5 Burgers in the Los Angeles Area You Must Try This Fall

When the seasons change, many more things change than just the weather. Looking at the weather alone, Southern California currently experiences a massive heat wave that may make you believe that the seasons had not turned yet. The pharmaceutical industry has come under heavy scrutiny. Scientists have discovered flowing water on Mars. A drought threatens the inhabitation of California. As a society, we cannot accurately predict what radical event will change the world next, but we can brace ourselves for anything, as we always have in the past as an enduring society. We can also fall back on what we typically associate with this time of the year. Fall, as we know it, indicates pumpkins, red wine, NFL, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the fall harvest, especially the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, giving us a reason to gorge on Mooncakes. Looking at all these opportunities to feast on favorable foods, we should not overlook outdoor grilling, nor the foods prepared that way. Though the winds will chill the air more so than in the summer, many folks will still utilize the grill up through Thanksgiving. In homage of the veritable fall feast, take a look at these five burgers in the Greater Los Angeles Area that I highly recommend seeking out this season.

5. The Federal‘s Smokehouse Burger

When it comes to barbecue, nothing can beat the meats. Southern barbecue boasts all types of meats, from the smoked chicken to the pulled pork to the spicy sausages to the various beef types and much more. Barbecue restaurants typically limit you to a two-meat or three-meat platter. However, The Federal would like to break that barrier by delivering four different types of meat to your face. As a gastropub, The Federal focuses on quality and taste above all else. Between the craft food, craft beer, and craft cocktails, The Federal carefully creates everything from scratch, such as their Smokehouse Burger. A grilled Angus beef patty gets topped with smoked turkey, pepper bacon, BBQ pulled pork, and smoked cheddar all on a milk bun. For $16, you can experience this mountain of meat that can hardly fit in your mouth.

4. Burger Boss‘ Double Grassfed Beef Burger

As a basic human truth, humans want to have control. When one has control, they feel more comfortable. You may ask,”Control over what?” This can apply to just about anything: control over life, control over work, control over a business, control over simple choices, and more. This paves the way for customization, as it gives customers complete control over what they can order. We have plenty of build-it type restaurants, especially when it comes to sandwiches or pizza. We have not seen many customizable burger places up until now, where we have Burger Boss. Burger Boss may feel like a corporate business what with their multiple locations. However, they only have locations in Orange County and Riverside for now, so you can enjoy this local flavor with their Grassfed Beef Burger. At $8.99 for a double, you get to choose the bun, cheese, sauce, and regular toppings. Go premium for $1.19 per topping by adding things like turkey bacon or avocado.

3. Mighty Kitchen‘s Sliders

Would you consider sliders as burgers? Sliders tend to have a greater bun-to-meat ratio than burgers, which explains why I tend to avoid sliders, not to mention that sliders cost as much or more than fast-food burgers. Few places get sliders right, but luckily I discovered that Mighty Kitchen in Los Alamitos actually does a decent job at delivering fun and tasty sliders. You cannot order sliders a la carte at Might Kitchen – you have to order two or three, and they come with fries. I go with three sliders for $15.50 for the better value, and Mighty Kitchen carries many varieties of sliders, such as (pictured from left to right):

• HHG (Hella Hot Guac): Chorizo patty, pico de gallo, pepper jack cheese, cholula, spicy mayo, housemade jalapeño pepper jelly, guacamole
• Western Slider: Cheddar cheeseburger, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried onion ring, pickle, BBQ sauce, special sauce
• PBM Bacon Cheeseburger: Maple peanut butter, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, onion, special sauce

2. Humble Potato‘s Karê-bága

Many foods have a region that they typically derive from. For example, schnitzel derives from German cuisine, gyros derive from Greek cuisine, and sushi derives from Japanese cuisine. Some foods have regional differences, such as curry. You can have British curry, Indian curry, Thai curry, Japanese curry, and more, and each type tastes different than others. Speaking of curry, sure you can find curry bowls at just about any Japanese restaurant, but what if you want to enjoy curry as something else? Enter Humble Potato, a humble eatery bringing cuisine from the land of the rising sun to the wild west. Despite the name of the business, Humble Potato carries more than just potatoes – they sling out awesome Japanese-inspired burgers as well, such as the Karê-bága (curry burger, get it?). At $12, this messy burger contains an Angus beef patty, slow-cooked Japanese curry, tomato, yuzu-jalapeño slaw, and a fried egg. For the true burger experience, dig both your hands in and smother your face with this burger.

1. Abricott‘s Abricott Burger w/ Korean Pork Belly

Traditional hamburgers contain a ground beef patty accompanied by an assortment of toppings, usually vegetables as a means of including something somewhat healthy in the burger. The changing times have led to many others ingredients getting thrown into burgers, including other meats, something that Abricott does very well. Locals recognize the small yet humble Abricott in Pasadena for the fusion menu that combines French, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisines. With so many options on the menu, one may overlook the simply titled Abricott Burger. At first, this burger sounds simple with seasoned ground beef, tomato, onions, lettuce, and mayonnaise on a brioche bun, all for just $11.95. However, Abricott turns things up a notch by allowing you to add Korean Pork Belly to the burger for just $1. Suddenly you have a phenomenal taste of the east in your hands. Surprisingly, each mouthful allows you to savor both the beef patty and the pork belly. Abricott does food well, and you ought to taste how well they do food by seeking out this burger the next time you find yourself in or near Pasadena.

Upcoming Events: November 7-13, 2016

8th Annual San Diego Beer Week
November 4-13
San Diego County
http://sdbw.org/

This 10-day festival celebrates the prominence of craft beer in San Diego County. During these ten days, restaurants, bars, breweries, and other businesses will host special events and hold special deals all pertaining to craft beer. Check the website for a list of all events and businesses participating in San Diego Beer Week.

Rivertucky 2016 Release
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 8
Inland Empire Brewing Company, Riverside
http://www.iebrew.com/

This Tuesday, Inland Empire Brewing will release their coveted barrel-aged ale. Stop on by and enjoy it at the tasting room, or buy bottles to-go.

37th Annual Ocean Beach Restaurant Walk
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 8
Main Street, Ocean Beach, San Diego
http://oceanbeachsandiego.com/resources/local-news/annual-ob-restaurant-walk-2016

Stroll through historic Ocean Beach and sample food from the local restaurants this Wednesday evening. $25 allows you to sample all the food you can eat from participating businesses while supplies last.

Punk Rock Tuesdays
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, November 8
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/109392969535936/

Enjoy a FREE local punk rock show this Tuesday night in Long Beach. No one under 21 may enter.

Avengers Superheroes Half Marathon Weekend
10:00 am – 12:00 am, November 10
5:30 am – 8:00 pm, November 11
5:30 am – 4:00 pm, November 12
5:30 am – 11:30 am, November 13
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
http://www.rundisney.com/avengers-half-marathon/

The Avengers Superheroes Half Marathon returns this weekend with a plethora of things to see and do. Participate in any of the races, check out the health & fitness expo, and stick around for after-parties throughout the weekend. The website has an extensive list of everything going on this weekend, so consult with the website for more details.

Orange County Whisky Fest
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, November 10
Crevier Classic Cars, Costa Mesa
http://www.orangecoast.com/event/orange-coast-whiskey-fest/

Sip on fancy cocktails this Thursday night in Costa Mesa. General admission costs $75 and starts at 7pm, while VIP admission costs $100 and starts at 6pm. All attendees receive unlimited food and drinks for the duration of the event while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 10
Downtown Los Angeles
http://downtownartwalk.org/

This free monthly event takes place over many blocks in Downtown Los Angeles. Many galleries will open late, and some parking lots will contain more art, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and more. Unless you know business owners, free parking barely exists in Downtown LA, although some meters only operate until 8pm. First-time visitors should attend with someone who has gone here prior.

