An Afternoon of Beach & Brews at the 1st Annual Long Beach Craft Beer Festival

Craft beer reigns supreme in Southern California, but some areas see a different spread of the distribution of craft beer than others. For example, Anaheim has lots of breweries so close to each other, but not much in the way of gastropubs or festivals. Conversely, Long Beach boasts lots of craft beer-friendly establishments and beer festivals, but houses very few breweries compared to surrounding cities. In fact, another beer festival came to Long Beach this past weekend, as Cal State Long Beach hosted their 1st Annual Long Beach Craft Beer Festival. Benefiting the CSULB Hospitality Department, this craft beer celebration covered two days of award-winning beers from across the nation. While the weekend started with a beer-pairing dinner and a brewers reception, the major festival took place Saturday afternoon at the campus’ Jack Rose track & field stadium. The festival featured over 50 different breweries, over 100 different beers, mobile food vendors, live entertainment, and more. Distinctly, the organizers brought out many breweries not typically seen at a beer festival in Southern California, including out-of-state or international breweries.

On a weekend fraught with dozens of beer events, it takes some mighty fine marketing and planning to stand out from the crowd. The Great American Beer Festival had just taken place the weekend prior, so as a result, very few beer events took place that weekend, pushing most beer festivals forward a week. So while many other beer festival occurred at the same time as the Long Beach one, the Long Beach event takes the crown for the weekend. No other beer festival can contain such a variety of breweries, especially breweries that rarely, if not ever, make an appearance in Southern California. Due to the wide, spacious venue, they can contain so many more booths if they choose to do so in a future iteration of this event. Despite appearing like a generic beer tasting festival, the organizers stayed true to the local microbrewery scene, opting not to highlight the macro breweries so much; in fact, the “sold out” breweries had their own spot in a far corner of the venue. Some of the microbreweries even dared to launch timed releases – at some of the larger beer festivals, the more popular breweries will release a rare beer at a certain time within the festival instead of making it available from the start, giving attendees a chance to line up to taste it instead of making it “first come, first served.” We rarely see something like this at a generic beer tasting event, so for some of the breweries to do this at this festival means something significant.

While anyone can certainly expect beginners’ mistakes on a first event, the Long Beach crew minimized problems, which makes this beer fest stand out as a true winner relative to the Southern California craft beer industry. Did I witness anything issues or areas that they can improve upon? Nobody can run an event for the first time without problems, but of those that I encountered, nothing bugged me too much. They had plenty of space to work with, and definitely could have filled up the venue – instead, a huge open area existed toward the back of the area. Perhaps they could have invited a lot more food vendors? The venue lacked cool, shaded areas, unless attendees remained on the west side of the venue due to the trees there. It also would have greatly helped if they made complimentary water more readily available. I did discover some iced buckets of water bottles, but I had to actively search for them. Finally, the method to enter greatly confused me – attendees had to check in at the box office at The Pyramid, receive their wristband and cup there, and then finally walk to the track to enter the event area. I had approached from the track’s side, so did not know that I still needed to walk over to the box office to pick up my objects.

Overall, the Long Beach Craft Beer Festival did the local craft beer scene justice. The CSULB campus has done a great job in recent years to introduce craft beer and craft wine to the student body, something that I could not enjoy while attending CSULB (ABC revoked the license while I attended classes here due to rowdy students one night). Although they do not have a brewing curriculum like another Southern Californian campus does, CSULB has taken a step in the right direction to boost the microbrewery scene to empower local brewers against the large corporations that would dare snuff out the little guys. Check out what else CSULB has in store for their students by liking the Facebook pages of The Nugget (the campus’ pub) and the bookstore.

Preview: The 1st Annual Long Beach Craft Beer Festival

Craft beer reigns supreme in Southern California, but some areas see a different spread of the distribution of craft beer than others. For example, Anaheim has lots of breweries so close to each other, but not much in the way of gastropubs or festivals. Conversely, Long Beach boasts lots of craft beer-friendly establishments and beer festivals, but houses very few breweries compared to surrounding cities. In fact, another beer festival comes to Long Beach this weekend, as Cal State Long Beach hosts their 1st Annual Long Beach Craft Beer Festival. Benefiting the CSULB Hospitality Department, this craft beer celebration covers two days of award-winning beers from across the nation.

On Friday night, two events will occur on campus. A beer pairing dinner will take place in the Chartroom in the university student union hosted by the one-and-only Dr. Bill Sysak himself. This will include eight different pairings, and costs $150 per person or $1,500 per table of ten. Also on this night, a brewers’ reception will take place at The Nugget at the university’s dining hall, open to the industry only. However, those who attend the beer pairing dinner will not only get to attend the brewers’ reception, but also receive VIP admission to the beer festival the following afternoon.

This Saturday afternoon, the beer festival will take place on the grass field inside the Jack Rose track & field stadium. This festival features over 50 different breweries, over 100 different beers, many food trucks, live entertainment, and more. General admission costs $49 and starts at 2pm, while VIP admission costs $64 and starts at 1pm. All tickets come with a $5 coupon for Legends Sports Bar. All attendees receive unlimited beer samples while supplies last, and all beers cease pouring at 5pm. No one under 21 may attend.

