Upcoming Events: May 29 – June 4, 2017

A handful of this past weekend’s events will continue to occur today due to the holiday weekend. Please refer to last week’s events post to see which events will also occur today.

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Naja’s Place 9th Annual IPA Festival
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 24-31
Naja’s Place, Redondo Beach
http://www.najasplace.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/602988599889975/

For eight 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.

Hardcore Punk @ Alex’s Bar
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 29
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1454668-scream-long-beach/

Release some inner aggression at this hardcore punk show in Long Beach this afternoon. Tickets to this show cost $15. No one under 21 may enter.

Hepcat + The Slackers @ The Observatory
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 29
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/node/3130

Groove to some ska and reggae tonight in Santa Ana. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $30.

7th Annual Chef Celebration San Diego
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 31
La Jolla Shores Hotel & Restaurant, La Jolla
http://chefcelebration.org/events/chef-celebration-dinner-series-the-shores-restaurant/

Chef Celebration has changed things up this year in regards to their annual event. Instead of a tasting event like previous years, they will host prix-fixe dinners throughout the year, including this main one this Wednesday night. Reservations for this dinner costs $65.

13th Annual Taste Around of Avalon
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, June 1
Avalon, Catalina Island
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/event/13th-annual-taste-around-avalon

Stroll around Avalon and sample the local eats this Thursday evening. The website has no information on cost, age limit, or location.

Tacos & Tequila
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 1
Candela La Brea, Mid-Wilshire/Miracle Mile, Los Angeles
http://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/things-to-do/tacos-tequila-presented-by-time-out-l-a

Sample tacos from various LA County restaurants and then down it with tequila this Thursday night in Los Angeles. General admission costs $25 presale or $30 at the door, and gets you in to one of two 90-minute sessions, 6:30-8:00 or 8:30-10:00. VIP admission costs $35 and starts at 6:00pm. No one under 21 may attend.

5th Annual Avalon Restaurant Week
June 2-8
Avalon, Catalina Island
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/event/5th-annual-avalon-restaurant-week

Some of Catalina Island’s most popular restaurants will provide specials on food this week. Contact your favorite restaurant to see what they will have going on during this period.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon – San Diego
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, June 2
7:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 3
6:00 am – 2:30 pm, June 4
San Diego Convention Center/Balboa Park/Petco Park, San Diego
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-diego/

A full weekend of running festivities will take place in San Diego this week. On Friday and Saturday, a health & fitness expo will take place at the San Diego Convention Center. On Saturday morning, a 5K run will take place near Balboa Park. Finally, on Sunday morning, the main marathon and half marathon will take place. Participation in each event varies in price depending on the event and age of participant, so check the website for pricing information.

2017 Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival
3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 2
6:00 am – 10:00 pm, June 3
6:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 4
Lake Skinner Recreation Area, Winchester
http://www.tvbwf.com/

Taste wines and fly in hot-air balloons during this three-day festival out in the Temecula Valley. In addition, enjoy live music, local food, craft beer, and other forms of entertainment. Admission starts at $5, so see the website for more details.

12th Annual Lummis Day Festival
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, June 2
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 3
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, June 4
Heritage Square Museum, Northeast Los Angeles
http://www.lummisday.org/

Catch music, dance, poetry, art, and more at this free multicultural festival this weekend in Northeast LA. Guests may park for free at the venue.

2017 San Diego County Fair: Opening Day
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, June 2
Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar
http://www.sdfair.com/

The 2016 San Diego County Fair kicks off this Friday and will run until July 4th. General adult admission costs $18, while admission for seniors and children costs $11. Many promotions and coupons for admission exist – see the website for details.

1st Annual I3 Arts Fest
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, June 2
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, June 3
Grand Park & Pershing Square, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.i3artsfest.com/

An all-ages music & art event will take place in Downtown Los Angeles this weekend. Events will take place at multiple locations, such as Grand Park and Pershing Square. While generally free to attend, some of the events have an entry fee – see the website for details.

30th Annual Brea SummerFest
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, June 2
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, June 3
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 4
St. Angela Merici School, Brea
http://www.summerfestbrea.org/

Brea brings all of the elements of a state fair into one weekend with their annual SummerFest. Find food, rides, live entertainment, games, vendors, and more at this weekend-long fair for the entire family. Guests may enter and park for free – please adhere all signs for parking and entering the fest.

First Fridays
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 2
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).

