Upcoming Events: April 17-23, 2017

6th Annual Taste of South Pasadena
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, April 19
Canoe House, South Pasadena
http://www.southpasadenarotary.org/

Sample the local flavor of South Pasadena this Wednesday evening. This tasting consists of two events: a wine tasting portion, and a restaurant crawl. The wine tasting costs $20 to attend and takes place at the Canoe House from 5pm to 7pm. The restaurant crawl takes place from 6pm to 9pm, and costs $35 for adults or $15 for those under 21, and provides unlimited food samples while supplies last.

2017 Taste of Point Loma
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, April 19
Portuguese Club, Point Loma, San Diego
http://www.facebook.com/TasteofPointLoma

Sample specialties from local Point Loma restaurants this Wednesday night. For $25, guests gain access to free shuttles that will take them from various places around Point Loma so that guests can reach all the restaurants in time.

Women’s Beer Forum
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, April 19
Eagle Rock Brewery, Eagle Rock
http://www.eaglerockbrewery.com/womens-beer-forum/

$23 gets you a flight of four beers from various breweries. Judging by historical posts about this event, it appears that men may not participate in this.

5th Annual Orange County Improv Festival
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, April 19-22
STAGEStheatre, Fullerton
http://ocimprovfest.com/

Enjoy up to four nights of improv comedy in Orange County this weekend. Tickets cost $10 per day or $40 for an all-access pass for all four days. The venue has a small parking lot, and the surrounding neighborhood only allows parking for up to two hours, so plan your commute accordingly. The website does not specify an age minimum, though you can expect adult humor, so consider leaving the little ones at home.

Newport Beach Film Festival
April 20-27
Multiple venues, Newport Beach
http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/

Dozens of independent films will air this week in Newport Beach. Check out the website for a schedule of all the films that you may watch, as well as the prices for each.

24th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, April 20
Share Our Selves, Costa Mesa
http://www.shareourselves.org/events/

25 of Orange County’s finest chefs will gather to prepare their most unusual and unique taco. Come witness history in the making, as chefs strive to reinvent the wheel by crafting the new generation of tacos. VIP hour starts at 4:30pm and costs $150, while general admission starts at 5:30pm and costs $80. Admission does not guarantee food for attendees.

The Muckenthaler’s 5th Annual Speakeasy
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm, April 20
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton
http://themuck.org/programing/2017/4/20/the-muckenthalers-5th-annual-speakeasy

Enjoy fashion, drinks, dancing, and music this Thursday night in Fullerton. Admission costs $25 and comes with a complimentary glass of champagne. No one under 21 may attend.

38th Annual OC Fair Imaginology
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, April 21
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 22-23
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://www.ocfair.com/steam

Bring out the family to this free and all-ages event this weekend in Costa Mesa featuring activities, games, and other arts & crafts surrounding science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Parking at the venue costs $8 per vehicle.

2017 South Bay Home & Garden Show
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, April 21
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, April 22
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, April 23
Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach
http://www.homeshowconsultants.com/

This free and all-ages expo will showcase the latest in home improvement, remodeling, interior-design, decorating, landscaping, and more. Parking starts at $5, but parking the neighborhood east of Alamitos can bypass any parking fees.

Cerritos Spring Festival
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, April 21
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, April 22
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm, April 23
Cerritos Sports Complex, Cerritos
http://www.cerritos.us/RESIDENTS/recreation/events/program_highlights.php

Enjoy a local spring carnival this weekend, free to attend for all ages. Visitors will find rides, games, live entertainment, food, drinks, treats, and more.

San Diego Magazine’s Best of North County Party
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, April 21
The Paddock, Del Mar
http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/January-2017/Best-of-North-County-Party-2017/

Samples food from North San Diego County’s top restaurants and chefs, and sip on wines and beers from the area’s breweries and wineries at this tasting gala this Friday night. Admission to this event costs $80 per person.

