Boots & Beers at the 2nd Annual Driftwood Festival

Beautiful California: a state unlike any other. From the luscious weather to the so-called California Girls, California almost represents a unique country of its own. As one of the major metropolitan states of this nation, California has one of the largest populations of virtually all demographics, but especially young adults. As society can guess, young adults sure love their hard beverages, and California has no shortage of festivals featuring hard beverages. Practically every week of the year, a festival occurs that features either craft beer, wine, or cocktails/spirits. When adults think festivals that include alcohol, they immediately think about what other activities and forms of entertainment to expect at the events. The days of simple tasting events have long gone by the wayside, and now people expect to find more than just drinking at such festivals. Typical events may include some games or live music, plus some some of food either included with admission or at a separate cost. The more these events feature, the more they feel like they bit off more than they could chew. Some events promise everything yet deliver underwhelming content, while some events promise the best of a few specialties and deliver all they can to satiate the attendees, such as at the 2nd Annual Driftwood Festival.

The Driftwood Festival returned for its second year running this past Saturday. Taking place at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, this festival combines craft beer, drinks, food, and country music all in one location. With over a hundred different beers and other beverages to sip on, attendees had a plethora of options to get their buzz on. With so much to do in so little time, one would expect to try to rush around to see everything before the event ended. The beer stopped pouring at 4pm, while the entertainment continued onward until 10pm. While it would appear that this would draw in two different types of crowds, every attendee appeared to appreciate everything this festival had to offer. Driftwood represents the ideal country music fan festival, complete with the music, barbecue food, and craft drinks. The venue’s location did mean that travelers would have to plan to pay to park near here, or at least take the shuttle, as the festival this time charged attendees to take the shuttle to a higher-capacity parking area.

Although I did not attend the previous year’s festival, I knew that the organizers behind this event teamed up with the organizers behind OC Brew Ha Ha. As such, they handled the festival operations quite well as they always do with their events. Speaking of which, the annual OC Brew Ho Ho returns in less than a month from now, so if you like good beer and appreciate a well-organized event, you owe it to yourself and your friends to check out that event when it rolls into town in December each year.

Upcoming Events: November 6-12, 2017

9th Annual San Diego Beer Week
November 3-12
San Diego County
http://sdbw.org/

This 10-day festival celebrates the prominence of craft beer in San Diego County. During these ten days, restaurants, bars, breweries, and other businesses will host special events and hold special deals all pertaining to craft beer. Check the website for a list of all events and businesses participating in San Diego Beer Week.

D.R.I. – Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 7, The Observatory’s Constellation Room, Santa Ana
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 10, Brick By Brick, San Diego
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 11, Union Nightclub, Los Angeles
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 12, Mission Tobacco Lounge, Riverside
http://www.dirtyrottenimbeciles.com/

Punk rock band D.R.I. will headline a handful of shows in Southern California this week. Ticket prices and age limits vary by location, so check with the venue for details.

The Sounds – Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 8, The Observatory, Santa Ana
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 10, Fremont Theater, San Luis Obispo
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 12, Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
http://the-sounds.com/

The Sounds will headline a few shows in Southern California this week. Tickets to these all-ages shows vary in price, so check with the venue for details.

Battalion Of Saints – Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 8, The Garage, Ventura
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 9, The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 10, Characters Sports Bar, Pomona
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 11, Resident, Downtown Los Angeles
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 12, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego
http://www.facebook.com/battalionofsaints

Punk rock band Battalion of Saints will headline a handful of shows in Southern California this week. Ticket prices to these shows vary by location, so check with the venue for details. No one under 21 may enter any of these shows.

Avengers Superheroes Half Marathon Weekend
10:00 am – 12:00 am, November 9
5:30 am – 8:00 pm, November 10
5:30 am – 4:00 pm, November 11
5:30 am – 11:30 am, November 12
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
http://www.rundisney.com/avengers-half-marathon/

The Avengers Superheroes Half Marathon returns this weekend with a plethora of things to see and do. Participate in any of the races, check out the health & fitness expo, and stick around for after-parties throughout the weekend. The website has an extensive list of everything going on this weekend, so consult with the website for more details.

