Upcoming Events: September 22-28, 2014

6th Annual Los Angeles Beer Week
September 20-28
Greater Los Angeles Area
http://www.labeerweek.com/

This 9-day beer celebration covers Los Angeles through Orange County, culminating in a beer fest on the last day in Downtown Los Angeles. During this period, virtually every restaurant, bar, gastropub, and any other craft beer establishment will host some sort of beer event. Literally hundreds of beer events will take place over 11 days in the Greater Los Angeles Area, so for an abridged list, visit the website linked above. Even the website cannot contain every single event! Check with your local favorite brewpub to find out how they will participate. For the purposes of condensing this list, I will not include any event that directly relates to LA Beer Week, as their website will list them all.

San Diego Restaurant Week
September 21-26
Various Restaurants, San Diego County
http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/

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

Sip LBC – Long Beach Wine, Beer & Spirits Week
September 21-27
Various Restaurants, Long Beach
http://www.siplbc.com/

Various restaurants, bars, lounges, pubs, clubs, hotels, and more will have drink specials all this week in Long Beach.

2014 Taste of Arcadia
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, September 22
Los Angeles County Arboretum, Arcadia
http://arcadiacachamber.org/events/taste-of-arcadia/

The annual Taste of Arcadia returns TONIGHT, so for those planning to go, buy the $60 presale tickets now, or pay $70 at the door. More than 40 food vendors will serve samples, while over 30 other vendors will keep guests occupied between eats.

Authority Zero: Rise To The Fall Tour 2014
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 23, M15 Concert Bar & Grill, Corona http://www.m15concerts.com/events/authority-zero/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 25, The Observatory’s Constellation Room, Santa Ana http://www.observatoryoc.com/events/authority-zero
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 26, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego http://www.sodabarmusic.com/calendar.php?event_id=2133

Authority Zero currently tours across the nation, and their tour strolls through Southern California this week. Tickets to these all-ages show range from $13 to $15.

Heart of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 24
Downtown Pacific Beach, San Diego
http://www.pacificbeach.org/

Experience the variety Pacific Beach has to offer at this all-inclusive restaurant walk this Wednesday night! For $20, all attendees will get to sample food from 19 local restaurants, as well as craft beer sampling. Anyone can come and join in on the feasting, but only those 21 and over may receive beer tasters.

Meeting Of The Guilds – Tap Takeover
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 26
Mohawk Bend, Echo Park
http://www.facebook.com/events/553556321437833/

Three Californian brewers’ guilds unite to take over the taps of Mohawk Bend in Echo Park this Thursday night. Come celebrate LA Beer Weer in style by indulging on all sorts of beers.

Feast of San Gennaro
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, September 26-28
Hollywood & Highland, West Hollywood
http://feastofla.org/

Hosted by Adam Carolla and Jimmy Kimmel, the Feast of San Gennaro makes its annual return this weekend just south of Hollywood & Highland. This street festival celebrates Italian culture in America, and will feature Italian food, desserts, drinks, music, entertainment, and more. Admission costs $5, while parking will vary.

19th Annual Redondo Beach Lobster Fest
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 26
12:00 am – 11:00 pm, September 27
12:00 am – 8:00 pm, September 28
Seaside Lagoon, Redondo Beach
http://lobsterfestival.com/

Three weekend lobster fests in a row! Following Long Beach and Los Angeles, Redondo Beach now has a Lobster Fest going on this weekend, which will have lots of fresh lobster for guests to eat. In addition, guests can enjoy dancing, games, rides, music, arts & crafts, and more. The $15 admission includes parking and entry into the fest, while all food comes separate, so anyone wanting to eat will have to bring extra cash. Purchase presale tickets online to save $2, or search their website for additional meal packages, such as surf & turf and more.

