rock band The Descendents will headline an all-ages show in Hollywood this Saturday night. Tickets start at $67.

Rock Out @ DiPiazzas
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 1
DiPiazzas, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/170179466748386/

Get weird this Saturday night at DiPiazzas in Long Beach. The cover for this all-ages rock show costs $10.

Luicidal: Live in Laguna Niguel
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 1
The Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel
http://www.facebook.com/events/146390829134325/

Check out some great local punk rock bands this Saturday night in Laguna Niguel. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

21st Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest
10:00 am – 6:00 pm,Ā October 2
Mountain Vista Drive, Encinitas
http://encinitasoktoberfest.com/

At this FREE and all-ages event this Sunday, the six-block marketplace on Mountain Vista Drive in Encinitas will feature Bavarian dancers, bands, hundreds of vendors, authentic German food & beverages, a family fun zone, and a ceremonial parade at 12pm.

The Big Draw LA: 7th Annual Make Your Mark in the Park
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 2
Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://thebigdrawla.org/

A free and all-ages drawing event will take place in Downtown LA this Sunday afternoon. They will have live music and drawing tools for anyone who visits.

Roxanne’s Lounge’s 3rd Annual Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 2
Roxanne’s Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.roxanneslounge.com/oktoberfest

Roxanne’s Lounge in Long Beach will celebrate their own Oktoberfest this Sunday. Admission starts at $5 andĀ gets you inĀ to all the usual Oktoberfest activities, games, contests, music, entertainment, and more. Other admission packages range from $10 to $25 and include other goodies such as a glass and beer pours. No one under 21 may attend.

3rd Annual Eastside Food Fest
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, October 2
Mack Sennett Studios, Silverlake
http://eastsidefoodfest.com/

Indulge in eats, sips, and treats from numerous restaurants around the heart of Los Angeles this Sunday evening in Silverlake. General admission costs $65 presale or $75 at the door, and starts at 5pm. VIP admission costs $95 presale or $105 at the door, and starts at 4pm. All attendees receive unlimited samples of everything while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

2015 Taste of Arcadia
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, September 28
Los Angeles County Arboretum, Arcadia
http://arcadiacachamber.org/events/taste-of-arcadia/

The annual Taste of Arcadia returns TONIGHT, so for those planning to go, buy the $65 presale tickets now, or pay $80 at the door. More than 40 food vendors will serve samples, while over 30 other vendors will keep guests occupied between eats.

42nd Los Angeles Korean Festival
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 1
10:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 2-4
Seoul International Park, Koreatown
http://www.lakoreanfestival.org/en/index.php

Immerse yourself in Korean culture at this four-day Korean festival in Koreatown this weekend. Free to attend for all ages, this festival will have food, drinks, treats, music, entertainment, rides, games, arts & crafts, merchandise, vendors, and much more.

Pumpkin Beers Release
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 1
Valiant Brewing, Orange
http://www.valiantbrewing.com/two-pumpkin-beers-one-day/

Valiant Brewing will release two new pumpkin beers this Thursday evening. No admission required – simply show up and enjoy a cold one.

San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 1
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, San Gabriel
http://sangabrielcity.com/dumplingbeerfest

The San Gabriel Valley puts their spin on Oktoberfest with this dumpling & beer fest this Thursday night in San Gabriel. Free to attend for all ages, this festival will feature numerous dumpling vendors, other food vendors, live entertainment, a craft beer garden, and more. A wristband for unlimited beer sampling costs $20 presale or $25 at the gate. All food comes at cost, so bring plenty of cash for that.

42nd La Mesa Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 2-3
La Mesa Village, La Mesa
http://www.lmvma.com/SeasonalEvents/Oktoberfest.aspx

Enjoy a family-fun Oktoberfest celebration this weekend in La Mesa. Free to attend for all ages, this Oktoberfest celebration will have all the usual Oktoberfest festivities such as dance, music, sausages, pretzels, beer, and more. In addition, visitors will find hundreds of vendors, arts & crafts, games, and more activities for all ages.

