U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge & 3D Art Expo
9:00 am – 7:00 pm, September 2-5
B Street Pier, San Diego
http://www.ussandsculpting.com/
Check out various works of art involving sand sculpting and 3D printing this weekend in San Diego. Admission ranges from $5 to $17.
Fiesta Hermosa
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 3-5
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.
67th Annual Long Beach Greek Festival
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 3-5
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Long Beach
http://www.lbgreekfest.org/
At this Greek Festival, you will find Greek foods & desserts, drinks, dancers, music, games, rides, arts & crafts, vendors, exhibits, and more. CSULB provides free parking and shuttle rides. Print the voucher from the website to waive the admission fee.
3rd Annual Cannabis World Congress & Business Expo
8:00 am – 8:00 pm, September 8
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 9
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, September 10
Los Angeles Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.cwcbexpo.com/
Explore the business of the cannabis industry during this expo this week at the LA Convention Center. Intended only for those in the industry, attendees will connect and network with other professionals in the industry to obtain information about starting a cannabis business, running a cannabis business, providing equity/investment resources, or providing professional/business services. Registration for the expo starts at $125.
Long Beach Coin, Stamp, & Sports Collectible Expo
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, September 8-10
Long Beach Convention Center, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.longbeachexpo.com/
This show brings tens of thousands of collectors worldwide to share, buy, sell, and trade their collectibles. Complete with seminars, workshops, press conferences, vendor booths, auctions, and more, this all-ages expo will delight anyone interested in collecting valuable goods. Admission costs $8, with discounts available for seniors and children. Use promo code MEDIA to receive admission for free. Parking at the convention center costs $10.
CaterCon 2016
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, September 8
Business Expo Center, Anaheim
http://catercon.com/
Taste food samples from local caterers, discover event/planning services, learn about event planning, enjoy live local music & entertainment, and more at this event in Anaheim this Thursday evening. Admission costs $45 presale or $55 at the door.
1st Annual Tastemakers of Orange County
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 8
The OC Mix, Costa Mesa
http://ocapica.org/2016/07/25/tastemakers-of-orange-county-purchase-your-tickets-now/
A food & beverage tasting event comes to Costa Mesa this Thursday night. General admission costs $65 and starts at 7pm. VIP admission costs $95, starts at 6pm, and comes with a keepsake apron. All attendees receive unlimited food and drink samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.
Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 8
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.
Fleet Week Coronado: Kickoff Events
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, September 9
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, September 10
B Street Pier, San Diego
http://www.fleetweeksandiego.org/
Coronado’s Fleet Week starts this weekend, and they will have some events to kick it off. On Friday evening, a free and all-ages kickoff party will take place with food, drinks, music, and more. On Saturday, a free and all-ages sea & air parade will take place over the water.
2016 Orange County Japan Fair
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 9
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 10
Phoenix Club, Anaheim
http://oc-japanfair.com/
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture this weekend at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim. Visitors will find lots of ramen, sake tastings, live entertainment, arts & crafts, activities, other food & drinks, vendors, and more. Admission costs $5 per day.
20th Annual Original Long Beach Lobster Festival
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 9
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 10
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 11
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://www.originallobsterfestival.com/
Dubbed as the FIRST Lobster Festival, the organizers from the Long Beach Crawfish Fest and OC BBQ Bonanza will bring tons of lobsters to Rainbow Lagoon Park this weekend. In addition to all the lobster, the fest’s additional variety will include local music bands, dancers, artists, and more. Prices vary, but pre-purchasing tickets online will save you $2 each. Active U.S. military personnel can enter for free! As with any event in this area, attendees will have to pay for parking. You can find free parking in the neighborhoods east of Alamitos Avenue.
OC Weekly’s 13th Annual Decadence
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 9
Hilton, Costa Mesa
http://microapp.ocweekly.com/decadence/
Come enjoy a night of food, drinks, music, dancing, and more. This festival for the senses will feature over 30 local restaurants, live music & DJ’s, local dance performers, signature cocktails, wild animal exhibits, and more. General admission costs $40 presale or $50 at the door, and starts at 7pm. VIP admission costs $60 presale or $70 at the door, starts at 6pm, and includes a goodie bag plus access to a VIP area. No one under 21 may attend.
Good Riddance: Live in Thousand Oaks
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 9
Borderline Bar & Grill, Thousand Oaks
http://grpunk.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/791739747594461/
Some big names in punk rock will perform in Thousand Oaks this Friday night. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $15.
The Vibrators: Live in Santa Ana
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 9
Underground DTSA, Santa Ana
http://www.facebook.com/events/779125245525100/
Get your weekly dose of punk rock at this local show this Friday night in Santa Ana. The cover for this all-ages show costs $10.