6th Annual Surf City Surf Dog Weekend
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, September 26
9:00 am – 12:30 pm, September 27
8:00 am – 2:30 pm, September 28
Huntington Dog Beach, Huntington Beach
http://surfcitysurfdog.com/

Catch a weekend of surfing and dogs this weekend in Huntington Beach. On Friday, visit the Shorebreak Hotel for an opening reception and a dog fashion show. On Saturday, participate in a dog yoga class in the morning, spectate various dog contests, and visit the Canine Expo at The Strand on 5th. The expo lasts until Sunday, when the Surfing Dog contest also takes place. Events vary in price, so check the website for a price for each individual event.

Brewers Karaoke
8:00 pm – 1:30 am, September 26
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/180591

LA Beer Week needed one of these. Free to attend, brewers from breweries around Los Angeles County will grace Alex’s Bar with their presence and their attempted singing vocals. Come for the beer, stay for the karaoke. No one under 21 may enter. Guests should park on Orizaba or the neighborhood across the street.

Captain Wheels Benefit Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, September 26
Characters Sports Bar, Pomona
http://gonzopresents.com/event/182739

Get your weekly Friday fill of punk rock at this benefit show in Pomona this Friday night. Tickets to this show cost $5 presale or $8 at the door. No one under 21 may enter. Guests can find plenty of free street parking around the area, and can avoid paying to park in the adjacent parking lot.

Centerfield Ska Night 5
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 29
Centerfield Sports Bar, Huntington Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/743572279033355/

Enjoy a FREE ska show this Friday night in Orange County with some fun local ska bands. No one under 21 may enter.

15th Annual Cruisin’ For A Cure Car Show
7:00 am – 3:00 pm, September 27
OC Fair & Events Center, Costa Mesa
http://www.cruisinforacure.com/

This all-ages charity car show returns to the OC Fair this Saturday morning. Admission costs $15, and includes free prostate testing for men. Parking costs $7 for general and $10 for preferred parking.

2014 Long Beach Comic & Horror Con
9:00 am – 7:00 pm, September 27
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 28
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. Taking place the weekend after Halloween, expect to see tie-ins with Halloween, as this expo will feature a Horror theme. Saturday costs $30, while Sunday costs $20. Downtown Long Beach contains very few free parking, so either park in the neighborhood east of Alamitos Ave, or take public transportation from elsewhere.

13th Annual Irvine Global Village Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 27
Bill Barber Park, Irvine
http://www.cityofirvine.org/globalvillage/default.asp

This international cultural festival occurs this Saturday in Irvine at Bill Barber Park. Free to park and enter for all ages, this multicultural fest features international cuisine, live entertainment, a kids village with crafts & activities, cultural & religious exhibits, and an international marketplace.

33rd Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, September 27-28
Adams Avenue between 32nd & 35th Street, Normal Heights, San Diego
http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/Adams-Avenue-Street-Fair.html

This FREE and all-ages music festival takes place over two days this weekend on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, between the 805 and 15 freeways. Ten blocks will close to traffic to make way for over 90 music acts on seven stages and over 350 vendor booths. Guests should take public transportation to Adams Avenue, as traffic will remain heavily congested all weekend, and parking will not exist in high numbers here.

8th Annual International Chocolate Salon
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 27
The Pasadena Center, Pasadena
http://www.lachocolatesalon.com/

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

2014 Long Beach Folk Revival Festival
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, September 27
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. Tickets cost $15 presale or $20 at the door.

Ales & Tails – Pet Adoption Fair
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, September 27
Alosta Brewing, Covina
http://www.facebook.com/events/851302718237525/

Free to attend, Alosta Brewing will host a pet adoption fair this Saturday at their tasting room in Covina.

The Crazy Last Will of Dr. Mad
3:30 pm – 10:30 pm, September 27
1:00 pm – 8:00 pm, September 28
The Glass House, Pomona
http://realescapegame.com/ladrmad/

Join teams of six and put your brains together to solve an extremely challenging puzzle. Use your intuition, street smarts, and logic to solve the puzzles and discover the complete solution. Registration to this all-ages event costs $25 presale or $30 at the door.

