San Diego Restaurant Week
September 25 – October 2
Various Restaurants, San Diego County
http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/
For eight full days, various restaurants all over San Diego County will participate in this special week, where they will offer special prix-fixe meals that highlight their unique cuisine. Use this chance to explore and discover new restaurants in the area!
2016 Taste of Pomona Valley
4:30 pm – 8:30 pm, September 26
Mountain Meadows Golf Course, Pomona
http://pomonachamber.org/event/taste-pomona-valley/
Sample food from dozens of Pomona restaurants tonight in the Pomona Valley. Admission costs $55, and allows unlimited food samples while supplies last.
2016 Taste of Arcadia
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, September 26
Los Angeles County Arboretum, Arcadia
http://arcadiacachamber.org/events/taste-of-arcadia/
The annual Taste of Arcadia returns TONIGHT, so for those planning to go, buy the $50 presale tickets now, as you cannot purchase tickets at the door. More than 40 food vendors will serve samples, while over 30 other vendors will keep guests occupied between eats.
Madball: Live in Southern California
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 26, Brick By Brick, Linda Vista, San Diego http://brickbybrick.ticketfly.com/event/1285123-madball-special-guests-san-diego/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 27, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1249345-madball-long-beach/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 28, Union Nightclub, Los Angeles http://www.unionclubla.com/event/1295661-madball-los-angeles/
http://madballhc.com/
East coast hardcore band Madball currently tours across the country, and that tour will swing through Southern California this week. Ticket prices to these shows vary, so click on a show’s link for pricing details. No one under 21 may enter any of these shows.
Monkey & GOGO13 @ Out Of The Park Pizza
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 26
Out Of The Park Pizza, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/173680816401677/
Get your skanking on at this free and all-ages show tonight in Anaheim.
2016 Cerritos Taste of the Region & Business Expo
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, September 28
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos
http://www.cerritostaste.com/
This “Taste of Cerritos” makes its annual return this Wednesday to the same location, the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. Unlike other food fests in LA & OC, this event does not cost as much – attendees pay $10, then receive unlimited tastes once they enter. Over 30 restaurants will serve food samples, meaning attendees will certainly get a bang for their buck. Also, guests do not have to pay for parking here.
2 Towns Ciderhouse Pint Nite
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 28
Great Society Cider & Mead, Long Beach
http://www.greatsocietycider.com/event/2-towns-pint-night-save-date/
This Wednesday night, Long Beach’s Great Society Cider & Mead will have a bunch of ciders from 2 Towns on tap for you to try. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.
Los Angeles Fashion Week
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, September 29, October 2
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, September 30 – October 1
Hollywood Athletic Club, Hollywood
http://lafw.net/
The latest in fashion goes public this week in Los Angeles. Check the website for a list of all fashion events all over Los Angeles going on this week.
End of Summer Barbecue Spectacular
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 29
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonarboretum.com/Culinary-Series/
Enjoy fresh barbecue cuisine and learn about grilling too at this barbecue class this Thursday night in Fullerton. Registration costs $90 per person, and includes a full grilling class and complete dinner.
2nd Annual San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 29
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, San Gabriel
http://www.sangabrielcity.com/dumplingandbeerfest
The San Gabriel Valley puts their spin on Oktoberfest with this dumpling & beer fest this Thursday night in San Gabriel. Free to attend for all ages, this festival will feature numerous dumpling vendors, other food vendors, live entertainment, a craft beer garden, and more. A wristband for unlimited beer sampling costs $20 for 16 beer pours or $30 for unlimited beers while supplies last. All food comes at cost, so bring plenty of cash for that.
Ventura Harvest Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 30 – October 2
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura
http://harvestfestival.com/
Shop thousands of handmade American arts & crafts in hundreds of booths over the weekend. Find beautiful jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, photography, hand-turned wood, ceramics, and more. Admission costs $9 for Adults, $7 for Seniors, $4 for Youth, and 12 & under get in free.
Stair Climb for Los Angeles
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, September 30
YMCA, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.ymcala.org/stairclimb
On this day, the city will shut down Hope Street as thousands attempt to race up the stairs of the US Bank tower in Downtown Los Angeles. This all-day fest also includes food trucks, live music, a beer garden, rock-climbing walls, and more. Even if you cannot participate in the climb, the actual festival requires no fee to enter.
Bootlegger’s Brewery Pumpkin Release Party
11:00 am – 12:00 am, September 30
Bootlegger’s Brewery, Fullerton
http://www.bootleggersbrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/541357092741318/
This Friday, Bootlegger’s Brewery in Fullerton will have a lot of pumpkin beers available for you to taste. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.
