Upcoming Events: February 5-11, 2018

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, February 8
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.

51st Annual California International Antiquarian Book Fair
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, February 9
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, February 10
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, February 11
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://cabookfair.com/

Discover hundreds of books this weekend in Pasadena. Presale admission costs $13 per day or $23 for the full weekend. Admission goes up by $2 at the door.

Lunar New Year Tết Festival 2018
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, February 9
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, February 10
11:00 am – 8:00 pm, February 11
SDCCU Stadium, San Diego
http://lunarnewyearfestival.org/

Celebrate Lunar New Year at this festival in San Diego this weekend. Visitors of all ages will find cultural food, vendors, rides, games, arts & crafts, music, entertainment, merchandise, and more. Admission costs $5 for adults and $4 for children.

Gamer Bowl, a GamerCon event
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, February 9
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, February 10
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, February 11
Tenth Avenue Arts Center, Downtown San Diego
http://www.gamercon.com/

This weekend, check out an all-ages event featuring video games, board games, prizes, and other activities. Admission costs $17 for adults or $13.50 for children, and provides entry to the event for all three days.

12th Annual Croatian Cultural Extravaganza
7:30 pm – 12:00 am, February 9
3:00 pm – 2:00 am, February 10
10:30 am – 3:00 pm, February 11
St. Anthony Croatian Catholic Church, Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/1901040880178563/

A handful of Croatian events will take place near Downtown Los Angeles this weekend. Every event has different admission costs (some free) and age limits. Click on the event page linked above for details.

31st Annual Vintage Fashion Expo
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, February 10
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, February 11
The Reef, South Central Los Angeles
http://www.vintageexpo.com/

Find all the latest trends in vintage fashion this weekend at The Reef in Los Angeles. Attendees to this expo will find hundreds of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories for sale from over 50 different vendors for both men and women. Ticket prices heavily vary, but note that general admission starts at 10:30 am on Saturday. Those that purchase an upgraded ticket can enter as early as 9am. Parking at the venue costs $15 per vehicle, but visitors can either search for other parking lots or street meters, or take public transportation to save on commute costs.

2018 Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, February 10-11
Del Mar Fairgrounds Wyland Center, Del Mar
http://gfafexpo.com/expos/san-diego

Find all things gluten-free and allergen-friendly at this expo in San Diego County this weekend. Adult admission costs $15 for one day or $25 for both. Children’s admission costs $5 for one day or $7 for both. Parking costs $13 per vehicle. Admission grants access to the entire expo floor, full of vendors, seminars, free goodies, and more.

Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up – Burbank Appearance
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, February 10
Burbank Town Center, Burbank
http://hellokittycafe.us/
http://www.facebook.com/events/574540182895864/

SoCal Hello Kitty fans will not want to miss this rare opportunity to experience the Hello Kitty Cafe. This weekend, visitors will enjoy macarons, minicakes, and other Hello Kitty treats not found anywhere else.

4th Annual Los Angeles Cookie Con & Sweets Show
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, February 10
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, February 11
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim
http://www.lacookiecon.com/

Got a sweet tooth? You will not want to miss this event featuring all things sweet. General admission costs $25, and includes access to unlimited treats while supplies last. Celebrity chefs will also make an appearance for anyone wanting photos or autographs.

3rd Annual San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival
11:00 am – 8:00 pm, February 10
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, San Gabriel
http://sglunarnewyear.org/

Celebrate the upcoming lunar new year with this FREE and all-ages festival in San Gabriel this Saturday afternoon. Visitors will find music, dance, art, food trucks, a beer & wine garden, tea garden, live calligraphy, fortune telling, and more.

Jav’s BBQ Grand Opening
11:30 am – 9:00 pm, February 10
Jav’s BBQ, Anaheim
http://www.javsbbq.co/
http://www.facebook.com/events/542970226087753/

Though already open to the public, this barbecue restaurant in Anaheim will hold its grand opening celebration this Saturday, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and live music all day. Free to attend, customers will receive chances to enter to win raffle prizes.