2014 Fullerton Uncorked
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm, September 27
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonuncorked.com/

At this food & wine tasting, find food samples from local restaurants, dozens of wine & craft beer tastings, live music, raffle prizes, and more. Tickets to this event cost $62 presale or $65 at the door, and include unlimited food and drinks while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Ultimate Flight Night V
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 27
38 Degrees, Alhambra
http://www.facebook.com/events/920646391285827/

Filed under LA Beer Week events, 38 Degrees will receive some rare and highly sought-after beers this Saturday to serve as flights to customers.

Neon Dash – Los Angeles
6:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 27
StubHub Center, Carson
http://www.neondash.com/locations/losangeles/

Run, jog, or walk your way through a brightly lit course at night with the Neon Dash 5k. This all-ages fun run combines the spectrum of a color run with the brilliance of a glow run with specially formulated glow-in-the-dark glow. Throughout the 5k course, live music will pump up the runners while course staff and volunteers will spray participants with the magical glow to give them that special something that lights them up in the night. Following the run, all participants can stay for the after party that goes on all night. Registration costs $60 and includes an event t-shirt. As a color run, all participants should wear white during the race to absorb the most color possible, and have spare clothes to change into when going home. Parking will range from $5 to $10, but since spectators can enter for free, feel free to bring friends & family to watch the run. Note that the race will start at 8pm, and with thousands of participants, I highly suggest arriving at least an hour early to circumvent traffic.

Naked Aggression in Baldwin Park
6:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 27
American Legion Post 241, Baldwin Park
http://www.facebook.com/events/515505631913638/

A handful of local punk rock bands will head to Baldwin Park this Saturday to play one heck of a show. The cover for this all-ages show cost $8.

Isolated Victims @ Comic Book Hideout
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 27
Comic Book Hideout, Fullerton
http://www.facebook.com/events/1461314514121949/

Ska, punk, and hardcore collide at this all-ages show this Saturday night in Fullerton. The cover for this show costs $5.

La Infinita – CD Release Show
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 27
Dipiazzas, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/433270740145676/

Enjoy a night of ska punk in Long Beach this Saturday night. The cover for this all-ages show costs $7.

FEAR & T.S.O.L. @ The Observatory
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 27
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/events/fear-tsol

Punk rock legends FEAR and T.S.O.L. will headline a show at The O this Saturday night. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $20. Arrive early and park for free at the venue’s parking lot. Arrive later, and end up parking at a parking lot down the street for $10.

16th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk
7:30 am – 1:00 pm, September 28
Brookside Park, Pasadena
http://www.pasadenahumane.org/site/TR?fr_id=1160&pg=entry

Join hundreds of dog lovers as they all walk with their dogs this Sunday morning in Pasadena. Walk along with your dog, or join a team and walk together. After the walk, stick around for a pet expo, complete with vendors, pet adoptions, pet services, food, drinks, arts & crafts, and more.

11th Annual Orange County Children’s Book Festival
9:30 am – 4:30 pm, September 28
Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa
http://kidsbookfestival.com/

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

6th Annual Orange County Accordion Festival + The Samuel Adams Oktoberfest Experience
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, September 28
Orange County Market Place, Costa Mesa
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/samuel-adams-octoberfest-experience-the-big-squeeze-tickets-12791187787

Sam Adams hosts an Oktoberfest event this Sunday in Costa Mesa, full of random shenanigans. Admission costs $25 presale or $35 at the door, and comes with four 12oz beer pours, a bratwurst, and a pretzel. Typical Oktoberfest entertainment will take place, such as a stein-holding contest, accordion musicians, and more. Attendees gain access to a variety of gourmet food trucks, plus the Orange County Market Place that takes place there every weekend.

30th Annual Abbot Kinney Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 28
Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
http://abbotkinney.org/

This free all-ages street fair showcases the best of local businesses in food, drinks, merchandise, apparel, accessories, art, crafts, local music, and more. Abbot Kinney will close to traffic to allow the thousands of visitors to freely roam the streets and explore all the vendors.