Pacific Media Expo 2016
12:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 11
9:00 am – 1:00 am, November 12
9:00 am – 7:00 pm, November 13
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.pacificmediaexpo.org/

Immerse yourself in Eastern culture at this expo for all things Asian this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center. At this all-ages expo, attendees will encounter art, music, dance, entertainment, cosplay, fashion, anime, manga, comics, video games, merchandise, accessories, food, drinks, treats, and much more. Adult admission costs $40 for Saturday, $30 for Friday or Sunday, or $65 for the entire weekend. Children 6-12 enter for $30, while children 5 & under enter for free with paid adult admission.

Day ONE: “HA! HA!” Nelson IPA
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, November 11
El Segundo Brewing, El Segundo
http://elsegundobrewing.com/

El Segundo Brewing will release a fresh IPA this Friday. Stop on by their tasting room and enjoy it there, or buy some bottles to-go.

Bang Boom Bash
6:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 11
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 12
Seaport Marina Hotel, Long Beach
http://bangboombash.com/

Music, burlesque, and booze all collide in one event this weekend in Long Beach. Admission ranges from $15 to $50 – check the website for prices and what each price gets you. No one under 21 may attend.

Barb Wire Dolls: Live in Laguna Niguel
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 11
The Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel
http://www.facebook.com/events/218103108605545/

Enjoy a local rock show this Friday night in Laguna Niguel. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

Into the Wild Limestone Eco Challenge 12k/20k
7:00 am – 11:00 am, November 12
Limestone Canyon Regional Park, Silverado
http://www.intothewildoctrailrun.com/

Seeking a challenging run through the wilderness? Check out Into The Wild, a 12k/20k course running through trails of rocks, dirt, and more uneven ground. Registration for the 12k costs $60 presale or $65 on the day of the run. Registration for the 20k costs $75 presale or $80 on the day of the run.

Beach Streets: Midtown
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, March 19
Broadway, Long Beach
http://beachstreets.com/

Long Beach has its own version of a ciclovia where the city officials closes a portion of the city to vehicular traffic to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to freely roam the streets. This Saturday, that will occur down Anaheim Street from Pacific Coast Highway through MacArthur Park. Plan your commute accordingly.

Repticon Los Angeles
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 13
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://repticon.com/california/los-angeles-costa-mesa/

Check out two days of reptiles, amphibians, exotic pets, pet products, seminars, and more this weekend at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. General admission starts at 10am and costs $15 for both days, $10 for one day, or $5 for children. Online-only VIP admission costs $12 for adults or $5 for children, allows admission to both days, and allows entry at 9am on Saturday.

2016 Indio California BBQ State Championship & Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12
The Lights at Indio Golf Course, Indio
http://www.discoverindio.com/Indio-BBQ-Championship-Festival

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 barbecue samples from any of the participants, as well as food and drinks from other vendors.

Fall 2016 Jackalope Art & Craft Fair – Pasadena
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12-13
Central Park, Pasadena
http://www.jackalopeartfair.com/pasadena

Free to attend for all ages, this two-day arts & crafts fair will feature local artisans, curators, food trucks, live music, and more.

Barrel-Aged Speedway Stout Release Party
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, November 12
AleSmith Brewing, San Diego
http://alesmith.com/

Come taste one of San Diego’s most coveted brews this Saturday at the AleSmith tasting room in San Diego. They will also have a handful of other variations of this brew on tap for you to try.

9th Stone Homebrew Competition & AHA Rally
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, November 12
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.stonebrewing.com/events/aha-rally

Admission to this homebrewing event costs $38, and includes a one-year membership to the American Homebrewers Association, unlimited tastings of this year’s homebrew entries, a souvenir glass, and raffle drawings.

2nd Annual San Diego Sausage & Beer Festival
11:30 am – 4:30 pm, November 12
NTC Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.facebook.com/sdsausagefest

Sample sausages and beers this Saturday afternoon in San Diego. Tickets cost $65 presale or $85 at the door, and grants you access to unlimited sausage and beer samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Salute Beer Festival
11:30 am – 4:30 pm, November 12
Phoenix Club, Anaheim
http://salutebeerfest.com/

In honor of Veteran’s Day, drink lots of beer in Anaheim this Saturday afternoon. This beer festival allows you to sample unlimited beers while supplies last, as well as check out a handful of military-themed vendors, selling apparel, accessories, and more. General admission costs $55 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $75 and starts at 11:30am. Bring cash for food, and dress for warm weather. No one under 21 may attend.

Los Angeles Beer Fest (Fall Edition)
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, November 12
LA Center Studios, Los Angeles
http://www.drinkeatplay.com/labeerfest/

Everyone’s favorite drunk fest returns to Los Angeles this Saturday. This festival allows attendees to drink unlimited beers while enjoying live music from local bands. Food trucks will sell their delicious foods to hungry guests. General admission costs $40 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $50 and starts at 12pm. All admission comes with unlimited beer pours, but does not include parking. No one under 21 may attend.

Driftwood Festival
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 12
Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
http://www.driftwoodfest.com/

The organizers behind Orange County Brew Ha Ha bring to you this new festival unlike anything ever before. This festival combines craft beer, wine, food, the beach, and country music all in one location. With over a hundred different beers and wines to sip on, you will not run out of different things to try here. Admission ranges from $49 to $249 – see the website for a breakdown of the prices and what they get you. All guests receive unlimited beer and wine tasters while supplies last. Food comes at cost, so guests should bring extra cash for food here. No one under 21 may attend.

Wiens Brewing 4th Anniversary
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 12
Wiens Brewing, Temecula
http://wiensbrewing.com/

Temecula’s Wiens Brewing turns four years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have special beers at their tasting room this Saturday.

Totally 80’s: Packinghouse Brewing’s 6th Anniversary
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 12
Packinghouse Brewing, Riverside
http://www.pbbeer.com/

Packinghouse Brewing turns six years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have a free celebration at their tasting room in Riverside this Saturday. Throughout the day, Packinghouse will have live music, special beer releases, and mobile food vendors.

Orange County’s 3rd Annual Beard & Moustache Competition
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 12
The Rinks, Irvine
http://www.dubswashere.com/

Movember participants, listen up! Show off your wicked facial hair at this competition for all things hairy this Friday night in Huntington Beach, featuring a handful of categories to enter into to win cash prizes. In addition to the fabulous styles, visitors will find food, a full bar, live music, vendors, and more. Registration costs $15, while spectators may enter for $5.

Foam Glow 5k – San Diego
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, November 12
Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Chula Vista
http://www.foamglow.com/san-diego-ca/

Tired of the same 5k run everywhere? If you have had your fill of bubble runs and glow runs, try your hand at the Foam Glow. Participants wear all white and run through colored foam in this nighttime 5k race complete with flashing neon lights and loud dance music. Registration costs $50, and all levels of runners may participate. Space will fill up fast, so register early, and try to carpool to this event.

Art Crawl Experience
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 12
Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim
http://www.downtownanaheim.com/artcrawlexperience

Downtown Anahiem will see a variety of activities and exhibits this Saturday night. Visitors can expect to find tons of art exhibits, live music, food, food trucks, drinks, yoga, dance, and more. Visitors may park for free in the parking structure located at S Clementine Street and W Oak Street.

Presidential Ska-lection
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 12
Out Of The Park Pizza, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/1176704762405267/

A free and all-ages local ska show will take place in Anaheim Hills this Saturday night.

Gonzo’s Bday Bash
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, November 12
Characters Sports Bar, Pomona
http://gonzopresents.com/event/259279

The owner of Pomona’s Characters Sports Bar will celebrate his birthday this week with some local punk rock Saturday night. The cover for this show costs $13. No one under 21 may enter. Guests can find plenty of free street parking in the area and can avoid paying to park in the adjacent lot.

1st Annual California Vegetarian Food Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 13
Raleigh Studios, Hollywood
http://www.cavegfoodfest.com/

A vegan vegetarian festival comes to Hollywood this Sunday afternoon, complete with food, seminars, a kids area, live music, fitness activities, and more. General admission costs $30 and grants generic access to the event space. VIP admission costs $50 and provides a goodie bag, a drink ticket, and access to VIP areas. Children under 10 enter for free with a paid adult admission.

