Figueroa Mountain Pint Nite
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 30
Meat Up BBQ, Placentia
http://www.meatupbbq.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/535945266741850/
Meat Up BBQ brings back their monthly pint nite this Thursday night. Buy a beer, and keep the glass while supplies last.
Riviera Village Holiday Stroll
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 30
Riviera Village, Redondo Beach
http://rivieravillage.net/2017-holiday-stroll/
Explore Riviera Village in Redondo Beach this Thursday evening and enjoy holiday-themed festivities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday music, a parade at 6pm, local shopping sales, food & drink specials, and more.
3rd Annual The Handmade Holiday Show
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, November 30
iam8bit, Echo Park
http://www.iam8bit.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/164464287622325/
Free to attend for all ages, iam8bit in Echo Park will have a handful of local artists and vendors selling various goods and gifts for you to check out and buy.
Pennywise – Live in Anaheim
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 30 – December 1
House of Blues, Anaheim
http://www.pennywisdom.com/
Rock out to famous punk band Pennywise this week in Anaheim.
2017 Los Angeles Auto Show
9:00 am – 9:00 pm, December 1-10
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://laautoshow.com/
Check out the newest and latest cars, trucks, exotics, and more. General admission costs $12 on weekdays or $15 on weekends.
33rd Annual Pomona Harvest Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, December 1-3
Fairplex, Pomona
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.
21st Annual Pizza Port Carlsbad Strong Ale Festival
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, December 1
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm, December 2
Pizza Port Bottle Shop, Carlsbad
http://www.pizzaport.com/
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/pizza-ports-21st-annual-strong-ale-festival-tickets-39510624341
Submerge yourself in strong beers this weekend at Pizza Port in Carlsbad. General admission costs $45, starts at 5pm, and includes a souvenir glass and eight beer tasters. VIP sessions cost $70, start at 2pm, and also include complimentary food and access to purchase rare bottles.
39th Annual Balboa Park December Nights
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, December 1
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, December 2
Balboa Park, San Diego
http://www.balboapark.org/decembernights
This free and all-ages event allows visitors to check out the museums of Balboa Park free of charge, and enjoy the live holiday-themed entertainment.
First Fridays
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, December 1
Various locations
Long Beach: http://firstfridayslongbeach.com/
Venice: http://www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com/
This monthly artwalk occurs on the first Friday of every month. Each location offers different activities, but most will contain food & drink specials, art exhibits & displays, street performers, and more. Venice and Long Beach have the two largest gatherings of all First Fridays. Other locations include Westchester, Fullerton, and City of Industry. Most First Fridays locations cost nothing to attend, while the local businesses uphold their standard rules (e.g. bars 21+ only).
Uptown Village Market
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, December 1
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, December 2
Expo Arts Center, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
http://uptownvillagemarket.com/
Local artists and vendors will display and sell their wares at this FREE art fest. Guests can look at some interesting works of art, while browsing through all the merchandise available to purchase. The organizers will provide free refreshments, while live bands and singers will keep guests entertained.
Seal Beach Christmas Parade 2017
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, December 1
Main Street, Seal Beach
http://www.sealbeachlions.org/christmas-parade.html
Enjoy a free and all-ages holidays parade this Friday night in Old Town Seal Beach. Make sure you arrive early to secure parking and a good spot along the parade route.
Dag Nasty – Live in Southern California
9:00 pm – 2:00 am, December 1, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, December 2, The Echo, Echo Park
http://www.daghouse.com/
Dag Nasty will headline a handful of shows in Southern California starting this week. Ticket prices and age limits for these shows vary by the location, so check with the venues for details.
4th Annual Run For A Claus
6:30 am – 11:00 am, December 2
University of California Irvine (turnaround at center of campus), Irvine
http://www.runforaclaus.com/
Participate in a 5K run this Saturday morning in Irvine. Kids may opt to participate in a 1-mile fun run instead. Registration for either run costs $40 for adults, with the price going down for younger participants.
San Diego STEAM Maker Festival
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, December 2
Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar
http://www.sansmf.org/
An interactive educational event for all ages comes to Del Mar this Saturday. Admission costs $8 for adults or $6 for children, and provides access to all the vendors, exhibitors, demos, games, activities, and more.