Orange County Whisky Classic 2017
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, November 9
Crevier Classic Cars, Costa Mesa
http://www.orangecoast.com/event/orange-coast-whiskey-classic/

Sip on fancy cocktails this Thursday night in Costa Mesa. General admission costs $100 and provides unlimited food and drinks for the duration of the event while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 9
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.

27th Annual SOS Celebrity Chef Dinner & Auction
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, November 10
Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach
http://www.shareourselves.org/events/

Enjoy a five-course dinner with wine pairings this Friday night in Huntington Beach. Attending this luxurious dinner costs $175 per person. No one under 21 may attend.

9th Annual Montebello Taste of the Town
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm, November 10
Bagramian Hall, Montebello
http://montebellotaste.com/

Sample eats & drinks from various restaurants from Montebello this Friday night. General admission costs $45 presale or $60 at the door, and includes unlimited tastes while supplies last. VIP admission costs $85 and also includes VIP seating and a gift bag.

Repticon Los Angeles
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 11
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 12
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://repticon.com/california/los-angeles-costa-mesa/

Check out two days of reptiles, amphibians, exotic pets, pet products, seminars, and more this weekend at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. General admission starts at 10am and costs $15 for both days, $10 for one day, or $5 for children. Online-only VIP admission costs $12 for adults or $5 for children, allows admission to both days, and allows entry at 9am on Saturday.

2017 Designer Con
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, November 11
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.designercon.com/

This design event takes place this weekend in Pasadena. What started as an expo for designer toys and collectibles has evolved into including apparel and accessories. Designer Con now features toys, apparel, art, crafts, and more, ranging from fine, traditional, modern, urban, and contemporary. Single-day admission costs $10, while weekend admission costs $15.

21st Annual Long Beach Veteran’s Parade
10:00 am – 1:00 pm, November 11
Houghton Park, Long Beach
http://lbveteransdayparade.com/

Bring your family out to watch a parade to honor our nation’s veterans this Saturday morning.

3rd Annual Escondido Tamale Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 11
Grape Day Park, Escondido
http://www.escondidotamalefestival.org/

Indulge on tamales at this FREE and all-ages festival this Saturday in Escondido. This event will features dozens of food vendors, live entertainment, vendors, arts & crafts, and more. Everything comes at cost, so guests should bring plenty of cash for this day. A special VIP package costs $35 that includes exclusive gourmet tamales along with craft beer and wine pairings.

Alosta Brewing 4th Anniversary Celebration
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, November 11
Alosta Brewing, Covina
http://alostabrewing.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1643943065677826/

Alosta Brewing has completed four years in the beer industry, and to celebrate, they will hold a beer-filled celebration this Saturday. Admission costs $35 and includes ten drink tickets and an anniversary glass. Admission with a to-go bottle of the anniversary brew costs $50. Alosta will bring on live entertainment, food vendors, and more. No one under 21 may attend.

Barrel-Aged Speedway Stout Release Party
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, November 11
AleSmith Brewing, San Diego
http://alesmith.com/

Come taste one of San Diego’s most coveted brews this Saturday at the AleSmith tasting room in San Diego. They will also have a handful of other variations of this brew on tap for you to try.

2nd Annual Driftwood Festival
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 11-12
Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
http://www.driftwoodfest.com/

The organizers behind Orange County Brew Ha Ha bring to you new festival unlike anything ever before. This festival combines craft beer, wine, food, the beach, and country music all in one location. With over a hundred different beers and wines to sip on, you will not run out of different things to try here. Admission ranges from $49 to $249 – see the website for a breakdown of the prices and what they get you. All guests receive unlimited beer and wine tasters while supplies last. Food comes at cost, so guests should bring extra cash for food here. No one under 21 may attend.

Wiens Brewing 5th Anniversary
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 11
Wiens Brewing, Temecula
http://wiensbrewing.com/

Temecula’s Wiens Brewing turns four years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have special beers at their tasting room this Saturday.