70th Annual Fish Fry & Carnival + 1st Annual Costa Mesa Car Show
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, June 2
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, June 3-4
Fairview Park, Costa Mesa
http://www.cmnhlions.com/fish-fry/

A free and all-ages local carnival & fair comes to Costa Mesa this weekend, complete with $10 fish dinners, a car show on Friday, games, rides, vendors, music, entertainment, and more.

2017 Newport Beach Jazz Festival
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 2
10:30 am – 10:00 pm, June 3-4
Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach
http://www.festivals.hyattconcerts.com/

Enjoy a weekend of jazz music in Newport Beach this week. Ticket prices range from $65 to $150 depending on how long you want to attend and what days.

2017 Horse Town Brew n’ Que Festival
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm, June 2
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, June 3
10:00 am – 2:00 pm, June 4
George Ingall’s Equestrian Event Center, Norco
http://www.brewnquefestival.com/

A weekend of barbecue and brews comes to Norco. On Friday, catch an opening night reception with sips and bites that costs $50 to attend. On Saturday, enjoy an all-day barbecue festival complete with food, beer, live music, and more – general admission costs $10, while admission with a beer wristband costs $30 and includes unlimited beer samples while supplies last. On Sunday, a special invite-only barbecue judging class will take place. Bring plenty of cash for food and parking, and dress for warm weather.

BuddhaFest LA 2017
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm, June 2
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, June 3-4
Writers Guild Theater, Beverly Hills
http://www.buddhafest.org/

Film, music, and meditation collide in a series of events this weekend in Beverly Hills. Ticket prices range from $15 to $185 depending on which event you want to attend.

Pancakes & Booze Art Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, June 2-3
Lot 613, Los Angeles
http://www.pancakesandbooze.com/

For just a $5 cover, guests get treated to unlimited pancakes and many artists from across the country showcasing their works. Guests can also witness body painting, stencil art, art battles, sculptures, graffiti, and more. Guests can park on the street for free, or park in the adjacent parking lot for $5. No one under 21 may enter.

23rd Annual Inland Valley Street Rods Rally & Cruise
7:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 3
Euclid Avenue, Downtown Ontario
http://www.ontariorotary.org/
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/23rd-inland-valley-rally-cruise-the-original-route-83-cruise-tickets-30235002707

Enjoy a free and all-ages car show this Saturday in Downtown Ontario.

2017 Huntington Beach Elks Chili Cook Off & Car Show
8:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 3
Huntington Beach Elks Lodge No. 1959, Huntington Beach
http://hbelks.com/

Check out classic cars, chili contests, raffles, vendors, arts & crafts, and more at this free and all-ages car show this Saturday in Huntington Beach.

17th Annual Uptown Whittier Car Show
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 3
Greenleaf Avenue, Uptown Whittier
http://whittieruptown.org/carshow/

See hundreds of classic cars all for FREE at this all-ages car show on the streets of Uptown Whittier this Saturday. All of the businesses in Uptown Whittier will remain open under regular business hours. Interested visitors should park in the neighborhoods north of Hadley Street.

23rd Annual Studio Arts Festival
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 3
Irvine City Hall, Irvine
http://www.irvinefinearts.org/

Dozens of Southern Californian artists will display their work for the public to view at this FREE and all-ages event this Saturday in Irvine. In addition to all the art, the event will feature live music, food, arts & crafts, vendors, live art, and more.

14th Annual Pacific Islander Festival
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 3-4
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/pacific_islander_festival/

Explore the cultures of the Pacific Islands all weekend at the Aquarium of the Pacific. For just the price of the aquarium’s general admission, guests of all ages will experience music, dancing, arts & crafts, ethnic cuisines, educational programming, storytelling, artisans, and more. Parking at the adjacent parking structure ranges from $5 to $10. The local Passport bus operates for free, so guests may ride public transportation to save money.

3rd Annual Los Angeles Bread Festival
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, June 3-4
Grand Central Market, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.grandcentralmarket.com/events/932/3rd-annual-los-angeles-bread-festival-at-grand-central-market

They really will make a festival for just about anything. This weekend, check out a free all-ages festival dedicated to everything about bread. Tastes different types of bread, learn how to make bread, and even take some specialty breads home. I suggest parking in the Arts District and walking over, since the Arts District has free street parking in select areas.