Cupid’s Undie Run
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, February 10
The Victorian, Santa Monica
http://www.cupidsundierun.com/city/los-angeles/

Enjoy Valentine’s Day by running about a mile in your skivvies at this fun run in Santa Monica. Registration for this run costs $55 per participant, and anyone interested can also register as a team. For full rules and regulations, please see the official website linked above. No one under 21 may participate.

14th Annual Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, February 10
2nd Street, Belmont Shore, Long Beach
http://www.belmontshore.org/event/14th-annual-chocolate-festival/

The Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival features a Homemade Chocolate Dessert Contest and various Pie-Eating Contests, in addition to the restaurants up and down 2nd Street sampling their chocolate goodies. Completely free to attend, guests may purchase booklets of 12 tickets for $10 on the day of the fest in front of Chase Bank. Guests may use these tickets to exchange for various eats & drinks from participating businesses in Belmont Shore.

9th Annual Brewbies Fest
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, February 10
Bagby Beer Company, Oceanside
http://www.brewbies.org/

If you could not tell from the event name, this craft beer festival supports breast cancer research. Enjoy craft beer tastings from a multitude of breweries from across the nation during this four-hour tasting gala. General admission costs $45 presale or $60 at the door, and starts at 1pm. VIP admission costs $65 and starts at 12pm. All attendees receive a souvenir glass, souvenir bracelet, and unlimited beer tasters while supplies last. Absolutely no one under the age of 21 may enter.

4th Annual Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Festival
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, February 10
Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro
http://www.portoflosangeles.org/community/Lunar_New_Year_2018.asp

A free and all-ages event celebrating Chinese New Year comes to San Pedro this Saturday evening. Guests will find arts & crafts, vendors, a petting zoo, live entertainment, food, and more.

Art Crawl Experience
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, February 10
Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim
http://downtownanaheim.com/events/ace/

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

14th Annual Bulldog Beauty Contest
9:30 am – 3:00 pm, February 11
Marine Stadium Park (north end), Long Beach
http://www.hautedogs.org/bulldog.html

Surround yourself with cuteness this Sunday morning at the Bulldog Beauty Contest in Long Beach. Completely free to attend for all ages, guests will see over 500 bulldogs in attendance, as many will strut their little legs on the red carpet runway. Each entry can win from any of 19 contests, some of which will cater to other dog breeds. Guests wanting seats at the runway will have to pay $5, while anyone wanting to enter their dog must pay $10 per entry.

Valley Retro Game Swap
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, February 11
Game Realms, Burbank
http://game-realms.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/147674192603218/

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

KSPC CD & Record Expo
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, February 11
Smith Campus Center Ballroom, Claremont
http://kspc.org/cd-record-expo/

For $2 admission and free parking, enter a room full of music albums available for purchase. Interact with dozens of vendors selling all sorts of music, new and old.

4th Annual San Diego Fermentation Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, February 11
Leichtag Commons, Encinitas
http://sandiegofermentationfestival.com/

This annual all-ages festival showcasing Southern California’s bounty of artisanal foodmakers returns this weekend to a new, bigger location. This event will feature seminars, workshops, arts & crafts, activities, vendors, food & beverages, live music, and more. Regular admission costs $30 and provides access to food and non-alcoholic beverages, while a $45 admission will include ten tasters of craft beers and wines.

Upcoming Events: December 11-17, 2017

The Slackers – Live in Southern California
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, December 12, The Casbah, San Diego
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, December 13-14, The Troubadour, West Hollywood
http://www.theslackers.com/

Ska band The Slackers will headline some shows in Southern California this week. Ticket prices to these all-ages shows vary by location, so check with the venue for details.

109th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, December 13-17
Balboa Village, Newport Beach
http://www.christmasboatparade.com/

A free and all-ages holiday boat parade will take place in Newport Beach this week.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, December 14
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.

The Flatliners – Live in Long Beach
9:00 pm – 2:00 am, December 14
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.theflatliners.com/

Punk rock band The Flatliners currently tours across the nation, and that tour will stop in Southern California this week. Tickets to this show cost $10. No one under 21 may enter.