Whittier ARTcrawl Fest
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 28
Greenleaf Avenue, Uptown Whittier
http://www.uptowncrawlers.com/

At this FREE and all-ages art walk, find art, music, food, entertainment, and more. For those 21 or over, join in on a Tasting Crawl, where visitors can receive food & drink specials at participating restaurants.

Strong Ales & Jerky
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, September 28
The Factory, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/1561632414058446/

Enjoy FREE jerky samples this Sunday afternoon at The Factory in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach. In addition, The Factory will have a handful of strong ales on tap for you to try.

Gaslight Anthem & Against Me! @ Hollywood Palladium
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 28
Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood
http://www.thehollywoodpalladium.com/events/the-gaslight-anthem/

Gaslight Anthem and Against Me! will perform at the Palladium this Sunday night. Tickets to this all-ages show cost about $50.

The Descendents @ Fox Theater
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 28
Fox Theater, Pomona
http://www.foxpomona.com/detail.php?id=338

Legendary punk band Descendents will headline a show in Pomona this Sunday night. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $30.

Upcoming Events: August 18-24, 2014

Costa Mesa Restaurant Week
August 15-22
Various locations, Costa Mesa
http://www.travelcostamesa.com/costa-mesa-restaurant-week/

The annual Costa Mesa Restaurant Week returns! Numerous restaurants in Costa Mesa will feature special prix fixe meals or other discounted items during this time. Many of these restaurants have amazing food, so I encourage you to check out at least one of the restaurants during this week.

25th Annual Taste of MainStreet – Encinitas
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, August 19
Main Street, Encinitas
http://www.encinitas101.com/events/annual-taste-of-mainstreet/

Sample food from 34 restaurants in Encinitas this Tuesday night. Douse your thirst at the 16 sip stops along the street as well. You can gain all-access to this for $35 presale, or just $25 for food-only. This taste tends to sell out each year, so purchase your tickets soon if you wish to attend.

Tall Ships Festival LA 2014
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 20-22
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 23-24
Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro
http://www.tallshipsfestivalla.com/

Some of the world’s tallest ships will dock at the Port of LA this week, allowing visitors of all ages to come gawk at them. In addition, the world’s largest rubber duck will float on in to the port. Ticket prices vary for everything during this festival, ranging from $4 all the way up to $150.

Smog City Tap Takeover @ The Factory
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 20
The Factory Gastrobar, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/688169924608595/

South Bay brewery Smog City Brewing will bring nine different beers to take over the taps of The Factory, plus their cask tap. Stop on by this Wednesday evening to enjoy a cold brew.

2014 Naples Island Street Fair
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, August 21
Naples Fountain, Naples Island, Long Beach
http://www.naplesislandbusiness.com/

Bring your family out to this free street fair on Naples Island this Thursday evening. Complete with food, music, and plenty of activities, all visitors will find plenty to do, including raffles, face painting, sidewalk sales, live music, and more. Visitors should park in the neighborhood north of 2nd Street, as the southern neighborhood will close off to traffic.

Mad Caddies – North America Tour 2014
8:30 pm – 2:00 am, August 21, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego http://www.sodabarmusic.com/calendar.php?event_id=2069
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 22, M15 Concert Bar & Grill, Corona http://www.m15concerts.com/events/mad-caddies/
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 23, The Observatory, Santa Ana http://www.observatoryoc.com/events/skankin-in-the-pit-fest

The Mad Caddies will go on tour throughout North America starting this week, and their tour starts off in Southern California with three killer shows. Each show has varying prices and age limits, so refer to the link of the show you want to attend for more info.

The Weirdos – 2014 US Summer Tour
9:00 pm – 1:30 am, August 21, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach http://www.alexsbar.com/event/177668
9:00 pm – 1:30 am, August 22, Characters Sports Bar, Pomona http://gonzopresents.com/event/178215

Relive the 80’s with these old school punk bands this week. Tickets to the Thursday show in Long Beach cost $15 presale or $17 at the door. Tickets to the Friday show in Pomona cost $13 presale or $15 at the door. No one under 21 may attend either show.

