Pork Yeah! Doggone Good Soda Company Opens a New Stand in Anaheim

The Anaheim Packing District certainly has a bold reputation as a food hot spot in Orange County to add on to the many other food hot spots, such as Santa Ana’s 4th Street Market, Tustin’s Union Market, and Costa Mesa’s Bristol stretch. Everyday, hoards of people flock to these locations to spend lots of money for something that they can share on Instagram. From the $5 ice cream bar to the $8 cup of coffee (with foam art!) to the $14 Asian burrito, these places have come up with the right recipes to lire people in to drop loads of cash just so the customers can show off their oh-so unique food. Sometimes, it helps to go back to basics and enjoy something familiar that also tastes great, and the Anaheim Packing District has done just that with the introduction of the Doggone Good Soda Company.

The Doggone Good Soda Company has existed for a few years already and have delivered countless amounts of all-natural sodas all over Orange County and beyond. Though lots of companies can claim the use of all-natural ingredients in their beverages, DGSC takes it a step further by allowing customers to order custom labels on the sodas. This ranges from small batches such as for parties to larger needs such as a company picnic, an organization holding a fundraiser, a mom & pop shop that needs to advertise their business, and more. DGSC has had a location in Old Towne Orange where it functions as a production facility and a storefront, but this past Friday, they opened another stand in the Anaheim Packing District. Taking over the former Buy’n Bulk, DGSC now has a satellite location where they can serve up custom sodas and good comfort food. The food mainly consists of hot dogs and various toppings, providing comfort food in an environment filled with other businesses trying to push the limits of creativity. However, I strongly urge visitors to check out DGSC’s beverage selection – I mean, why not taste what they started the company for?

Support this local business by liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.

Upcoming Events: August 22-28, 2016

World Series of Beach Volleyball
August 23-28
Alamitos Beach, Long Beach
http://www.wsobv.com/

This unprecedented event brings the world’s greatest beach volleyball players and their fans together for a week-long celebration of the summer. Festivities will include including sports, music, local culture, food, drinks, activities, and more. Visitors may attend any of the events for free, while premium seating for the broadcast events comes with a price.

1st Annual Burgers Bourbon + Beer
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm, August 24
The Victorian, Santa Monica
http://www.lamag.com/lasocialevents/bbb/

Sample craft burgers, craft beers, and craft cocktails this Wednesday night in Santa Monica. General admission costs $65 and starts at 7pm. VIP admission costs $85 and starts at 6pm. All attendees receive unlimited food and drink samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Taste of Downtown Long Beach
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 24-25
Pine Avenue Pier, Downtown Long Beach
http://downtownlongbeach.org/Latest-News-Detail/Final-Taste-of-Downtown-for-2016-Set-to-Invade-the-Waterfront-with-GrubnSunsets

Sample food from local restaurants in Downtown Long Beach at this two-night tasting, or enjoy some brews at the beer garden sponsored by Beachwood BBQ. Each sample costs varying amounts of tickets, which cost $1 each. Purchase tickets online to receive two free tickets for every $10 spent. Guests can park for free for up to two hours in the parking structure between 3rd, 4th, and Pine.

2016 Naples Island Street Fair
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, August 25
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.

2016 Oktoberfest Lager Release
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, August 25
Anaheim Brewery, Anaheim
http://www.anaheimbrew.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/292426344449027/

This Thursday evening, Anaheim Brewery will have their own mini Oktoberfest celebration with the release of their Oktoberfest Lager. Stop on by, enjoy this brew, and don any festive clothing if you have it. This event has no cover charge – just show up and enjoy the night.

4 Sons Pint Nite
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 25
Meat Up BBQ, Placentia
http://www.meatupbbq.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1801059113447483/

Meat Up BBQ brings back their monthly pint nite this Thursday night. Buy a beer, and keep the glass while supplies last.

Build Your Own Grits Night
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 25
Beachwood BBQ, Seal Beach
http://beachwoodbbq.com/events.html

Build Your Own Night returns to Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach this Thursday night, this time featuring grits! No reservations required – simply show up, get a table or seat at the bar, then customize your grits dish. Pick the toppings, herbs, cheese, sauce, meats, and pasta, and order a nice cold glass of craft beer.

6th Annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm, August 25
12:00 pm – 2:00 am, August 26
11:00 am – 2:00 am, August 27
11:00 am – 12:30 pm, August 28
Various locations, Los Angeles County
http://www.lafw.com/

Discover the multitude of food and wine options available in Southern California this week throughout Los Angeles County. Dozens of different events will take place that all feature something different, such as demonstrations, tastings, parties, and more. Events range in price from $100 to $250, so look at the website to discover what events float your boat.