• REMEMBER to bring PHOTO ID! Amazingly, many guests think they can enter without showing it to the front security.
• Park on the north side of campus coming in from Atherton. Guests will park in the parking structure adjacent to the track, and then walk to the track from there.
• Bring $7 cash for parking. Alternatively, guests may consider riding a bike here, as the campus provides plenty of free bicycle parking racks.
• Food come at a separate cost, so anyone wanting to eat should arrive with extra cash. Click here for a list of attending restaurants and food trucks.
• The venue provides minimal shade, so consider applying sunscreen prior to your arrival, and have extra sunscreen available. Security will not confiscate sunscreen from you.
• Stay hydrated prior to and throughout the festival.
• Dress appropriately for hot weather. Southern California has seen a heat wave recently, and the combination of heat and alcohol will quickly lead to dehydration.
• For prolonged drinking, start with lighter beers and work your way to stronger beers. Click here for a list of attending breweries.
• Try to hold on to your beer glass – guests receive no replacement for lost or broken glasses.
• All beers stop pouring at 5pm. Please do not badger anyone pouring beers for extra, as they must adhere to the ABC laws.
• Please leave the venue responsibly. Consider hailing for a taxi, Uber, or Lyft out of the venue. Sponsored by the venue, use the RideYellow app with promo code GOBEACH for $15 off your first ride, and 25% off all future rides in Long Beach.

Upcoming Events: October 10-16, 2016

7th Annual A Taste of Coronado
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 12
Coronado Ferry Landing, Coronado
http://www.atasteofcoronado.com/

Sample eats from various Coronado businesses this Wednesday night in Coronado. Tickets cost $45 presale or $50 at the door, and allows for unlimited food samples for the duration of the event while supplies last.

Ska Brewing Tap Takeover & Pint Nite
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 12
Pie Dog, Fullerton
http://skabrewing.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/204131510007066/

This Wednesday night, Fullerton’s Pie Dog will have a bunch of beers from Ska Brewing available for you to try. Buy a pint, and keep the glass to take home while supplies last.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 13
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.

2nd Annual Sweet City: 2016 National Dessert Day Celebration
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, October 14
Downtown Huntington Beach
http://www.hbdowntown.com/hb-sweet-city.html

This Friday, various businesses in Downtown Huntington Beach will have special scratcher cards that may randomly award you with a free dessert from that business. Simply show up at a participating business, receive a card, and test your luck. In the evening, a cookie-eating contest will take place.

60th Annual Silverado Days
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 14
10:00 am – 12:00 am, October 15
8:00 am – 10:00 pm, October 16
William Peak Park, Buena Park
http://www.silveradodays.com/

This annual local fair takes place at Peak Park in Buena Park every year on the third weekend of October. Free to park and enter, guests of all ages will enjoy rides, games, vendors, a food court, live entertainment, and more. Numerous contests that guests can participate in include arm wrestling, horseshoe-throwing, pie-eating, hog calling, baby, dogs, chili cook-off, and more. If arriving at night, know that Halloween Haunt traffic envelopes the park, so turning into the street from Knott Ave will take a long time. Once you turn into the neighborhood, the park’s parking lot has more than enough spots available.

8th Annual Long Beach Zombie Festival
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 14
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 15-16
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://longbeachzombiefest.com/

This zombie festival takes place over the spacious greens of Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach this weekend. This fest breaks all norms of standard fests and opts to follow “zombie rules” in operations. Admission costs $15, and includes many activities such as a movie viewing, beer gardens, costume contests, Thriller flash mob, live music, food trucks, artists, games, the zombie walk, Halloween mazes, and more. Arrive early, as parking will fill quickly – have patience when searching the neighborhoods east of Alamitos Ave.

Punk Rock Nite @ The World Famous Doll Hut
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 14
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/1087173651358204/

Get your weekly dose of punk rock this Friday night at the Doll Hut in Anaheim. The cover for this show costs $5. No one under 21 may enter.

Second Empire DIPA Bottle Release
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm, October 14
Phillips Mansion, Pomona
http://alostabrewing.com/Events.html

Covina’s Alosta Brewing will release a Double IPA this Friday night at a special location in Pomona. Those interested must preorder this beer prior to traveling to the location. Preorders also allow a tour of the historical location.

10th Annual Calabasas Malibu Wine & Food Festival
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 14-15
The Village at Topanga, Woodland Hills
http://www.malibufoodandwinefestival.com/

A grand two-night food & wine festival returns to Calabasas this weekend. This gala of food, wine, beer, desserts, celebrity chefs, cars, music, burlesque, and more brings together people from all over to sample the best of Calabasas, Malibu, and select vendors from the Greater Los Angeles Area. General admission costs $100 and starts at 9pm, while VIP tickets cost $150 and starts at 8pm. No one under 21 may attend.

Punk Rock Karaoke
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 14, Bar 1650, Corona http://www.facebook.com/events/283737218655948/
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 15, The Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel http://www.facebook.com/events/1561790510792830/

Live out your punk rock dream with Punk Rock Karaoke this weekend, complete with a backing band consisting of professional musicians. Admission costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

The Color Run 5k – Ventura
7:00 am – 1:00 pm, October 15
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura
http://thecolorrun.com/locations/ventura-ca/

The color run that started it all returns to Ventura 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.

2016 Los Angeles Dragonboat Festival
8:30 am – 4:00 pm, October 15
Legg Lake Park, Whittier
http://ladragonboat.com/

Come to watch Dragonboat races at Legg Lake Park – free parking and admission to spectate!

13th Annual Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 15
Chase Bank, Belmont Shore, Long Beach
http://www.justinrudd.com/chalk.html

Attracting seasoned and emergent visual artists, as well as participants from local high schools and universities, the 12th Annual Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, presented by Justin Rudd and his nonprofit Community Action Team (C.A.T.), will showcase the works of diverse artists who will use chalk as their medium, and the sidewalks of Belmont Shore as their canvas. The contest costs nothing for amateurs to enter, so check the website for the registration link.

He’e Nalu Aloha Pier Festival & Luau
9:30 am – 9:00 pm, October 15
Huntington Beach Pier, Downtown Huntington Beach
http://www.hbdowntown.com/he-e-nalu-aloha.html

A free and all-ages Hawaiian & Pacific Islander festival comes to Huntington Beach this Saturday. Visitors can expect food, vendors, arts & crafts, games, entertainment, activities, and more.