58th Annual Tustin Tiller Days
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 2
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 3
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 4
Columbus Tustin Park, Tustin
http://www.tustintillerdays.org/

Bring the family out to this all-ages city fair this weekend. Free to attend, this fair has everything that a family can enjoy, from the rides and games for kids, to the entertainment and vendors for adults. Remember to check out all the fair food, drinks, and dessert too, since buying food here supports local organizations and businesses. Guests can find free street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.

First Fridays
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 2
Various locations
Long Beach: http://firstfridayslongbeach.com/
Venice: http://www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com/

This monthly artwalk occurs on the first Friday of every month. Each location offers different activities, but most will contain food & drink specials, art exhibits & displays, street performers, and more. Venice and Long Beach have the two largest gatherings of all First Fridays. Other locations include Westchester, Fullerton, and City of Industry. Most First Fridays locations cost nothing to attend, while the local businesses uphold their standard rules (e.g. bars 21+ only).

2nd Annual Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm, October 2
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 3-4
Newport Beach Civic Center, Newport Beach
http://newportwineandfood.com/

Lots of activity will take place in the culinary world this weekend in Newport Beach. On Friday night, a VIP party will take place with a cocktail reception and a three-course food & wine pairing dinner. On Saturday and Sunday, attendees of the festival gain access to unlimited food tastings, cooking demos, cocktail mixing demos, live music, a silent auction, and more. Admission prices significantly vary based on the mode of attendance, with single-day admission costing $195 and a weekend pass costing $350.

Duane Peters Gunfight @ Karman Bar
8:00 pm – 12:30 am, October 2
Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel
http://www.facebook.com/events/1471391639851968/

Local punk bands will perform at the Karman Bar in Laguna Niguel this Friday night. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

Agent Orange: Live in Southern California
8:30 pm – 1:00 am, October 2, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego http://www.sodabarmusic.com/calendar.php?event_id=2582
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 3, Discovery, Ventura http://nightout.com/events/agent-orange-discovery/

Legendary surf punk band Agent Orange will headline two shows in Southern California this weekend. Each show has a different ticket price and age restriction, so click on a show’s link for more information.

1st Annual Los Angeles Moon Festival Cocktail Feast
9:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 2
Vibiana, Downtown Los Angeles
http://luckyrice.com/event/los-angeles-moon-festival-cocktail-feast/

Sip on cocktails and other libations all night in Downtown Los Angeles. General admission costs $50 and starts at 10pm, while VIP admission costs $88 and starts at 9pm. No one under 21 may attend.

Cadillac Tramps @ Alex’s Bar
9:00 pm – 1:30 am, October 2
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/960169-cadillac-tramps-long-beach/

Enjoy some local music at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach this Friday night. Tickets to this show cost $13 presale or $15 at the door. No one under 21 may enter.

Long Beach Heart Walk
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, October 3
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://www.heartwalkla.org/

Raise money to walk around Long Beach during this charity walk this Saturday morning.

18th Annual Pacific Beachfest
8:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 3
Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach, San Diego
http://pacificbeachfest.org/

Enjoy a full day of outdoor activities at this free and all-ages beach festival in Pacific Beach. Visitors will find sports, tournaments, activities, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, food, drinks, and more.

OrangeCon 2015
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 3
Pavilion at the University Conference Center, Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton
http://www.ipmsoc.org/

The name of this event does not describe it at all. This all-ages exhibit showcases miniature models of airplanes and other types of vehicles, mostly military in theme. Admission to this viewing costs $5.