Purple Rain Peepshow
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, April 21
Harvelle’s, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.dirtylittlesecretsburlesque.com/

Enjoy a sultry burlesque show dedicated to the late Prince this Friday night in Downtown Long Beach. Admission to this show costs $12. No one under 21 may attend.

Extreme Midget Wrestling
9:00 pm – 12:00 am, April 21
Club 80s Bar & Grill, Corona
http://extrememidgetwrestling.com/

You have not witnessed anything unlike midget wrestling. Come watch this unbelievable spectacle this Friday night for a good drunken night. Admission starts at $20. No one under 21 may enter.

Angels 5k & Fun Run
6:00 am – 9:00 am, April 22
Angel Stadium, Anaheim
http://www.race-angels.com/

Take part in a 5k and/or fun run at Angel Stadium this Saturday morning. Registration costs $45 for the 5k or $30 for the fun run.

2017 Cambodian New Year Celebration
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 22
El Dorado Park, Long Beach
http://www.cam-cc.org/

Celebrate Cambodian New Year this Saturday in Long Beach with traditional & modern performances, live music, arts & crafts, games, food, vendors, and more. Tickets plus parking to this all-ages festival cost $30 presale or $40 at the gate.

International Tiki Market Place
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, April 22
Don The Beachcomber, Sunset Beach
http://www.donthebeachcomber.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/319731998441902/

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!

Earth Day 2017, Uptown Whittier
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, April 22
Greenleaf Grassy Area, Uptown Whitter
http://whittieruptown.org/earthday

Bring out the family for some activities, arts & crafts, and more at this free and all-ages event this Saturday late morning in Whittier.

Green Scene Plant & Garden Expo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 22-23
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://fullertonarboretum.org/event_green.php

Check out a diverse range of plants, arts & crafts, and more this weekend at the Fullerton Arboretum at Cal State Fullerton. Admission costs $8 for this all-ages event.

22nd Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, April 22-23
University of Southern California, Los Angeles
http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/

Immerse yourself in a world of literature this weekend on the USC campus, completely free to attend. In addition to finding thousands of books here, visitors can expect live bands, poetry readings, chef demos, cultural entertainment, artists creating their work on-site, a photography exhibit, film screenings, discussion panels on some of today’s hottest topics, and so much more. Parking on campus costs $10, while the indoor seminars cost between $10 to $15 to attend.

26th Annual Poppy Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, April 22-23
Lancaster City Park, Lancaster
http://www.poppyfestival.com/

Bring out the family to this all-ages family-fun festival this weekend in Lancaster. This festival will have plenty of activities for everyone to get involved with, along with food, drinks, multiple vendors, music, dance, art, games, rides, and more. Admission for regular adults costs $8, while children, seniors, and military can enter for $5.

5th Annual Riverside Tamale Festival
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, April 22
White Park, Riverside
http://rivtamalefest.com/

Enjoy Hispanic food and culture this Saturday afternoon in Riverside. Admission costs only $10, but all guests must pay for tamales at cost, so bring cash for that.

College Area Business District’s ART Street
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, April 22
Social Tap, College Area, San Diego
http://collegeareabid.com/?page_id=2831

Check out dozens of artists booths at this free and all-ages street fair this Saturday afternoon in San Diego. This event will also have live entertainment and a food & beer garden.

2017 Wild West Steam Fest
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, April 22
Heritage Museum of Orange County, Santa Ana
http://www.wildweststeamfest.com/

Steampunk meets the wild west at this all-ages festival this Saturday in Santa Ana. Dress to impress, and enjoy activities such as live music, costume contests, reenactments, arts & crafts, seminars, museum tours, and more. The festival runs until 6pm, and a concert starts at 7pm. Admission costs $30 for the festival, $10 for the concert, $35 for both, or $10 less for children/youth.

9th Annual Hippy Killer Hoedown
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, April 22
Farmers Fairgrounds, Perris
http://hippykillersgarage.blogspot.com/

At this all-ages kustom kulture festival, see all sorts of cars, hot rods, customs, motorcycles, vans, live music, and more. Admission to this event costs $10.