Wet Hop Simcoe Pale – Day One
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
El Segundo Brewing, El Segundo
http://elsegundobrewing.com/
Get a taste of extremely fresh hops this Friday from El Segundo Brewing. Simply show up, and enjoy a fresh pale ale right there at the tasting room, or take a bottle or more home.
Hamilton Family Brewery’s Oktoberfest
2:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 30 – October 2
Hamilton Family Brewery, Rancho Cucamonga
http://www.hamiltonfamilybrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/196958947383432/
Rancho Cucamonga’s Hamilton Family Brewery will celebrate Oktoberfest this weekend with lots of beer plus a souvenir glass. Buy the Oktoberfest mug, and you can get $1 off refills all weekend.
43rd La Mesa Oktoberfest
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 30
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, October 1
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 2
La Mesa Village, La Mesa
http://www.cityoflamesa.com/1420/La-Mesa-Oktoberfest
Enjoy a family-fun Oktoberfest celebration this weekend in La Mesa. Free to attend for all ages, this Oktoberfest celebration will have all the usual Oktoberfest festivities such as dance, music, sausages, pretzels, beer, and more. In addition, visitors will find hundreds of vendors, arts & crafts, games, and more activities for all ages.
59th Annual Tustin Tiller Days
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 1
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 2
Columbus Tustin Park, Tustin
http://www.tustintillerdays.org/
Bring the family out to this all-ages city fair this weekend. Free to attend, this fair has everything that a family can enjoy, from the rides and games for kids, to the entertainment and vendors for adults. Remember to check out all the fair food, drinks, and dessert too, since buying food here supports local organizations and businesses. Guests can find free street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Pacific Beachfest Beer Cup
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, September 30
Pacific Beach Shore Club, San Diego
http://www.beachfestbeercup.com/
Homebrews and microbreweries collide at this beer tasting event this Friday night in Pacific Beach. The $25 admission grants you access to taste the homebrews, as well as sample beers from all the participating breweries while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.
2016 Orange County Lebanese Cultural Festival
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 1
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 2
St. John Maron Church, Orange
http://www.oclebanesefestival.com/
Check out this FREE and all-ages Lebanese cultural festival taking place this weekend in Orange.
3rd Annual Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1-2
Newport Beach Civic Center, Newport Beach
http://newportwineandfood.com/
Lots of activity will take place in the culinary world this weekend in Newport Beach. On Friday night, a VIP party will take place with a cocktail reception and a three-course food & wine pairing dinner. On Saturday and Sunday, attendees of the festival gain access to unlimited food tastings, cooking demos, cocktail mixing demos, live music, a silent auction, and more. Admission prices significantly vary based on the mode of attendance, with single-day admission costing $175 and a weekend pass costing $295.
Wine & Cake Pairing
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
Public Beer & Wine Shop, Downtown Long Beach
http://publicbeerwineshop.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/174464426323592/
This Friday night, Downtown Long Beach’s Public Beer & Wine Shop will have special cakes for sale to pair with select wines. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, buy some cake, and pair it with some succulent wines.
Agent Orange: Live in Santa Ana
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 30
Underground DTSA, Santa Ana
http://www.facebook.com/events/1636128846704315/
Get your weekly dose of punk rock at this all-ages show this Friday night in Downtown Santa Ana. The cover for this show costs $15.
American Jihad: Live in Lakewood
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, September 30
Regal Inn, Lakewood
http://www.facebook.com/events/286367975088357/
Release some inner aggression at this hardcore punk show in Lakewood this Friday night. The cover for this show costs $7. No one under 21 may enter.
2016 Grape Day Festival + Wine & Craft Beer Tasting Pavilion
7:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 1
Grape Day Park, Escondido
http://visitescondido.com/1777/grape-day-5k-parade-and-festival/
Bring out the family to this all-day celebration at the park. In the morning, a 5K race will take place around the park. At 9:30am, a local parade will run through Downtown Escondido. From then until the end of the celebration, a fair will take place at Grape Day Park, free to the public to attend. In addition, a wine & craft beer tasting pavilion will take place from 11am to 3pm. Sample wine from local wineries and beer from local breweries while enjoying live entertainment and other activities. Admission costs $20 presale and $25 at the door, and include a souvenir glass. No one under 21 may attend.
19th Annual Pacific Beachfest
8:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 1
Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach, San Diego
http://pacificbeachfest.org/
Enjoy a full day of outdoor activities at this free and all-ages beach festival in Pacific Beach. Visitors will find sports, tournaments, activities, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, food, drinks, and more.