17th Annual Japanese Food Festival
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 13
Hilton, Universal City
http://japanesefoodcultureusa.org/festival/festival.html

$55 presale or $70 at the door nets you all-you-can-eat admission to this 5-hour Japanese food fest and a goodie bag. Guests will chow down on sushi, ramen, soba noodles, beef bowls, and more, while adults can sip sake, beer, shochu, wine, and more (alcohol not included with admission). During this time, a number of chefs will showcase cooking demos. The parking lot across the street normally costs $5 to park, but sometimes this price changes, so have cash ready.

Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 13
Marine Stadium, Long Beach
http://dearhandmadelife.com/patchwork-show/

This semi-annual arts & crafts fair consists of a series of Sunday fests at different locations: Long Beach, Oakland, and Santa Ana. As with any typical arts & crafts fair, Patchwork will feature many traditional forms of art and merchandise, but also mixes in alternative art – thinking outside the box, or Rebel Art. Featuring clothing, accessories, home goods, jewelry, pet items, and more, this FREE fest caters to a wide & diverse crowd. Food trucks will serve guests during the fest. Always remember to carry cash, since most vendors only accept cash. The surrounding neighborhood contains plenty of free street parking.

I Love Poke Festival
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, November 13
Hotel Irvine, Irvine
http://onoyum.com/event/love-poke-orange-county/

Sample the best in island cuisine at this tasting event this Sunday afternoon in Irvine. Over 20 different chefs/restaurants will attend to serve food samples to attendees, while local chefs will compete in a poke competition, allowing attendees to sample their food too. Tickets to this all-ages tasting event cost $75, which includes unlimited food samples while supplies last. All attendees must take care of their own parking and transportation.

4th Annual Sip’n’Shuck
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, November 13
The Deck on Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
http://www.sipnshuck.com/

Enjoy fresh oysters, live entertainment, champagnes, wines, spirits, and more this Sunday afternoon in Laguna Beach. Admission costs $95 presale or $120 at the door, and provides unlimited food and drinks while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Wild Goose Tavern’s 4th Anniversary Party
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 13
Wild Goose Tavern, Costa Mesa
http://www.goosebar.com/

Wild Goose Tavern turns four years old this weekend, and to celebrate, they will have a party at their place in Costa Mesa this Sunday. During the first hour, guests will receive complimentary appetizers. Throughout the night, they will have a silent auction, raffles, merchandise for sale, and more. A portion of food sales will go towards a charity too. This event has no cover charge – simply show up and have a good time.

Santa Monica 9th Annual Wine & Food Festival
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, November 13
Museum of Flying, Santa Monica
http://www.rotaryclubofsantamonica.org/

Enjoy food and wine this Sunday evening in Santa Monica. Admission costs $125 presale or $150 at the door, and provides unlimited samples while supplies last. The venue contains plenty of free parking. No one under 21 may attend.

Choking Victim: Live in Santa Ana
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 13
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/chokingvictim

Legendary punk rock band Choking Victim will reunite for a rare show this Sunday night in Anaheim. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $20. Arrive early to park at the venue’s parking lot for free. Arrive too late, and end up parking in a lot down the street for $10 per vehicle.

Upcoming Events: May 30 – June 5, 2016

Gamex 2016
12:00 pm, May 27 – 6:00 pm, May 30
Hilton LAX, Los Angeles
http://www.strategicon.net/

This weekend-long expo will feature all sorts of board games, card games, miniatures, role-playing, collectibles, computer games and more. Registration varies, ranging from $5 all the way up to $500, so see the website for a breakdown of the prices to attend. Bring extra cash for parking at the venue.

58th Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 27
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, May 28-29
10:00 am – 9:00 pm, May 30
Village Green, Garden Grove
http://strawberryfestival.org/

This free annual all-ages city fair features rides, games, vendors, food, contests, live entertainment, a parade, and more. Despite its name, the festival does not liberally give out strawberries or sell it – it just uses strawberries as its theme. Guests may go on rides with all-day wristbands, which cost $30 each, or just $25 on Friday. Prepare to park far away and have to walk over to the fair.

Muscle Beach Memorial Day Weekend Spectacular
May 28-30
Muscle Beach, Venice Beach
http://www.musclebeachvenice.com/

Various strength and strongman events will take place in Venice Beach this weekend. Visitors of all ages may spectate the events for free. Visitors should look for parking in the neighborhoods around Abbot Kinney, then walk over to the beach.

Fiesta Hermosa
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 28-30
Downtown Hermosa Beach
http://fiestahermosa.net/

Fiesta Hermosa returns to the streets of Downtown Hermosa Beach this weekend. Free to park and attend, this street fair will have food, drinks, music, arts & crafts, games, rides, vendors, and more. You cannot park AT the event – for those driving, you must park at the Northrop Grumman Building at Marine & Aviation in Redondo Beach, and a free shuttle will carry you to and from the fest and parking lot.

Geeky Craft Faire
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 28-30
Whimsic Alley, Burbank
http://www.whimsicalley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1564479810518077/

Check out this FREE and all-ages arts & crafts fair this weekend in Burbank featuring geek culture. Most vendors should accept credit card payments, but bring cash anyways just in case.

Santa Anita Carnival
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 28-30
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.santaanita.com/events/santa-anita-carnival/

Santa Anita Park opens their gates to the public for this FREE weekend-long festival for people of all ages. Visitors will find food, drinks, treats, rides, games, and more. Bring cash, as most of the vendors may not accept card.

18th Annual City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Run
5:30 am – 11:30 am, May 30
Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills
http://www.lagunahillshalfmarathon.com/

Celebrate this Memorial Day with a run down in sunny Orange County. Register for any of various distances, and head to the starting line by 7am for the race start. Registration fees vary based on the distance, with the half marathon costing $75.

Refused – Live in Southern California
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 30
Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach
http://bellyup.com/refused
http://www.officialrefused.com/

One of the most influential bands in the history of punk rock embarks on a cross-country tour starting this week in Southern California. Tickets to these shows may have sold out, but you may still find them on after-market sites.

D.O.A. – Live in Southern California
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 31
Gaslamp, Long Beach
http://www.suddendeath.com/

Legendary hardcore punk band D.O.A. currently tours across the nation, and that tours swings through Southern California this week. Tickets to this show cost $18 presale or $20 at the door. Guests arriving before 5:30pm can park for free; afterwards, it costs $10 to park. No one under 18 may enter.

At The Drive-In @ The Hollywood Palladium
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, June 1-2
Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood
http://www.thehollywoodpalladium.com/events/at-the-drive-in/
http://www.atthedriveinmusic.com/

Legendary post-hardcore band At The Drive-In will headline two shows in Hollywood this week. Tickets to these all-ages shows start at $36. Parking nearby may cost around $10 cash.

Huntington Beach Expo
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, June 2
City Hall, Huntington Beach
http://business.hbchamber.com/events/details/huntington-beach-expo-6-2-2016-9466

Check out this free and all-ages event this Thursday featuring health screenings, a job fair, gourmet food trucks, recycling information, vendors, police & fire safety education, and more.

Pizza Port Takeover @ Select Beer Store
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 2
Select Beer Store, Redondo Beach
http://www.selectbeerstore.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1625112761147074/

Redondo Beach’s Select Beer Store will receive a lot of beer from Pizza Port this Thursday evening. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or more.

Bad Religion: Live in Ventura
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, June 2
Majestic Ventura Theater, Ventura
http://www.badreligion.com/

Legendary punk rock band Bad Religion will headline a show in Ventura this Thursday night. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $30 presale or $32 at the door.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon – San Diego
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, June 3
7:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 4
6:00 am – 2:30 pm, June 5
San Diego Convention Center/Balboa Park/Petco Park, San Diego
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-diego/

A full weekend of running festivities will take place in San Diego this week. On Friday and Saturday, a health & fitness expo will take place at the San Diego Convention Center. On Saturday morning, a 5K run will take place near Balboa Park. Finally, on Sunday morning, the main marathon and half marathon will take place. Participation in each event varies depending on the event and age of participant, so check the website for pricing information.