2015 Dana Point State BBQ Championships
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 3
Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point
http://www.danapointbbqchampionships.com/

Over 100 teams of grill masters will gather from around the country to serve up their finest BBQ and compete for cash, prizes, and titles. Free to attend for all ages, visitors can purchase sample tickets for $2, and use those tickets to exchange for samples from any of the participants. For the adults, catch the craft beer & wine garden, featuring some of the country’s favorite breweries and wineries. Small 4oz beer pours will cost $2 each, while large 12oz beer pours will cost $6, and visitors can walk freely around the festival with drinks in hand. Visitors may park for free at the Salt Creek Beach parking lot located within PCH and Ritz Carlton Dr, despite signs saying that parking requires a fee. Otherwise, park at Dana Hills High School, and take the free shuttle service to the park.

1st Annual Maker Faire San Diego
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 3-4
Balboa Park, San Diego
http://sdmakerfaire.org/

Celebrate local makers, artists, designers, and more at this two-day fair taking place in Balboa Park this weekend in San Diego. Attendees will experience handmade goods such as gadgets, sculptures, art, food, apparel, accessories, merchandise, and more. Admission varies depending on age and date of attendance, starting at $12.50 and going up to $30.

43rd Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 3-4
Live Oak Park South Field, Manhattan Beach
http://www.mbfair.org/

This free fair for all ages makes its annual return this weekend, featuring games, arts & crafts, food, beer & wine gardens, live entertainment, and more. The city will provide free parking and shuttle transportation at the Northrop Grumman Building at 15092 Aviation Blvd near the intersection of Aviation Blvd and Marine Street in Manhattan Beach.

Los Angeles Donut Festival
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, October 3
Mad Ave LA, East Hollywood
http://ladonutfestival.com/

Spend three hours of your Saturday afternoon standing in long lines munching on donut samples at this donut festival in East Hollywood.

Fall 2015 Brewery Art Walk
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 3-4
Brewery Art Association, Los Angeles
http://breweryartwalk.com/

This FREE semiannual art walk features hundreds of residents artists showcasing their finest work. Guests may even purchase art they like from the artists. Free to park and enter for all ages, the facility even includes an in-house restaurant, so bring your friends and family to look at some great art.

2nd Annual Artesia International Street Fair & Diversity Festival
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 3
Pioneer & 183rd, Artesia
http://www.cityofartesia.us/index.aspx?NID=282

At this free and all-ages street fair this Saturday, visitors will find food, music, dance, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, rides, vendors, and more.

2nd Annual Vegan Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 3-4
LA Center Studios, Los Angeles
http://www.veganoktoberfest.com/

If you love Oktoberfest but follow the vegan plan, then you will fit right in at this one-of-a-kind Oktoberfest. All the typical Oktoberfest festivities will keep everyone occupied, while everyone gets full on vegan food and vegan beer. General admission costs $45, starts at 1pm, and includes one stein glass with unlimited beer pours. VIP admission costs $55, starts at 12pm, and also provides access to a VIP area with food samples.

3rd Annual Brewer’s Chili Cookoff
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 3
Select Beer Store, Redondo Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/1681526008746826/

A handful of Southern Californian breweries will collide at Select Beer Store this Saturday for an all-day chili cookoff featuring chili made by the brewers as well as beers from the breweries on tap. Chili tasting starts at 4pm, while the beers will flow all day.

San Diego Japan Fair
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 3
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 4
NTC Liberty Station, San Diego
http://sd-japanfair.com/

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture this weekend at NTC Liberty Statio in San Diego. Visitors will find lots of ramen, sake tastings, live entertainment, arts & crafts, activities, other food & drinks, vendors, and more. Admission costs $5 for one day.

1st Annual Los Angeles Paella & Wine Festival
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, October 3
La Plaza de Culturas y Artes, Los Angeles
http://www.lapaellafest.com/

Enjoy paella and lots of wine and spirits this Saturday near Downtown Los Angeles. General admission costs $65 presale or $75 at the gate, and includes unlimited food and drink samples. VIP admission costs $120, and also includes access to a VIP area with some exclusive food and drinks.

