Naja’s Place 8th Annual IPA Festival
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 18-25
Naja’s Place, Redondo Beach
http://www.najasplace.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/833351723463473/
For seven days straight, Naja’s Place in Redondo Beach will tap nothing but IPA’s from all over. Come get hopped up at Naja’s Place this week.
I Love Poke Festival
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 24
Bali Hai Restaurant, Point Loma, San Diego
http://onoyum.com/event/i-love-poke-sd-2016/
Sample the best in island cuisine at this tasting event in San Diego. Over 20 different chefs/restaurants will attend to serve food samples to attendees, while ten 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.
Angelic Upstarts: Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 24, The Garage, Ventura
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 25, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 26, Club Los Globos, Silverlake
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 27, The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://officialangelicupstarts.com/
Legendary punk band Angelic Upstarts currently tour through the nation, and that tour swings through Southern California this week. Ticket prices and age limits vary by show, so refer to the band’s website for show details.
2016 Lightning In A Bottle
May 25-30
San Antonio Recreation Area, Bradley
http://lightninginabottle.org/
If I could pick one word to describe Lightning In A Bottle, I would pick hippie. Lightning In A Bottle brings people together from all over the world to celebrate earth and life with music, art, dance, yoga, speakers, workshops, and more. Expect to encounter thousands of people with a hippie mindset, like Woodstock but more controlled. Ticket prices vary depending on the mode of attendance, and they offer a presale discount, so check the prices on their site, and if you like what you see, purchase a ticket online to save some green.
365 by Whole Foods Market – Opening Day
9:00 am – 2:00 pm, May 25
365 by Whole Foods Market, Silverlake
http://www.365bywfm.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1587622411548481/
A new grocery store opens in Silverlake this Wednesday morning, and the first 365 guests will receive mini-scones and vegan cookies, plus reusable shopping bags. The first 100 shoppers will receive gift cards in varying amounts, including one $365 gift card.
Scooper Bowl 2016 – Fundraiser
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 25
The Learning Centers At Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.tlcfairplex.org/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1199885140022271/
This fundraiser involves buying a bowl designed by an art student for $15, which will come with ice cream.
Mother Earth Brewing @ Far Bar
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 25
Far Bar, Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.farbarla.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1683971371868505/
Far Bar will receive a handful of brews from Mother Earth Brewing this Wednesday night. Stop on by and enjoy a cold one or two.
The English Dogs: Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 25, The Complex, Glendale http://www.facebook.com/events/1553493521615672/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 26, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1118313-english-dogs-long-beach/
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, May 27, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego http://www.sodabarmusic.com/calendar.php?event_id=2881
Punk band The English Dogs currently tours across the nation, and that tour swings through Southern California this week. Ticket prices and age limits vary by show, so click on a show’s link for details.
D.O.A. – Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 25, Petie’s Place, Tarzana http://www.facebook.com/events/1707817879508070/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 26, The Yost Theater, Santa Ana http://www.facebook.com/events/1104533162930651/
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, May 27, The Casbah, Middletown, San Diego http://www.casbahmusic.com/event/1156801-do-san-diego/
4:30 pm – 11:30 pm, May 28, Club Los Globos, Silverlake http://www.clublosglobos.com/event/1174565-united-punk-alliance-los-angeles/
http://www.suddendeath.com/
Legendary hardcore punk band D.O.A. currently tours across the nation, and that tours swings through Southern California this week. Ticket prices and age limits vary by show, so click on a show’s link for details.
Taste of Brea 2016
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 26
Downtown Brea
http://tasteofbrea.com/
This free and all-ages event will see over 30 restaurants from the area providing samples of their food to visitors. Visitors may freely walk into the event area for free, but must purchase a $25 wristband to redeem for food or drinks. In addition to all the food, visitors will find live music, a kids zone, arts & crafts, and more.
Mother Earth Brewing – Pint Nite
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 26
Meat Up BBQ, Placentia
http://www.meatupbbq.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1715262115378666/
Placentia’s Meat Up BBQ will receive a handful of brews from Mother Earth Brewing this Thursday night. Buy a pint, and keep the glass to take home.
Ska Brewing Tap Takeover
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 26
The Stache Bar, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/133188947093810/
Enjoy ska music and brews from Ska Brewing this Thursday night in Long Beach, free to attend.
The Buzzcocks: Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 26, The Mayan, Downtown Los Angeles http://www.clubmayan.com/events_calendar/event/116
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 28, The Observatory, Santa Ana http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/buzzcocks
http://www.buzzcocks.com/
Legendary punk band The Buzzcocks currently tour across the nation, and that tour swings through Southern California this week. Ticket prices and age limits vary by show, so click on a show’s link for details.