5th Craft Beer + Bites @ SILO
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, June 3
SILO in Makers Quarter, San Diego
http://www.makersquarter.com/happenings/craft-beer-bites

This mini beer fest takes place close to Downtown San Diego this Friday evening. For $35 presale or $40 at the door, attendees get treated to ten pairings of tapas and craft beer. In addition, attendees will find outdoor games (bocce ball, beanbag toss, glorified Jenga, and more) and local designers/makers. Attendees may even bring their pets as well! No one under 21 may attend.

11th Annual Lummis Day Festival
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, June 3
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 4
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, June 5
Heritage Square Museum, Northeast Los Angeles
http://www.lummisday.org/

Catch music, dance, poetry, art, and more at this free multicultural festival this weekend in Northeast LA. Guests may park for free at the venue.

2016 San Diego County Fair: Opening Day
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, June 3
Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar
http://www.sdfair.com/

The 2016 San Diego County Fair kicks off this Friday and will run until July 4th. General adult admission costs $16, while admission for seniors and children costs $9. Many promotions and coupons for admission exist – see the website for details.

Brea SummerFest 2016
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, June 3
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, June 4
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 5
St. Angela Merici School, Brea
http://www.summerfestbrea.org/

Brea brings all of the elements of a state fair into one weekend with their annual SummerFest. Find food, rides, live entertainment, games, vendors, and more at this weekend-long fair for the entire family. Guests may enter and park for free – please adhere all signs for parking and entering the fest.

First Fridays
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 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).

69th Annual Fish Fry & Carnival + 1st Annual Costa Mesa Car Show
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 3
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, June 4-5
Fairview Park, Costa Mesa
http://www.cmnhlions.com/fish-fry/

A free and all-ages local carnival & fair comes to Costa Mesa this weekend, complete with $10 fish dinners, a car show on Friday, games, rides, vendors, music, entertainment, and more. Print the image below to receive a dollar off a fish dinner.

Horse Town Brew n’ Que Festival
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm, June 3
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, June 4
10:00 am – 2:00 pm, June 5
George Ingall’s Equestrian Event Center, Norco
http://www.brewnquefestival.com/

A weekend of barbecue and brews comes to Norco. On Friday, catch an opening night reception with sips and bites that costs $50 to attend. On Saturday, enjoy an all-day barbecue festival complete with food, beer, live music, and more – general admission costs $10, while admission with a beer wristband costs $30 and includes unlimited beer samples while supplies last. On Sunday, a special invite-only barbecue judging class will take place. Bring plenty of cash for food and parking, and dress for warm weather.

Thrice: Live in Southern California
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, June 3, Shrine Expo Hall, Los Angeles http://www.shrineauditorium.com/events/detail/301537
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, June 4, House of Blues, San Diego http://www.houseofblues.com/sandiego/events/eventdetail/?viewNav=/event-detail&eventId=0A00502D99571074
http://thrice.net/

Legendary post-hardcore band Thrice will headline these two shows in Southern California this week. Both shows have sold out long ago, but you may still find after-market tickets available from third-party vendors.

The Amazing Chase: Long Beach
9:00 am – 2:00 pm, June 4
East Village Arts District, Long Beach
http://eastvillagelongbeach.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/234563360214714/

Participate in a scavenger hunt throughout Downtown Long Beach this Saturday. Registration costs $99 per person for teams of up to four people. Participants can find free parking in the neighborhoods east of Alamitos Avenue. Participants should dress for mobility through the city, and apply sunscreen as this will take place entirely outdoors.

17th Annual Yorba Linda Summer Festival & Car Show
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, June 4
Senior Living Center, Yorba Linda
http://oescal.org/
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/17th-annual-summer-festival-and-car-show-free-family-event-tickets-23851047124

A free and all-ages fair and car show comes to Yorba Linda this Saturday. The children will enjoy rides, games, arts & crafts, shows, a bounce house, and more. The adults can enjoy the car show, vendors, and other goodies. Bring cash for food and the vendors.

16th Annual Uptown Whittier Car Show
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 4
Greenleaf Avenue, Uptown Whittier
http://whittieruptown.org/carshow/

See hundreds of classic cars all for FREE at this all-ages car show on the streets of Uptown Whittier this Saturday. All of the businesses in Uptown Whittier will remain open under regular business hours. Interested visitors should park in the neighborhoods north of Hadley Street.

22nd Annual Studio Arts Festival
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 4
Irvine City Hall, Irvine
http://www.irvinefinearts.org/

Dozens of Southern Californian artists will display their work for the public to view at this FREE and all-ages event this Saturday in Irvine. In addition to all the art, the event will feature live music, food, arts & crafts, vendors, live art, and more.

13th Annual Pacific Islander Festival
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 4-5
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/pacific_islander_festival/

Explore the cultures of the Pacific Islands all weekend at the Aquarium of the Pacific. For just the price of the aquarium’s general admission, guests of all ages will experience music, dancing, arts & crafts, ethnic cuisines, educational programming, storytelling, artisans, and more. Parking at the adjacent parking structure ranges from $5 to $10. The local Passport bus operates for free, so guests may ride public transportation to save money.

2nd Annual Los Angeles Bread Festival
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, June 4-5
Grand Central Market, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.grandcentralmarket.com/events/674/2nd-annual-los-angeles-bread-festival-at-grand-central-market

They really will make a festival for just about anything. This weekend, check out a free all-ages festival dedicated to everything about bread. Tastes different types of bread, learn how to make bread, and even take some specialty breads home. I suggest parking in the Arts District and walking over, since the Arts District has free street parking in select areas.

International Tiki Market Place
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, June 4
Don The Beachcomber, Sunset Beach
http://www.donthebeachcomber.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/241054102918333/

For $10 admission gain access to a plethora of tiki-themed vendors in Sunset Beach this Saturday afternoon. Admission comes with a $10 voucher for food & drink, so technically you get in for free!

2016 Scuba Show
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 4-5
Long Beach Convention Center, Downtown Long Beach
http://scubashow.com/

Come to this diving expo and check out hundreds of diving companies and resorts from around the world. Dozens of seminars will highlight equipment, destinations, training, photography, ecology, and more. Attendees will also find a seafood cooking demo, plus other goodies, such as door prizes. Admission varies based on the mode of attendance, with general admission starting at $12. Children under 13 get in free with a paid adult admission. Parking at the convention center’s parking structure costs $10 per vehicle.

Power-Con 2016
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, June 4-5
Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach, Torrance
http://www.thepower-con.com/

Check out this expo dedicated to He Man and other similar action figure characters this weekend in Torrance. Admission to this all-ages expo costs $25, while children 12 and under enter for free with a paid adult admission. Bring cash for parking as well.

5th Annual LitFest Pasadena
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, June 4
Playhouse District, Pasadena
http://litfestpasadena.org/

Check out this free and all-ages event dedicated to books and authors taking place this Saturday in Pasadena.

Ninja-Con Anime Convention
10:00 am – 9:00 pm, June 4
Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.ninja-conla.org/

Fans of anime, manga, video games, comics, cosplay, Asian culture, and anything else with ninjas in it will not want to miss Ninja-Con, happening this Saturday at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Discuss and share hobbies with other attendees during the convention, and introduce others to new things. Admission to this all-ages convention costs $25 presale or $30 at the door. I suggest parking in the Arts District and walking over, as the Arts District has free street parking in select areas.

Bikini Bike Wash
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 4
Huntington Beach Harley Davidson, Westminster
http://www.hbharley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1082325765139852/

Got a Harley that needs a wash? Bring it down to HB Harley Davidson this Saturday and let some bikini girls wash it for you for free (plus tips).

Long Beach Vegan Food & Music Festival
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, June 4
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://www.lbveganfest.com/

Enjoy an afternoon of vegan food and music this Saturday in Long Beach. Free to attend for all ages, this fair will have food, arts & crafts, live entertainment, vendors, and more. Bring cash to pay for food or other goods. Guests can find free street parking in the neighborhoods east of Alamitos Avenue.

13th Annual Art Around Adams
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, June 4
Smitty’s Service, Normal Heights, San Diego
http://www.artaroundadams.org/

At this FREE and all-ages event, discover dozens of local artists and musicians along this stretch of two miles on Adams Avenue.