Glitterfest Fall 2016
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, October 15
Business Expo Center, Anaheim
http://www.glitterfest.com/

For $7, gain access to this all-ages vendor fair with mixed media art, jewelry, papier-mâché, sculptures, vintage home decor, and more.

34th Annual Fall Plant Sale
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 15-16
San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
http://www.sdbgarden.org/plantsales.htm

Buy some plants to adorn your home this weekend in Encinitas. With the price of admission into the garden, you can browse countless plants from small to big that you can purchase.

Los Angeles Ultimate Women’s Expo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 15-16
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://lawomensexpo.com/

This two-day expo in Los Angeles celebrates women’s culture with shopping, fashion, food, entertainment, cosmetics, career development, travel, financial planning, and more. Other activities include spa treatments, massages, martini & wine tastings, retail therapy, celebrity keynote speakers, endless shopping, samples, and more. Admission to the expo costs only $10.

2016 Oxnard Steampunk Fest
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 15
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 16
Heritage Square, Oxnard
http://oxnardsteampunkfest.com/

Steampunk fans will not want to miss this huge steampunk gathering this weekend in Oxnard. Adult admission costs $12, while children’s admission costs $5 on Saturday or nothing on Sunday. Lots of activities and meetups will take place, including live music, vendors, food booths, tea parties, fencing/dueling, and more.

11th Annual Taste of Soul
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 15
Crenshaw Blvd, Leimert Park
http://tasteofsoul.org/

At this free and all-ages event, find soul food and soulful music, along with dozens of vendors, arts & crafts, and plenty of activities for everyone.

2nd Annual San Diego Sausage & Beer Festival
10:30 am – 3:30 pm, October 15
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.

2nd Annual San Diego Mac n’ Cheese Fest
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, October 15
Waterfront Park, San Diego
http://www.worldwidenetworkoflearning.org/projects–events.html
http://www.facebook.com/events/1787719211462085/

Sample as much gourmet mac & cheese as you can handle this Saturday afternoon in San Diego, while supplies last. Admission costs $35 and comes with ten 2oz beer tasters from participating local breweries. No one under 21 may attend.

8th Annual Taste of North Park
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, October 15
30th & University, North Park, San Diego
http://www.tastenorthpark.com/

Explore the many restaurants, pubs, and bars in North Park this Saturday afternoon at the 7th Annual Taste of North Park. Presale admission costs $35, while admission on the day of the event costs $40, and admission comes with unlimited tastings of food and drinks from all participating businesses until they run out, so arrive early to get the most out of the taste! No one under 21 may receive any alcoholic drink.

Stereo Brewing’s Grand Opening
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, October 15
Stereo Brewing, Placentia
http://www.stereobrewing.com/

A new brewery in Orange County opens their doors to the public this weekend. They will have six beers available for you to try, plus live music and mobile food vendors throughout the day. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and pay for beers as you go.

Rockin’ The Wharf 2
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 15
Queens Wharf, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/1639576893000943/

An all-ages all-day rockabilly concert comes to Long Beach this Saturday. Admission costs $20 presale or $25 at the gate.

2016 Santa Barbara Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, October 15
Elings Park, Santa Barbara
http://www.sbbeerfestival.com/

Santa Barbara has its own beer festival this Saturday afternoon. $60 admission gets you in to unlimited beer tastings for the duration of the event while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

3rd Annual Vegan Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 5:30 pm, October 15
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. No one under 21 may attend.

2016 Dana Point Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 15
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.

Burbank Beer Festival & Street Fair
12:00 pm – 7:30 pm, October 15
San Fernando Blvd, Downtown Burbank
http://www.burbankbeerfestival.com/

Downtown Burbank gets a little crazy this Saturday by holding a free and all-ages street fair that will include a beer garden. The all-day street fair will have various vendors selling apparel, accessories, trinkets, gadgets, and other souvenirs. The beer garden covers two three-hour sessions that start at 12pm and 4pm, and each session costs $40 to enter and comes with unlimited beer pours while supplies last.

Dessert Week LA: Live Event
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, October 15
Pershing Square, Los Angeles
http://dessertweekla.com/

Sample desserts from dozens of vendors this Saturday in Downtown LA. General admission costs $15, starts at 1pm, and gets you ten dessert samples. VIP admission costs $25, starts at 12pm, includes a drink ticket, and allows you to sample from 25 vendors. All attendees can purchase full-size desserts and beverages for cash.

8th Annual Hoptoberfest
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 15
Pizza Port, San Clemente
http://www.pizzaport.com/locations/pizza-port-san-clemente/

Drink beers and feel merry at Pizza Port in San Clemente this Saturday. Admission costs $30 and comes with eight 4oz beer tasters, and attendees can purchase additional beer tasters for $1 each. Attendees can purchase food from the restaurant throughout the day.

2nd Annual Ooze Fest – Southern California’s Premier Cheese Festival
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 15-16
Parking lot in front of Yost Theater, Santa Ana
http://oozefestival.com/

Get cheesed out at this festival celebrating all things cheese this weekend in Downtown Santa Ana. This year, they have handled admission a lot differently. $5 gets you admission throughout the day into the area, where you can simply pay for food as you go. For the food fest experience, $50 gets you all-you-can-eat from 5pm to 9pm.

El Segundo Brewing’s Wet Hop Weekend
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 15
El Segundo Brewing, El Segundo
http://www.elsegundobrewing.com/

El Segundo Brewing will release their wet-hopped brews this Saturday. They will have various versions of their hoppy brew, plus live music and mobile food vendors. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.

Long Beach Craft Beer Festival
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 15
Jack Rose Track Stadium @ Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach
http://www.lbbeerfest.com/

Cal State Long Beach will host their very own beer festival for the first time this weekend. General admission costs $49 and starts at 2pm. VIP Admission costs $64 and starts at 1pm. All attendees receive unlimited beer samples for the duration of the event while supplies last. Bring cash for parking and food. No one under 21 may attend.