2017 National Conference & Gluten-Free Expo
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 3-4
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://celiac.org/cdf-conference/

This weekend in Pasadena, find hundreds of gluten-free samples, vendors, bloggers, authors, chefs, discounted products and more. Admission to the expo costs $20 for adults or $10 for children. The conference costs $45 for adults or $19 for children, and also provides a full conference experience with features such as complimentary breakfast, speakers, free goodies, and more.

4th Annual Belching Beaver Classic
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, June 3
Belching Beaver Brewery, Oceanside
http://belchingbeaver.com/brewery-events/4th-annual-classic-car-show/

Check out what Belching Beaver has going on this Saturday. For $20 admission, gain three 8oz beers and a raffle ticket, all while checking out all of the custom cars on display. No one under 21 may attend.

14th Annual Art Around Adams
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, June 3
Smitty’s Service, Normal Heights, San Diego
http://www.artaroundadams.org/

At this FREE and all-ages event, discover dozens of local artists and musicians along this stretch of two miles on Adams Avenue.

4th Annual East End Block Party
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 3
East End, Santa Ana
http://eastenddtsa.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/296361640821550/

Enjoy a variety of local music, art, sports, cars, and more for free this Saturday in Downtown Santa Ana.

16th Annual Two Harbors Summer Wine Festival
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, June 3
Two Harbors, Avalon, Catalina Island
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/event/two-harbors-summer-wine-festival-2017

Sample dozens of wines at this wine tasting event on beautiful Catalina Island this Saturday afternoon. Admission costs $45 for the event, but does not include transportation. Guests should take the Catalina Express that departs from San Pedro. View the website for details about how to travel to Two Harbors and which transports to take or not to take.

Zoo Brew
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, June 3
Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara
http://www.sbzoo.org/zoobrew/

Enjoy beers from over 30 different breweries while gazing upon all the various exotic animals. General admission costs $60 and starts at 3pm, while VIP admission costs $100, starts at 2pm, and includes tray-passed appetizers. Bring extra cash for parking at the venue. No one under 21 may attend.

SCRD: V Town Derby Dames and OC Roller Derby
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, June 3
Laguna Hills Community Center, Laguna Hills
http://www.southcoastrollerderby.com/

Watch intense & brutal girl-on-girl action at this roller derby bout this Saturday night in Laguna Hills. Tickets to this roller derby bout cost $10 presale or $12 at the door.

Nick Lamagna’s Birthday Bash
6:00 pm – 2:00 am, June 3
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/248773385528443/

Enjoy some tacos (while supplies last) and local punk rock this Saturday night in Long Beach. The cover for this show costs $7, and includes all-you-can-eat tacos until they run out, so arrive early! No one under 21 may enter.

Carlos’s Birthday Bash
7:30 pm – 12:30 am, June 3
Bar 1650, Corona
http://www.facebook.com/events/1392157850854885/

Rock out to some local punk rock at this FREE show this Saturday night in Corona. No one under 21 may enter.

D.I. @ The World Famous Doll Hut
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, June 3
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/404112006627292/

Get your weekly dose of punk rock this Saturday night at the Doll Hut in Anaheim. Tickets to this show cost $10 presale or $12 at the door. No one under 21 may enter.

Voodoo Glow Skulls @ Alex’s Bar
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, June 3
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1443698-voodoo-glow-skulls-long-beach/

Get your skanking on at this skacore show this Saturday night in Long Beach. Tickets to this show cost $12 presale or $15 at the door. No one under 21 may enter.

Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show
5:00 am – 2:00 pm, June 4
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.

17th Annual Los Angeles River Ride
7:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 4
The Autry, Los Angeles
http://la-bike.org/riverride

Join thousands of bike riders and enjoy a day of riding, a fair, food, raffles, music, and more. Choose from any of eight different rides (two of them start from Shoreline Village in Long Beach) and head out. Registration costs will vary depending on the ride chosen, ranging from $50 to $80.

7th Annual Cruise for Kids Car Show
9:00 am – 1:00 pm, June 4
Farmer Boys, Rancho Cucamonga
http://rckiwanis.weebly.com/fundraising.html

Check out a free and all-ages car show in Rancho Cucamonga this Sunday morning.

3rd Annual Long Beach Touch-A-Truck
9:30 am – 1:00 pm, June 4
Granada Beach, Long Beach
http://www.justinrudd.com/truck.html

Over 50 large vehicles will park along the beach at this free all-ages exhibit this Saturday morning. Food, drinks, vendors, live music, arts & crafts, and more will accompany this interactive event that allows guests to explore and take photos with large vehicles that people rarely get to see on a daily basis.