Sumo Sushi Show – Los Angeles
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, June 4
Exchange LA, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.sumosushishow.com/

From the organizers of the recent US Sumo Open comes this mashup of sumo wrestling and sushi this Saturday. Admission ranges from $69 to $99 based on the seating location. Dress formally, but keep in mind that some of the attendees may get involved with the sumo wrestling!

15th Annual Two Harbors Summer Wine Festival
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, June 4
Two Harbors, Avalon, Catalina Island
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/event/15th-annual-summer-wine-festival-2016

Sample dozens of wines at this wine tasting event on beautiful Catalina Island this Saturday afternoon. Admission costs $45 for the event, but does not include transportation. Guests should take the Catalina Express that departs from San Pedro. View the website for details about how to travel to Two Harbors and which transports to take or not to take.

2nd Annual So Cal Brew Fest
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, June 4
Phoenix Club, Anaheim
http://socalbrewfest.com/

The So Cal Brew Fest returns to Orange County for its second year running this Saturday, complete with everything one would expect to find at a beer festival. General admission costs $43 and comes with unlimited beer tasters from all the participating breweries while supplies last. Bring cash for food truck purchases, and dress appropriately for hot weather. No one under 21 may attend.

Zoo Brew
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, June 4
Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara
http://www.sbzoo.org/zoo-brew-2/

Enjoy beers from over 30 different breweries while gazing upon all the various exotic animals. General admission costs $58 and starts at 3pm, while VIP admission costs $95, starts at 2pm, and includes tray-passed appetizers. Bring extra cash for parking at the venue.

2nd Annual Brew & Food Festival – San Diego
2:00 pm – 6:30 pm, June 4
Waterfront Park, San Diego
http://brewandfoodfest.com/

Enjoy an afternoon of local beer, local food, and local music at this outdoor tasting event this Saturday in San Diego. General admission costs $40 presale or $45 at the gate, and starts at 3pm. Early-entry admission costs $50 presale or $55 at the gate, and starts at 2pm. VIP admission costs $80 presale or $85 at the gate, starts at 2pm, and includes access to a VIP area with rare brews and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres. All attendees receive unlimited beer tasters while supplies last, but have to pay for any food. No one under 21 may attend. Parking at nearby lots ranges from $5 to $15.

Board & Brew Anaheim Hills 1 Year Anniversary Tap Takeover w/ Knee Deep Brewing
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm, June 4
Board & Brew, Anaheim Hills
http://www.boardandbrew.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1036689226411131/

Board & Brews in Anaheim Hills celebrates their first anniversary this Saturday, and they will have a handful of brews from Knee Deep Brewing to celebrate. The first 150 customers to order a Knee Deep brew will receive a special gift to take home.

David Bowie Tribute Concert & Screening
6:30 pm – 10:30 pm, June 4
Sunnyside Cemetery, Long Beach
http://thefridacinema.org/event/ziggy-stardust-at-sunnyside-cemetery/

Enjoy a concert and screening dedicated to the late David Bowie this Saturday night in Long Beach. Tickets to this all-ages event cost $12 presale or $15 at the gate. Bring cash for parking and food.

Care (Packages) For Your Community
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, June 4
Out Of The Park Pizza, Anaheim Hills
http://www.facebook.com/events/1565300587104115/

At this free and all-ages event, local ska bands will perform, and they will have a charity activity that involves donating items to make care packages for the needy.

Punk Rock Karaoke @ Alex’s Bar
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, June 4
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1173047-punk-rock-karaoke-long-beach/

Live out your punk rock dream with Punk Rock Karaoke this Saturday night in Long Beach, complete with a backing band consisting of professional musicians. Admission costs $10. No one under 21 may enter. Guests should park on Orizaba or the neighborhood across the street.

Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show
5:00 am – 2:00 pm, June 5
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.pomonaswapmeet.com/

See thousands of original and restored classic cars at the Fairplex this Sunday morning. Many of the vendors will also sell automotive accessories, parts, and more as well. This all-ages show cost $10 to enter, while children 10 and under get in free with a paid adult admission. Parking costs $10 per vehicle – guests must enter via gate 17 on Fairplex Drive, directly off the 10 freeway.

Coast – Santa Monica’s Open Streets Event
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, June 5
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
http://beta.smgov.net/strategic-goals/mobility/coast

Santa Monica gets its own ciclovia event this Sunday that will block off a portion of Santa Monica to vehicles, as if the city does not already have enough traffic problems. If you intend to drive anywhere in or near Santa Monica this Sunday, plan your commute accordingly.

4th Annual San Pedro Shred Festival of Skate
9:30 am – 3:30 pm, June 5
Gaffey St. Lookout Point, San Pedro
http://www.sanpedroshredfest.com/

Enjoy a day of skateboarding and live rock music at this FREE and all-ages event taking place in San Pedro this Sunday.

10th Annual Super Pet Adoption
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 5
Irvine Animal Care Center, Irvine
http://www.cityofirvine.org/animal-care-center/super-pet-adoption

For just $2 admission, come see dozens of animals up for adoption, and potentially welcome a new member to your family.

23rd Annual Balboa Island Parade
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, June 5
Balboa Island, Newport Beach
http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/events/balboa-island-parade/

Free to attend for all ages, a parade will take place on Balboa Island this Sunday morning.

19th Annual SoRo Community Festival
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 5
Robertson & Cattaraugus, Los Angeles
http://www.soronc.org/

This FREE and all-ages street fair takes place in West LA between Culver City and Beverly Hills. Attendees will find live music, a kids’ zone including rock-climbing, arts & crafts, food trucks, and more. Guests can park for free in the neighborhoods surrounding the fest.

32nd Annual Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 5
Old Town Tustin
http://www.tustinchilicookoff.com/

Once again taking over the streets of Old Town Tustin, this FREE street fair contains lots of activities to keep the entire family busy and full the entire day. Attendees will find arts & crafts, live entertainment, merchandise vendors, kids’ area, the multitude of chili teams, and much more. This event gets highly crowded each year, and while it requires no admission to enter, guests will end up parking on city streets a few blocks away. To sample chili, guests must purchase tickets for $2 each, and redeem these tickets at the chili teams for samples.

3rd Annual Belching Beaver Classic
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, June 5
Belching Beaver Brewery, Vista
http://belchinbeaver.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1050074348375309/

Check out what Belching Beaver has going on this Sunday. For $20 admission, gain three 8oz beers and a raffle ticket, all while checking out all of the custom cars on display.

Discharge @ The Glass House
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, June 5
The Glass House, Pomona
http://www.theglasshouse.us/event/1131507-discharge-eyehategod-pomona/

Release some inner aggression at this all-ages show at the Glass House in Pomona this Sunday night for $25 presale or $28 at the door. Guests can find plenty of free parking in Downtown Pomona, and can avoid having to pay to park in paid lots.

The Casualties @ The Yost Theater
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, June 5
The Yost Theater, Santa Ana
http://www.selloutevents.com/event/1161783

Get your moshing on this Sunday night with The Casualties at this all-ages concert for $15. Guests should look for parking in the neighborhoods north of the venue.

Upcoming Events: May 2-8, 2016

Extreme Midget Wrestling
9:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 4
BIGS Fullerton, Fullerton
http://extrememidgetwrestling.com/

You have not witnessed anything unlike midget wrestling. Come watch this unbelievable spectacle this Wednesday night for a good drunken night. Admission starts at $20. No one under 21 may enter.

Star Wars Day
May 4
Worldwide
http://www.starwars.com/may-the-4th

Star Wars Day officially falls on May 4th. Various businesses around the world will have Star Wars activities going on. Check with your local favorite hangout spot to see if they will celebrate this occasion.

Cinco De Mayo
May 5
Worldwide
http://cincodemayo.org/

Cinco De Mayo falls on a Thursday this week, which typically means college specials since a handful of college students do not have classes on Fridays. Please celebrate responsibly!