47th Annual Candy Caneland & Craft Faire
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, December 2
Ehlers Event Center, Buena Park
http://www.buenapark.com/city-departments/community-services/special-events/candy-caneland-craft-faire
Enjoy a free and all-ages holidays event this Saturday in Buena Park. Attendees can expect plenty of fun activities for the entire family. Bring cash for food and vendors.
4th Annual Grand Central Market Holiday Marketplace
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, December 2-3
Grand Central Market, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.grandcentralmarket.com/events/1070/fourth-annual-holiday-marketplace
This weekend at Grand Central Market in Downtown LA, retail popups will offer special holiday products, while market vendors will have holiday deals on their goods. Visitors will also find cookbook signings, live music, and arts & crafts for the little ones.
23rd Annual Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, December 2
Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim
http://downtownanaheim.com/events/treelighting/
Completely FREE to attend for all ages, this Christmas tree-lighting celebration lasts all day. During the day, guests can partake in breakfast with Santa, kids’ crafts & activities, a food fair, live entertainment, train rides, snow play, and more. The actual tree lighting begins at 6pm. If you need something to do with family, bring them to Downtown Anaheim this Saturday night.
54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade & Festival
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, December 2
North Park, San Diego
http://www.toylandparade.com/
A free and all-ages festive parade takes place in North Park this Saturday morning. Following the parade, lots of holiday activities will take place in North Park on both 30th Street and University Avenue.
7th Annual Los Angeles International Tea Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, December 2-3
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://teafestivalla.com/
Sample teas from around the world, and sample Japanese cuisine at this tea festival. General admission to this all-ages festival costs $15. Bring cash for parking and for any items you wish to buy at the event.
10th Annual Unique LA Holiday Show
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, December 2-3
The California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.uniquemarkets.com/markets-la/
Their website describes this event best: “The largest independent design show in the country, attendees get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from over 350 hand-selected designers and artists. The exciting two-day shopping event makes it easy for you to buy local and support LA’s economy, discover great design and deals, join in community, and have a blast.” The $15 admission allows for unlimited reentry for both days, and anyone buying presale online will receive a free tote bag. Guests over 21 can receive free cocktails, while all guests may receive other free drinks, like teas and waters. The show will also feature some of LA’s most popular restaurants and food trucks serving their delicious food. Parking directly at the venue costs $6, while nearby parking lots will range from $3-5.
Island Food and Beer Festival San Diego 2017
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, December 2
Waterfront Park, San Diego
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/island-food-and-beer-festival-san-diego-2017-tickets-36035996636
A beer fest will take place in San Diego this Saturday afternoon that will have a handful of Pacific Island food booths present. General admission costs $50 and gets you unlimited beer samples for the duration of the event while supplies last, with food sold separately. No one under 21 may attend.
Holidayfest on South Lake Avenue
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, December 2
Corporate Center Pasadena, Pasadena
http://www.southlakeavenue.org/events/calendar/south-lakes-2017-holidayfest-12-5pm/
Free to attend for all ages, this holiday festival will surely keep you and your family entertained. Visitors will find holiday activities, in-store specials & deals, Santa Claus, horse-carriage rides, live music, arts & crafts, games, food, drinks, and more.
2017 Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Frosty’s Snow Hill
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, December 2
Memorial Park, Chula Vista
http://www.starlightparade.com/
Family-friendly festivities will take place in Chula Vista this Saturday. Starting at noon, visitors will find snow at Memorial Park, plus other activities. A Christmas parade will start at 6pm on 3rd Avenue.
25th Annual Holiday Sonata in Uptown Whittier
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, December 2
Streets of Uptown Whittier
http://whittieruptown.org/sonata/
Bring out the family to this free and all-ages event on the streets of Uptown Whittier. Visitors will experience Christmas Village, Santa Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, carolers, live entertainment, local shopping sales, food & drink specials, and lots more.
2018 Miss California USA Pageant
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, December 2-3
Terrace Theater, Long Beach Convention Center, Downtown Long Beach
http://misscausa.com/
On Saturday, catch the Miss California USA & Miss California Teen USA Preliminary Competition. On Sunday, see the Final Show Dress Rehearsal and the Final Coronation Show. Ticket prices range from $60 to $80 for the competitions, while tickets to the dress rehearsal cost about $30.