Green Prize Festival
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, April 22
Houghton Park, Long Beach
http://www.greenprizefestival.com/

Celebrate Earth Day this Saturday in Long Beach. At this free all-ages community festival down by the beach, visitors will find demos by local farms & chefs, live entertainment, local artists, green & eco-friendly services, speakers, arts & crafts, food from local restaurants, delis, food trucks, and more.

Santa Barbara Earth Day 2017
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, April 22-23
Alameda Park, Santa Barbara
http://www.sbearthday.org/

Free to attend for all ages, Santa Barbara will host an Earth Day fair this weekend. Guests will find lots of activities, arts & crafts, live entertainment, food & drinks, and more.

Meat Street Food Festival
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, April 22
Main Place Mall, Santa Ana
http://eatmeatstreet.com/

Foodbeast returns with another food festival this Saturday dedicated to meat. It operates much like their previous festivals – you can either pay for an entry admission to gain access to vendors where you will have to pay for food again, or you can pay for an all-you-can-eat experience that lasts only three hours. Basic admission costs $10, but then you still need cash to pay for anything else once inside. The all-you-can-eat experience costs $50 to attend, and runs from 1pm to 4pm, or 5pm to 8pm. These sessions will include some exclusive food vendors that the basic admission cannot get, which you can see on the website.

2017 California Wine Festival – Dana Point
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, April 22
Lantern Bay Park, Dana Point
http://californiawinefestival.com/events/orange-county

Enjoy food and wine at this wine tasting event this Saturday afternoon in Dana Point. General admission costs $69 and starts at 1pm, early admission costs $89 and starts at 12pm, and VIP admission costs $109, starts at 12pm, and includes a few extra VIP perks.

7th Annual San Clemente Micro-Brew Fest
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, April 22
Left Coast Brewing Company, San Clemente
http://www.scchamber.com/

Enjoy an afternoon of beer and food in San Clemente this Saturday afternoon. This beer festival will contain 17 local breweries all serving their wonderful brews, and food from local non-profit groups. General admission costs $35 presale or $40 at the door, and starts at 1pm. Early entry costs $45, and starts at 12pm. All attendees will receive 12 4oz beer pours.

Spring 2017 Dapper Day
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, April 22
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, April 23
Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim
http://dapperday.com/spring-2017-disneyland-ca

Dress to impress at this FREE and all-ages style expo this weekend at the Disneyland Resort. A plethora of activities will take place between the hotel and the amusement park throughout the weekend, so check the website to see what will occur. Some activities may require a fee. Visitors may park for free for up to two hours at the Downtown Disney parking lot.

10th Annual CityBeat Festival of Beers
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, April 22
Lafayette Hotel, San Diego
http://citybeatbeerfest.com/

Looking to get your beer on this weekend? Head to the San Diego CityBeat Festival of Beers, where guests receive UNLIMITED pours from over 50 breweries plus the souvenir taster cup. Guests may purchase food at an additional cost. General admission costs $45 and starts at 2pm, while VIP admission costs $55 and starts at 1pm. No one under 21 may enter.

3rd Annual STEAM Carnival
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, April 22
Great Park, Irvine
http://ipsf.net/steam-carnival.html

Bring out the family to this free and all-ages event this Saturday afternoon in Irvine featuring activities, games, and other arts & crafts surrounding science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Watermelon Blonde Party
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, April 22
Hamilton Family Brewery, Rancho Cucamonga
http://www.hamiltonfamilybrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/178089952707794/

Rancho Cucamonga’s Hamilton Family Brewery will release a spring seasonal beer this Saturday, and they will also have a watermelon eating contest and other fun watermelon inspired games and activities throughout the day. This event has no admission fee – simpy show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.

Playhouse District Wine Walk
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, April 22
Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena
http://www.playhousedistrict.org/calendar-of-events/wine-walk

For $25, you get six wine tastings at this small wine tasting event in Pasadena this Saturday evening.