Roxanne’s Lounge’s 2nd Annual Oktoberfest
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 3
Roxanne’s Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/834701753242473/

Roxanne’s Lounge in Long Beach will celebrate their own Oktoberfest this Saturday. $15 admission gets you five beer tasters plus access to all the usual Oktoberfest activities, games, contests, music, entertainment, and more. No one under 21 may attend.

Anaheim Brewery’s Oktoberfest
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 3
Anaheim Brewery, Anaheim
http://www.anaheimbrew.com/

Anaheim Brewery will celebrate Oktoberfest with two Saturdays full of Oktoberfest activities, such as live music, freshly-prepared sausages on-site, German-style beers, and more. No admission required – simply show up, paid for beers as you go, and have fun.

Caturday
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 3
Community, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/623936704375767/

Cat lovers will want to check out this free and all-ages event this Saturday night in Anaheim. Visitors will find various cat-themed artists and arts & crafts here, as well as a resident food truck to serve hungry guests.

Zombie Fashion Show & Creature Art Exhibit
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, October 3
Lot 613, Los Angeles
http://www.zombiefashionshow.com/

Dozens of Hollywood makeup artists will transform models into the undead at this Saturday night fashion & art show. While the models strut their deathly stuff, attendees can check out zombie-themed artwork from dozens artists from all over the country. The $10 admission grants access to all these exhibits, plus all-you-can-eat pancakes courtesy of the Pancakes & Booze Art Show. No one under 21 may enter.

12th Annual Orange County Children’s Book Festival
9:30 am – 4:30 pm, October 4
Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa
http://kidsbookfestival.com/

This FREE all-ages fair caters to families as it presents thousands of children’s book available to read or buy. The fair will also host multiple stages complete with family-friendly entertainment.

The Generators @ Alex’s Bar
2:00 pm – 6:30 pm, October 4
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/956805-generators-long-beach/

Rock out this Sunday afternoon at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach. Tickets to this local rock show cost $5 presale or $7 at the door. No one under 21 may enter.

Dirty Little Secrets Rock Burlesque – First Sundays @ Harvelle’s
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 4
Harvelle’s, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.dirtylittlesecretsburlesque.com/

Get your fill of burlesque every first Sunday of the month at Harvelle’s in Downtown Long Beach. No one under 21 may enter.

41st Annual Gourmet Festival of Fall
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 4
AbilityFirst, Pasadena
http://abilityfirstfestival.org/

Enjoy food, wine, craft beer, live music, a silent auction, and more this Sunday evening in Pasadena. General admission costs $150, while VIP admission costs $300 and includes VIP seating.

Against Me! @ The Observatory
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 29
The Observatory’s Constellation Room, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/Against-Me!

Against Me! will headline a small show tonight at The O in Santa Ana. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $25. Arrive early enough to park at The O’s parking lot for free. Arrive too late, and end up parking in a lot down the street for $10.

Reagan Youth – On Tour
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 30, Billy O’s Restaurant & Saloon, Ventura http://www.facebook.com/events/1467265370210223/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 1, Brick By Brick, Linda Vista, San Diego http://www.ticketfly.com/event/628355-reagan-youth-special-guests-san-diego/
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, October 4, The Observatory’s Constellation Room, Santa Ana http://www.observatoryoc.com/events/reagan-youth
1:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 5, Gringos Cantina, Montebello http://www.facebook.com/events/898877996806828/

Legendary punk band Reagan Youth ends their national tour this week in Southern California, complete with four headlining shows. Ticket prices and age restrictions vary with the show, so click on each link for individual details.

Taste of Laguna & Business Expo 2014
4:30 pm – 9:00 pm, October 1
Festival of the Arts, Laguna Beach
http://www.lagunabeachchamber.org/taste-of-laguna-expo/

Gather in Laguna Beach this Wednesday night for a mixer of food and local businesses. General admission costs $60 and starts at 5:30, while VIP admission costs $80, starts at 4:30, and includes one parking spot.