Anime California 2014
11:00 am – 2:00 am, August 22
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 23-24
Hyatt Regency, Garden Grove
http://www.animecalifornia.com/

Anime, manga, and cosplay fans rejoice! Anime California returns this weekend to the Hyatt Regency in Garden Grove, this 3-day expo contains hundreds of artist & vendor booths, various special events such as a masquerade ball, music videos, concerts, battle of the bands, fashion shows, dancing, video games, karaoke, cosplay gatherings & contests, and much more. Admission to this all-ages expo costs $30 per day or $50 for the entire weekend.

KTown Night Market’s OC Block Party
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 22
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 23
Angel Stadium, Anaheim
http://ktownnightmarket.com/

Following to vivid success of the KTown Night Market from a few months ago, the organizers will invade Orange County this weekend to bring their night market to the OC. For just $3 to get in, visitors will experience the true nightlife of Asia in this local environment full of food, drinks, vendors, games, music, live entertainment, lights, dancing, and more.

4th Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 22
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 23
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 24
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://www.longbeachbbqfestival.com/

The Long Beach BBQ Festival returns to Rainbow Lagoon Park this weekend. This all-ages weekend festival brings together the best of the nation’s grill masters to serve the masses and compete for the best BBQ of the west. Entry costs $15, which does not include food, which attendees must pay for separately. Admission with a pork ribs meal costs $28. This festival also boasts an all-you-can-eat package for $225 – check the website for more details about that package. You can also find a coupon on their website good for $2 off entry. This festival takes place entirely outdoors with limited shade, so apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated during the day. Nearby parking lots charge up to $10 for parking – consider parking in the neighborhood east of Alamitos Avenue and walking from there.

Brea Fest
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm, August 22
Brea Civic & Cultural Center, Brea
http://www.cityofbrea.net/Calendar.aspx?EID=6611

Essentially a “Taste of Brea,” this free and all-ages event will see over 30 restaurants from the area providing samples of their food to visitors. Visitors may freely walk into the event area for free, but must purchase tickets to redeem for food or drinks. In addition to all the food, visitors will find live music, a kids zone, arts & crafts, and more.

Amenaza CD Release Party
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 22
White Oak Music & Arts, Van Nuys
http://www.facebook.com/events/278990388948853/

Get crazy at this ska/reggae show this Friday night in Van Nuys. The cover for this all-ages show costs $10.

Centerfield Ska Night
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 22
Centerfield Sports Bar, Huntington Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/793977213987331/

Enjoy a FREE ska show this Friday night in Orange County with some fun local ska bands. No one under 21 may enter.

14th Annual Tiki Beach Festival
6:30 am – 5:30 pm, August 23-24
Granada Launch Ramp, Long Beach
http://alfredosbeachclub.com/tiki-festival.html

This Hawaiian & Islander festival takes place at Granada Beach this weekend from sunrise to sunset. Completely FREE to attend, you will find food, arts & crafts, vendors, games, music, dancers, hula hoop lessons, and more here.

Back To School Open House
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, August 23
Blackmarket Bakery, Costa Mesa
http://www.facebook.com/events/565229033599770/

If you have not visited Blackmarket Bakery in a long time, or have yet to visit them at all, check them out this Saturday afternoon. They will give out free samples of their new items to visitors. In addition, stick around for other free giveaways, such as t-shirts or other goodies to take home.

Venice Beach Music Fest 9
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, August 23
Windward Plaza, Venice
http://venicebeachmusicfest.com/

Experience local music, art, and dance at this free and all-ages music festival this Saturday.

5th Annual Taste of Westminster
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 23
Civic Center Sunken Gardens, Westminster
http://www.tasteofwestminster.com/

Sample foods from the local restaurants of Westminster this Saturday afternoon. Admission costs $25 for adults or $10 for children, and comes with unlimited food tastings while supplies last. About half of the vendors consist of corporate restaurants, so keep that in mind when sampling the Westminster restaurants. All drinks, alcoholic or not, come at a separate cost, so for a hot day with little shade, bring extra cash to stay hydrated.