Lagunitas Beer Pairing Dinner
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 25
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/lagunitas_beer_dinner/

Enjoy a three-course dinner complete with beer pairings for each course this Thursday night in Long Beach for $75 per person. No one under 21 may attend.

Wiens Brewing Food Pairing Dinner
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 25
The Rookery, Pomona
http://rookeryalehouse.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1754822874789012/

Enjoy a three-course dinner complete with beer pairings this Thursday night in Pomona.

Twilight Concerts @ Santa Monica Pier: Save Ferris
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 25
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
http://tcs.santamonicapier.org/tcs825

Enjoy a FREE and all-ages concert featuring ska band Save Ferris this Thursday night in Santa Monica.

Pacific Plate Brewing’s 3rd Anniversary
August 26-28
Pacific Plate Brewing, Monrovia
http://www.pacificplatebrewing.com/

Pacific Plate Brewing turns three this week, and to celebrate, they will release special brews each day this weekend. Visitors of all ages pay no cover to visit the tasting room.

Doggone Good Soda Company Grand Opening
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, August 26
Packing District, Anaheim
http://doggonegoodsoda.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/496695287206542/

A new shop will open to the public this Friday at the Anaheim Packing District. They will not have any specials or giveaways, but you can still stop by and check them out.

3rd Annual OC Night Market
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 26-27
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 28
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://www.ocnightmarket.com/

The popular 626 Night Market comes to Orange County this weekend at the OC Fair in Costa Mesa. This weekend-long all-ages festival brings the nightlife of the east to the west, and shows the locals what goes on at night in populated Asian cities. Visitors will find lots of food, merchandise, live entertainment, music, games, and more. Admission costs $5 per person, while parking costs $8 per vehicle. These night market events always see wall-to-wall people, so expect a big crowd all weekend.

San Diego Magazine’s 2016 Best of San Diego Party
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, August 26
NTC Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/April-2016/Best-of-San-Diego-Party-2016/

Sample food from San Diego County’s top restaurants and chefs, and sip on wines and beers from the area’s breweries and wineries at this tasting gala this Friday night. General admission costs $80 and starts at 6:30pm, while VIP admission costs $120 and starts at 5:30pm. No one under 21 may attend.

Nerd Con 2016
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 26
10:00 am – 11:00 pm, August 27
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 28
California Center For The Arts, Escondido
http://www.nerd-con.com/

All things pop culture will meet up at this annual convention in Escondido this weekend. Expect to find cosplay, games, comics, art, anime, technology, and more for the inner hobbyist in you. Admission greatly varies depending on what day you will attend and how long you will attend, so see the website for pricing details.

Free Music Show @ Out Of The Park Pizza
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 26
Out Of the Park Pizza, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/838548336275654/

Enjoy a FREE and all-ages rock show this Friday night in Anaheim.

Saves The Day @ Glass House
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 26
Glass House, Pomona
http://savestheday.com/

Saves The Day will headline an all-ages show in Pomona this Friday night. Tickets to this show cost $22. Guests can find plenty of free parking around the area and can avoid having to pay to park.

Acidez @ The Observatory
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 26
The Observatory’s Constellation Room, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/acidez

Rock out to some hardcore punk this Friday night in Santa Ana. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $15. Arrive early to park at the venue’s parking lot for free. Arrive too late, and end up parking in a lot down the street for $10 per car.

Bonecrusher @ The World Famous Doll Hut
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 26-27
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/1537761413200296/

Punk band Bonecrusher will headline two nights at the Doll Hut in Anaheim this weekend. The cover for each of these shows cost $10. No one under 21 may enter.

Youth Brigade: Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 26, Borderline Bar & Grill, Thousand Oaks http://borderlinebarandgrill.ticketfly.com/event/1280039-youth-brigade-di-stalag-13-thousand-oaks/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 27, El Rey Theatre, Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles http://www.theelrey.com/events/detail/312913

Punk band Youth Brigade will headline two all-ages shows in LA County this week. Ticket prices vary for each show, so click on a show’s link for ticket prices.

Tartar Control @ Dipiazzas
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, August 26
Dipiazzas, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/1838797699686969/

Rock out to some local punk rock bands this Friday night in Long Beach. The cover for this all-ages show costs $7.