Timeless Pints 3rd Year Anniversary Party
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 15
Timeless Pints Brewing, Lakewood
http://timelesspints.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/904646152999296/

Lakewood’s premier microbrewery turns three years old this week, and to celebrate, they will throw a bash this Saturday where they plan to release several new brews to the public. In addition, they will have three food trucks visiting to serve food, plus live music all day. This party requires no admission – simply show up, and pay for beer as you go.

2nd Annual Pour On 4th
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, October 15
Retro Row, Long Beach
http://4thstreetlongbeach.com/

Enjoy beer, wine, food, and music along 4th Street’s “Retro Row” in Long Beach this Saturday afternoon. General admission costs $20 presale or $25 on the day of the event, while VIP admission costs $25 presale or $35 on the day of the event and comes with a goodie bag with assorted products and gift certificates to the local businesses. All attendees receive unlimited beer & wine while supplies last and access to small eats, which will cost $2 to $6 each, so have lots of cash available for food. No one under 21 may attend.

2016 Pasadena Octoberfest
2:00 pm – 6:30 pm, October 15
Rose Bowl, Pasadena
http://pasadenaoctoberfest.com/

More a beer festival than an Oktoberfest, Pasadena gets a beer tasting event this Saturday afternoon. The event will have dozens of breweries, mobile food vendors, live music, and more. General admission costs $40 and starts at 3pm. Early admission costs $50 and starts at 2pm. VIP admission costs $70, also starts at 2pm, and includes VIP treatment with complimentary food and access to exclusive beers. All attendees receive unlimited beer tasters while supplies last. Bring cash for parking and food. No one under 21 may attend.

Sour Bonanza 2016
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 15
Holiday Wine Cellar, Escondido
http://www.holidaywinecellar.com/

$60 gets you 15 tasters of sour beers this Saturday evening in Escondido. No one under 21 may attend.

Guttermouth’s Mark’s 50th Birthday Bash
4:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 15
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.xxx-guttermouth-xxx.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/338185939845780/

Legendary punk rock band Guttermouth’s lead vocalist turns 50 years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have a bigass show this Saturday in Anaheim. The cover for this show costs $25. No one under 21 may enter.

Chula Vista Oktoberfiesta
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, October 15
Salt Creek Community Park, Chula Vista
http://chulavistarotary.org/event/2016-oktoberfiesta/

Chula Vista hosts their own version of an Oktoberfest this Saturday evening. Tickets to this event cost $50 and includes unlimited food and drinks while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

The Social List’s Fall Block Party & Oktoberfest
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 15
The Social List, Long Beach
http://thesociallistlb.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/598774573635944/

This Saturday evening, Long Beach’s The Social List will close off a small portion of the adjacent streets to allow for outdoor drinking and partying. Buy a stein with beer for $15, and get $2 off beer refills all month long. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and have a good time.

6th Annual Taste of Mexico Culinary Festival
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 15
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Los Angeles
http://www.thetasteofmexico.org/

Sample lots of Mexican food and drinks this Saturday night in Downtown LA. General admission costs $65 and starts at 7pm. VIP admission costs $85, starts at 6pm, and includes exclusive food and drinks, plus access to a VIP lounge. All attendees receive unlimited food and drink samples for the duration of the event while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Piñata Protest: Live in Southern California
10:00 pm – 2:00 am, October 15, Spike’s Bar & Billiards, Rosemead http://www.facebook.com/events/1170812436303221/
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, October 16, Slide Bar, Fullerton http://www.facebook.com/events/1230112757008604/
http://www.pinataprotestband.com/

Piñata Protest will perform a handful of shows in Southern California starting this weekend. Each show has a different cover charge, so click on a show’s link for details. No one under 21 may enter any of these shows.

Surf City 10-Mile, 10k, and 5k
6:30 am – 12:00 pm, October 16
Hilton Waterfront Resort, Huntington Beach
http://www.surfcity10.com/

This Sunday morning in Huntington Beach, thousands will participate in various physical challenges, including a 10-mile run, a 10K, a 5K, and more. In addition, a costume contest aims to mix things up on the sand.

Spooktacular Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K
7:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 16
Frank G Bonelli Park, San Dimas
http://www.spooktacular10k.com/

Enjoy a costumed fun run this Sunday in San Dimas. Take part in a 10k, half marathon, 5k, or kids run for the little ones, all with or without a costume. Registration costs $55 to $95 based on the event, and includes a medal, a shirt based on the event you compete in, costume contests, pumpkin pies, and post-race festivities. Parking at the park costs $10 per vehicle.

Disneyland Lolita Day 2016
8:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 16
Disneyland Park, Anaheim
http://disneylandlolitaday.wixsite.com/

This Sunday, lolita fans will congregate at Disneyland in Anaheim. Dress up and come mingle with others, or simply come admire those who do dress up.

CicLAvia
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 16
Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.ciclavia.org/

Much of the center 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.

Stone Brewing’s 6th Annual Pour It Black
10:00 am – 2:00 pm, October 16
Stone Brewing, Escondido
http://www.stonebrewing.com/events/pour-it-black

Love dark beers? You owe it to visit Stone Brewing’s Pour It Black, a beer festival dedicated to dark beers. Admission costs $49 and comes with fifteen 3oz tasters and a souvenir glass. No one under 21 may attend.

7th Annual Spring Valley Tailgate & BBQ Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 16
Cali Comfort BBQ, Spring Valley
http://www.calicomfortbbq.com/svbbqfest2016

A barbecue competition & festival comes to La Mesa this Sunday afternoon. Free to attend for all-ages, visitors can sample food from the competitors for $2 each. Visitors can also expect lots of activities, entertainment, vendors, beverages, and more.