Tinker Bell Half Marathon
May 5-8
Disneyland Park, Anaheim
http://www.rundisney.com/tinker-bell-half-marathon/

This entire weekend, the Peter Pan universe takes over the Disneyland Resort with this running extravaganza. Choose your distance (5k, 10k, or half marathon) and course (run or obstacle), and each run will have a different theme, from the lost boys to pirates and more. Throughout the weekend, festivities will take place all over the Disneyland Resort, as well as a health & fitness expo in the Disneyland Hotel. The Peter Pan-themed half marathon takes place at Disneyland this Sunday morning. The half marathon runs through Disneyland Park and surrounding Anaheim streets, and will involve lots of costumes and characters on the sidelines. All participants receive a t-shirt, a medal, a goodie bag, and refreshments during and after the race.

AVP Huntington Beach Open
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 5-8
Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach
http://avp.com/event/avp-hb-open/

Some of the world’s top beach volleyball talent will come to Huntington Beach this weekend as part of this touring competition. General admission costs nothing, while premium seats will cost a bit.

Valiant Brewing Tap Takeover
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 5
Gina’s Pizza, Irvine
http://www.ginaspizza.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1583521865298411/

Valiant Brewing will take over the taps at Gina’s Pizza in Irvine this Thursday night. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.

Porko Rico Takeover
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 5
Meat Up BBQ, Placentia
http://www.meatupbbq.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1539560489673592/

For this Cinco de Mayo, Meat Up BBQ will do something different by having a gourmet food truck take over not the taps, but the kitchen. Enjoy various food specials courtesy of Porko Rico this Thursday night at Meat Up BBQ, with no cover charge.

7th Annual Taste of Cardiff
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm, May 5
Cardiff Seaside Market, Cardiff
http://www.tasteofcardiff.com/

Sample the local flavors of Cardiff this Thursday evening all throughout Downtown Cardiff. Tasting tickets cost $25 presale or $30 on the day of the event, and provide guests with unlimited food samples from participating locations until they run out of food. For $10 more, upgrade the ticket to include “sip stops” which add special cocktail, wine, or beer tastings at select locations.

Gator By The Bay 2016
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 5
3:30 pm – 10:30 pm, May 6
10:30 am – 8:30 pm, May 7
10:30 am – 7:30 pm, May 8
Spanish Landing Park, San Diego
http://www.gatorbythebay.com/

This all-ages Zydeco, Blues, & Crawfish festival runs all this weekend, starting on Thursday night. Enjoy plenty of live entertainment, music, dancing, dance lessons, cooking demos, arts & crafts, Cajun food, and more. Ticket prices vary depending on the method of attendance, starting as low as $15 and running all the way up to $200 for the full package.

Manic Hispanic: Live in Southern California
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 5, The Yost Theater, Santa Ana http://www.facebook.com/events/1035864826495950/
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, May 6, The Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood http://www.theroxy.com/event/1099879-manic-hispanic-west-hollywood/
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, May 7, The Casbah, San Diego http://www.casbahmusic.com/event/1096963-manic-hispanic-san-diego/

Manic Hispanic returns to Southern California this weekend for their annual Cinco de Mayo shows. Tickets to these shows vary in price and age limits, so click on a show’s link for information.

Cinco de Mayo Show @ The World Famous Doll Hut
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 5
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://themaxies.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/254243134909112/

Enjoy a local punk rock show this Thursday night at the Doll Hut in Anaheim. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

Voodoo Glow Skulls: Live in Southern California
9:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 5, Romano’s Concert Lounge, Riverside http://public.ticketbiscuit.com/ConcertLounge/Events/267159
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, May 6, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego http://www.sodabarmusic.com/calendar.php?event_id=2898
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 7, Self Help Graphics, Los Angeles http://www.facebook.com/events/1066383526762136/
http://voodooglowskulls.com/

Voodoo Glow Skulls will headline three show in Southern California this week. The ticket prices and age limits vary between shows, so click on a show’s link for details.

First Fridays
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 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).

The Copper Door 3 Year Anniversary Celebration
5:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 6
The Copper Door, Santa Ana
http://thecopperdoorbar.com/event/copper-door-3-year-anniversary-celebration-feat-dj-fuze-power-106/

This Friday, The Copper Door will celebrate their third year in business with live music, live DJ’s, food & drink specials, art exhibits, and more. No one under 21 may attend.

Uptown Village Market
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 6
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 7
Expo Arts Center, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
http://uptownvillagemarket.com/

Local artists and vendors will display and sell their wares at this FREE art fest. Guests can look at some interesting works of art, while browsing through all the merchandise available to purchase. The organizers will provide free refreshments, while live bands and singers will keep guests entertained.

BBQ & Beer Festival
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, May 6
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, May 7
Central Park, Santa Clarita
http://bbqandbeerfestival.com/

Barbecue and beers collide this weekend in Santa Clarita. Friday night represents the beer festival that costs $40 to get in and includes unlimited beer tasters while supplies last. All food comes at cost, so guests should bring cash to pay for food. No one under 21 may attend on Friday. Saturday represents the family-friendly barbecue festival that costs $10 to enter, but all food and drinks come at cost that day.

Union 13: Live in Fullerton
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 6
Programme Skate & Sound, Fullerton
http://www.facebook.com/events/1525329297776045/

Check out Union 13 and other great local hardcore bands at this all-ages show for just $5 this Friday night.

The Generators: Live in Corona
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 6
Bar 1650, Corona
http://www.selloutevents.com/event/1138123

Release some inner aggression at this local punk show this Friday night in Corona. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

Pancakes & Booze Art Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 6-7
Lot 613, Los Angeles
http://www.pancakesandbooze.com/

For just a $5 cover, guests get treated to unlimited pancakes and many artists from across the country showcasing their works. Guests can also witness body painting, stencil art, art battles, sculptures, graffiti, and more. Guests can park on the street for free, or park in the adjacent parking lot for $5. No one under 21 may enter.

The Secret Affair – 60’s Night
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 6
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1169079-secret-affair-long-beach/

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.

The Slackers: Live in Southern California
9:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 6, El Rey Theatre, Miracle Mile, Los Angeles http://www.theelrey.com/events/detail/307067
9:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 7, Music Box, San Diego http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=6499265
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 8, The Observatory’s Constellation Room, Santa Ana http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/theslackers
http://www.theslackers.com/

Popular ska band The Slackers will headline three shows in Southern California this weekend as part of their west coast tour. Ticket prices and age limits vary between shows, so click on a show’s link for details.

Free Comic Book Day
May 7
Participating locations, Worldwide
http://www.freecomicbookday.com/

Get a comic book for FREE this Saturday at participating comic book stores. Many stores will also host some sort of celebration, such as complimentary snacks, live entertainment, contests, and more, so check in with your favorite shop for details.

13th Annual Culver City Car Show
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 7
Downtown Culver City
http://www.culvercitycarshow.com/

Check out a free and all-ages car show in Culver City this Saturday to see hundreds of classic and custom cars, as well as browse dozens of automotive vendors and the local shops and restaurants.

49th Annual Sunset Beach Art Festival
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 7-8
Pacific Ave, Sunset Beach
http://www.sunsetbeachca.org/specialevent.htm

Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift or any other great gift this weekend in Sunset Beach. Completely free to attend for all ages, the grassy area along Pacific Avenue gets filled with booths from local arts & crafts vendors all selling accessories, apparel, merchandise, and various other goodies. Local bands will play throughout the day, and a few food trucks will make their way down here to serve their wonderful eats.

2nd Annual Blastoff Comicsfest
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 7
The Federal Bar, North Hollywood
http://www.blastoffcomics.com/

Enjoy an afternoon of music, food, beer, and comics this Saturday in North Hollywood. Although free to attend for all ages, a special writer’s table will take place that requires an admission fee. Check the website to see what you may need to pay for to do there.

Fullerton Airport Day 2016
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 7
Fullerton Municipal Airport, Fullerton
http://www.cityoffullerton.com/gov/departments/public_works/airport/airport_day.asp

At this free and all-ages event, visitors can check out all things aviation at the Fullerton Municipal Airport.

