Upcoming Events: January 18-24, 2016

12th Annual San Diego Restaurant Week
January 17-24
Participating restaurants in San Diego
http://sandiegorestaurantweek.com/

Select restaurants throughout San Diego County will offer prix-fixe meal deals during this 7-day period. Lunches range from $10 to $20, while dinners range from $25 to $45.

10th Annual Newport Beach Restaurant Week
January 18-31
Participating restaurants in Newport Beach
http://dinenb.com/restaurant-week/

This 14-day period of restaurant specials takes place at participating restaurants in Newport Beach. Many restaurants will serve special prix-fixe three-course meals ranging from as low as $10 to as high as $40, or more for a few select locations.

Los Angeles Restaurant Week
January 18-31
Various locations
http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/dinela-los-angeles-restaurant-week

This dining event showcases the best in food Los Angeles has to offer. All participating restaurants will feature prix-fixe menus for locals and visitors alike. Lunches range from $15-25, while dinners range from $25-45.

Bottle Flight Night – Logsdon Farmhouse Ales
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, January 19
Select Beer Store, Redondo Beach
http://www.selectbeerstore.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/155375524833448/

Logsdon Ales will make a rare Southern California appearance at Select Beer Store in Redondo Beach this Tuesday night. Stop on by and enjoy a cold one or two.

Dirty Little Secrets Rock Burlesque: Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, January 19
10:00 pm – 1:00 am, January 23
Harvelle’s Downtown Long Beach
http://www.dirtylittlesecretsburlesque.com/

The ladies of the Dirty Little Secrets will perform two burlesque shows this week at Harvelle’s in Downtown Long Beach. Check their website for the prices of each show. No one under 21 may attend.

Build Your Own Mac & Cheese Night
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, January 21
Beachwood BBQ, Seal Beach
http://beachwoodbbq.com/events.html

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

Sriracha & Wine Tasting Event
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, January 21
Vintage Enoteca, Hollywood
http://vintageenoteca.com/

For $40 per person, receive a three-course meal complete with wine pairings. You may arrive at any time during the night, but they highly recommend reservations. No one under 21 may participate.

The Adicts: On Tour in Southern California
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, January 21, House of Blues, San Diego http://www.houseofblues.com/sandiego/events/eventdetail/?viewNav=/event-detail&eventId=0A004F69B77B1E0E
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, January 22, House of Blues, Anaheim http://www.houseofblues.com/anaheim/events/eventdetail/?viewNav=/event-detail&eventId=09004F6BAC7A1856
http://adicts.us/

Legendary punk band The Adicts will headline two shows in Southern California this week. The ticket prices for these all-ages show vary, so click on a venue’s link for pricing details.

3rd Annual San Diego Caffeine Crawl
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, January 22
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, January 23
11:00 am – 2:30 pm, January 24
Various locations, San Diego County
http://www.caffeinecrawl.com/san-diego-2016.html

Coffee lovers meet up this week at various locations in San Diego County. Like a pub crawl, attendees will select one of four routes, and explore a handful of coffee shops in select neighborhoods based on the route. Some routes may even include coffee beer!

Ballast Point Beer Pairing Dinner
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, January 22
Grits, Fullerton
http://gritsfullerton.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/219069401762617/

For $100 per person, receive a six-course dinner at Grits in Fullerton complete with beer pairings courtesy of Ballast Point. No one under 21 may participate.

The Gears: Don’t Be Afraid To Pogo
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, January 22
The Frida Cinema, Santa Ana
http://thefridacinema.org/event/dont-be-afraid-to-pogo/

Check out this documentary about the rise of punk rock in the early years, as well as a Q&A with the film’s director. Admission to this all-ages viewing costs $10.

T.S.O.L. @ The Observatory
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, January 22
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/tsol

Legendary punk band T.S.O.L. will headline a show at The Observatory in Santa Ana this Friday night. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $10.