South Coast Roller Derby Double Header
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, April 22
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 $8 presale or $10 at the door.

Half Past Two’s 10th Anniversary
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, April 22
House of Blues, Anaheim
http://www.halfpasttwoska.com/

Get your skanking on at this all-ages ska show this Saturday night in Anaheim. The cover for this show costs $10.

Life In Color San Diego 2017
9:00 pm – 3:00 am, April 22
Valley View Casino Center, San Diego
http://lifeincolor.com/

Some genius decided to take a nighttime color glow run and do away with the running. Now we have this nighttime color glow music fest. General admission to this concert costs $70. No one under 18 may attend.

Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show
5:00 am – 2:00 pm, April 23
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.

6th Annual Long Beach Walk for Kids
7:00 am – 10:00 am, April 23
Shoreline Aquatic Park, Long Beach
http://www.walkforkids.org/longbeach

Go on a walk to raise money for awareness this Sunday morning in Long Beach. Registration for this walk costs $25.

2017 La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5k
7:30 am – 10:30 am, April 23
Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar
http://www.lajollahalfmarathon.com/

A half marathon will take place in San Diego County this Sunday morning that stretches from Del Mar to La Jolla. Registration for the half marathon costs $120, while registration for the 5k costs $45.

EPIC Series Los Angeles
8:00 am – 3:00 pm, April 23
Los Angeles Police Academy, Elysian Park
http://www.epicseriesocr.com/upcoming-events/epic-series-los-angeles/

Test your might at this all-ages obstacle course this Sunday morning in Los Angeles. Registration costs $65 for the open course or $70 for the competitive course. The kids course costs $10 to participate in.

31st Annual Fallbrook Avocado Festival
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 23
Main Street, Downtown Fallbrook
http://www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/events-v2/avocado-festival.html

This annual local treat returns to Fallbrook this Sunday to celebrate the legacy of the California avocado. Free to attend for all ages, visitors will find hundreds of vendors booths, arts & crafts, live entertainment, food & drinks, activities, and more.

28th Annual San Diego Earth Fair
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 23
Balboa Park, San Diego
http://earthdayweb.org/

This FREE and all-ages Earth Day celebration takes place this Sunday at Balboa Park in San Diego. Bring the family out to enjoy this fair with art galleries, “green” food, arts & crafts, vendors, a parade, and more.

Tiger Army with T.S.O.L. & Gamblers Mark
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, April 23
Majestic Ventura Theater, Ventura
http://www.tigerarmy.com/

Legendary psychobilly band Tiger Army currently tours across the world, and that tour swings through Southern California this week. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $30.

Upcoming Events: April 11-17, 2016

Dogz 5 Year Anniversary
11:00 am – 1:30 am, April 12
Dogz Bar and Grill, Long Beach
http://www.dogzbarandgrill.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/966645413385176/

Belmont Shore’s Dogz turns five years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have live music this Tuesday night. Also expect food and drink specials all day.

Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, April 12
Ben & Jerry’s, Worldwide
http://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/free-cone-day

Get one FREE ice cream cone this Tuesday at any participating Ben & Jerry’s store.

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers Night
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, April 12
Select Beer Store, Redondo Beach
http://www.selectbeerstore.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/564914146998849/

Catch a taste of San Francisco’s Speakeasy Ales this Tuesday night at Select Beer Store in Redondo Beach. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a beer or two.

5th Annual Roar in The Shore
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, April 13
Legends, Belmont Shore, Long Beach
http://www.belmontshore.org/roar-in-the-shore/

Completely free to attend, guests can view race cars on displays, and receive racer autographs.

Firestone Walker Night
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, April 13
Far Bar, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
http://www.farbarla.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/805763442901074/

Little Tokyo’s Far Bar will have some rare Firestone Walker brews available this Wednesday night, as well as the founder himself for a meet & greet. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.

Peelander-Z @ The Frida Cinema
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, April 13
The Frida Cinema, Santa Ana
http://thefridacinema.org/event/peelander-z/

Weird and wacky come to Santa Ana this Wednesday night. Enjoy an all-ages night of mischief and mayhem for just $10.

