The ‘7th Annual Bixby Knolls Dragster Expo & Car Show’ Expands This Year With The Factory’s Beer Garden

The 7th Annual Bixby Knolls Dragster Expo & Car Show returned this past Saturday to the streets of Bixby Knolls in Long Beach. This free event completely covered a large portion of Atlantic Avenue, allowing guests to freely roam the streets to view all the automobiles on display. During the day, all automobiles and exhibits were open for viewing:

This year, The Factory also hosted a Beer Garden directly in front of their restaurant. For the low-low price of $10, attendees received a souvenir glass and four 5 oz. pours of various craft beers. In addition, attendees could still order food from the restaurant, as well as purchase more taster tickets. The Factory’s owner Natalie was on hand to pour beers and mingle with guests. She also had time to have a little fun too!

The expo ended with what the locals called Cacklefest. I had no clue what that was or meant – only that I had to be there to witness it myself. What transpired was the brightest, loudest, and hottest moments of the day:

At the end of the day, this was much more fun and interactive than the other beer fest that occurred at the same time. With a larger area to explore, more to see, more people to interact with, more food to eat, more drinks to drink, and so much more, this car show is something you do not want to miss next year.

Upcoming Events: July 9-July 15, 2012

Kitchen Nightmares @ Nino’s Italian Restaurant
Now through July 12
Nino’s Italian Restaurant, Long Beach
http://fb.me/1RhaI3Mzn

Chef Gordon Ramsey is filming his show Kitchen Nightmares at Nino’s Italian Restaurant in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach now through July 12th. The restaurant is closed to walk-ins during this period – you must make reservations using the provided link above if you want to dine there during filming.

 

2012 Orange County Fair Opening
12:00 pm, July 13
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://ocfair.com/

The OC Fair this years runs Wednesday through Sunday each week starting July 13 with the final day on August 12. The fairgrounds are open from 12:00 pm – 12:00 am on weekdays, and 10:00 am – 12:00 am on weekends. Click this link for special promotions for tickets. Click this link for info on the Super Pass.

Every year, a new fried food gets introduced. Last year, it was deep-fried Kool Aid. The year prior, deep-fried butter. This year, they are mixing it up by allowing YOU to decide what gets friend next. All the info is on the OC Fair website, but I can tell you now that of whatever you bring, if it can be fried, it will get fried.

Avenue Q by 3D Theatricals
July 13 – July 29
Plummer Auditorium, Fullerton and Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
http://www.3dtshows.com/

This award-winning Broadway musical has finally returned to Southern California! Avenue Q can be thought of as Sesame Street for adults, as they sing about unemployment, homosexuality, and internet porn addiction. The play will run on weekends at both locations starting July 13 and ending on July 29.

This is a must-see for everyone. I have seen it twice already, and it never gets old, especially with all the ad-libbing.

LBC Tweet Up Brunch
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, July 14
Tavern On 2, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/153109228157524/

Join us for bottomless mimosa brunch in Belmont Shore at Tavern On 2. RSVP required by Friday so we can book the correct amount of seats. Free parking is available in the adjacent neighborhoods.

Fluff Ice Grand Opening in Monrovia
12:30 pm, July 14
Fluff Ice, Monrovia
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fluff-Ice-Monrovia/470792702934789

The first 200 customers receive a FREE Fluff Ice! Also, Milk Tea with Blue Honey Boba will be given out to customers all day. Fluff Ice is a cross between shave ice and ice cream. The ice is very fine that it feels creamy. On top of that, you get a wide variety of toppings to accent your Fluff Ice.

MBYP’s 2nd Annual Beer & Music Festival
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, July 14
Raleigh Studios’ New York Street, Manhattan Beach
http://mbyp.memberlodge.org/events?eventId=500210&EventViewMode=EventDetails

This massive festival will feature live music, over 30 craft beer breweries, a home brewers competition, numerous food trucks, samples from local restaurants, charity raffles, and much more. During the first hour, you can sample small bites from local restaurants for free. The first 400 attendees receive a souvenir glass. Tickets are just $35 each, $25 if you are a Manhattan Beach Chamber member.

This fest will be mostly outdoors, and the weather is expected to be HOT. Be prepared with sunscreen, summer clothes, etc.

Bixby Knolls Dragster & Car Expo
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm, July 14
Atlantic Blvd between San Antonio Dr & Roosevelt Rd, Long Beach
http://bixbyknollscarshow.com/

Come check out numerous show cars, special dragsters, live music, BMX demos, vendors, celebrity appearances, The Factory‘s beer garden, and more! This expo is free to attend and open to all ages. Free parking is available in the neighborhoods around the area. The expo is mainly outdoors, so be prepared for the weather and sun.

For those 21 or over, there will be an exclusive beer garden/tent on Atlantic & Carson starting at 3pm and ending promptly at 8pm. The cost is $15 to enter, and comes with a souvenir glass and four taster coupons for the craft beers being served. For more information, see: http://www.facebook.com/events/473199192709475/