2016 San Diego Chocolate Festival
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 7
San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
http://www.sdbgarden.org/chocolate.htm

Enjoy plenty of chocolate tastings, demos, and more this Saturday at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. Guests pay the admission of the garden to enter ($12 general admission, discounts available for seniors, students, military, and children), then pay for tasting tickets to receive any of the chocolate or food. The garden will host activities for children to play with, while other guests can check out plant sales or other merchandise perfect for Mother’s Day.

39th Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Fair
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 7-8
Bernardo Winery, Rancho Bernardo, San Diego
http://bernardowinery.com/

Free to attend for all ages, check out this arts & crafts fair going on in San Diego complete with food, arts & crafts, vendors, live entertainment, and more.

2016 Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 7
Mira Mesa Community Park, San Diego
http://asianculturalfestivalsd.com/

This FREE all-ages fair celebrates Asian culture with martial arts demos, dancing, music, cooking demos, games, food, and more. Guests receive free parking as well as free entry into the festival, so bring the entire family over and have a ball.

8th Annual Echo Park Craft Fair
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 7-8
Mack Sennett Studios, Echo Park
http://echoparkcraftfair.com/

Check out the finest in food, design, arts & crafts, and more at this craft fair in Echo Park this weekend. Admission to this all-ages fair costs $10.

Soka University’s 15th Annual International Festival
10:30 am – 5:00 pm, May 7
Soka University, Aliso Viejo
http://www.soka.edu/news_events/International-Festival/default.aspx

At this free festival, guests of all ages can enjoy music, dance, arts & crafts, artists, and more. Parking costs $10 per vehicle, so consider carpooling if attending.

2016 Spring Champagne Social
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 7
18th Street Arts Center, Santa Monica
http://18thstreet.org/champagnesocialspring/

Check out this free art exhibit featuring the current resident artists this Saturday in Santa Monica, complete with complimentary champagne. Although free to attend for all ages, guests must register via the link above.

Bacchus’ Home Brewers Fest 2016
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 7
Claud & Co. Bacchus’ Kitchen, Pasadena
http://www.bacchuskitchen.com/

For $45 admission, gain entry to this homebrewers tasting event up in Pasadena this Saturday early afternoon with food and beer tasters. Their website does not specify how much food and beer one can receive. No one under 21 may attend.

11th Annual Silverado Chili Cook-Off & Cinco de Mayo Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 7
Silverado Community Center, Silverado
http://smrpd.org/

Sample lots of chili and enjoy a cultural festival this Saturday afternoon in the hills of Silverado. Packed with food, music, entertainment, arts & crafts, and more, visitors will surely find something to say occupied here. Free to attend, guests should bring cash to pay for any food or drinks here.

7th Annual San Diego Metal Swap Meet
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 7
Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center, North Park, San Diego
http://www.facebook.com/events/186656765026898/

Metal fans will not want to miss this all-ages flea market for all things heavy metal. For just $5 admission, gain access to all sorts of vendors selling music, apparel, accessories, art, and more.

5th Annual Buellton Brew Fest
11:30 am – 4:30 pm, May 7
River View Park, Buellton
http://www.buelltonbrewfest.com/

Enjoy brews in beautiful Buellton this Saturday afternoon. General admission costs $45 and starts at 12:30, while VIP admission costs $55, starts at 11:30, includes access to exclusive VIP brews. All attendees receive unlimited beer tasters while supplies last until 4pm. No one under 21 may attend.

Downtown Bookfest
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 7
Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://grandparkla.org/event/grand-parks-downtown-bookfest/

Find dozens of literary vendors at this free and all-ages book fair this Saturday afternoon in Downtown LA.

Cismontane Brewing 6th Anniversary Party
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 7
Cismontane Brewing, Rancho Santa Margarita
http://www.cismontanebrewing.com/
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/cismontane-brewings-6th-anniversary-party-tickets-24667291533

Cismontane turns six years old this year, and to celebrate, they will have a beer tasting event at their tasting room in Rancho Santa Margarita this Saturday afternoon. Admission comes in two levels: $18 gets you four half-pints, while $32 gets you eight half-pints plus an anniversary t-shirt. Cismontane will also have events for Friday and Sunday, so check their social media feeds for more information.

KROQ Beer Fest
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 7
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.santaanita.com/events/kro/

Listen to loud music, throw away money by betting on horses, and drink lots of macro beers at this event at the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia this Saturday afternoon. Admission costs $5, then you have to spend money on everything else once you enter.

San Diego Paella & Wine Festival
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 7
Waterfront Park, San Diego
http://paellawinefest.com/

Enjoy paella and wines down by the coast this Saturday afternoon. Admission starts at $80.

Saint Archer Brewery’s 3rd Anniversary Celebration
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 7
Saint Archer Brewery, Mira Mesa, San Diego
http://www.saintarcherbrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1589044508074809/

Saint Archer turns three years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have special anniversary beers available for you to try, as well as a special anniversary glass. This event costs nothing to attend – simply show up, and pay for beers as you go.

16th Annual Junior League of San Diego Food & Wine Festival
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 7
La Jolla Cove, La Jolla
http://www.jlsdfoodandwine.com/

Taste food from many of San Diego’s finest restaurants, and sip on California’s great wines and craft beers at this festival. Guests can participate in a silent auction, while live music and painting will keep guests occupied. General admission costs $85, or $140 for VIP, which includes preferred parking, access to exclusive drinks, and a VIP lounge. No one under 21 may attend.

8th Annual Orange County Beer Festival
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 7
Phoenix Club, Anaheim
http://orangecountybeerfest.com/

The annual Orange County Beer Fest returns this Saturday to Phoenix Club in Anaheim. Dozens of microbreweries will gather here and pour all the beers that the guests can drink for the duration of the event. General admission costs $40 and starts at 2pm, while early bird admission costs $50 and starts at 1pm. Tickets at the door cost $10 more. Some bands will play music throughout the fest, while food trucks will serve their delicious eats, sold separately. The fest takes place entirely outdoors, so apply sunscreen prior. No one under 21 may enter.

LA On Tap
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 7
Fairplex, Pomona
http://laontap.beer/

Dozens of breweries will meet up at the Fairplex this Saturday afternoon to serve their refreshing brews to attendees of this event. General admission costs $50 presale or $60 at the door, and starts at 2pm. Early admission costs $65 presale or $75 at the door, and starts at 1pm. All attendees receive unlimited beer pours while supplies last, but food comes at a separate cost, so bring cash for that plus parking. No one under 21 may attend.

Network Brewery’s Grand Opening
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 7
Network Brewery, Santa Ana
http://www.networkbrewery.com/

A new brewery joins Orange County’s illustrious family of microbreweries, and they will open their doors to the public this Saturday. This event has no admission fee – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.

2016 Long Beach Bike Fest
1:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 7
East Village Arts District, Long Beach
http://downtownlongbeach.org/Event-Detail-Page/Bike-Fest?id=70216

Enjoy a family-fun day filled with bike activities, vendors, and exhibits at the finish line of the Tour of Long Beach, located at The Pike right next to the Laugh Factory. This free all-ages event will feature bike exhibits, live entertainment, a bike valet, rides, games, vendors, food, a mini beer fest hosted by Beachwood BBQ, and more. The mini beer fest has no admission fee, but costs $20 for ten 5oz beer tastings. In addition to beers from Beachwood Brewing, other local breweries will make an appearance too.

No Violence Music Fest 2016
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 7
UNION Night Club, Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/1234255286602746/

Over a dozen skacore bands will perform in Los Angeles this Saturday. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $20.

Uncorked Wine Walk
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 7
Westfield UTC, University City, San Diego
http://www.westfield.com/utc/events/all-events/uncorked-wine-walk/27036

Take a stroll through Westfield UTC while sipping on wines. Admission costs $20 and allows you to sample wines from participating businesses.

Playhouse District Wine Walk
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 7
Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena
http://www.playhousedistrict.org/calendar-of-events/wine-walk

For $20, you get six wine tastings at this small wine tasting event in Pasadena this Saturday evening.