Anti-Nowhere League: Live in Southern California
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, May 26, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego http://www.sodabarmusic.com/calendar.php?event_id=2784
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 27, Club Los Globos, Silverlake http://www.clublosglobos.com/event/1108505-united-punk-alliance-los-angeles/
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 29, The Observatory’s Constellation Room, Santa Ana http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/antinowhereleague
http://www.antinowhereleague.com/
Punk band Anti-Nowhere League currently tours across the nation, and that tour swings through Southern California this week. Ticket prices and age limits vary by show, so click on a show’s link for details.
Gamex 2016
12:00 pm, May 27 – 6:00 pm, May 30
Hilton LAX, Los Angeles
http://www.strategicon.net/
This weekend-long expo will feature all sorts of board games, card games, miniatures, role-playing, collectibles, computer games and more. Registration varies, ranging from $5 all the way up to $500, so see the website for a breakdown of the prices to attend.
58th Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 27
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, May 28-29
10:00 am – 9:00 pm, May 30
Village Green, Garden Grove
http://strawberryfestival.org/
This free annual all-ages city fair features rides, games, vendors, food, contests, live entertainment, a parade, and more. Despite its name, the festival does not liberally give out strawberries or sell it – it just uses strawberries as its theme. Guests may go on rides with all-day wristbands, which cost $30 each, or just $25 on Friday.
13th Annual Newport Beach Wine Festival
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 27
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, May 28
10:00 am – 2:00 pm, May 29
Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach
http://live-meritagecollectionevents.time.ly/event/13th-annual-newport-beach-wine-festival-memorial-day-weekend/
A handful of wine tasting events will take place in Newport Beach this weekend. Admission to these events range from $65 to $150.
Lower Class Brats: Live in Corona
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 27
Bar 1650, Corona
http://www.lcbarmy.com/
Punk band Lower Class Brats will perform live in Corona this Friday night. Tickets cost $10 presale or $15 at the door. No one under 21 may enter.
Refused – Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 27, The Fonda Theatre, Hollywood http://www.fondatheatre.com/events/detail/306986
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 28, The Glass House, Pomona http://www.theglasshouse.us/event/1086697-refused-pomona/
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 30, Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach http://bellyup.com/refused
http://www.officialrefused.com/
One of the most influential bands in the history of punk rock embarks on a cross-country tour starting this week in Southern California. Tickets to these shows may have sold out, but you may still find them on after-market sites.
Muscle Beach Memorial Day Weekend Spectacular
May 28-30
Muscle Beach, Venice Beach
http://www.musclebeachvenice.com/
Various strength and strongman events will take place in Venice Beach this weekend. Visitors of all ages may spectate the events for free.
84th Annual Scottish Fest USA
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 28-29
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://www.scottishfest.com/
This annual all-ages Scottish festival features hundreds of bagpipers & drummers, Scottish & Irish food & vendors, Scottish clans, Highland dancing, Scottish athletes, and more. Admission costs $18 with discounts available for military, seniors, and children. Parking costs $8 per vehicle.
The Inspired Market – Yorba Linda
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 28
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.
8th Annual Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 28
Riverview Pkwy & Town Center Pkwy, Santee
http://santeestreetfair.com/
Thousands of visitors will roam the streets of Santee this weekend during their annual street fair, now combined with a craft beer garden. Free for all-ages to attend, the fair will contain live music, entertainment, food, drinks, games, arts & crafts, rides, vendors, and so much more. Pricing for the beer festival varies depending on how many tasters a person wants, ranging from $10 to $30.
Classic Not Plastic 2016
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 28-29
Various locations, Long Beach
http://www.classicnotplastic.net/
A scooter/moped rally will take place in Long Beach this weekend. Consult with the website for the full schedule of events and rides.
Fiesta Hermosa
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 28-30
Downtown Hermosa Beach
http://fiestahermosa.net/
Fiesta Hermosa returns to the streets of Downtown Hermosa Beach this weekend. Free to park and attend, this street fair will have food, drinks, music, arts & crafts, games, rides, vendors, and more. You cannot park AT the event – for those driving, you must park at the Northrop Grumman Building at Marine & Aviation in Redondo Beach, and a free shuttle will carry you to and from the fest and parking lot.
Geeky Craft Faire
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 28-30
Whimsic Alley, Burbank
http://www.whimsicalley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1564479810518077/
Check out this free and all-ages arts & crafts fair this weekend in Burbank featuring geek culture.