Pancakes & Booze Art Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, September 9-10
Lot 613, Downtown 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. No one under 21 may enter.
13th Annual Weekend in Polynesia
9:00 am – 10:00 pm, September 10-11
Recreation Park, Long Beach
http://www.pacifictalent.org/PTAA/Welcome.html
Surround yourself with the cultures of the Southern Pacific Islands at this two-day all-ages festival taking place this weekend in Long Beach. Free to attend, visitors will experience live entertainment, dance, music, arts & crafts, games, cultural food & drinks, merchandise, and more.
2016 Coronado Art Walk
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 10-11
Coronado Ferry Landing, Coronado
http://www.coronadoartwalk.com/
Free to attend for all ages, explore works of art from dozens of local artists, artisans, crafters, makers, and more at this outdoor art walk. Visitors will find paintings, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and more. The Coronado Ferry Landing’s restaurants, galleries, and shops will also have specials while providing live local music throughout the weekend.
LA Triathlon at Torrance Beach
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, September 10
5:30 am – 12:00 pm, September 11
Torrance Beach, Torrance
http://latriathlon.com/
The annual LA Triathlon will take place in Torrance this weekend. On Saturday, a free and all-ages health & fitness expo will take place at Triathlon Lab in Redondo Beach. The actual Triathlon will take place Sunday morning on the sands of Torrance Beach. Registration costs widely vary, so check the website to see how much each event costs to participate in.
$5 Food Festival – San Diego
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 10
Waterfront Park, San Diego
http://fivedollarfoodfest.com/
This Saturday afternoon, a multitude of mobile food vendors will set up in San Diego to sell $5 plates of food. General admission costs $5 and starts at 12pm. Early admission costs $10 and starts at 11am. VIP admission costs $40 and includes five drink tickets plus access to a VIP area.
Unique LA Fall Market
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 10-11
The California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.uniqueusa.com/markets-la
The largest independent design show in the country, attendees get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from hundreds of hand-selected designers and artists. The exciting two-day shopping event makes it easy for you to buy local and support LA’s economy, discover great design and deals, join in community, and have a blast. The $10 admission allows for unlimited reentry for both days, and anyone buying presale online will receive a free tote bag. Guests over 21 can receive free cocktails, while all guests may receive other free drinks, like teas and waters. The show will also feature some of LA’s most popular restaurants and food trucks serving their delicious food. Parking directly at the venue costs $6, while nearby parking lots will range from $3-5.
California Beer Festival
11:30 am – 5:00 pm, September 10-11
Frank G. Bonelli Park, San Dimas
http://www.californiabeerfestival.com/
Saturday represents their beer tasting event with unlimited beer tastings while supplies last. General admission to this costs $50 and starts at 12:30pm, while VIP admission costs $75 and starts at 11:30am. No one under 21 may attend on Saturday. On Sunday, admission costs $10 and provides access to a plethora of food and beer vendors along with live music all day. All attendees will have to pay for food and drinks separately on Sunday.
14th Annual Back to School Chalk Art Festival on The Pier
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 10
Redondo Beach Pier, Redondo Beach
http://www.redondopier.com/event/14th-annual-chalk-art-festival-on-the-pier/
Turn Redondo Beach Pier into a public canvas this Saturday afternoon. Free to attend for all ages, the first 150 people receive free chalk to either use on the spot or take home. In addition, visitors will enjoy live music and may enter to win prizes.
L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade 2016
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 10
Royce Quad, UCLA, West Los Angeles
http://www.lalovesalexslemonade.org/
Chefs and mixologists from around the world converge to UCLA this Saturday afternoon to serve their unique creations to all attendees. For $195 regular admission, enjoy all the food and drinks you can handle, and mingle with the curators of whatever you consume too.
1st Annual Reader Burgers & Beer
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 10
Golden Hill Park, Balboa Park, San Diego
http://www.sandiegoreaderevents.com/burgers-and-beer-2016/
Appearing to replace the annual Reader Feast, this event has dozens of San Diego restaurants competing to win the best burger, and attendees get to sample food from them all. General admission costs $45, starts at 1pm, and comes with one drink ticket. VIP admission costs $60, starts at 12pm, and comes with three drink tickets. All attendees receive unlimited food samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.
Carlsbad Brewfest 2016
12:00 pm – 4:30 pm, September 10
Holiday Park, Carlsbad
http://www.carlsbadbrewfest.org/
A food, beer, and music festival comes to Carlsbad this Saturday afternoon. The $50 admission gets you access to unlimited food and beer samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.