6th Annual Rumble At The Rose Bowl – Gladiator Rock’n Run 5k & 10k
7:00 am – 2:00 pm, August 27
Rose Bowl, Pasadena
http://www.gladiatorrocknrun.com/rose-bowl-2016

Can you withstand the passage of time? Test your might at this 5k/10k challenge course this Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Run, climb, jump, and crawl your way through unforgiving obstacles as you race towards the finish with little regard to however much mud and dirt you may pick up along the way. Registration for the 5k costs $75, while registration for the 10k costs $85.

8th Annual San Diego Doggie Street Festival
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 27
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.

The Inspired Market – Yorba Linda
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 27
RM Nixon Park, Yorba Linda
http://theinspiredmarket.com/

This free and all-ages arts & crafts fair takes place on the last Saturdays of each month in Yorba Linda. Swing on by and check out the various vendors here selling accessories, apparel, and more.

2nd Annual The Fit Expo Anaheim
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 27-28
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim
http://thefitexpo.com/ana.asp

Experience everything related to fitness at this expo coming this weekend. Single day admission costs $25, while the weekend combo only costs $40. All attendees receive access the entire exhibit floor, competitions, seminars, demos, autograph sessions, free samples, and more.

Bikini Bike Wash
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, August 27
Huntington Beach Harley Davidson, Westminster
http://www.hbharley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1129211980469212/

Got a Harley that needs a wash? Bring it down to HB Harley Davidson this Saturday and let some bikini girls wash it for you for free (plus tips).

1st Annual Art In The Park
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 27
Triangle Park, Downtown Huntington Beach
http://www.hbdowntown.com/art-in-the-park.html

A free and all-ages event comes to Huntington Beach this Saturday afternoon. This event will feature food, arts & crafts, entertainment, activities, games, and other family-fun things.

Venice Beach Music Fest 11
11:00 am – 7:30 pm, August 27
Windward Plaza, Venice
http://venicebeachmusicfest.com/

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

Star Wars: It’s A Tap!
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, August 27
Pizza Port, San Clemente
http://www.pizzaport.com/locations/pizza-port-san-clemente/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1631024213878382/

Pizza Port will tap & pour Star Wars themed beers all day for $3 or $4 a pint depending on the beer. They will also have food specials, movies, costume contests, and more. No admission required – you only pay for what you consume.

San Gabriel Valley Sour Beer Festival
11:00 am – 2:00 am, August 27
38 Degrees, Monrovia
http://38degreesalehouse.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/965061530258722/

Contrary to the event name, this event will not function as a festival. Instead, 38 Degrees in Monrovia will have a plethora of sour ales on tap available for you to try. This event has no cover charge or admission – simply show up, and pay for drinks as you go.

6th Annual Treasure Chest Fest
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, August 27
Green Flash Brewing, San Diego
http://www.greenflashbrew.com/event/treasure-chest-fest-san-diego-2016/

Raise a glass for breast cancer awareness at this beer fest & fundraiser this Saturday at Green Flash Brewing. Attendees will get to see the ins & outs of the brewery at this fest that takes place all around the brewery. General admission costs $50 presale or $55 at the door and gets you ten beer tasters, paired small bites from local restaurants, and a souvenir glass. Attendees may purchase additional beers from the tasting room, where $1 from each drink sold will go towards the charity. No one under 21 may attend.

Ska Brewing & Scooter Rally
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 27
Select Beer Store, Redondo Beach
http://www.selectbeerstore.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/632205490266488/

Two free events take place at Redondo Beach’s Select Beer Store this Saturday. All day, they will have a bunch of beers from Ska Brewing on tap available for you to try (at cost, of course). They will also have a scooter meetup and ride – check the event page for further details.

1st Annual Ohana Music Fest
1:00 pm – 9:30 pm, August 27-28
Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
http://www.theohanafest.com/

A two-day all-ages music concert comes to the beaches of Dana Point this weekend. Tickets start at $100.

8th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, August 27
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, August 28
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 $85, but use promo code cocktails to take $20 off admission. No one under 21 may attend.

2016 FYF Fest
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 27-28
Exposition Park, Los Angeles
http://fyffest.com/

FYF Fest really requires no other description. If you have heard of or attended Coachella, FYF Fest will feel similar. This two-day concert will feature the largest names in music. Surprisingly, you can still purchase tickets! I recommend getting dropped off or taking the Metro, as parking will not exist on these two days.

Uncasked: A Neighborhood Craft Beer Fest
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, August 27
Westfield UTC, San Diego
http://www.westfield.com/utc

Sample local brews and taste delightful bites from local restaurants at this small beer fest this Saturday evening at the Westfield shopping center. For $20 presale or $25 at the door, guests will receive a souvenir glass, gift bag, beer guide, Westfield coupon book, and ten beer tickets. Attendees also may receive unlimited food samples from the resident restaurants within the festival.