DTLA Breweries United Fest 2016
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 16
Triangle Lot, Arts District, Downtown Los Angeles
http://dtlabrews.com/
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/dtla-breweries-united-fest-16-tickets-27671426983

A beer tasting event will take place this Sunday afternoon in the Arts District in Downtown LA that will feature all of the breweries of Downtown LA. The $45 admission gets you unlimited beer tasters while supplies last. Bring cash for parking and food. No one under 21 may attend.

Los Angeles Magazine’s 11th Annual The Food Event
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 16
Saddlerock Ranch, Malibu
http://www.lamag.com/thefoodevent

$125 gets you in to this event in Malibu this Sunday afternoon with food and drink samples from dozens of vendors. No one under 21 may attend.

Monsters & Mai Tais V
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 16
Tonga Hut Tiki Lounge, North Hollywood
http://www.tongahut.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1035496033216068/

Get festive and boozy this Sunday in North Hollywood. Free to attend for all ages, visitors will find art for sale, live music, food, drinks, and more.

7th Annual Urban Farm Dinner
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 16
The Growing Experience: An Urban Farm, Long Beach
http://primalalchemy.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1802282733348882/

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner this Sunday evening for $120 per person or $600 for a table for six.

Upcoming Events: September 12-18, 2016

Knotty Brewing Grand Opening
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, September 14
Knotty Brewing, San Diego
http://knottybrewing.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/124796707970223/

A new brewery opens their doors to the public this Wednesday evening in Downtown San Diego. Free to attend, they will have Happy Hour specials from 4pm to 7pm, then $3 pints afterwards.

Heart of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 14
Downtown Pacific Beach
http://www.pacificbeach.org/

Take a stroll through Pacific Beach this Tuesday evening and sample on a variety of foods from the local participating restaurants. Admission costs $20 presale or $25 on the day of the event, and includes unlimited food samples while supplies last.

Subhumans: Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 14, The Garage, Ventura http://www.facebook.com/events/615121195330468/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 15, Brick By Brick, Linda Vista, San Diego http://brickbybrick.ticketfly.com/event/1265227-subhumans-special-guests-san-diego/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 16, The Observatory, Santa Ana http://www.observatoryoc.com/node/2557
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 17, Los Globos, Silverlake http://www.clublosglobos.com/event/1238043-subhumans-los-angeles/

Legendary punk rock band Subhumans currently tours across the west coast, and that tour swings through Southern California this week. Ticket prices and age limits vary with each show, so click on a show’s link for details.

2016 Taste of Downtown San Diego
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 15
Rustic Root, San Diego
http://www.downtownsandiego.org/events/annual-taste-of-downtown/

Take a stroll through Downtown San Diego as you enjoy food samples from restaurants throughout Downtown San Diego this Thursday evening. For $30 presale or $35 on the day of the event, enjoy food samples from over 40 restaurants in Downtown all serving their flagship foods.

3rd Annual SDBG Golf Tournament
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, September 16
Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course, San Diego
http://www.sandiegobrewersguild.org/calendar/297-3rd-annual-sdbg-golf-tournament

Play golf and drink craft beer at this charity golf tournament this Friday in San Diego. Registration for this event filled up a while ago, so if this event looks interesting to you, bookmark it for next year!

6th Annual Los Angeles Green Festival Expo
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, September 16
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 17-18
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://www.greenfestivals.org/

Explore the future of sustainability at this expo in Downtown LA this weekend. Visitors will encounter hundreds of vendors from food to tools and more. Adult admission costs $12 for one day, $22 for Saturday & Sunday, or $35 for all three days. Children enter for free with paid adult admission.

18th Annual Sand Sports Super Show
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 16
9:00 am – 7:00 pm, September 17
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, September 18
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://www.sandsportssupershow.com/

Satiate your adrenaline with the Sand Sports Super Show this weekend at the OC Fairgrounds. See hundreds of ATVs, monster trucks, and many other vehicles all in one space. Admission to this all-ages expo costs $15, while children 12 and under enter free with paid adult admission. Bring extra cash for parking which ranges from $5 to $10.

Savor Santa Ana
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 16
East End, Downtown Santa Ana
http://www.downtown-santaana.com/

Santa Ana gets their very own strolling tasting event this Thursday night! Folks who have attend any Belmont Shore Stroll & Savor will already know the drill. To participate, simply show up, buy a booklet of 12 tickets for $10, and redeem those tickets at participating restaurants in Downtown Santa Ana for yummy samples. In addition, the weekly Downtown Santa Ana farmer’s market will also take place, allowing visitors to browse those wares as well.

California Beer Festival – Ventura
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, September 16
11:30 am – 5:00 pm, September 17
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 18
Mission Park, Downtown Ventura
http://www.californiabeerfestival.com/

The California Beer Festival invades Ventura this weekend with three separate events. On Friday, attend a food & beer pairing competition for $60 where five chefs and five brewers compete for the best beer & food pairing in show. Saturday represents their beer tasting event with unlimited beer tastings while supplies last. General admission to this costs $55 and starts at 12:30pm, while VIP admission costs $80 and starts at 11:30am. No one under 21 may attend on Saturday. On Sunday, admission costs $30 and provides access to a plethora of food and beer vendors along with live blues music all day. All attendees will have to pay for food and drinks separately on Sunday.

Bubbles & Botanicals
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 16
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonarboretum.com/Bubbles-and-Botanicals/

$25 gets you in to the Fullerton Arboretum this Friday night with champagne and appetizers while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden’s 35th Anniversary
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 16
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, Long Beach
http://web.csulb.edu/~jgarden/aboutus/event.html

Enjoy an elegant evening in Long Beach this Friday complete with food stations, live music, a silent auction, and more. Admission costs $70.