2nd Annual Long Beach Homebrew Festival
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, November 11
Private residence, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
http://www.welovelb.org/long-beach-homebrew-festival.html

Long Beach will have a local beer tasting event this Saturday afternoon.

90s Bar Crawl – San Diego
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 11
Analog Bar, San Diego
http://90sbarcrawl.com/

A themed pub crawl will take place in San Diego this Saturday. Tickets start at $30, and gets you a cup for the crawl, your first drink, and access to drink specials at participating businesses. No one under 21 may attend.

Big 8 Ska Bonanza
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 11
The Packard, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/805302379642264/

An all-day all-ages ska show will take place in Long Beach this Saturday. Tickets to this show cost $10 presale or $20 at the door. Parking at the venue costs $5.

Punk Rock Karaoke
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 11
Tiki Bar, Costa Mesa
http://www.originalpunkrockkaraoke.com/

Live out your punk rock dream with Punk Rock Karaoke this Saturday night in Costa Mesa, complete with a backing band consisting of professional musicians. As usual, this venue has no cover charge. No one under 21 may enter.

The Color Run 5k – Los Angeles
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, November 12
StubHub Center, Carson
http://thecolorrun.com/locations/los-angeles/

The color run that started it all returns to Los Angeles this Sunday morning. This fun run takes the racing out of a 5k or 10k, and places participants in a running course where they will get showered with bright colors. All runners should wear white for this run, as they run through the course and absorb all the colors flying through the air. Registration for this color run costs $55 per solo participant. Waves of runners will start at 9:30am and launch every few minutes following that for up to an hour, so do not fret about getting there on time.

South Bay Food Swap 2017
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, November 12
Honest Abe Cidery, Carson
http://southbayfoodswap.wixsite.com/sbfs

As the name suggests, this event allows attendees to trade food with others. Exchanged items should come from the person’s own work, not bought from a store. From raw ingredients to prepared foods, as long as both parties agree to the trade, it can happen here.

Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12
Marine Stadium, Long Beach
http://dearhandmadelife.com/patchwork-show/

This semi-annual arts & crafts fair consists of a series of Sunday fests at different locations: Long Beach, Oakland, and Santa Ana. As with any typical arts & crafts fair, Patchwork will feature many traditional forms of art and merchandise, but also mixes in alternative art – thinking outside the box, or Rebel Art. Featuring clothing, accessories, home goods, jewelry, pet items, and more, this FREE fest caters to a wide & diverse crowd. Food trucks will serve guests during the fest. Always remember to carry cash, since most vendors only accept cash. The surrounding neighborhood contains plenty of free street parking.

12th Annual Taste of University Heights
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, November 12
Buddha’s Light Bookstore, University Heights, San Diego
http://www.uhcdc.org/

Sample eats from the local businesses of University Heights this Sunday afternoon. Admission costs $20 presale or $25 on the day of the event, and gets you unlimited food samples from participating businesses while supplies last.

Upcoming Events: November 7-13, 2016

8th Annual San Diego Beer Week
November 4-13
San Diego County
http://sdbw.org/

This 10-day festival celebrates the prominence of craft beer in San Diego County. During these ten days, restaurants, bars, breweries, and other businesses will host special events and hold special deals all pertaining to craft beer. Check the website for a list of all events and businesses participating in San Diego Beer Week.

Rivertucky 2016 Release
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 8
Inland Empire Brewing Company, Riverside
http://www.iebrew.com/

This Tuesday, Inland Empire Brewing will release their coveted barrel-aged ale. Stop on by and enjoy it at the tasting room, or buy bottles to-go.

37th Annual Ocean Beach Restaurant Walk
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 8
Main Street, Ocean Beach, San Diego
http://oceanbeachsandiego.com/resources/local-news/annual-ob-restaurant-walk-2016

Stroll through historic Ocean Beach and sample food from the local restaurants this Wednesday evening. $25 allows you to sample all the food you can eat from participating businesses while supplies last.

Punk Rock Tuesdays
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, November 8
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/109392969535936/

Enjoy a FREE local punk rock show this Tuesday night in Long Beach. No one under 21 may enter.