2016 Golden State of Cocktails Los Angeles
January 23-26
Majestic Hall, Downtown Los Angeles
http://goldenstateofcocktails.com/about/los-angeles/

A plethora of seminars, tastings, and other events about cocktails will take place in Los Angeles this weekend going on to next week. All events cost under $40 to attend – see the website for a full schedule of events and links to purchase tickets. No one under 21 may attend.

International Tiki Market Place
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, January 23
Don The Beachcomber, Sunset Beach
http://www.donthebeachcomber.com/

For $10 admission gain access to a plethora of tiki-themed vendors in Sunset Beach this Saturday afternoon. Admission comes with a $10 voucher for food & drink, so technically you get in for free!

13th Annual Los Angeles Fit Expo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, January 23-24
Los Angeles Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.thefitexpo.com/la.asp

Experience everything related to fitness at this expo coming this weekend. Single day admission costs $30, while the weekend combo only costs $45. All attendees receive access the entire exhibit floor, competitions, seminars, demos, autograph sessions, free samples, and more.

Saint Archer Beer Pairing Brunch @ Restauration
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, January 23
Restauration, Long Beach
http://restaurationlb.com/events/st-archer-brew-brunch-2/

Enjoy a three-course brunch paired with four different Saint Archer beers this Saturday late morning. Reservations cost $30 per person.

Taco Asylum’s Fifth Birthday Party
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, January 23
Taco Asylum, Costa Mesa
http://www.tacoasylum.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/509962152506074/

Taco Asylum turns five years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have some specials available this Saturday. Expect to find some exclusive tacos this Saturday, as well as an exclusive beer brewed for them by the nearby Barley Forge.

Phat Con 2016
11:30 am – 5:00 pm, January 23
Dave & Buster’s, Orange
http://www.facebook.com/events/858552947527793/

Release your inner nerd at this FREE event this Saturday at Dave & Buster’s at The Outlets At Orange. Meet dozens of artists, writers, vendors, and more, as you gaze upon all of the wondrous works of art and collectibles. Bring some cash if you intend to purchase any toys, comic books, or other collectibles.

So Cal Winter Brew Fest
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, January 23
Phoenix Club, Anaheim
http://www.socalwinterbrewfest.com/

Anaheim has turned into quite a craft beer mecca, and you get to sample its local flavor and more this Saturday afternoon. Check out this beer tasting event taking place at Phoenix Club in Anaheim, complete with over 30 breweries and local food trucks. Admission costs $40 presale or $50 at the gate, and includes unlimited 3oz beer samples while supplies last.

Brews & Bros Craft Beer Festival 2016
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, January 23
Cable Airport, Upland
http://brewsandbrosfest.org/

Celebrate Dale Bros Brewery’s 13th anniversary with lots of beer this Saturday. This beer festival will have over 80 beers to sample, plus cider, wine, craft soda, gourmet food, live music, games, and more. General admission costs $45, starts at 1pm, and comes with a souvenir glass and unlimited beer pours while supplies last. VIP admission costs $60, starts at 12pm, and also includes a bottle opener, preferred parking, and access to rare beers.

VRLA Winter Expo
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, January 23
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://www.virtualrealityla.com/

See the latest in virtual reality gadgets at this VR expo at the LA Convention Center this Saturday afternoon. General admission to this all-ages expo costs $40.

Founders/Green Flash/Ballast Point/Deschutes Tap Takeover
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, January 23
Amazing Grapes, Rancho Santa Margarita
http://www.amazinggrapes.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1548192168836874/

Amazing Grapes will feature beers from four select breweries this Saturday. Stop on by and enjoy a cold one or two.

2016 Los Angeles Uncorked Wine Festival
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, January 23
Union Station, Los Angeles
http://uncorkedwinefestivals.com/losangeles/

Enjoy a wine festival with over 60 different wines, food trucks, live music, and more. General admission costs $55 and starts at 6pm, while VIP admission costs $65 and starts at 5pm. All attendees receive unlimited wine tastings while supplies last. Food comes at a separate cost, so bring cash for food. No one under 21 may attend.

Iron Triangle Brewing’s Grand Opening
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, January 23
Iron Triangle Brewing, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.irontrianglebrewing.com/

A new brewery opens its doors to the public this Saturday evening. Check them out in Downtown LA, along with food trucks and live music, free to attend.