Rebel Bingo
8:00 pm – 11:30 pm, September 16
333 Live, Los Angeles
http://rebelbingo.com/

If you think you know bingo, think again. This psychedelic interactive party takes bingo to extremes. Expect loud music, alcohol, dancing, intoxication, almost-naked people, and much more that you would not tell your grandparents about.

16th Annual Bike Walk & Roll
6:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 17
New Harvest Educational Facility, Norwalk
http://www.bikewalkandroll.com/

Join in on this community bike fest going on all day this Saturday starting in Norwalk. This celebration features a multitude of events, from bike rides to a 10k walk to a family fun day to a BBQ competition. All active events start early in the morning, and the website features the full schedule of when every single event starts. From 10am to 6pm, check out a FREE all-ages fair in Norwalk, complete with food, music, games, rides, vendors, arts & crafts, and more.

19th Annual Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival
8:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 17-18
Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado
http://www.fleetweeksandiego.org/events/fleet-week-coronado-speed-festival/

This all-ages event features fast-paced, thrilling auto racing and exhibitions for car enthusiasts at one of the most distinctive race track locations, Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of Naval Aviation. Nowhere else can you see a variety of cars racing on a live runway used by the U.S. Navy! The two-day festival includes a military pit crew challenge, car show, garage tours, test drives, a vendor village, a stunt show, a special appearance by Red Bull’s Geoff Aaron, and more. General admission presale costs $25 for one day or $35 for the weekend, while tickets at the door will cost $10 more.

12th Annual Moompetam: Native American Festival
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 17-18
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/moompetam/

This weekend celebration will feature traditional cultural crafts, storytelling, educational programs, live demonstrations, music, and dance celebrating the indigenous California maritime cultures, including Tongva, Chumash, Acjachemen, Costanoan, Luiseno, and Kumeyaay. All aquarium visitors gain access to this festival, so anyone with regular aquarium admission can check this event out.

2016 Long Beach Comic Con
9:00 am – 7:00 pm, September 17
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 18
Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach
http://www.longbeachcomiccon.com/

Come to the Long Beach Comic Con this weekend at the Long Beach Convention Center. Fans of comic books, pop culture, cartoons, media, anime/manga, and more will find lots to do, see, and buy at this expo. Saturday costs $30, while Sunday costs $25. Downtown Long Beach contains very few free parking, so either park in the neighborhood east of Alamitos Ave, or take public transportation from elsewhere.

International Tiki Market Place
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, September 17
Don The Beachcomber, Sunset Beach
http://www.donthebeachcomber.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/477814222343426/

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!

3rd Annual LA River Boat Race
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, September 17
Behind Elysian, Los Angeles
http://paddleguru.com/races/LARiverBoatRace

Put your rowing skills and core to the test at this rowing race this Saturday along the LA River. They will have a fun course for those who simply want to participate, and a competitive course for those who want to win.

2016 Long Beach Triathlon & Expo
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, September 17
4:00 am – 10:00 am, September 18
Marina Green, Downtown Long Beach
http://thelongbeachtriathlon.com/

Test your physical prowess with this triathlon as you swim, run, and bike your way around Downtown Long Beach. An expo where visitors can explore and learn about the triathlon will occur on Saturday at Marina Green, and participating athletes can pick up their race packets at this expo. The actual triathlon starts at 7am on Sunday morning. Registration varies in price, with individual registration costing $140. All participants receive a t-shirt, goodie bag, finisher medal, post-race food & entertainment, a swim cap, and exclusive access to online results & professional photos.

Huntington Beach Surf City Days
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, September 17-18
Downtown Huntington Beach
http://www.hbdowntown.com/surf-city-days2.html

A handful of events will occur in Downtown Huntington Beach this weekend, including a surfing competition, volleyball tournament, CrossFit competition, classic car show, skating demo, and more. These events cost nothing to attend and spectate, while participation requires registration, of which the deadline has already passed.

9th Annual Orange County Pacific Islander Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 17-18
Central Library Park, Huntington Beach
http://www.pacifichealthpartners.org/

Immerse yourself in Pacific Islander culture at this FREE and all-ages festival this weekend in Huntington Beach. Visitors will find food, live music, entertainment, merchandise, activities, and more.

San Diego Ultimate Women’s Expo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 17-18
San Diego Convention Center, San Diego
http://womensexposandiego.com/

This two-day expo in San Diego celebrates women’s culture with shopping, fashion, food, entertainment, cosmetics, career development, travel, financial planning, and more. Other activities include spa treatments, massages, martini & wine tastings, retail therapy, celebrity keynote speakers, endless shopping, samples, and more. Admission to the expo costs only $10.

Book Lovers Craft Fair
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 17-18
Whimsic Alley, Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles
http://www.whimsicalley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1664090557240632/

Free to attend for all ages, check out dozens of vendors selling books, literature accessories, and more.

San Diego Gourmet Pizza Fest
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, September 17
NTC Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.sandiegopizzafest.com/

$35 gets you in to this tasting event where you get to try samples of gourmet pizzas from throughout San Diego County while supplies last. Admission also includes seven craft beer samples. No one under 21 may attend.

4th Annual Long Beach Folk Revival Festival
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, September 17
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://www.folkrevivalfestival.com/

This all-ages event will showcase over 20 folk and roots music acts. Other highlights include the Port of Long Beach Kids Pumpkin Patch, Polly’s Pies pie-eating contest, and the LB Beard Advocates mustache/beard contest. Local craft breweries and a variety of food trucks will serve food & drinks to attendees. General admission costs $40, while VIP admission costs $75 and includes access to a VIP lounge area. No one under 21 may attend as a VIP.

2nd Annual Sundown Music Festival
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, September 17-18
Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach
http://sundownmusicfest.com/

Party on the beach with music, art, booze, wild women, and more this weekend in Huntington Beach. Admission costs $75 for one day or $139 for both days. No one under 21 may attend.