A Taste of the Holidays Christmas Market
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, December 15-17
Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro
http://craftedportla.com/calendar-event/christmas-market-2/

A free and all-ages European-style Christmas market comes to San Pedro this weekend. Many vendors will have holiday items and gifts for sale. Other vendors will have seasonal foods and beverages for sale as well.

Holiday Luminaria Stroll
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, December 15-16
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonarboretum.com/Holiday-Luminaria-Stroll/

Stroll through the arboretum with pretty lights along the paths this weekend. Admission costs $15.

Glow Sword Battle 2017
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, December 15
Pershing Square, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.glowbattletour.com/

To celebrate the new Star Wars movie coming out this month, Southern California will see an all-ages flash mobs involving lightsaber battles. Bring your own lightsaber, or order one from the organizers for $10 presale or $15 at the event. The event space will have food trucks, a temporary bar, and live DJ’s to take care of guests.

9th Annual Champagne Tasting
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm, December 16
The Sky Room, Long Beach
http://www.theskyroom.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/134943373874322/

Taste ten exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines, along with specialty hors d’oeuvres pairings. Admission costs $85 presale or $95 at the door.

9th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, December 16
Four locations, Santa Monica
http://www.santamonicapubcrawl.com/

Don your best Santa Claus outfits, and go bar-hopping with your friends and new friends this Saturday night in Santa Monica. Participation costs $20 per route, and attendees may choose one of four possible routes. It goes without saying that no one under 21 may participate.

35th Annual Parade of 1000 Lights Christmas Boat Parade
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, December 16
Shoreline Village, Long Beach
http://www.shorelineyachtclub.com/

Bring out your family to witness an illuminating parade on the water this Saturday night in Shoreline Village near Downtown Long Beach.

Riverside Mac and Cheese Beerfest
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, December 16
Riverside Municipal Auditorium, Riverside
http://www.macandcheeseriverside.com/

A corporate beer festival comes to Riverside this Saturday night. General admission costs $35 and starts at 7pm while VIP admission costs $50 and starts at 6pm. All attendees receive unlimited beer samples while supplies last. All food comes sold separately, so bring cash for food. No one under 21 may attend.

Victory At Sea Day 2017
9:00 am – 9:00 pm, December 17
All Ballast Point locations, San Diego
http://www.ballastpoint.com/events/victory-at-sea/

Ballast Point releases their coveted porter, Victory At Sea, this Sunday to the public. At each of their locations throughout San Diego County, Ballast Point will have Victory At Sea for you to taste. Admission to each location will cost $30 and comes with five 4oz tasters, a souvenir glass, and a bomber of their limited edition coffee-only Victory At Sea. In addition, nearly every other beer bar and restaurant across the nation will have Victory At Sea specials, so check in with your favorite craft beer establishment if you cannot make it down to San Diego this Sunday.

Muckenthaler Holiday Festival
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, December 17
Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton
http://themuck.org/programing/2017/12/17/holiday-festival

Enjoy a free and all-ages holidays event this Sunday afternoon in Fullerton with live entertainment, dancing, arts & crafts, activities, games, food, drinks, and more.

46th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, December 10 & 17
San Diego Bay, San Diego/Coronado
http://www.sdparadeoflights.org/

Enjoy a free Christmas boat parade along San Diego Bay this Sunday evening.

Savoring By The Sea at the 2016 Taste of San Pedro

Many cities have their own unique that identifies them uniquely from the rest. Cities may have certain traits or features that many people associate with that city. For example, people tend to associate Los Angeles with smog, or Venice with sexy beach people and/or stoners. Overall, almost every city has its own take on local cuisine, from food to drinks and more. While a city like Westminster has a reputation for Vietnamese food, coastal cities like San Pedro usually have a reputation for seafood. When a city has pride in its food, they will likely hold an event that showcases the local businesses. Long Beach does this with the Belmont Shore Stroll & Savor or Taste Of Downtown Long Beach, and lots of other cities hold their own food fest that celebrates local food and drink. The aforementioned San Pedro has a penchant for coastal cuisine that includes more than just seafood, and the inaugural Taste of San Pedro highlights all of what San Pedro has to offer.