Old Skool Oil – Custom Car & Cycle Show
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, August 23
Bowlium Lanes, Montclair
http://www.facebook.com/events/268668053321232/

Bring your friends and family to this FREE and all-ages car show in Montclair this Saturday afternoon. Visitors will find pin-up models, cash prizes, food & drink specials, a live DJ, music, art, raffles, and of course, cars.

3rd Annual Mira Mesa Festival of Beers
1:00 pm – 5:30 pm, August 23
Mira Mesa Community Park, Mira Mesa
http://www.miramesabeerfest.com/

Sample lots of great beers this Saturday afternoon in Mira Mesa. General admission costs $25 presale and $30 at the gate, starts at 2pm, and comes with ten 4oz beer tasters. VIP admission costs $32 presale and $37 at the gate, starts at 1pm, comes with twelve 4oz beer tasters, and receive in-and-out privileges throughout the fest.

6th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, August 23
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, August 24
The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, San Diego
http://www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com/

Immerse yourself into the wonderful world of spirits this weekend in San Diego. This year’s fest features three sections: cocktails, culinary, and culture., thus providing something to entice everyone. Attendees will also find live entertainment, bartender battles, chef demos, a fashion show, a burlesque show, and more. The all-inclusive admission costs $90 for Saturday and $85 for Sunday, so attendees should arrive early to maximize their eating & drinking time. Use the promo code spirits to take $25 off your admission. No one under 21 may attend.

Saturday Matinee @ The World Famous Doll Hut
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 23
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/266643470189183/

Check out this FREE afternoon show featuring some local punk bands at the Doll Hut this Saturday afternoon.

Orfila’s 21st Annual Grape Stomp
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 23
Orfila Vineyards & Winery, Escondido
http://www.orfila.com/winery-events/grape-stomp/

Celebrate this annual vineyard tradition this Saturday in Escondido. General admission costs $90 and includes dinner buffet, dancing & live music, wine tasting, tractor rides, grape stomping, and more. No one under 21 may attend.

4th Annual D.I.Y. Music & Fashion Fest
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 23
The Glass House, Pomona
http://bricktoyaface.com/

Check out this all-ages music & art fest this Saturday night in Pomona. Admission costs $12 presale and $17 at the door.

3rd Annual Brews, Blues, N’ BBQ Festival
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, August 23
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonarboretum.org/brews_and_blues.php

The Fullerton Arboretum hosts a festival for blues music, craft beers, and BBQ this Saturday night. The $45 admission includes a souvenir glass, ten 4-oz beer tasters, free parking, live blues music, and complimentary sodas and water. All BBQ and food comes at a separate cost. No one under 21 may attend.

4th Annual CLIF Brewfest
5:45 pm – 11:00 pm, August 23
St. Juliana Parish Center, Fullerton
http://www.stjulianachurch.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=386328&id=0

The annual CLIF (Catholic Lithuanian Irish Federation) Brewfest returns this weekend in Fullerton. Admission costs $50, and those who purchase presale tickets can enter 15 minutes earlier at 5:45pm. All attendees can eat and drink as much as they can with admission.

Cheap Sex @ Los Globos
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 23
Los Globos, Silverlake
http://www.clublosglobos.com/event/638889-cheap-sex-los-angeles/

Cheap Sex makes their only 2014 reunion at this show that they will headline at Los Globos in Silverlake this Saturday night, which also features a rare appearance by Lab Rats. Tickets to this show cost $12 presale or $15 at the door. No one under 18 may attend. Guests should park in the neighborhood down Vendome St.

RF7 – Record Release Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, August 23
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/671364132946958/

Local punk bands will hit up Blacklight District Lounge in Long Beach this Saturday night. The cover for this show costs $7. No one under 21 may attend.