1st Annual Bruisers & Cruisers Classic Car Show
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 4
Chino Valley D.E.S. Club, Chino
http://www.prisoncityderbydames.com/

Roller derby meets classic cars at this free and all-ages show this Sunday in Chino.

2017 San Fernando Valley Comic Book Convention
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 4
Granada Pavilion, Granada Hills
http://www.facebook.com/SanFernandoValleyComicBookConvention

This annual local comics event returns to the San Fernando Valley this Sunday. General admission costs $5 while children under 12 enter for free with paid adult admission, and admission grants full access to the show floor, which contains dozens of artists, vendors, professional actors, and more.

5th Annual San Pedro Shred Festival of Skate
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 4
Gaffey St. Lookout Point, San Pedro
http://www.sanpedroshredfest.com/

Enjoy a day of skateboarding and live rock music at this FREE and all-ages event taking place in San Pedro this Sunday.

11th Annual Super Pet Adoption
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 4
Irvine Animal Care Center, Irvine
http://www.cityofirvine.org/irvine-animal-care-center/super-pet-adoption

For just $2 admission, come see dozens of animals up for adoption, and potentially welcome a new member to your family.

24th Annual Balboa Island Parade
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, June 4
Balboa Island, Newport Beach
http://www.balboaisland.com/event/24th-annual-balboa-island-parade/

Free to attend for all ages, a parade will take place on Balboa Island this Sunday morning.

20th Annual SoRo Community Festival
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 4
Robertson & Cattaraugus, Los Angeles
http://www.soronc.org/

This FREE and all-ages street fair takes place in West LA between Culver City and Beverly Hills. Attendees will find live music, a kids’ zone including rock-climbing, arts & crafts, food trucks, and more. Guests can park for free in the neighborhoods surrounding the fest.

33rd Annual Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
11:30 am – 6:00 pm, June 4
Old Town Tustin
http://www.tustinchilicookoff.com/

Once again taking over the streets of Old Town Tustin, this FREE street fair contains lots of activities to keep the entire family busy and full the entire day. Attendees will find arts & crafts, live entertainment, merchandise vendors, kids’ area, the multitude of chili teams, and much more. This event gets highly crowded each year, and while it requires no admission to enter, guests will end up parking on city streets a few blocks away. To sample chili, guests must purchase tickets for $2 each, and redeem these tickets at the chili teams for samples.

4th Annual Monrovia Music Fest
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, June 4
Library Park, Monrovia
http://www.monroviamusicfest.com/

Free to attend for all ages, Monrovia will have live music, a beer garden, mobile food vendors, arts & crafts, games, and more this Sunday afternoon.

Upcoming Events: May 13-19, 2013

American Craft Beer Week
May 13-19
Nationwide
http://www.craftbeer.com/news-and-events/american-craft-beer-week

Celebrate the joy and passion of craft beer all week throughout the United States. All week long, thousands of restaurants, gastropubs, bars, pubs, breweries, and more will participate in ACBW with beer specials, food specials, special events, and more. Consult with your favorite local establishment and ask about their plans for ACBW.

Belmont Shore Stroll & Savor
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, May 15-16
Along 2nd Street, Belmont Shore
http://www.belmontshore.org/events.html

This “Taste of Belmont Shore” occurs during the summer months annually from May through August on the third Wednesday and the Thursday immediately after. Attendees may purchase booklets of 12 tickets for $10, and redeem these tickets for food & drink samples from various restaurants along 2nd Street. Buy tickets presale now at Olives Gourmet, La Strada, We Olive, Mail Boxes etc. & Sweet Jill’s, or purchase tickets in front of CHASE BANK during the event.

Bottle Share @ The Factory
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 15
The Factory Gastrobar, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/466829150053763/

Share your favorite beer, and taste some other great beers at this monthly bottle share at The Factory Gastrobar in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach. No purchase necessary – simply bring in a bottle of craft beer of your choice, and share it with other craft beer enthusiasts. The restaurant will still serve the full menu for anyone hungry, and all burgers costs only $8 each after 8pm.

4th Annual Anatolian Cultures & Food Festival
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, May 16-19
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://www.anatolianfestival.org/

Celebrate Anatolian culture at this weekend-long festival at the OC Fair. Guests will experience food, art, exhibits, arts, crafts, performances, music, dance, and more. Ticket prices vary, with a one-day general admission costing $12.