Avengers Superheroes Half Marathon Weekend
10:00 am – 12:00 am, November 10
5:30 am – 8:00 pm, November 11
5:30 am – 4:00 pm, November 12
5:30 am – 11:30 am, November 13
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
http://www.rundisney.com/avengers-half-marathon/

The Avengers Superheroes Half Marathon returns this weekend with a plethora of things to see and do. Participate in any of the races, check out the health & fitness expo, and stick around for after-parties throughout the weekend. The website has an extensive list of everything going on this weekend, so consult with the website for more details.

Orange County Whisky Fest
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, November 10
Crevier Classic Cars, Costa Mesa
http://www.orangecoast.com/event/orange-coast-whiskey-fest/

Sip on fancy cocktails this Thursday night in Costa Mesa. General admission costs $75 and starts at 7pm, while VIP admission costs $100 and starts at 6pm. All attendees receive unlimited food and drinks for the duration of the event while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

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

Pacific Media Expo 2016
12:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 11
9:00 am – 1:00 am, November 12
9:00 am – 7:00 pm, November 13
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.pacificmediaexpo.org/

Immerse yourself in Eastern culture at this expo for all things Asian this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center. At this all-ages expo, attendees will encounter art, music, dance, entertainment, cosplay, fashion, anime, manga, comics, video games, merchandise, accessories, food, drinks, treats, and much more. Adult admission costs $40 for Saturday, $30 for Friday or Sunday, or $65 for the entire weekend. Children 6-12 enter for $30, while children 5 & under enter for free with paid adult admission.

Day ONE: “HA! HA!” Nelson IPA
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, November 11
El Segundo Brewing, El Segundo
http://elsegundobrewing.com/

El Segundo Brewing will release a fresh IPA this Friday. Stop on by their tasting room and enjoy it there, or buy some bottles to-go.

Bang Boom Bash
6:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 11
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 12
Seaport Marina Hotel, Long Beach
http://bangboombash.com/

Music, burlesque, and booze all collide in one event this weekend in Long Beach. Admission ranges from $15 to $50 – check the website for prices and what each price gets you. No one under 21 may attend.

Barb Wire Dolls: Live in Laguna Niguel
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 11
The Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel
http://www.facebook.com/events/218103108605545/

Enjoy a local rock show this Friday night in Laguna Niguel. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

Into the Wild Limestone Eco Challenge 12k/20k
7:00 am – 11:00 am, November 12
Limestone Canyon Regional Park, Silverado
http://www.intothewildoctrailrun.com/

Seeking a challenging run through the wilderness? Check out Into The Wild, a 12k/20k course running through trails of rocks, dirt, and more uneven ground. Registration for the 12k costs $60 presale or $65 on the day of the run. Registration for the 20k costs $75 presale or $80 on the day of the run.

Beach Streets: Midtown
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, March 19
Broadway, Long Beach
http://beachstreets.com/

Long Beach has its own version of a ciclovia where the city officials closes a portion of the city to vehicular traffic to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to freely roam the streets. This Saturday, that will occur down Anaheim Street from Pacific Coast Highway through MacArthur Park. Plan your commute accordingly.

Repticon Los Angeles
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 13
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://repticon.com/california/los-angeles-costa-mesa/

Check out two days of reptiles, amphibians, exotic pets, pet products, seminars, and more this weekend at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. General admission starts at 10am and costs $15 for both days, $10 for one day, or $5 for children. Online-only VIP admission costs $12 for adults or $5 for children, allows admission to both days, and allows entry at 9am on Saturday.

2016 Indio California BBQ State Championship & Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12
The Lights at Indio Golf Course, Indio
http://www.discoverindio.com/Indio-BBQ-Championship-Festival

Over 100 teams of grill masters will gather from around the country to serve up their finest BBQ and compete for cash, prizes, and titles. Free to attend for all ages, visitors can purchase barbecue samples from any of the participants, as well as food and drinks from other vendors.

Fall 2016 Jackalope Art & Craft Fair – Pasadena
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12-13
Central Park, Pasadena
http://www.jackalopeartfair.com/pasadena

Free to attend for all ages, this two-day arts & crafts fair will feature local artisans, curators, food trucks, live music, and more.