This past Saturday evening, the 2016 Taste of San Pedro took place at the parking lot directly in front of CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles. Hosted by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, this tasting event featured over twenty restaurants from San Pedro all sampling their cuisine to the hundreds of attendees throughout the evening. This event allowed attendees to glimpse at the many food offerings that San Pedro has, and sample the foods that stand out to them. Attendees that purchased the $55 general admission pass received five food tickets and five drink tickets, while attendees that purchased the VIP admission received unlimited food and drinks all night while supplies lasted. Attendees entered the event directly in front of the CRAFTED building, and the event space spanned the parking lot there plus Brouwerij West and the western section of CRAFTED. All of the food vendors set up near the entrance, the alcohol booth set up in the middle, and the main stage set up at the opposite end from the entrance.

The food vendors in attendance involved a diverse range of businesses. Vendors mostly came from restaurants, while some other vendors included small food shops, caterers, a hotel, and a brewery. While certain vendors saw long lines for most of the day, I found myself returning to Whale & Ale (crab cakes) and Primal Alchemy Catering (onion tart) for extra helpings because they tasted that good. Strangely, this event severely lacked non-alcoholic beverages. After an hour of tasting, I badly needed water, and I could not find bottled water anywhere. I had to settle for repeat tea samples from Hojas Tea House and Sirens Java & Tea. Most of the other food did not impress me as much, but probably because I expected something unique, but instead found familiar cuisines such as Mexican and Italian.

The Taste of San Pedro hosted various forms of entertainment throughout the evening. The main stage had performances from music to visual arts, while a side stage mainly had dancing and some more visual arts.

Not to feel left out, some of the vendors inside CRAFTED took part in the Taste of San Pedro.

Whenever I go to a “Taste of ____” event, I always scrutinize the event for carrying too many corporate vendors. Taste of Anaheim did just that by having more than three quarters of their vendors come from a corporate business. At least with Taste of San Pedro, they had less than half of the vendors come from corporate businesses. Still, I would prefer to see such an event do away with corporate vendors completely and focus solely on the local businesses. I do not need to go all the way to San Pedro just to eat food from Acapulco, Yogurtland, Pick Up Stix, or Double Tree Hilton – I can visit any of those close to home. Hopefully we see a greater emphasis of local businesses at next year’s Taste of San Pedro. Check out what else goes on in San Pedro by liking the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.

Upcoming Events: August 8-14, 2016

Boulevard Beer Dinner
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, August 10
Restauration, Long Beach
http://restaurationlb.com/

For $45 per person, enjoy a three-course meal alongside five craft beer pairings this Wednesday night in Long Beach.

Into The Wild – Rockin’ Summer Run 5k
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 11
Irvine Regional Park, Irvine
http://www.intothewildoctrailrun.com/

Seeking a challenging run through the wilderness? Check out Into The Wild, a 5k course running through trails of rocks, dirt, and more uneven ground. Registration costs $35 presale or $40 on the day of the run.

2016 San Diego Road Runner Sports Adventure Run
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 11
Road Runner Sports, Kearny Mesa, San Diego
http://www.adventurerun.com/

Participate in a FREE, 60-minute scavenger-like fun run filled with giveaways, raffle prizes, music, and a FREE beer garden. Your Adventure starts when you arrive early to collect your supplies and try cool new products from Adventure Run sponsors for free.When the run starts, hit the road and collect as many raffle tickets from as many checkpoints as possible in 60 minutes, then rush back for a chance to win over $3,000 in raffle prizes.

Business & Beer
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 11
Rob Rubens Distilling & Brewing, El Segundo
http://www.businessnbeer.com/

This monthly networking event for small business owners visits a South Bay brewery every second Thursday of the month. If you have involvement with a small business, love craft beer, or both, then stop by this Thursday night.

9th Annual Taste of Downtown Disney
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 11
Downtown Disney, Anaheim
http://www.choc.org/events/taste-of-downtown-disney/

Relax in Downtown Disney as servers bring the food and drinks to you at this Taste of Downtown Disney. Also enjoy the best in local entertainment that only Downtown Disney can provide a venue for. Admission varies depending on the package, with general admission costing $85.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 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 barely exists in Downtown LA, although some meters only operate until 8pm. First-time visitors should attend with someone who has gone here prior.

