Upcoming Events: August 18-24, 2014

Costa Mesa Restaurant Week
August 15-22
Various locations, Costa Mesa
http://www.travelcostamesa.com/costa-mesa-restaurant-week/

The annual Costa Mesa Restaurant Week returns! Numerous restaurants in Costa Mesa will feature special prix fixe meals or other discounted items during this time. Many of these restaurants have amazing food, so I encourage you to check out at least one of the restaurants during this week.

25th Annual Taste of MainStreet – Encinitas
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, August 19
Main Street, Encinitas
http://www.encinitas101.com/events/annual-taste-of-mainstreet/

Sample food from 34 restaurants in Encinitas this Tuesday night. Douse your thirst at the 16 sip stops along the street as well. You can gain all-access to this for $35 presale, or just $25 for food-only. This taste tends to sell out each year, so purchase your tickets soon if you wish to attend.

Tall Ships Festival LA 2014
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 20-22
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 23-24
Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro
http://www.tallshipsfestivalla.com/

Some of the world’s tallest ships will dock at the Port of LA this week, allowing visitors of all ages to come gawk at them. In addition, the world’s largest rubber duck will float on in to the port. Ticket prices vary for everything during this festival, ranging from $4 all the way up to $150.

Smog City Tap Takeover @ The Factory
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 20
The Factory Gastrobar, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/688169924608595/

South Bay brewery Smog City Brewing will bring nine different beers to take over the taps of The Factory, plus their cask tap. Stop on by this Wednesday evening to enjoy a cold brew.

2014 Naples Island Street Fair
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, August 21
Naples Fountain, Naples Island, Long Beach
http://www.naplesislandbusiness.com/

Bring your family out to this free street fair on Naples Island this Thursday evening. Complete with food, music, and plenty of activities, all visitors will find plenty to do, including raffles, face painting, sidewalk sales, live music, and more. Visitors should park in the neighborhood north of 2nd Street, as the southern neighborhood will close off to traffic.

Mad Caddies – North America Tour 2014
8:30 pm – 2:00 am, August 21, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego http://www.sodabarmusic.com/calendar.php?event_id=2069
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 22, M15 Concert Bar & Grill, Corona http://www.m15concerts.com/events/mad-caddies/
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 23, The Observatory, Santa Ana http://www.observatoryoc.com/events/skankin-in-the-pit-fest

The Mad Caddies will go on tour throughout North America starting this week, and their tour starts off in Southern California with three killer shows. Each show has varying prices and age limits, so refer to the link of the show you want to attend for more info.

The Weirdos – 2014 US Summer Tour
9:00 pm – 1:30 am, August 21, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach http://www.alexsbar.com/event/177668
9:00 pm – 1:30 am, August 22, Characters Sports Bar, Pomona http://gonzopresents.com/event/178215

Relive the 80’s with these old school punk bands this week. Tickets to the Thursday show in Long Beach cost $15 presale or $17 at the door. Tickets to the Friday show in Pomona cost $13 presale or $15 at the door. No one under 21 may attend either show.

Anime California 2014
11:00 am – 2:00 am, August 22
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 23-24
Hyatt Regency, Garden Grove
http://www.animecalifornia.com/

Anime, manga, and cosplay fans rejoice! Anime California returns this weekend to the Hyatt Regency in Garden Grove, this 3-day expo contains hundreds of artist & vendor booths, various special events such as a masquerade ball, music videos, concerts, battle of the bands, fashion shows, dancing, video games, karaoke, cosplay gatherings & contests, and much more. Admission to this all-ages expo costs $30 per day or $50 for the entire weekend.

KTown Night Market’s OC Block Party
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 22
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 23
Angel Stadium, Anaheim
http://ktownnightmarket.com/

Following to vivid success of the KTown Night Market from a few months ago, the organizers will invade Orange County this weekend to bring their night market to the OC. For just $3 to get in, visitors will experience the true nightlife of Asia in this local environment full of food, drinks, vendors, games, music, live entertainment, lights, dancing, and more.