2016 Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1-2
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.offroadexpo.com/pomona-ca
Check out all things off-roading this weekend at the Fairplex in Pomona, complete with hundreds of vendors, dozens of industry professionals, and acres of off-road. Adult admission costs $20, or $15 if you purchase it at O’Reilly Auto Parts. Children enter for $6. Bring cash for parking, which usually costs $10 per vehicle.
Activate Uptown: Long Beach
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 1
Artesia & Myrtle, Long Beach
http://gohumansocal.org/Pages/Events/ActivateUptown.aspx
This Saturday afternoon, a free and all-ages open streets event will take place in the north side of Long Beach. Plenty of booths and activities will line the surrounding streets, including a live music stage.
2nd Annual Maker Faire San Diego
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1-2
Balboa Park, San Diego
http://sdmakerfaire.org/
Celebrate local makers, artists, designers, and more at this two-day fair taking place in Balboa Park this weekend in San Diego. Attendees will experience handmade goods such as gadgets, sculptures, art, food, apparel, accessories, merchandise, and more. Admission costs $20 for adults or $12 for children.
44th Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1-2
Live Oak Park South Field, Manhattan Beach
http://www.mbfair.org/
This free fair for all ages makes its annual return this weekend, featuring games, arts & crafts, food, beer & wine gardens, live entertainment, and more. The city will provide free parking and shuttle transportation at the Northrop Grumman Building at 15092 Aviation Blvd near the intersection of Aviation Blvd and Marine Street in Manhattan Beach.
2nd Annual SlutWalk
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1
Pershing Square, Los Angeles
http://amberroseslutwalk.com/
Assume the role of an activist for an afternoon this Saturday in Downtown Los Angeles. Participation costs $17, but use promo code THANKYOUFLIRT to register for free.
10th Annual International Chocolate Salon
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.lachocolatesalon.com/
Chocolate lovers will want to attend the International Chocolate Salon this Saturday afternoon in Pasadena for an all-you-can-eat chocolate bonanza. Admission costs $20 presale or $25 at the door, while children can get in for $10.
Tater Tots & Beer Festival
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://tatertotfestival.com/events/orange-county-ca/
Snack on gourmet tots and craft beers this Saturday at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Two 3-hour sessions will take place: 11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm. Each session costs $40 to attend or $75 for VIP, and provides access to unlimited food samples while supplies last, and a beer stamp card good for one beer from each participating brewery. VIP admission receives a goodie bag plus access to a VIP lounge. Parking costs $8 per vehicle. No one under 21 may attend.
EAT Show 2016
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, October 1
The Reef, Los Angeles
http://theeatshow.com/
Over 50 Los Angeles restaurants will set up at The Reef this Saturday to sample their food for you. General admission costs $50 and gets you in to either of two 3-hour sessions: 12pm-3pm or 6pm-9pm. Upgrade to VIP admission for $90 to enter an hour earlier (11am or 5pm, respectively) and receive a goodie bag as well. No one under 21 may attend.
2nd Annual San Fernando Chile Festival
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, October 1-2
San Fernando Rd & Brand Blvd, San Fernando
http://www.chilefestival.org/
A free and all-ages street fair will take place in San Fernando this weekend. Visitors will find food, entertainment, vendors, games, rides, and more.
3rd Annual Artesia International Street Fair & Diversity Festival
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 1
Pioneer & 183rd, Artesia
http://www.cityofartesia.us/index.aspx?NID=282
At this free and all-ages street fair this Saturday, visitors will find food, music, dance, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, rides, vendors, and more.
Eagle Rock Brewery’s Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, October 1
Eagle Rock Brewery, Eagle Rock
http://www.eaglerockbrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/193985921013775/
Participate in some good ol’ Oktoberfest activities this Saturday afternoon in Eagle Rock. While free to attend, no one under 21 may enter.
Mad Decent Block Party 2016
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 1
Los Angeles Center Studios, Los Angeles
http://maddecentblockparty.com/
A dance party concert comes to Los Angeles this Saturday. Tickets cost $56.50 each. No one under 18 may attend.
2nd Anniversary ALToberfest Party
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 1
No Clue Craft Brewery, Rancho Cucamonga
http://www.nocluebrew.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1742535672678480/
Rancho Cucamonga’s No Clue Craft Brewery celebrates their second anniversary this weekend with an anniversary ale, lots of other beers, and German festivities. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, have some fun, and pay for beers as you go.