Coedo Brewery Tap Takeover
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 11
Far Bar, Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.farbarla.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1335315959831558/

Little Tokyo’s Far Bar will have a slew of special Japanese beers on tap this Thursday evening. Stop on by and enjoy as cold one or two.

The Weirdos: Live in Santa Ana
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 11
Underground DTSA, Santa Ana
http://www.facebook.com/events/999428910123490/

Rock out at this local punk rock show this Thursday night in Santa Ana. The cover for this all-ages show costs $15.

Dirty Little Secrets “Netflix & Chill” Burlesque
9:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 11
Harvelle’s, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.dirtylittlesecretsburlesque.com/

Enjoy a saucy television-themed burlesque show this Thursday night in Downtown Long Beach for just $10. No one under 21 may attend.

Power Morphicon 5
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 12
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 13-14
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://officialpowermorphicon.com/

Power Rangers fans will not want to miss this all-ages event taking place this weekend in Pasadena. Admission costs $30 for Saturday, $20 for Sunday, or $50 for both days, and grants full access to the show floor, a gift bag, and a printed program.

29th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival
5:00 pm – 10:30 pm, August 12
11:00 am – 10:30 pm, August 13-14
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://www.longbeachjazzfestival.com/

Soak in the sun with classy R&B and jazz music this weekend in Long Beach. Discover the best in local music under the sun in the park by the beach, and check out the local food and art also available at this all-ages fest. Admission varies based on attendance method, with rates starting at $50. Parking in nearby lots and structures cost $10 per vehicle – consider parking in the neighborhood east of Alamitos Avenue to circumvent parking fees.

Shugazi 2016
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 12
Courtyard Marriott, Long Beach
http://www.summerandmusic.com/shugazi

Immerse yourself in the world of shoegazing music this Friday night in Downtown Long Beach. Admission to this unique musical experience costs $15.

Punk Rock Revolution 3
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, August 12
Regal Inn, Lakewood
http://www.facebook.com/events/1616849405310721/

Get your weekly dose of punk rock at this FREE show in Lakewood this Friday night. No one under 21 may enter.

76th Annual Nisei Week – Japanese Festival
August 13-21
Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.niseiweek.org/

Participate in any of a variety of events celebrating Japanese culture during this nine-day period based out of Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles. Numerous events will occur at Little Tokyo or the Japanese American National Museum on the north side of Little Tokyo. Check the website for a full list of events, which include some eating competitions, the free family festival, and a car show.

BattleFrog Obstacle Race Series – Riverside
6:00 am – 5:30 pm, August 13
Lake Elsinore Storm, Lake Elsinore
http://battlefrogseries.com/events/race/riverside-county-obstacle-race

Put your physical fitness to the ultimate test this Saturday at Lake Elsinore as you challenge this 8k obstacle course filled with over two dozen military-themed challenges. Registration starts at $25, and comes with a timing chip for each participant. Spectators may enter for $15.

84th Annual Great Sand Sculpture Contest
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 13-14
Granada Launch Ramp, Long Beach
http://lbsandcastle.com/

This contest to build a unique and fascinating sand sculpture takes place over two days this weekend. Most of the building will take place on Saturday, with Sunday allocated mainly to spectators. All participants will get featured in local media, such as The Press Telegram. Interested individuals and/or teams may register for FREE, and all participants and spectators will find vendors, live music, food, and a kids’ area on both days.

11th Annual Cardiff Dog Days of Summer
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 13
Cardiff Town Center, Cardiff
http://www.cardiffdogdaysofsummer.com/

Want a little exercise, socialization, and bonding with your dog? Come enjoy dog contests, custom pet products and animal adoptions. Vendors will display the latest dog products and much more. San Diego County’s largest dog-centric event draws thousands attendees from all over San Diego to see over 200 vendors, dog contests, live music, food, an agility course, a doggie photo booth, doggie crafts and a large silent auction. Completely free to attend for all ages, attendees should park at or near Encinitas City Hall and take the free shuttle.