4th Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 22
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 23
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 24
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://www.longbeachbbqfestival.com/

The Long Beach BBQ Festival returns to Rainbow Lagoon Park this weekend. This all-ages weekend festival brings together the best of the nation’s grill masters to serve the masses and compete for the best BBQ of the west. Entry costs $15, which does not include food, which attendees must pay for separately. Admission with a pork ribs meal costs $28. This festival also boasts an all-you-can-eat package for $225 – check the website for more details about that package. You can also find a coupon on their website good for $2 off entry. This festival takes place entirely outdoors with limited shade, so apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated during the day. Nearby parking lots charge up to $10 for parking – consider parking in the neighborhood east of Alamitos Avenue and walking from there.

Brea Fest
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm, August 22
Brea Civic & Cultural Center, Brea
http://www.cityofbrea.net/Calendar.aspx?EID=6611

Essentially a “Taste of Brea,” 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 tickets to redeem for food or drinks. In addition to all the food, visitors will find live music, a kids zone, arts & crafts, and more.

Amenaza CD Release Party
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 22
White Oak Music & Arts, Van Nuys
http://www.facebook.com/events/278990388948853/

Get crazy at this ska/reggae show this Friday night in Van Nuys. The cover for this all-ages show costs $10.

Centerfield Ska Night
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 22
Centerfield Sports Bar, Huntington Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/793977213987331/

Enjoy a FREE ska show this Friday night in Orange County with some fun local ska bands. No one under 21 may enter.

14th Annual Tiki Beach Festival
6:30 am – 5:30 pm, August 23-24
Granada Launch Ramp, Long Beach
http://alfredosbeachclub.com/tiki-festival.html

This Hawaiian & Islander festival takes place at Granada Beach this weekend from sunrise to sunset. Completely FREE to attend, you will find food, arts & crafts, vendors, games, music, dancers, hula hoop lessons, and more here.

Back To School Open House
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, August 23
Blackmarket Bakery, Costa Mesa
http://www.facebook.com/events/565229033599770/

If you have not visited Blackmarket Bakery in a long time, or have yet to visit them at all, check them out this Saturday afternoon. They will give out free samples of their new items to visitors. In addition, stick around for other free giveaways, such as t-shirts or other goodies to take home.

Venice Beach Music Fest 9
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, August 23
Windward Plaza, Venice
http://venicebeachmusicfest.com/

Experience local music, art, and dance at this free and all-ages music festival this Saturday.

5th Annual Taste of Westminster
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 23
Civic Center Sunken Gardens, Westminster
http://www.tasteofwestminster.com/

Sample foods from the local restaurants of Westminster this Saturday afternoon. Admission costs $25 for adults or $10 for children, and comes with unlimited food tastings while supplies last. About half of the vendors consist of corporate restaurants, so keep that in mind when sampling the Westminster restaurants. All drinks, alcoholic or not, come at a separate cost, so for a hot day with little shade, bring extra cash to stay hydrated.

Old Skool Oil – Custom Car & Cycle Show
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, August 23
Bowlium Lanes, Montclair
http://www.facebook.com/events/268668053321232/

Bring your friends and family to this FREE and all-ages car show in Montclair this Saturday afternoon. Visitors will find pin-up models, cash prizes, food & drink specials, a live DJ, music, art, raffles, and of course, cars.

3rd Annual Mira Mesa Festival of Beers
1:00 pm – 5:30 pm, August 23
Mira Mesa Community Park, Mira Mesa
http://www.miramesabeerfest.com/

Sample lots of great beers this Saturday afternoon in Mira Mesa. General admission costs $25 presale and $30 at the gate, starts at 2pm, and comes with ten 4oz beer tasters. VIP admission costs $32 presale and $37 at the gate, starts at 1pm, comes with twelve 4oz beer tasters, and receive in-and-out privileges throughout the fest.

6th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, August 23
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, August 24
The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, San Diego
http://www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com/

Immerse yourself into the wonderful world of spirits this weekend in San Diego. This year’s fest features three sections: cocktails, culinary, and culture., thus providing something to entice everyone. Attendees will also find live entertainment, bartender battles, chef demos, a fashion show, a burlesque show, and more. The all-inclusive admission costs $90 for Saturday and $85 for Sunday, so attendees should arrive early to maximize their eating & drinking time. Use the promo code spirits to take $25 off your admission. No one under 21 may attend.