Stone Brewing: Beer Pairing @ Parker’s Lighthouse
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 1
Parker’s Lighthouse, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/689896047730385/

Enjoy a five-course dinner complete with craft beer pairings courtesy of Stone Brewing this Wednesday night at Parker’s Lighthouse in Long Beach. This dinner costs $65 per person plus gratuity, and nobody under 21 may participate in this dinner.

Dirty Little Secrets Rock Burlesque – First Wednesdays @ The Copper Door
9:30 pm – 11:00 pm, October 1
The Copper Door, Downtown Santa Ana
http://www.facebook.com/events/327889390715823/

Get your fill of burlesque every first Wednesday of the month at The Copper Door in Downtown Santa Ana, for free! Guests can park on the street for free after 8pm. No one under 21 may enter.

Orange County International Auto Show
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 2
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 3
9:00 am – 10:00 pm, Ocotber 4
9:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 5
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim
http://www.motortrendautoshows.com/Orange_County/

For $12 entry, guests can check out the newest and latest cars, trucks, exotics, and more. Seniors and active military personnel can enter for $10. Guests looking for free street parking should locate Casa Vista St, west of the convention center, by Denny’s.

Ska Night in Riverside
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 2
Riverside Municipal Auditorium, Riverside
http://www.facebook.com/events/681757968581824/

Reel Big Fish will headline a ska show in Riverside this Thursday night. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $29.

Sham 69 – Southern California Shows
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 2, Cobalt Cafe, Canoga Park http://www.facebook.com/events/1447456858876497/
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, Octber 3, The Airliner, Los Angeles http://www.facebook.com/events/674194709334289/
6:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 4, Tiki Bar, Costa Mesa http://www.facebook.com/events/343356365839182/

Legendary UK punk band Sham 69 will headline various shows in Southern California this week. Each show had different ticket prices and age minimums, so check each link for more information.

57th Annual Tustin Tiller Days
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 3
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 4
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 5
Columbus Tustin Park, Tustin
http://www.tustintillerdays.org/

Bring the family out to this all-ages city fair this weekend. Free to attend, this fair has everything that a family can enjoy, from the rides and games for kids, to the entertainment and vendors for adults. Remember to check out all the fair food, drinks, and dessert too, since buying food here supports local organizations and businesses. On Sunday afternoon, the park will host a small beer fest with some local breweries. Guests interested in the beer fest can purchase five tasters for $12, or ten tasters for $20. Guests can find free street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.

First Fridays
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 3
Various locations
Long Beach: http://firstfridayslongbeach.com/
Venice: http://www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com/

This monthly artwalk occurs on the first Friday of every month. Each location offers different activities, but most will contain food & drink specials, art exhibits & displays, street performers, and more. Venice and Long Beach have the two largest gatherings of all First Fridays. Other locations include Westchester, Fullerton, and City of Industry. Most First Fridays locations cost nothing to attend, while the local businesses uphold their standard rules (e.g. bars 21+ only).

Dark Nights at LA Live
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 3
LA Live, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.lalive.com/events/la-live/detail/dark-nights-at-la-live-1

Enjoy a night in Downtown LA without the fuss of overpriced parking and overpriced food & drinks. Gain all-night parking for just $5, and enjoy $5 specials from local restaurants and bars.

Taste of North Park Kickoff Movie Night
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 3
North Park Theatre’s Parking Lot, North Park, San Diego
http://www.tastenorthpark.com/movie-night/

Just a week prior to the actual Taste of North Park, the organizers will host a free and all-ages movie screening this Friday night in North Park. In addition to the movie, visitors will find a beer garden, local food booths, a live DJ, a craft cocktail competition, and more.

The Secret Affair – 60’s Night
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 3
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/182637

Occurring on every month’s first Friday, this 60’s night at Alex’s Bar will play all vinyl music of motown, northern soul, boogaloo, 60’s pop, and more. Feel free to dress up too, as the bar staff will hold costume contests and dance contests.