OC Roller Girls – Heroes vs. Villains
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, January 23
The Rinks, Huntington Beach
http://ocrollergirls.com/

Watch intense & brutal girl-on-girl action at this roller derby bout this Saturday night in Huntington Beach. Tickets to this roller derby bout cost $13.

Be Like Max @ Out Of The Park Pizza
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, January 23
Out Of The Park Pizza, Anaheim
http://belikemax.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1005045649537468/

Enjoy a FREE all-ages ska show in Anaheim this Saturday night.

American Jihad: Live in Long Beach
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, January 23
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/1528635920781756/

Rock out to some local punk rock music this Saturday night in Long Beach. No one under 21 may enter.

Destruction Made Simple @ Characters Sports Bar
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, January 23
Characters Sports Bar, Pomona
http://www.destructionmadesimple.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/939604906138728/

Rock out to some local hardcore punk bands this Saturday night in Pomona. The cover for this show costs $5 if arriving after 9pm, or free if arriving before. Guests can park for free on nearby streets and can avoid paying to park in the adjacent lot.

A Pretty Mess – 10th Anniversary Show
9:00 pm – 12:00 am, January 23
The Redwood Bar, Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/1118733061479559/

Rock out with local punk bands this Saturday night in Downtown LA. The cover for this show costs $8. No one under 21 may enter.

Kites Festival 2016
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, January 24
Bayshore Park, Long Beach
http://la-oc.netip.org/
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/netip-la-oc-presents-kites-festival-2016-tickets-20321321620

Come fly kites with a bunch of other people this Sunday afternoon in Long Beach near Belmont Shore. Admission starts at $10 for admission, with rates going up based on how many will attend and how many kites to purchase.

Eagle Rock Brewery 6th Anniversary Party
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, January 24
Eagle Rock Brewery, Eagle Rock
http://eaglerockbrewery.com/events/cheers-to-6-years

Eagle Rock Brewery turns five this weekend, and to celebrate, the brewery will celebrate in style right at home at the tasting room. Guests pay $20 to receive three drinks and a souvenir glass for this occasion. In addition, a handful of food trucks will stop by to serve the masses.

Blatoidea: Live in Long Beach
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, January 24
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/876519199070040/

A UK punk band comes to the United States this weekend to tour, starting with a show in Long Beach. The cover for this show costs $7. No one under 21 may enter.

‘Float-A-Palooza’ Returns to Horny Corner

An unofficial Float-A-Palooza returned to Horny Corner this past Sunday. To understand what a Float-A-Palooza is, imagine Spring Break, but in the summer, and instead of boats, everyone is on “floaties” in the water. Add to the fact that Float-A-Palooza Long Beach is always at Horny Corner, and you have a scene right out of Jersey Shore. No one can explain why Bay Shore Beach is now called Horny Corner, but the best explanation is that the best-looking people go to this beach, most of which are young adults in their 20’s; thus everyone in that demographic that comes to this beach is always horny. A lesser-accepted explanation is that decades ago, there used to be prostitutes on this beach at night, so men would come here to have some horny time; thus, Horny Corner.

At this Float-A-Palooza specifically, people did not actually get into the water until late afternoon. Police had stepped up their presence as early at 10am, aggressively handing out tickets to anyone who had anything that looked like an alcoholic beverage on the beach. Those who live on Bay Shore Avenue had parties in their front yards, but since that was private property, police could not do anything to them as they drank across the street from Horny Corner. Because this Float-A-Palooza was unofficial, the attendance came nowhere close to previous years, which saw attendance in the thousands.

All photos and the video below are provided by Its Shore Life. I left a little after 2pm because of the lack of people, thus I did not capture as many photos as I could have. Fortunately I have been given permission to post their photos and video of this fest, which appears to have started between 3 and 4 based on the sunlight.

If Float-A-Palooza officially returns this year (likely end of this month), you will want to see the chaos that hundreds of horny college-age young adults can cause. Stay up-to-date by Liking the Facebook page! (linked above)