4th Annual OC Fest of Ales
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 17
Center Street Promenade, Anaheim
http://www.festofales.com/

OC Fest of Ales returns to Downtown Anaheim this Saturday afternoon. The $70 admission grants you access to unlimited food AND beer while supplies last, plus a souvenir cup and bottle opener. Guests will also find all the usual beer festival festivities, such as games, live music, a homebrew competition, vendors, and more. No one under 21 may attend.

Summer Send Off Beer Festival 2016 + Inland Empire Beer Week 2016 Kickoff
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 17
Riverside Municipal Airport, Riverside
http://www.iebrewersguild.org/

A beer festival will take place in Riverside this Saturday afternoon to mark the close of the summer season as well as kick off this year’s Inland Empire Beer Week. General admission costs $35 and starts at 1pm while VIP admission costs $45 and starts at 12pm. All attendees receive a souvenir glass and unlimited beer samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

3rd Annual Montebello Art Walk
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, September 17
Montebello City Park, Montebello
http://www.keepingtheculturealive.com/

At this FREE and all-ages event, find artist, vendors, food trucks, live art demos, raffles, music, and more.

4th Annual Brewer’s Chili Cookoff
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 17
Select Beer Store, Redondo Beach
http://www.selectbeerstore.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/297307097296910/

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.

Grand Opening of Ocean Beach Tasting Room & Sour Bottle Release
12:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 17
Belching Beaver, Ocean Beach
http://belchinbeaver.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/327941934215714/

Belching Beaver will open the doors to the public at their new location in Ocean Beach this Saturday, and they will also release a new sour ale as well. This grand opening event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.

3rd Annual Horton’s Hayride
1:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 22
S. S. Lane Victory, San Pedro
http://www.hortonshayride.com/

Enjoy live music at this all-day all-ages rockabilly festival from the great sets of the Reverend Horton Heat, The Bouncing Souls, and more, and check out the great food, classic cars, and pinup models. Tickets to this event cost only $25.

Downey International Food & Music Festival 2016
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 17
Downey Ave & 3rd St, Downey
http://www.discoverdowney.org/ifmf

Downtown Downey will bustle with activity this Saturday evening. On Downey Avenue in downtown, visitors of all ages can walk the street for free to check out local restaurants serving food here, plus a beer & wine garden, kids’ zone, live music, and an outdoor movie at night.

78th Annual LA Chinatown Moon Festival
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 17
Chinatown, Los Angeles
http://www.chinatownla.com/calendar.php?eventId=554

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.

OC Roller Girls – School of Hard Blocks
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 17
The Rinks, Huntington Beach
http://www.ocderby.com/

Watch intense & brutal girl-on-girl action at this roller derby bout this Saturday night in Huntington Beach. Tickets to this roller derby bout cost $15.

3rd Annual Taps & Tapas Craft Beer & Food Festival
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, September 18
Fiesta Hall, Uptown Whittier
http://www.tapsandtapaswhittier.com/

Savor the local flavor of Uptown Whittier at this food & beer tasting event this Sunday afternoon in Uptown Whittier. At this event, attendees will get treated to eats from over 20 local restaurants and sips from over 30 different craft beers from over 20 different breweries. General admission costs $60 and starts at 2:30pm, while VIP admission costs $80 and starts at 1pm. All attendees receive unlimited food and beer samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Craftoberfest
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, September 18
Alpine Village, Torrance
http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/oktoberfest/

This Sunday afternoon, instead of the usual German beers, Torrance’s Alpine Village will have a handful of craft beers for their Oktoberfest event. Admission costs $15 presale or $20 at the door, and gets you ten 2oz beer pours plus admission to the Oktoberfest celebration. No one under 21 may attend.

Upcoming Events: July 8-14, 2013

Slow Children @ Chain Reaction
6:30 pm – 12:30 am, July 10
Chain Reaction, Anaheim
http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/315673

Catch a local punk rock show this Wednesday night at the Chain Reaction in Anaheim, with six bands total playing that night. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $10. If you cannot find parking in their parking lot, park on S Loara St.

2013 Lightning In A Bottle
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, July 11
10:00 am – 11:00 pm, July 12
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, July 13
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, July 14
Lake Skinner, Temecula
http://lightninginabottle.org/

If I could pick one word to describe Lightning In A Bottle, I would pick hippie. Lightning In A Bottle brings people together from all over the world to celebrate earth and life with music, art, dance, yoga, speakers, workshops, and more. Expect to encounter thousands of people with a hippie mindset, like Woodstock but more controlled. Ticket prices vary depending on the mode of attendance, and they offer a presale discount, so check the prices on their site, and if you like what you see, purchase a ticket online to save some green.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, July 11
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 does not exist in Downtown LA, although some meters only operate until 8pm. First-time visitors should attend with someone who has gone here before.

2013 Orange County Fair Opening Day
12:00 pm, July 12
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://ocfair.com/

The OC Fair this year runs Wednesday through Sunday each week starting July 12 with the final day on August 11. The fairgrounds open 12pm until 12am on weekdays, and 10am to 12 am on weekends. For opening day, all guests receive FREE parking and enter the fair for FREE. Click this link for special ticket promotions. Click this link for info on the Super Pass. Every year, a new fried food gets introduced, such as deep-fried Kool Aid or deep-fried butter. Last year, they allowed guests to bring their own foods to get fried, and they will continue that tradition this year.

2013 Body Art Expo
2:00 pm – 11:00 pm, July 12
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, July 13
11:00 am – 8:00 pm, July 14
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.bodyartexpo.com/

Check out this all-ages tattoo expo running all weekend at the Fairplex in Pomona. Hundreds of tattoo artists from across the nation will fly in this weekend to deliver their works of art onto willing bodies. The expo will also feature live tribute bands, freak shows, a beer garden, hot body contests, tattoo contests, plenty of merchandise vendors, and more. Attendees interested in receiving ink should book an appointment with an artist – walking up to the artist may result in nothing if the artist fills up his or her schedule early. One-day admission costs $20, while a 3-day admission costs $45. Children under 10 enter for free with a paid adult admission, but note that no vendor will provide a tattoo or piercing to children. Please bring cash for parking, which may range from $5 to $10.