Walnut Tree Festival
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 4
Roadside Rest Park, Whittier
http://whittiercaf.org/

Enjoy family-friendly fun this Saturday at the Walnut Tree Festival in Whittier. Free to attend, participate in a walnut cookie baking contest, or check out all the art, shopping, food trucks, and more.

OrangeCon 2014
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 4
Pavilion at the University Conference Center, Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton
http://www.ipmsoc.org/

The name of this event does not describe it at all. This all-ages exhibit showcases miniature models of airplanes and other types of vehicles, mostly military in theme. Admission to this viewing costs $5.

2nd Annual Discover East Long Beach
9:30 am – 4:30 pm, October 4
Farmers & Merchants Bank, Anaheim & Obispo, Long Beach
http://www.easba.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=628&Itemid=119

At this scavenger hunt of sorts, participants will scour East Long Beach for certain businesses that hold prizes and/or raffle tickets to win bigger prizes. Participation for this scavenger hunt costs $15.

2014 Dana Point State BBQ Championships
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 4
Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point
http://www.danapointbbqchampionships.com/

Over 100 teams of grill masters will gather from around the country to serve up their finest BBQ and compete for cash, prizes, and titles. Free to attend for all ages, visitors can purchase sample tickets for $2, and use those tickets to exchange for samples from any of the participants. For the adults, catch the craft beer & wine garden, featuring some of the country’s favorite breweries and wineries. Small 4oz beer pours will cost $2 each, while large 12oz beer pours will cost $6, and visitors can walk freely around the festival with drinks in hand. Visitors may park for free at the Salt Creek Beach parking lot located within PCH and Ritz Carlton Dr, despite signs saying that parking requires a fee. Otherwise, park at Dana Hills High School, and take the free shuttle service to the park.

42nd Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 4-5
Live Oak Park South Field, Manhattan Beach
http://www.mbfair.org/

This free fair for all ages makes its annual return this weekend, featuring games, arts & crafts, food, beer & wine gardens, live entertainment, and more. The city will provide free parking and shuttle transportation at the Northrop Grumman Building at 15092 Aviation Blvd near the intersection of Aviation Blvd and Marine Street in Manhattan Beach.

23rd Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 4-5
Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://filamarts.org/

This all-ages Filipino festival will have food, drinks, arts & crafts, music, dance, merchandise, and more. New this year, visitors can now enter for FREE. Do take into consideration the commute and parking for the new location in Downtown LA.

1st Annual Artesia International Street Fair & Diversity Festival
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, October 4
Pioneer & 183rd, Artesia
http://www.cityofartesia.us/index.aspx?NID=282

At this free and all-ages street fair this Saturday, visitors will find food, music, dance, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, rides, vendors, and more.

Hangar 24 Brewery’s Falling Leaf Launch & Gourdgeous Release
11:00 am – 12:00 am, October 4
Hangar 24 Brewery, Redlands
http://hangar24brewery.com/events-admin/?p=3285

This Saturday, Hangar 24 will release two beers on the same day. As they do every year, their pumpkin porter Gourdgeous comes out starting this Saturday. In addition, check out the latest addition to the roster, Falling Leaf, their Gourdgeous aged in bourbon barrels. Visitors to the tasting room can sip on Falling Leaf from draft, as well as take bottles home for $20 each. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live music, as well as food from the local mobile eatery.

1st Annual Vegan Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, October 4
Beach Park 1, Santa Monica
http://www.veganoktoberfest.com/

A first time exists for everything, right? If you love Oktoberfest but follow the vegan plan, then you will fit right in at this one-of-a-kind Oktoberfest. All the typical Oktoberfest festivities will keep everyone occupied, while everyone gets full on vegan food and vegan beer. General admission costs $45, starts at 1pm, and includes one stein glass with unlimited beer pours. VIP admission costs $65, starts at 12pm, and also provides access to a VIP area with food samples.