2nd Annual Los Angeles Paella & Wine Festival
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 1
La Plaza de Culturas y Artes, Los Angeles
http://paellawinefest.com/
Enjoy paella and lots of wine and spirits this Saturday near Downtown Los Angeles. General admission costs $52.50 presale or $85 at the gate, and includes unlimited food and drink samples. VIP admission costs $120, and also includes access to a VIP area with some exclusive food and drinks.
Off The Hook: Santa Monica Seafood Festival
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 1
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
http://offthehookseafoodfest.com/
Enjoy lots of seafood, drinks, live music, games, and more fun this Saturday evening on the Santa Monica Pier. General admission costs $60, while VIP admission costs $90 and includes access to a VIP area with exclusive food and drinks. No one under 21 may attend.
Anaheim Brewery’s Oktoberfest #1
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 1
Anaheim Brewery, Anaheim
http://www.anaheimbrew.com/
Anaheim Brewery will celebrate Oktoberfest with two Saturdays full of Oktoberfest activities, such as live music, freshly-prepared sausages on-site, German-style beers, and more. No admission required – simply show up, paid for beers as you go, and have fun.
Anime Expo’s Christmas-Halloween Party & Open House
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 1
Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, Santa Ana
http://www.anime-expo.org/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1168307923215870/
The official Anime Expo will have a free and all-ages mixer in Orange County this Saturday evening. They will have costumes, games, food, and more.
8th Annual Taste of Italy
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 1
Italian American Museum, Los Angeles
http://italianhall.org/taste-of-italy-los-angeles/
Sample the best of Italian in Los Angeles at this tasting gala this Saturday evening in Downtown Los Angeles. Samples food & drinks from dozens of restaurants & wineries, enjoy the live entertainment, and more. General admission tickets cost $60, while children 12 and under get in for $25.
4th Annual Promenade Beer & Wine Festival
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 1
The Promenade, Downtown Long Beach
http://downtownlongbeach.org/Latest-News-Detail/BreweriesnWineries-Galore-4th-Annual-Promenade-Beer-Wine-Festival-to-Descend-onto-DTLB
Following last year’s success, Downtown Long Beach brings back their beer & wine festival this weekend, complete with lots of drinks, local food, and live music. For $40 presale or $50 at the gate, guests will receive unlimited 3oz beer or wine tastings, 10 food tastings, and a souvenir glass. No one under 21 may enter.
The Descendents: Live in Hollywood
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 1
Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood
http://www.thehollywoodpalladium.com/events/descendents/
Legendary punk rock band The Descendents will headline an all-ages show in Hollywood this Saturday night. Tickets start at $67.
Rock Out @ DiPiazzas
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 1
DiPiazzas, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/170179466748386/
Get weird this Saturday night at DiPiazzas in Long Beach. The cover for this all-ages rock show costs $10.
Luicidal: Live in Laguna Niguel
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 1
The Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel
http://www.facebook.com/events/146390829134325/
Check out some great local punk rock bands this Saturday night in Laguna Niguel. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.
21st Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 2
Mountain Vista Drive, Encinitas
http://encinitasoktoberfest.com/
At this FREE and all-ages event this Sunday, the six-block marketplace on Mountain Vista Drive in Encinitas will feature Bavarian dancers, bands, hundreds of vendors, authentic German food & beverages, a family fun zone, and a ceremonial parade at 12pm.
The Big Draw LA: 7th Annual Make Your Mark in the Park
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 2
Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://thebigdrawla.org/
A free and all-ages drawing event will take place in Downtown LA this Sunday afternoon. They will have live music and drawing tools for anyone who visits.
Roxanne’s Lounge’s 3rd Annual Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 2
Roxanne’s Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.roxanneslounge.com/oktoberfest
Roxanne’s Lounge in Long Beach will celebrate their own Oktoberfest this Sunday. Admission starts at $5 and gets you in to all the usual Oktoberfest activities, games, contests, music, entertainment, and more. Other admission packages range from $10 to $25 and include other goodies such as a glass and beer pours. No one under 21 may attend.
3rd Annual Eastside Food Fest
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, October 2
Mack Sennett Studios, Silverlake
http://eastsidefoodfest.com/
Indulge in eats, sips, and treats from numerous restaurants around the heart of Los Angeles this Sunday evening in Silverlake. General admission costs $65 presale or $75 at the door, and starts at 5pm. VIP admission costs $95 presale or $105 at the door, and starts at 4pm. All attendees receive unlimited samples of everything while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.
A Punk, A Camera, and An Empty Stomach 