11th Annual ArtWalk San Diego
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 13-14
NTC Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.artwalksandiego.org/ntc/

Check out the best in local art at this FREE all-ages art walk in Liberty Station this weekend. In addition to seeing art on display, visitors will likely see many artists creating artwork on the spot.

2016 Reptile Super Show
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 8
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 9
Fairplex, Pomona
http://reptilesupershow.com/

Check out all things reptiles and amphibians at this weekend expo at the Fairplex in Pomona. Open to all ages, attendees will find reptiles, amphibians, turtles, supplies, cages, lights, supplements, educational workshops, and more. Admission costs $14 for adults and $9 for children 12 and under – check the website for a printable coupon good for $1 off admission. Parking costs $10 per vehicle – guests must enter through blue gate 9, located on White Avenue south of Arrow Hwy.

2016 ¡Latin Food Fest! San Diego
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, August 13
Broadway Pier, San Diego
http://latinfoodfest.com/

The title explains it all – sample all sorts of Latin foods and drinks at this tasting event in San Diego. General admission costs $65 and starts at 12pm. VIP admission costs $150, starts at 11am, and provides access to a VIP area.

2016 Natsumatsuri Family Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 13
Japanese American National Museum, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.janm.org/events/2016/natsumatsuri/

At this free and all-ages event, find plenty of family-fun activities to partake in, such as karaoke, live music, live entertainment, games, arts & crafts, dance, and more.

Los Angeles Quilt Show & Fiber Art Festival 2016
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 13-14
CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro
http://www.laquiltshow.com/

See all things quilts this weekend in San Pedro. This all-ages expo showcases anything connected to the quilting industry, and showcases everything for the quilting hobbyist. Admission costs $10 and gets you in to both day at the show.

Vietnamese Speedway & Barrel-Aged Old Numbskull Release Party
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, August 13
AleSmith Brewing, Miramar, San Diego
http://alesmith.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/936437736484993/

This Saturday, you can taste some very special beers in San Diego. Visit AleSmith any time this Saturday for some special brews.

Surf ‘n’ Suds Beer Festival
11:30 am – 5:00 pm, August 13
Carpinteria State Beach, Carpinteria
http://surfbeerfest.com/

This beer tasting event in Carpinteria will have over 45 breweries to choose beer from, as well as local surfboard shapers, local music, food trucks, and more. General admission costs $50 and starts at 12:30pm, while VIP admission costs $65 and starts at 11:30am. All attendees receive unlimited beer tastings while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

9th Annual Surf Guitar Convention & Festival
12:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 13
Alpine Village, Torrance
http://surfguitar101.com/convention/HOME.html

Come see lots of surf music bands perform at this benefit show. This all-day all-ages show costs $40 to attend.

Grand Opening of Oceanside Tasting Room & Sour Bottle Release
1:00 pm – 7:00 pm, August 13
Belching Beaver, Oceanside
http://belchinbeaver.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/155907681501902/

Belching Beaver will open the doors to the public at their new location in Oceanside 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.

2nd Annual Festival of Dankness
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, August 13
Waterfront Park, San Diego
http://moderntimesbeer.com/events/the-festival-of-dankness

Sample some of the boldest, strongest beers imaginable this Saturday afternoon in San Diego. General admission costs $50 and starts at 3pm, while VIP admission costs $80, starts at 2pm, and includes a t-shirt. All attendees receive unlimited beer samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

7th Annual Los Angeles Craft Beer Crawl
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, August 13
Casey’s Irish Pub, Downtown Los Angeles
http://213nightlife.com/lacraftbeercrawl

All attendees of this pub crawl through Downtown Los Angeles will see over 100 different craft beers across seven different locations. General admission costs $59 and starts at 3pm, while early admission costs $79 and begins at 2pm. The pub crawl has no set route – you may visit the locations in any order you like, and spend as much time at any particular venue as you like. All locations will open to the public at 7pm that day, but you can still stay at any of the locations as long as you like.