MainFest Alhambra
1:00 pm – 10:30 pm, September 10
Main Street, Downtown Alhambra
http://www.mainfestalhambra.com/
The streets of Downtown Alhambra will close this Saturday for a special all-day all-ages concert. Tickets to this concert cost $30 for general admission or $50 for VIP admission, which includes access to VIP areas.
41st Annual Concert of Philippine Music & Dance
2:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 10
Joan B. Kroc Theatre, Rolando, San Diego
http://www.samahanphilippinedance.com/
A Filipino music & dance show will take place in San Diego this Saturday. Admission costs $15 for adults or $12 for children, students, and military.
Day of Punk
2:30 pm – 12:30 am, September 10
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/271453976554886/
A full day of punk rock comes to Anaheim this Saturday. Admission costs $10 presale or $12 at the door, and provides all-day access to the music and food truck. No one under 21 may enter.
Arts & Craft: A Food & Beer Event
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 10
Pico House, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.filamarts.org/filamarts-posts/2016/9/1/filam-arts-presents-arts-craft-a-food-beer-event
Despite the name, this event functions like a food and beer tasting event, with no art activities going on. Admission costs $40, but as an all-ages event, they did not specify what the $40 admission entails.
7th Annual Santee Bluegrass Festival
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, September 10
Town Center Community Park East, Santee
http://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/index.aspx?recordid=3185&page=202
Enjoy bluegrass music, food, desserts, beer, wine, and more at this community music show this Saturday evening in Santee. Admission costs $45 presale or $50 at the door, and comes with a souvenir cup. No one under 21 may attend.
Long Beach Beer Fest
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 10
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, Long Beach
http://www.longbeachbeerfestival.com/
If you want to spend a lot of money to get drunk on cheap beer, then this beer fest fits your bill. Trek down to Belmont Pier in Long Beach this Saturday night for beer and lots of other mischief. General admission costs $30 and starts at 7pm, while VIP admission costs $45 and starts at 6pm. All attendees receive unlimited beer tasters from over 20 breweries present. No one under 21 may attend.
Zombie Fashion Show & Creature Art Exhibit
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, September 10
Lot 613, Los Angeles
http://www.zombiefashionshow.com/
Dozens of Hollywood makeup artists will transform models into the undead at this Saturday night fashion & art show. While the models strut their deathly stuff, attendees can check out zombie-themed artwork from dozens artists from all over the country. The $10 admission grants access to all these exhibits, plus all-you-can-eat pancakes courtesy of the Pancakes & Booze Art Show. No one under 21 may enter.
27th Annual Belmont Shore Car Show
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, September 11
2nd Street, Belmont Shore, Long Beach
http://belmontshorecarshow.com/
This car show will completely take over 2nd Street and its side streets this Sunday. Come see over 700 cars on display while walking the streets of glorious Belmont Shore. Completely free to attend, your best bet at parking will reside somewhere in Belmont Heights i.e. north of 2nd Street.
5th Annual Solana Beach Super Tasty 5k
10:00 am – 2:00 pm, September 11
Fletcher Cove, Solana Beach, San Diego
http://www.girodisandiego.com/
Participate in a 5k unlike any other! This 5k course contains numerous restaurant stops that all participants must stop by and eat the required amount of food before moving on to the next. Typically runners avoid racing with food in their stomachs, but this run encourages running on a full belly. Registration for this run costs $40 per individual, with various price options for groups.
2nd Annual Monster Energy MXGP of USA
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, September 11
Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino
http://www.mxgp.com/tracks/glen-helen
An all-ages motocross show comes to San Bernardino this Sunday afternoon. Admission ranges from $30 to $70.
Los Angeles Ice Cream Takedown
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 11
The Bootleg Theater, Los Angeles
http://thetakedowns.com/laicecreamtakedown/
Remember the Mac & Cheeze Takedown from over two years ago? The organizers have returned, this time with yummy cool desserts. Enter your ice cream recipe to compete to win prizes, or just attend and stuff yourself full of ice cream! If you have an ice cream recipe worthy of recognition, enter it into this contest this Sunday afternoon. If you would rather eat other people’s ice cream, buy tickets for $20 per person, then show up and chow down!
Midtown Night Market
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, September 11
MacArthur Park, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/midtownnightmarket
The popularity of night markets has surged within the past year. This Sunday, Long Beach gets their very own night market, complete with free admission. Come to this all-ages outdoor fair and check out all the food, drinks, desserts, merchandise, live entertainment, and more. Expect heavy traffic approaching this area, so plan your commute accordingly.