16th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 4
Colorado Blvd & Eagle Rock Blvd, Eagle Rock
http://eaglerockmusicfestival.org/

Take over the streets of Eagle Rock with this FREE and all-ages music festival this Saturday evening. With six stages all providing different genres of music, surely something exists for everyone here. In addition to all the music, check out the food trucks, local food, arts & crafts, vendors, and more.

2nd Annual San Diego Night Market
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 4
Engineer Rd, Kearny Mesa, San Diego
http://www.sdnightmarket.com/

Following the massive success of last year’s event, the San Diego Night Market returns to a new location in Kearny Mesa this Saturday evening. Deriving from Asian cultures, this night market brings a taste of Asian nightlife to the streets of San Diego with Asian food, culture, live entertainment, arts & crafts, vendors, and more. Admission only costs $2 for adults, while children can enter for free! Please refer to the website for details regarding free parking and shuttles.

CicLAvia
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 5
Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.ciclavia.org/

The streets of Downtown Los Angeles close to bikers this Sunday afternoon. Cars may not enter the designated areas during this time – only bikers and pedestrians may roam the streets.

TheĀ 2014 Cerritos Taste of the Region & Business Expo returned to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts last Thursday night. Open to all ages, this food fest, colloquially known as the Taste of Cerritos, allows all attendees to sample food, drinks, and dessert from various restaurants from the Cerritos region. Participating restaurants and caterers, which contained more corporate businesses than local businesses, hailed from neighboring cities such as Artesia, Norwalk, and Whittier. At first, this sounds less likely of a taste of the region if attendees mostly sample food from restaurants found nationwide. However, this event focuses on all businesses in the area, corporate or not.

Times change, and sometimes times change for the worse. Last year, the tasting event cost only $5 to enter, and boasted an equal share of food vendors and business vendors. This year, the organizers doubled the price to enter the event, claiming to have double the features. Sure the Taste of the Region allows attendees to eat & drink all they want until the participating businesses run out of food or drinks, but now that admission has gone up to $10, I expect to find twice as much food as last year. Sadly, the amount of food remained the same as last year, but the amount of non-food vendors increased. It appears that with each year, they shift more towards the business expo while shifting away from the restaurants, and I even stated last year that the ratio of non-food vendors to food vendors would increase. Sooner or later, they may scrap the tasting altogether, god forbid, and focus solely on the business expo!

TheĀ 2013 Cerritos Taste of the Region & Business Expo returned to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts this past Tuesday night. Open to all ages, this food fest, colloquially known as the Taste of Cerritos, allows all attendees to sample food, drinks, and dessert from various restaurants from the Cerritos region. Participating restaurants and caterers, which contained more corporate businesses than local businesses, hailed from neighboring cities such as Artesia, Norwalk, and Whittier. At first, this sounds less likely of a taste of the region if attendees mostly sample food from restaurants found nationwide. However, the low admission cost makes this tasting event truly stand out. Unlike many other tasting events that either cost over $40 or cost low but limit how much food attendees may receive, the Taste of the Region costs a mere $5 to enter, then allows attendees to eat & drink all they want until the participating businesses run out of food or drinks. Early arrivals can consider this “$5 All You Can Eat” considering the businesses bring their best food at the beginning, then start to run out after an hour or two. By about two hours into the tasting, over half of the booths had run out of food, so this becomes an early bird case. Also, starting at 4:30pm on a Tuesday makes for a strange time to host such an event.

For the price to enter this annual tasting event & expo, you cannot go wrong unless you arrive late. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements from Cerritos every year around September, as they will run this again next year. It appears that with each year, they shift more towards the business expo while shifting away from the restaurants. Make sure you attend the Taste of the Region next year, as they may scrap the tasting altogether, god forbid, and focus solely on the business expo!