10th Annual Leucadia Artwalk
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 24
West side of Hwy 101, Leucadia
http://www.leucadia101.com/events/leucadiart/

Check out local artists on this leisurely art walk in sunny Leucadia this Sunday. Completely free to attend for all ages, many art galleries along Highway 101 will open all their doors to the public, and live music will play throughout the area. All the local businesses will remain open under normal business hours, so you can check out the best in local eats & drinks too.

Tustin Brewing 18th Anniversary Party
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 24
Tustin Brewing, Tustin
http://www.orangecal.com/calendars/tustin-brewing-company/events/anniversary-party

Tustin Brewing turns 18 this week, and to celebrate, they will throw a beer festival at their brewpub this Sunday afternoon. Admission costs $35 presale or $40 at the door, and comes with unlimited beer tastings while supplies last. Attendees can purchase food and merchandise separately, so have cash available for that.

Trump National Golf Club’s 6th Annual Wine & Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 24
Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes
http://www.trumpnationallosangeles.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=372108&ssid=286115&vnf=1

Have some wine and beer at one of Donald Trump’s golf clubs here in Southern California. The $50 admission comes with unlimited wine & beer and valet parking. Food trucks will keep patrons fed, and volunteers will sell raffle tickets.

PigOut 3.0
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, August 24
California Scenario, Costa Mesa
http://100eats.com/events/pigout/

Following a successful turnout at last year’s PigOut 2.0, the organizers have returned once again with PigOut 3.0 – bigger, better, and with pignificant vengeance. This celebration of everyone’s favorite pink-snout animal delivers the goods with 15 of Orange County’s top chefs all preparing a feast for the ages, and ten of Orange County’s top mixologists all shaking up wicked concoctions. The general admission of $75 starts at 3pm allows all attendees four full hours of all-you-can-eat pork goodies, and all-you-can-drink craft cocktails. VIP admission costs $100, starts at 2pm, and includes a champagne reception plus a complimentary dessert item.

A Free Ska Show Caps Off the LA Kings’ Stanley Cup Victory

Coincidentally occurring on the night that the LA Kings won the Stanley Cup, a free ska show took place at Centerfield Sports Bar in Huntington Beach last Friday night. Although this show had an original lineup of three bands, one of the bands announced earlier in the week that they could not make it to the show. Luckily, another band stepped in to play the show, completing the night for all the fans that showed up.

Once the Kings had scored their game-winning goal, Not A Chance had already set up their equipment on stage. They jumped right into their set hard and proud, a set that consisted of a blend of new and classic songs. They did not play with their full band on this night – specifically, I noticed that they lacked their keyboard, trumpet, and trombone players. Regardless, these guys always deliver audio explosions at any show they perform in, and perfectly depict the “skacore” genre, a genre rarely represented. Fans of Voodoo Glow Skulls and/or Against All Authority will absolutely love Not A Chance.

A lot of hype surrounds the next band, either for the name or their music. In any case, I finally got to see Stupid Flanders for the first time. This ska band from Orange County often receives more attention for their name rather than their music. Stupid Flanders deserves more credit than just their name, as they perform to entertain the masses. Playing a set of both original songs and cover songs, Stupid Flanders reaches out to all generations with their varying degrees of instrumentals. As a ska band, they perform ska covers of classic songs, some more recognizable than others. Sure many people may recognize Pretty Fly (For A White Guy), but the band also covered Scotty Doesn’t Know, a song from the movie Eurotrip. Because their songs speak to a broad audience, Stupid Flanders has fans from all backgrounds, whether they listen to ska or not.

The originally scheduled third band, Failed To Victory, announced earlier in the week that they could not perform at this show. Luckily, The Longshots could step in to perform as the night’s third band. This band from Oregon plays ska/reggae music, thus closing the night with a more mellow set, as opposed to the fast set of Not A Chance and bouncy set of Stupid Flanders. I think after all the ruckus of Kings fans celebrating, a smooth band like this proved just the right remedy to calm everyone back down and bring them back to a relaxed state.

While The Longshots have not announced any concrete plans for upcoming shows, both Not A Chance and Stupid Flanders have a show in less than two weeks at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Contact any of the performing bands for discounted tickets!