Black Flag @ The Observatory
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, July 12-13
The Observatory, Santa Ana
July 12: http://www.observatoryoc.com/events/black-flag
July 13: http://www.observatoryoc.com/events/black-flag-2

Legendary punk rock band Black Flag has reunited with the original lineup to play a short tour that swings through Southern California this weekend. Do not miss this opportunity to catch Black Flag in all their glory this weekend. Tickets to these all-ages shows cost $25. Act fast on these tickets, as the first night has already sold out.

Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge Race 5K
7:00 am – 7:00 pm, July 13
Orange County Great Park, Irvine
http://rocrace.com/

If you have watched Wipeout and have always wanted to test your mettle on that course, you now have a chance with ROC Race this Saturday. This 5K course comes complete with obstacles from various similar TV shows to create a wacky race full of challenges and amusement. Anyone 13 and up can register to participate in this untimed obstacle race, and all registrants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Following the race, stick around for food trucks, a beer garden, and live music from DJ’s and local bands. At this moment, all of the morning times have sold out, so if you would like to register for this race, you may only choose an afternoon start time. Registration costs $65 through Wednesday, and $70 on the day of the event. If entering as a team, the team with the more registrants receive a 25% refund on their registration. Parking costs $10 per vehicle (hint: carpool), so bring extra cash with you for parking, food & drinks, and other merchandise.

2013 Tomato Battle – SoCal
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, July 13
Lakeview Park, Silverado
http://tomatobattle.com/

Prepare to get messy and release some pent up frustration as you hurl tomatoes at thousands of other people. As an old Spanish tradition, at the inaugural Tomato Battle, thousands of attendees will throw hundreds of thousands of tomatoes through the air in hopes of smacking someone, whether aimed or not. While the tomato zerg runs, local bands will play live music, while a costume contest will occur on the stage. Food trucks and a beer garden will fill up empty stomachs (at an additional cost). Registration for Tomato Battle costs $50. No one under 14 may participate. Bring cash for parking and food. Obviously, wear goggles and clothes you do not mind getting dirty, and bring clean clothes to change into when the event ends.

Agent Orange @ Stingers Bar
6:00 pm – 2:00 am, July 13
Stingers Bar & Night Club, San Bernardino
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3591184

Catch Agent Orange, D.I., Whitekaps, and more at this punk rock show at Stingers Bar in San Bernardino, complete with a full bar and food menu. Tickets to this show cost $12. No one under 18 may attend.

Lace ‘Em Up!
6:00 pm – 2:00 am, July 13
American Legion Post 241, Baldwin Park
http://www.poortownshows.com/event/139002

This all-ages show features a mixture of reggae, soul, punk, ska, hardcore, and oi bands all in one night. Tickets to this show cost $8. Attendees can park for free in the venue’s parking lot.

Beach Babe Bicycling Classic
7:00 am – 2:00 pm, July 14
Shoreline Aquatic Park, Long Beach
http://beachbabecycling.com/

Join hundreds of women cyclists tour the SoCal coastline from Long Beach to Huntington Beach in this beautiful annual bike ride this Sunday morning. Go on a bike ride for 15 miles or 36 miles along beach trails and bike lanes with a handful of catered rest stops along the path. Following the ride, attendees can enjoy a mini women’s expo at the finish line complete with merchandise and accessories. Registration costs $80 for a solo rider, and $210 for a team of three. Have cash available for parking, as the nearest free parking location lies in the neighborhood east of Alamitos Avenue. The website does not specify if men can participate, but photos from previous years show absolutely no men.

2013 Concrete Hero – Los Angeles
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, July 14
Los Angeles State Historic Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.concretehero.org/

If you think you have the toughness to survive anything, think again. Withstand five brutal miles of unforgiving strength and agility obstacles at the annual Concrete Hero this Sunday morning. Run, crawl, climb, and swing your way to the finish line, and prove to the world that you have conquered the Concrete Hero challenge. All those who wish to participate must raise at least $400 to participate, plus pay the registration fee of $35. Concrete Hero does not discriminate, so anyone of any shape, color, ethnicity, and even age can participate. Spectators may enter for free. If you arrive early enough, you can find free street parking on N Spring St and any connecting street from W College St and northward. Later arrivals should opt for public transportation, or simply paying for the parking lots.

Origami Festival
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, July 14
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, Long Beach
http://www.csulb.edu/~jgarden/aboutus/event.html

Come meet and watch many origami experts at this family-friendly event on the CSULB campus. Watch origami experts create works of art, and participate in lessons to learn the art of origami. Admission ranges from $7 to $10 and includes folding origami paper. Bring cash for parking. The venue does not allow reentries, so eat prior to arriving here.

2nd Annual Doggie Street Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, July 14
Westfield Century City Mall, West Los Angeles
http://doggiestreetfestival.org/

This event focuses on dog & cat adoptions, providing people an opportunity to add a pet to their lives. Free to attend for all ages, this event comes with food vendors, live music from local bands, speakers, pet merchandise & accessories, pet services, and more.

Black Flag @ The Vex
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, July 14
The Vex, Los Angeles
http://shows.gitbam.com/

Legendary punk rock band Black Flag has reunited with the original lineup to play a short tour that swings through Southern California this weekend. Do not miss this opportunity to catch Black Flag in all their glory this Sunday night. Tickets to this all-ages show costs $30. You may park behind the building for free, but do not park too deep, or you risk getting blocked by other cars.