Empanadas & Malbec
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm, August 13
Eat Drink Americano, Arts District, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.winela.com/empanadas

Indulge in an empanada and wine pairing session this Saturday afternoon in Downtown LA. Admission costs $60 per person or $100 for two people, and includes all foods and wines that attendees will enjoy. No one under 21 may attend.

Paint & Craft Brew Night
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, August 13
Cowboy Burgers & BBQ, Rancho Cucamonga
http://projectboon.org/
http://www.facebook.com/events/218436498548677/

Paint and drink beer at the same time at this charity fundraising event. Painting costs $22 and includes supplies to paint with. All-you-can-eat tacos and soft drinks costs $15. Get both for $35. The craft brew part? You have to pay extra for that, so imagine do this painting thing at a bar, and you have to pay for your beers at the counter.

Art Crawl Experience
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 13
Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim
http://www.downtownanaheim.com/artcrawlexperience

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

2016 Huntington Beach Beer Festival
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 13
Meadowlark Golf Club, Huntington Beach
http://www.huntingtonbeachbeerfestival.com/

Party hard with booze, loud music, dancing, and many drunk people this Saturday evening in Huntington Beach. General admission costs $35 and starts at 7pm, while VIP admission costs $50 and starts at 6pm. All attendees receive unlimited beer samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Los Angeles Fashion & Fetish Ball
10:00 pm – 2:00 am, August 13
333 Live, Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/1730830300521766/

Explore kinks, fetishes, and fashion at this nightclub event in Downtown LA this Saturday night. Admission starts at $10 and gets you in to a night of music, fashion, and other sexy fashion. No one under 21 may attend.

Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show
5:00 am – 2:00 pm, August 14
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.pomonaswapmeet.com/

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

Fastivus 2016
7:00 am – 5:30 pm, August 14
Auto Club Speedway, Fontana
http://www.fastivus.com/

If you like fast cars, you will not want to miss Fastivus this Sunday. This all-ages event features all things cars, from the racing aspect to famous racers and more. Admission costs $15 presale or $20 at the gate.

BrunchCon LA
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, August 14
The Reef, Los Angeles
http://www.brunchcon.com/

Spend this Sunday morning indulging in brunch goodies from scrumptious breakfast foods to tasty brunch beverages at The Reef in Los Angeles. Two sessions will exist that each last three hours: 9am to 12pm, and 12pm to 3pm. Admission ranges from $29 to $99 depending on how much you intend to eat and drink, so check the website to see what admission works best for you. No one under 21 may attend.

CicLAvia
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 14
Iconic Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
http://www.ciclavia.org/

Much of iconic Wilshire Boulevard will close to bicyclists this Sunday afternoon. Cars may not enter the designated areas during this time – only bicyclists and pedestrians may roam the streets.

4th Annual Auto Enthusiast Day
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 14
Angel Stadium, Anaheim
http://www.autoenthusiastday.com/

Free to attend for all ages, check out all things cars outside of Angel Stadium of Anaheim this Sunday afternoon.

4th Annual Avocado Fest
11:00 am – 8:00 pm, August 14
Angel City Brewery, Los Angeles
http://angelcitybrewery.com/event/avocado-festival-2016/

Angel City Brewery brings back their Avocado Ale this Sunday, and to celebrate, they will have multiple activities going on at their tasting room in Downtown Los Angeles., such as avocado-themed food trucks, live art, live music, vendors, games, brewery tours, and more. This event requires no admission – simply pay for beer and other products as you go.

2nd Annual Long Beach Tiki Social & Swap Meet
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, August 14
Roxanne’s Cocktail Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.lbtikisocial.com/

Immerse yourself in Tiki culture at this social event in Long Beach this Sunday afternoon. Find Tiki-themed vendors, music, food, drinks, arts & crafts, and more. Admission costs $20. No one under 21 may attend.

32nd Annual Hillcrest CityFest
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 14
5th & University, Hillcrest, San Diego
http://fabuloushillcrest.com/events/hillcrest-cityfest/

Have fun at this street fair in Hillcrest this Sunday with games, activities, vendors, live music, food, a beer garden, and more. Free to attend for all ages, visitors should park at the San Diego School District Building on the east side of Hillcrest.