Firestone Walker’s Finest Night
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 16
The Surly Goat, West Hollywood
http://www.facebook.com/events/622324564463925/

Meet co-founder of Firestone Walker, Mr. Walker himself, and enjoy some of their finest, rarest barrel-aged beers at this beer tasting. Guests simply pay for the beer they would like to try.

Artopia Los Angeles
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 16
Chinatown, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.chinatownla.com/calendar.php?eventId=427

Join the party and celebrate the best of local Los Angeles talent with live music, drinks, food trucks, art, and more. Admission costs $15, with plenty of free street parking a block east of Chinatown near LA State Historic Park. All ages may attend, but only guests 21 and over may drink.

Valiant Brewing Beer & Cheese Pairing
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 17
Valiant Brewing, Orange
http://www.facebook.com/events/373318306109968/

Receive a flight of Valiant’s fine craft brews along with select gourmet cheeses to pair with each one. Each flight & pairing costs $15.

Orange County Greek Festival
3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 17
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 18-19
St. John Greek Orthodox Church, Anaheim
http://ocgreekfest.com/

This annual Greek fair takes place this weekend between Buena Park and Anaheim. Free to attend (with ticket printed online) for all ages, attendees will find many merchandise vendors, plenty of food, drinks, live music, rides, games, and more. Waive the admission by printing the ticket, found on their website. Guests must park in the parking lot behind Sears at the Buena Park Mall, then take the free shuttle to and from the fair.

D.I., Destruction Made Simple, Yeastie Boys, Hollywood Hate, Blank Expressions, Gritos Enfadosos @ American Legion, Baldwin Park
6:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 17
American Legion, Baldwin Park
http://www.poortownshows.com/event/135555

Rock out with local punk rock bands such as D.I., Destruction Made Simple, Yeastie Boys, and more this Friday night in Baldwin Park. This all-ages show costs $10 to attend and does not allow ins-and-outs, so eat hearty before arriving.

Sederra, Solution, Seven Year War, Warner Drive, & more @ House of Blues Anaheim
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 17
House of Blues, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/641423115872122/

Check out some local punk rock bands for FREE this Friday night. The show will hit capacity early, so for guaranteed tickets, click the event page linked above and send an email to the provided address to reserve your tickets. The show starts at 8pm, but not that parking with validation only lasts 5 hours, so expect to shell out a little extra cash for parking. No one under 18 may attend this show.

Hangar 24 AirFest & 5th Anniversary Celebration
9:00 am – 10:00 pm, May 18
Redlands Municipal Airport, Redlands
http://hangar24brewery.com/airfest.htm

Celebrate Hangar 24 Brewery’s 5th Anniversary with an all-day air show at the Redlands Municipal Airport, located just across the street from the tasting room. For just $5 presale and $8 at the door (free for kids 12 and under), guests gain entry into the airport, where they will witness aerial acrobatics, vintage planes on displays in the hangars, and fireworks shows at night. Live bands will play music all day, and food trucks will keep guests fed and full. Last but not least, Hangar 24 will unleash over 30 beers for consumption, including many rare and limited brews. Guests may park for free at any of the various parking lots of the airport, and a free shuttle service will run from Downtown Redlands too.

Beverly Hills Art Show
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 18-19
Beverly Gardens Park, Beverly Hills
http://www.beverlyhills.org/exploring/beverlyhillsartshow/artshowinformation/

Free to attend for all ages, this fair features art from across the nation, showcasing their work for the public to exhibit. Many food trucks will open for business here, and adults can visit and beer and wine garden within the fair. Guests may park for free in nearby parking structures – consult the website for a map of those structures.

North Park Festival of the Arts + The Art of Whisky Tasting + Craft Beer Block
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 18
University Ave & 30th Street, San Diego
http://northparkfestivalofarts.com/

This Saturday, San Diego’s North Park hosts a grand street festival comprised of more festivals within the festival! At this all-day festival, guests will experience six stages of live music, live DJ’s, food, food trucks, drinks, dancing, art, and more. Within the festival, guests 21 and over can participate in two different drink tastings. For $25 presale and $30 at the door, guests can attend either a whisky tasting or enter the craft beer block. Whisky tastings take place at the Seven Grand Bar, last one hour each, and start at 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm. The Craft Beer Block runs all day, and comes with twelve 4oz beer pours from any of 25 participating breweries. Any guest may park for free all day in the parking structure located at 29th & University.