Street Food Cinema 2016 Opening Night
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, May 7
Exposition Park, Los Angeles
http://www.streetfoodcinema.com/

Street Food Cinema kicks off their 2016 season with more food trucks, live music, and more movies than before. Check out the movie schedule on their website linked above, which may also feature the food truck lineup for you to plan your meals around.

Ladies First! Art Show
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 7
GCS Clothing Store, Santa Ana
http://www.konseptproject.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1134785179907628/

Free to attend for all-ages, check out this art exhibit featuring works made by local female artists.

3rd Annual San Diego Beer & Music Festival
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 7
NTC Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.sandiego-beerfestival.com/

This beer & music festival will take this Saturday at NTC Liberty Station. Attendees will find over a hundred different types of beer, live music, food trucks, and other forms of entertainment. General admission costs $35 presale or $40 at the door, and starts at 7pm. VIP admission costs $50 or $60 at the door, and starts at 6pm. All attendees receive unlimited beer tasters, regardless of admission type. No one under 21 may attend.

3rd Annual Beer, Brats & Books
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 7
Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena
http://www.friendsppl.org/beerbratsbooks/

Relax this Saturday night with bratwurst, beers, and books in Pasadena. General admission costs $50 each or $90 for two people. No one under 21 may attend.

Agent Orange @ The World Famous Doll Hut
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 7
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/994568020597306/

Legendary punk band Agent Orange will headline a show at the Doll Hut in Anaheim this Saturday night. The cover for this show costs $15. No one under 21 may enter.

Mother’s Day
May 8
Worldwide
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day

Mother’s Day arrives this Sunday. Take note that many restaurants and flower shops will have excess business this weekend.

Los Angeles Bicycle Festival
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, May 8
Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://bci.yapsody.com/

Enter a world of bicycles, music, food, and art this Sunday afternoon at Grand Park in Downtown LA. Check out workshops, demos, live music, art, ride-alongs, and more. Tickets for this event start at $10.

10 Food Trends to Follow in 2016

As we embark on a new year, we look back on the previous year to learn and make progress for the upcoming year. Day by day, people live their lives, some by a set routine, others by thriving on new discoveries and expansions. The human race always seeks to progress culture by devising and adapting new approaches to existing methods. While not all humans share the same interests, all humans at least bear knowledge about food, as everyone has eaten food their entire lives. From the early days of basic meats, vegetables, and grains, food has evolved into a vast range of ingredients, tastes, cooking methods, and presentation. Innovative foods often make headlines as a new discovery, so as a result, many modern chefs tend to experiment more rather than stick to basics. Over time, many food trends surface, giving way to entrepreneurs to capitalize on those growing trends, such as cupcakes, frozen yogurt, and gourmet food trucks. However, many food trends remain relatively undisturbed, known only to the true food fans. Last year saw a rise of food trends as more and more people gain awareness of the food industry. Read on to discover ten food trends to pay attention to this year, since five cannot contain the sheer amount of food news that we can expect in 2016.

10. Local Butcher

With all the hullabaloo over questionable ingredients in our foods, seeing ingredients in its raw form brings peace of mind. If going out to eat does not sound so appetizing, at least visiting your local butcher brings peace of mind in knowing that you get exactly what you see. Visiting your local butcher does mean that you have to cook it at home or have someone else prepare it, but at least it brings comfort to your mind knowing exactly what goes into the finished product. If you do not have access to a butcher, a fine grocery store like Whole Foods or Bristol Farms should have a meat counter that you can shop at.

9. Alternative Proteins

Many nutrition studies have revealed the benefits of a diet high in protein and vitamins while reducing carbs. While we can easily find sources of proteins with many meats, protein exists in many other foods as well. Such alternative proteins include soy, tempeh, quinoa, tofu, and unconventional meats. What constitutes as unconventional meats? Did you know that some cultures incorporate insects into food? While it sounds disgusting, civilization has done this for ages, consuming insects like grasshoppers and crickets. Anyways, you can find sources of protein besides meat nowadays, so keep an open mind when selecting food.

8. Fancy Ice Cream

The days of traditional ice cream have passed. While many of us grew up with simple ice cream such as Thrifty ice cream, today’s youth favors fancy ice cream instead. Wacky flavors like maple bacon or lavender now exist, as well as different ways to enjoy ice cream. Besides the traditional ice cream sundaes and sandwiches, we now have macaroon ice cream sandwiches, ice cream burgers, ice cream pizza pies, alcoholic ice cream, savory ice cream applications, and much more. Millennials want new ways to enjoy traditional things, and they will stop at nothing to innovate the next big thing.

7. Floral Flavors

The previous entry briefly mentioned this, but as we turn to more natural flavors, we look at what else from nature we can consume. We already have fruits and herbs in many foods, but lately we have seen a rise in more floral flavors. This primarily exists in sweet applications, such as with the use of rose water or lavender, but this crosses over into the tea world, and vice versa. Teas derive a lot of different flavors from flowers, and some tea flavors have crossed over to solid desserts, such as Earl Grey macaroons. While floral foods have yet to rise in popularity, 2016 should see a spark in this food trend.

6. Smokey Flavors

True barbecue foods must include smokey flavors. Barbecue foods without the smoke simply cannot measure up to the true smoked foods. Traditionally, this meant barbecue meats such as ribs, brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and barbecue chicken. However, other foods can sit in the smoker to great success. For example, cut oranges can absorb the smoke for a slightly burnt yet caramelized accent to oranges that can go into drinks or sauces. Smokey flavors have such a unique profile that it marvelously impresses people from around the world who have never tried American barbecue before.

5. Filipino Pastries

Most people undeniably have a sweet tooth, which causes them to feel a bit more adventurous when it comes to trying new foods. When it comes to desserts, people willingly try new things, as opposed to regular foods that may turn people away. Unique desserts come in many forms, but Filipino pastries take the trophy for the most unique flavors around. Pastries can come as desserts, such as flan, or savory food, such as empanadas. Few other cultures can mimic Filipino flavors, such as ube, so when Filipino pastries come around, people flock to them like crazy.

4. Poke

Nutritionists have explained to us the value behind a diet rich in proteins and vitamins, especially lean and clean proteins. Fish oil has also become popular with the health benefits behind it. How can one gain all the benefits of the aforementioned nutrients? Why with Poke of course! This raw fish, generally ahi tuna or yellowfin tuna, comes loaded with lean protein, fish oil, and its unique flavor that only it has. When people eat this fish, they immediately recognize the poke flavor since nothing else can replicate it. Health and taste collide with poke, which has led to the major poke craze that recently surfaced.

3. Farm To Table

Corporate restaurants have come under a lot of scrutiny because of people revealing what goes on in their kitchens and factories. Customers would greatly appreciate not receiving extra questionable ingredients in their food, and would like to keep the number of preservatives and other artificial ingredients low. Preservatives merely slow down the decaying of food, so those that want fresh food without preservatives look to farm to table setups. As the term suggests, ingredients come straight from their origin to the kitchen to your plate with no other middleman. This ensures the freshest of foods with absolutely no preservatives.

2. Seaweed

Every year, the food industry shines a spotlight on some vegetable that makes it the vegetable of the year. Going back a few years, we have seen green beans, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts represented as the food trend of their respective year. For the year 2016, expect to see a lot of seaweed in stores and restaurants. Whether enjoyed as an ingredient in dishes or straight up (such as seaweed strips sold at Costco), seaweed has come up as a natural plant source high in fiber and complete proteins. This makes seaweed not only a versatile ingredient, but a great alternative protein, as covered above.

1. Wearable Gadgets

Technology has come so far over the past decade. Ten years ago, cell phones started coming up with no mention of smartphones for a few years. Once smartphones arrived on the market, they started replacing our other devices like laptops. Next, tablet computers arrived as glorified smartphones. Recently, tablets have slowly phased in favor of wearable gadgets, such as optical head-mounted displays and wrist wearables. These wearables track physical activity, sleep quality, food/calories consumed, and more. Wearables have changed the way people eat since it counts nutrients and calories, which could lead to a food revolution.