Barrel-Aged Speedway Stout Release Party
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, November 12
AleSmith Brewing, San Diego
http://alesmith.com/

Come taste one of San Diego’s most coveted brews this Saturday at the AleSmith tasting room in San Diego. They will also have a handful of other variations of this brew on tap for you to try.

9th Stone Homebrew Competition & AHA Rally
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, November 12
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.stonebrewing.com/events/aha-rally

Admission to this homebrewing event costs $38, and includes a one-year membership to the American Homebrewers Association, unlimited tastings of this year’s homebrew entries, a souvenir glass, and raffle drawings.

2nd Annual San Diego Sausage & Beer Festival
11:30 am – 4:30 pm, November 12
NTC Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.facebook.com/sdsausagefest

Sample sausages and beers this Saturday afternoon in San Diego. Tickets cost $65 presale or $85 at the door, and grants you access to unlimited sausage and beer samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Salute Beer Festival
11:30 am – 4:30 pm, November 12
Phoenix Club, Anaheim
http://salutebeerfest.com/

In honor of Veteran’s Day, drink lots of beer in Anaheim this Saturday afternoon. This beer festival allows you to sample unlimited beers while supplies last, as well as check out a handful of military-themed vendors, selling apparel, accessories, and more. General admission costs $55 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $75 and starts at 11:30am. Bring cash for food, and dress for warm weather. No one under 21 may attend.

Los Angeles Beer Fest (Fall Edition)
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, November 12
LA Center Studios, Los Angeles
http://www.drinkeatplay.com/labeerfest/

Everyone’s favorite drunk fest returns to Los Angeles this Saturday. This festival allows attendees to drink unlimited beers while enjoying live music from local bands. Food trucks will sell their delicious foods to hungry guests. General admission costs $40 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $50 and starts at 12pm. All admission comes with unlimited beer pours, but does not include parking. No one under 21 may attend.

Driftwood Festival
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 12
Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
http://www.driftwoodfest.com/

The organizers behind Orange County Brew Ha Ha bring to you this new festival unlike anything ever before. This festival combines craft beer, wine, food, the beach, and country music all in one location. With over a hundred different beers and wines to sip on, you will not run out of different things to try here. Admission ranges from $49 to $249 – see the website for a breakdown of the prices and what they get you. All guests receive unlimited beer and wine tasters while supplies last. Food comes at cost, so guests should bring extra cash for food here. No one under 21 may attend.

Wiens Brewing 4th Anniversary
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 12
Wiens Brewing, Temecula
http://wiensbrewing.com/

Temecula’s Wiens Brewing turns four years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have special beers at their tasting room this Saturday.

Totally 80’s: Packinghouse Brewing’s 6th Anniversary
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 12
Packinghouse Brewing, Riverside
http://www.pbbeer.com/

Packinghouse Brewing turns six years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have a free celebration at their tasting room in Riverside this Saturday. Throughout the day, Packinghouse will have live music, special beer releases, and mobile food vendors.

Orange County’s 3rd Annual Beard & Moustache Competition
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 12
The Rinks, Irvine
http://www.dubswashere.com/

Movember participants, listen up! Show off your wicked facial hair at this competition for all things hairy this Friday night in Huntington Beach, featuring a handful of categories to enter into to win cash prizes. In addition to the fabulous styles, visitors will find food, a full bar, live music, vendors, and more. Registration costs $15, while spectators may enter for $5.

Foam Glow 5k – San Diego
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, November 12
Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Chula Vista
http://www.foamglow.com/san-diego-ca/

Tired of the same 5k run everywhere? If you have had your fill of bubble runs and glow runs, try your hand at the Foam Glow. Participants wear all white and run through colored foam in this nighttime 5k race complete with flashing neon lights and loud dance music. Registration costs $50, and all levels of runners may participate. Space will fill up fast, so register early, and try to carpool to this event.

Art Crawl Experience
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 12
Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim
http://www.downtownanaheim.com/artcrawlexperience

Downtown Anahiem 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.