Orange County Beer Festival
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 18
Irvine Lake, Irvine
http://orangecountybeerfest.com/

The annual Orange County Beer Fest returns this Saturday to Irvine Lake, just like the past few years. Dozens of microbreweries will gather here and pour all the beers that the guests can drink for the duration of the event. General admission costs $40 and starts at 3pm, while early bird admission costs $50 and starts at 2pm. Some bands will play music throughout the fest, while food trucks will serve their delicious eats, sold separately. Bring extra cash for parking, which can go as high as $10. Arrive early, since only one road leads to Irvine Lake, meaning heavy traffic will occur closer to the start of the fest. The fest takes place entirely outdoors, so apply sunscreen prior. No one under 21 may enter.

Hepcat, The Aggrolites, DJ Boss Harmz @ House of Blues Anaheim
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 18
House of Blues, Anaheim
http://www.houseofblues.com/tickets/eventdetail.php?eventid=79577

For $20 presale and $22 at the door, check out this all-ages ska show featuring Hepcat, The Aggrolites, and DJ Boss Harmz this Saturday night at House of Blues in Downtown Disney in Anaheim.

19th Annual Balboa Island Artwalk
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 19
Balboa Island, Newport Beach
http://www.balboaislandartwalk.info/Artwalk/Balboa_Island_Artwalk.html

Check out the best in local art at this free & all-ages art festival on the island this Sunday. Attendees can view paintings, jewelry, glass, sculptures, photography, and more. Local bands will play music throughout the day all over the island.

Venice Beach Food Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 19
Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice Beach
http://venicebeachfoodfest.com/

$35 gets you all-you-can-eat food down on the boardwalk! Local chefs and food trucks will gather to serve their wonderful food to all attendees, and attendees can continue to check out all of the local shops on the Boardwalk. Prepare for a lot of walking if attempting to locate street parking in the neighborhoods, as you will likely end up parking a handful of blocks away from the beach on this day.

Taste of Hawthorne
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 19
Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Hawthorne
http://www.tasteofhawthorne.com/

Get a taste of the local flavor of Hawthorne this Sunday, as the Hawthorne Airport hosts this food fest for all ages. Expect over 40 participating food vendors, live music, beer & wine gardens, food trucks, and other activities to keep guests occupied. Check the website for a map of free parking. Allegedly free to attend, guests simply pay for food as they go.

20th Annual Sicilian Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 19
Little Italy, San Diego
http://sicilianfesta.com/

Immerse yourself in Italian culture at this free and all-ages festival this Sunday in San Diego. Guests can eat authentic Italian food while enjoying live music, dance performances, rides, games, and more. Arrive early too look for free street parking.

15th Annual Taiwanese American Heritage Week Festival
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, May 19
Barnes Park, Monterey Park
http://www.tahwla.org/

At this free festival for all ages, guests will celebrate Taiwanese culture with live music, dance performances, food, games, raffles, merchandise vendors, art exhibits, and more.

Hola Mexico Festival: The Greatest BBQ
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 19
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Los Angeles
http://holamexicofest.com/english/evento3.html

Feast on a BBQ from some of LA’s top chefs, sip on some wines from some of Mexico’s top vineyards, or some tequilas, beers, or mezcales, and indulge on artisan chocolates. Admission to this all-ages feast costs $40.

The Rancho Country Beerfest Ho-down
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 19
Rancho Las Lomas, Silverado
http://therancho.brownpapertickets.com/

This country music festival takes place out in the wilderness this Sunday afternoon. For $40 admission, attendees can enjoy live country music, a variety of beers and other beverages, outdoor BBQ, line dancing, and more. Admission includes access to the zoo, food, and five beer tasters. Parking costs $10 per vehicle, so consider carpooling. No one under 21 may attend.

CRUSH
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 19
18th Street Arts Center, Santa Monica
http://18thstreet.org/events/crush-artisanal-wine-art-food-tasting-event

Check out this artisan wine, art, and food fest this Sunday afternoon in Santa Monica. General admission costs $45 and starts at 2pm, while VIP admission costs $55 and starts at 1pm. Admission includes unlimited tastings of wine & food, plus tours of the resident artists’ studios. VIP admission includes a few extra unnamed perks. For long-term parking, try parking the in the neighborhood across the freeway by taking 17th Street over.