Orfila’s 23rd Annual Grape Stomp
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 27
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.

Middle Earth Dinner
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, August 27
Whimsic Alley, Burbank
http://www.whimsicalley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/595304703966194/

Lord of the Rings fans will not want to miss this themed dinner taking place this Saturday night in Burbank. While you can attend in regular clothes, they encourage dressing up to the theme, as well as acting the part. Admission costs $70. No one under 18 may attend.

San Pedro Beer & Bacon Festival
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 27
USS Iowa BattleShip, San Pedro
http://chugginbrews.com/

Indulge on beers and bacon aboard a battleship this Saturday night in San Pedro. General admission costs $35 presale or $40 at the door, and starts at 7pm. VIP admission costs $45 presale or $50 at the door, and starts at 6pm. All attendees receive unlimited food and beer samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Face To Face @ The Observatory North Park
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 27
The Observatory, North Park, San Diego
http://www.observatorysd.com/event/6835615

Punk band Face To Face will headline an all-ages show in San Diego this Saturday night. Tickets to this show cost $25.

12th Annual LeucadiART Walk
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 28
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.

1st Annual Cars & Doggies
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 28
Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Irvine
http://www.mpsarmy.org/cars-doggies/

A car show and dog meetup will take place in Irvine this Sunday, free to attend for all ages.

Tustin Brewing’s 20th Anniversary Party
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 28
Tustin Brewing, Tustin
http://tustinbrewery.com/
http://www.orangecal.com/calendars/tustin-brewing-company/events/tbc-20th-anniversary-party

Tustin Brewing turns 20 this week, and to celebrate, they will throw a beer festival at their brewpub this Sunday afternoon. General admission costs $40 and starts at 12pm, while VIP admission costs $60 and starts at 11am. All attendees receive unlimited beer tastings while supplies last. Attendees can purchase food and merchandise separately, so have cash available for that.

2016 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 28-30
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://www.westernfoodexpo.com/

The food and hospitality industry will have its own expo this weekend, featuring many aspects from food, ingredients, equipment, accessories, services, and more. This time, they have opened the expo to the public, so you no longer need to work in the industry to attend this. Attendees should expect lots of food and drink samples, plus lots of information about businesses and the industry. Registration for an attendee starts at $65. No one under 18 may attend.

14th Annual Gardena Jazz Festival
11:30 am – 7:30 pm, August 28
Rowley Memorial Park, Gardena
http://www.gardenajazzfestival.com/

Enjoy local jazz in the park at this all-ages outdoor concert for $25 per person.

Bottle Share @ Monrovia Homebrew Shop
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 28
Monrovia Homebrew Shop, Monrovia
http://www.monroviahomebrewshop.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1735880903295814/

Share a beer or two at this free bottle share in Monrovia this Sunday afternoon. Guests should bring a 22oz bomber or two 12oz bottles to share with others.

Go Topless Day Pride Parade
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 28
Venice Beach, Venice
http://gotopless.org/

Because we want equality for all, this Sunday represents Topless Pride Day, a day where both men AND women can expose their upper bodies to the sun. Join in the pride parade this Sunday afternoon in Venice Beach, or anywhere else in the world where this may take place (check the website for more locations), and express your support of topless equality for all.

End Of Summer Bash
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, August 28
Long Beach Creamery, Long Beach
http://longbeachcreamery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1123689424370312/

Free to attend for all ages, Long Beach Creamery will close down their parking lot this Sunday afternoon for a day of live music and food.

Mead & Cider Bottle Share
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, August 28
Honest Abe Cidery, Carson
http://www.honestabecider.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1773259292922278/

Share your favorite mead and/or cider with others, and indulge in other ciders and meads this Sunday in Carson. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy drinks and good times.

Cruise the Pike Classic Car Show
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, August 28
The Pike, Downtown Long Beach
http://laydbackproductions.com/?page_id=4234

Come on down to The Pike this Sunday afternoon and enjoy art and cars on the grassy knoll! Spectators of all ages can attend for free. Anyone interested in showcasing their classic car in this show must register their vehicle for $15 prior to the event or $20 on the day of.

Beards & Beers Bonanza
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm, August 28
The Stache Bar, Long Beach
http://www.folkrevivalfestival.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/116194742161626/

A beard & mustache contest will take place in Long Beach this Sunday evening. Throughout the day, the venue will have food & drink specials plus live music.