Presidential Ska-lection
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 12
Out Of The Park Pizza, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/1176704762405267/

A free and all-ages local ska show will take place in Anaheim Hills this Saturday night.

Gonzo’s Bday Bash
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, November 12
Characters Sports Bar, Pomona
http://gonzopresents.com/event/259279

The owner of Pomona’s Characters Sports Bar will celebrate his birthday this week with some local punk rock Saturday night. The cover for this show costs $13. No one under 21 may enter. Guests can find plenty of free street parking in the area and can avoid paying to park in the adjacent lot.

1st Annual California Vegetarian Food Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 13
Raleigh Studios, Hollywood
http://www.cavegfoodfest.com/

A vegan vegetarian festival comes to Hollywood this Sunday afternoon, complete with food, seminars, a kids area, live music, fitness activities, and more. General admission costs $30 and grants generic access to the event space. VIP admission costs $50 and provides a goodie bag, a drink ticket, and access to VIP areas. Children under 10 enter for free with a paid adult admission.

17th Annual Japanese Food Festival
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 13
Hilton, Universal City
http://japanesefoodcultureusa.org/festival/festival.html

$55 presale or $70 at the door nets you all-you-can-eat admission to this 5-hour Japanese food fest and a goodie bag. Guests will chow down on sushi, ramen, soba noodles, beef bowls, and more, while adults can sip sake, beer, shochu, wine, and more (alcohol not included with admission). During this time, a number of chefs will showcase cooking demos. The parking lot across the street normally costs $5 to park, but sometimes this price changes, so have cash ready.

Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 13
Marine Stadium, Long Beach
http://dearhandmadelife.com/patchwork-show/

This semi-annual arts & crafts fair consists of a series of Sunday fests at different locations: Long Beach, Oakland, and Santa Ana. As with any typical arts & crafts fair, Patchwork will feature many traditional forms of art and merchandise, but also mixes in alternative art – thinking outside the box, or Rebel Art. Featuring clothing, accessories, home goods, jewelry, pet items, and more, this FREE fest caters to a wide & diverse crowd. Food trucks will serve guests during the fest. Always remember to carry cash, since most vendors only accept cash. The surrounding neighborhood contains plenty of free street parking.

I Love Poke Festival
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, November 13
Hotel Irvine, Irvine
http://onoyum.com/event/love-poke-orange-county/

Sample the best in island cuisine at this tasting event this Sunday afternoon in Irvine. Over 20 different chefs/restaurants will attend to serve food samples to attendees, while local chefs will compete in a poke competition, allowing attendees to sample their food too. Tickets to this all-ages tasting event cost $75, which includes unlimited food samples while supplies last. All attendees must take care of their own parking and transportation.

4th Annual Sip’n’Shuck
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, November 13
The Deck on Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
http://www.sipnshuck.com/

Enjoy fresh oysters, live entertainment, champagnes, wines, spirits, and more this Sunday afternoon in Laguna Beach. Admission costs $95 presale or $120 at the door, and provides unlimited food and drinks while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Wild Goose Tavern’s 4th Anniversary Party
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 13
Wild Goose Tavern, Costa Mesa
http://www.goosebar.com/

Wild Goose Tavern turns four years old this weekend, and to celebrate, they will have a party at their place in Costa Mesa this Sunday. During the first hour, guests will receive complimentary appetizers. Throughout the night, they will have a silent auction, raffles, merchandise for sale, and more. A portion of food sales will go towards a charity too. This event has no cover charge – simply show up and have a good time.

Santa Monica 9th Annual Wine & Food Festival
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, November 13
Museum of Flying, Santa Monica
http://www.rotaryclubofsantamonica.org/

Enjoy food and wine this Sunday evening in Santa Monica. Admission costs $125 presale or $150 at the door, and provides unlimited samples while supplies last. The venue contains plenty of free parking. No one under 21 may attend.

Choking Victim: Live in Santa Ana
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 13
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/chokingvictim

Legendary punk rock band Choking Victim will reunite for a rare show this Sunday night in Anaheim. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $20. 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 vehicle.