System Of A Stout – Bottle Release
11:30 am – 10:00 pm, May 28
Beachwood BBQ, Seal Beach & Long Beach
http://beachwoodbbq.com/events.html
Beachwood BBQ will have their annual release of this stout this Saturday at both of their locations. Stop on by to get a bottle or two for yourself before they appear in other retail shops.
Santa Anita Carnival
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 28-30
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.santaanita.com/events/santa-anita-carnival/
Santa Anita Park opens their gates to the public for this FREE weekend-long festival for people of all ages. Visitors will find food, drinks, treats, rides, games, and more.
Deschutes Brewery Tap Takeover
12:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 28
The Bottle Room, Whittier
http://thebottleroombar.com/events/
Whittier’s The Bottle Room will receive a handful of Deschutes beers this Saturday. Stop on by and enjoy a cold one or two.
5000 Pies Celebrates 5000th Pie
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, May 28
5000 Pies, West Long Beach
http://www.5000pies.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/278830395787626/
West Long Beach’s 5000 Pies will offer free pizza slices this Saturday afternoon while supplies last. They will also hold a pie-eating contest at 2:30pm.
California Gold Rush Beer Festival
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 28
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.santaanita.com/events/california-gold-rush/
Beer and horse-racing mix up at the Santa Anita Park this Saturday afternoon. For $35 admission, you get ten 3oz beer tasters, one 12oz beer pour, and the souvenir cup to take home. No one under 21 may enter this event.
Hollywood Beer Festival
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 28
Avalon Hollywood, Hollywood
http://www.hollywood-beerfestival.com/
Another corporate beer festival comes to Hollywood this Saturday afternoon. General admission costs $35 and starts at 4pm, while VIP admission costs $50 and starts at 3pm. No one under 21 may attend.
Anaheim Brewery’s Founder’s Day & 5th Anniversary
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 28
Anaheim Brewery, Anaheim
http://www.anaheimbrew.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/947946561993079/
Enjoy specials beers, guests food vendors, and live music this Saturday at Anaheim Brewery.
Plethora of Piñatas Festival
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 28
Border X Brewing, Barrio Logan, Downtown San Diego
http://borderxbrewing.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/182995588752153/
Piñatas and beer collide at this free event taking place in Downtown San Diego this Saturday night.
2016 Vista Village Strawberry Festival
7:00 am – 7:00 pm, May 29
Historic Downtown Vista
http://vistastrawberryfest.com/
At this free festival, guests of all-ages can experience a plethora of activities all day in Vista, formerly the Strawberry Capital of the World. The day starts with a 5K run, and when the run ends, the main festival begins. The multitude of activities include a beer garden, pie-eating contests, cooking contest, golf/putting contest, homebrew contest, video contest, strawberry costume contest, demos, live entertainment, car show, rides, games, food, and so much more. Visit the website for a full schedule and list of activities, plus directions on where to park.
20th Annual Redlands Firefighters Car Show
8:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 29
State Street, Downtown Redlands
http://www.redlandsfirefighterscarshow.com/
Check out a free and all-ages car show on the streets of Downtown Redlands this Sunday.
Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 29
2nd & Sycamore, Santa Ana
http://dearhandmadelife.com/patchwork-show/upcoming-shows/
This semi-annual arts & crafts fair consists of a series of Sunday fests at different locations. 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. Those who have attended Renegade Craft Fair will view Patchwork as a hybrid of that and a traditional art fair. 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. Guests should park in the neighborhood south of the festival.
3rd Annual MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 29
Main Street & Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica
http://mainopolysm.com/
Sample the flavors of Santa Monica’s Main Street during this Monopoly-themed tasting event this Sunday afternoon. Admission varies in price depending on how much you plan to consume, starting at $25.
The Last Generic Ska Show @ House of Blues Anaheim
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 29
House of Blues, Anaheim
http://www.houseofblues.com/anaheim/events/eventdetail/?viewNav=/event-detail&eventId=0900509C9E9D2AC4
http://www.facebook.com/events/120462555025700/
An all-ages ska show will take place at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney this Sunday night. Tickets to this show cost $10.
18th Annual City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Run
5:30 am – 11:30 am, May 30
Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills
http://www.lagunahillshalfmarathon.com/
Celebrate this Memorial Day with a run down in sunny Orange County. Register for any of various distances, and head to the starting line by 7am for the race start. Registration fees vary based on the distance, with the half marathon costing $75.