Saturday Matinee @ The World Famous Doll Hut
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 23
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/266643470189183/

Check out this FREE afternoon show featuring some local punk bands at the Doll Hut this Saturday afternoon.

Orfila’s 21st Annual Grape Stomp
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 23
Orfila Vineyards & Winery, Escondido
http://www.orfila.com/winery-events/grape-stomp/

Celebrate this annual vineyard tradition this Saturday in Escondido. General admission costs $90 and includes dinner buffet, dancing & live music, wine tasting, tractor rides, grape stomping, and more. No one under 21 may attend.

4th Annual D.I.Y. Music & Fashion Fest
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 23
The Glass House, Pomona
http://bricktoyaface.com/

Check out this all-ages music & art fest this Saturday night in Pomona. Admission costs $12 presale and $17 at the door.

3rd Annual Brews, Blues, N’ BBQ Festival
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, August 23
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonarboretum.org/brews_and_blues.php

The Fullerton Arboretum hosts a festival for blues music, craft beers, and BBQ this Saturday night. The $45 admission includes a souvenir glass, ten 4-oz beer tasters, free parking, live blues music, and complimentary sodas and water. All BBQ and food comes at a separate cost. No one under 21 may attend.

4th Annual CLIF Brewfest
5:45 pm – 11:00 pm, August 23
St. Juliana Parish Center, Fullerton
http://www.stjulianachurch.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=386328&id=0

The annual CLIF (Catholic Lithuanian Irish Federation) Brewfest returns this weekend in Fullerton. Admission costs $50, and those who purchase presale tickets can enter 15 minutes earlier at 5:45pm. All attendees can eat and drink as much as they can with admission.

Cheap Sex @ Los Globos
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 23
Los Globos, Silverlake
http://www.clublosglobos.com/event/638889-cheap-sex-los-angeles/

Cheap Sex makes their only 2014 reunion at this show that they will headline at Los Globos in Silverlake this Saturday night, which also features a rare appearance by Lab Rats. Tickets to this show cost $12 presale or $15 at the door. No one under 18 may attend. Guests should park in the neighborhood down Vendome St.

RF7 – Record Release Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, August 23
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/671364132946958/

Local punk bands will hit up Blacklight District Lounge in Long Beach this Saturday night. The cover for this show costs $7. No one under 21 may attend.

10th Annual Leucadia Artwalk
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 24
West side of Hwy 101, Leucadia
http://www.leucadia101.com/events/leucadiart/

Check out local artists on this leisurely art walk in sunny Leucadia this Sunday. Completely free to attend for all ages, many art galleries along Highway 101 will open all their doors to the public, and live music will play throughout the area. All the local businesses will remain open under normal business hours, so you can check out the best in local eats & drinks too.

Tustin Brewing 18th Anniversary Party
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 24
Tustin Brewing, Tustin
http://www.orangecal.com/calendars/tustin-brewing-company/events/anniversary-party

Tustin Brewing turns 18 this week, and to celebrate, they will throw a beer festival at their brewpub this Sunday afternoon. Admission costs $35 presale or $40 at the door, and comes with unlimited beer tastings while supplies last. Attendees can purchase food and merchandise separately, so have cash available for that.

Trump National Golf Club’s 6th Annual Wine & Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 24
Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes
http://www.trumpnationallosangeles.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=372108&ssid=286115&vnf=1

Have some wine and beer at one of Donald Trump’s golf clubs here in Southern California. The $50 admission comes with unlimited wine & beer and valet parking. Food trucks will keep patrons fed, and volunteers will sell raffle tickets.

PigOut 3.0
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, August 24
California Scenario, Costa Mesa
http://100eats.com/events/pigout/

Following a successful turnout at last year’s PigOut 2.0, the organizers have returned once again with PigOut 3.0 – bigger, better, and with pignificant vengeance. This celebration of everyone’s favorite pink-snout animal delivers the goods with 15 of Orange County’s top chefs all preparing a feast for the ages, and ten of Orange County’s top mixologists all shaking up wicked concoctions. The general admission of $75 starts at 3pm allows all attendees four full hours of all-you-can-eat pork goodies, and all-you-can-drink craft cocktails. VIP admission costs $100, starts at 2pm, and includes a champagne reception plus a complimentary dessert item.