38th Annual Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, December 2
Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach, San Diego
http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-for-the-holidays/
Bring the family out to this local holiday parade this Saturday evening in Ocean Beach. Arrive early to find parking and secure a spot to watch along the parade route.
35th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, December 2
2nd Street, Belmont Shore, Long Beach
http://www.belmontshore.org/event/the-35th-annual-belmont-shore-christmas-parade/
Police will close 2nd Street beginning at 5pm from Livingston through Bay Shore. As one of Belmont Shore’s most popular annual events, parking fills up intensely within a mile radius. I recommend parking way away and either bike or walk to Belmont Shore.
55th Annual LA Harbor Holiday Afloat Boat Parade
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, December 2
Ports O’ Call, San Pedro
http://laharborholidayafloat.org/
Enjoy a free and all-ages holiday boat parade with thousands of sparkling lights this Saturday night in San Pedro. Visitors have plenty of spots along the river to view the parade from – check the website for the parade route and viewing spots.
South Park Winter Walkabout
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, December 2
30th Street, South Park, San Diego
http://www.southparksd.com/walkabout.html
During this free and all-ages quarterly stroll through South Park, visitors can check out all the of the local businesses as they have specials and activities available.
Mexican Society – Tribute to Manic Hispanic
9:00 pm – 2:00 am, December 2
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1596264-mexican-society-long-beach/
Rock out to some popular punk rock bands this Saturday night in Long Beach. The cover for this show costs $5. No one under 21 may enter.
Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show
5:00 am – 2:00 pm, December 3
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.
Riverside Reindeer Run
6:00 am – 2:00 pm, December 3
Fairmount Park, Riverside
http://laceuprunningseries.com/race-locations/riverside-2017/
Go on a run in Riverside this Sunday morning. Registration ranges from $20 to $90 depending on the distance of the run you want to participate in.
9th Annual San Diego Doggie Street Festival
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, December 3
NTC Park, Liberty Station, San Diego
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.
SoCal GI Joe Show & Toy Convention
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, December 3
Embassy Suites, Temecula
http://www.facebook.com/events/256566994833309/
A handful of toy vendors will set up in Temecula this Sunday afternoon. Admission costs $5 and grants you access to check out all the vendors.
4th Annual Mosaic Craft Fair
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, December 3
The Alhambra at Urban Community, Alhambra
http://www.mosaiccraftfair.org/
Get crafty at this arts & crafts fair this Sunday afternoon in Alhambra. Free to attend for all ages, visitors will find dozens of independent designers selling their goods, a handful of mobile food vendors, a beer garden, live music, entertainment, and more.
39th Annual Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, December 3
Corona Del Mar’s Business District, Corona Del Mar
http://www.cdmchamber.com/events/39th-annual-corona-del-mar-christmas-walk/
Free to attend for all ages, many businesses in Corona Del Mar will have specials and activities this Sunday afternoon.
8th Annual SoNo Fest & Chili Cookoff
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, December 3
32nd & Thorn, North Park, San Diego
http://sonofestchilicookoff.com/
Check out this free and all-ages event this Sunday afternoon in North Park that will have chili, a beer garden, a kids’ zone, vendors, live music, and more. Although free to attend, visitors can pay $20 to receive a handcrafted ceramic bowl and five restaurant chili tastings.
66th Annual Downey Christmas Parade
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, December 3
Downey & Florence, Downey
http://www.downeychamber.org/christmasparade/index.php
Enjoy a free all-ages holiday parade in Downey this Sunday afternoon.
City of Irvine’s Winter Wonderland
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, December 3
Irvine Civic Center, Irvine
http://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/calendar-of-events/event/winter-wonderland-2017
Irvine will have a free and all-ages holiday-themed event this Sunday evening. Visitors will find Christmas lights, a Christmas tree, arts & crafts, games, train rides, food & drinks, Santa Claus, and more.
23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Candlelight Choir Procession
3:30 pm – 7:30 pm, December 3
Old Towne Plaza Area, Orange
http://www.cityoforange.org/856/Tree-Lighting-Ceremony
Come to Orange this Sunday evening for holiday cheer and family fun with traditional carols and a tree lighting ceremony at 5:15pm.
A Punk, A Camera, and An Empty Stomach 