Canstruction LA 2016
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, April 14
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 15
10:00 am – 1:00 pm, April 16
Farmers and Merchants Bank Building, Downtown LA
http://canstructionla.com/

Free to attend for all ages, see glorious art works made with cans this weekend in Downtown LA.

Mother Earth Brewing Tap Takeover
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, April 14
Blue Palms Brewhouse, Hollywood
http://www.bluepalmsbrewhouse.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1557645794532790/

San Diego’s Mother Earth Brewing will take over the taps at Hollywood’s Blue Palms Brewhouse this Thursday night. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.

23rd Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, April 14
Share Our Selves, Costa Mesa
http://www.shareourselves.org/events/

25 of Orange County’s finest chefs will gather to prepare their most unusual and unique taco. Come witness history in the making, as chefs strive to reinvent the wheel by crafting the new generation of tacos. VIP hour starts at 4:30pm and costs $150, while general admission starts at 5:30pm and costs $80.

2016 Unite Belgian Trippel Release
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, April 14
Anaheim Brewery, Anaheim
http://www.anaheimbrew.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/217548851942520/

Every year, Anaheim Brewery makes a beer for International Women’s Day. This beer comes out this Thursday evening at their tasting room in Anaheim. This event has no cover charge, so stop on by and show support for the women.

Tacos And Beer Tasting
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, April 14
San Diego Museum of Man, Balboa Park, San Diego
http://www.museumofman.org/event/tacos-beer-tasting/

Enjoy tastings from several popular local breweries, snack on a variety of delicious tacos, take fun snapshots in the photo booth, explore exciting exhibits, and revel in the festive atmosphere inside one of San Diego’s top museums. Admission costs $30. No one under 21 may participate.

Business & Beer @ Absolution Brewing
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, April 14
Absolution Brewing, Torrance
http://www.businessnbeer.com/

This monthly networking event for small business owners visits a South Bay brewery every second Thursday of the month. This month, they will hit up Absolution Brewing in Torrance. If you have involvement with a small business, love craft beer, or both, then stop by this Thursday night.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, April 14
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.

Viet Film Fest 2016
6:00 pm – 12:30 am, April 14
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, April 15,17
11:00 am – 12:30 am, April 16
Orange Outlets, Orange
http://www.vietfilmfest.com/

The Outlets at Orange will show many Vietnamese films this weekend. Check out the schedule on the website, which also lists the ticket prices for each film.

Tecate Light Thunder Thursday
6:30 pm – 10:30 pm, April 14
Pine & Broadway, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.downtownlongbeach.org/Story-Details/Thunder-Thursday-Returns-with-Motorcyclists-Painting-the-Sky-with-Stunts

Completely free to attend for all ages, guests can catch motorcycle shows, race cars on display, racer autographs, a rock wall, live music, and more. Guests can find free parking for up to two hours in the structures east of Pine and north of 3rd.

Union 13: Live at Five Star Bar
7:30 pm – 12:30 am, April 14
Five Star Bar, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.union13.bigcartel.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/465666190298982/

Hardcore punk band Union 13 will headline a show in Los Angeles before traveling down to Mexico for a tour. The cover for this Downtown LA show this Thursday night costs $7. No one under 21 may enter.

D.I.Y. Festival Competition
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, April 14
The Vibe Bar & Grill, Riverside
http://bricktoyaface.com/

Check out this music & art festival this Thursday night in Riverside. Admission costs $7 presale or $10 at the door. No one under 18 may enter.

42nd Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
7:00 am – 9:00 pm, April 15-16
7:00 am – 5:30 pm, April 17
Long Beach Convention Center, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.gplb.com/

Catch all the excitement of the races all weekend in beautiful Downtown Long Beach, as the streets transform into a speed zone. Open to all ages, racing events take place throughout the day, so attendees can catch a race at most times of the day. Consult the website to further read about the race schedule, but know that the celebrity race takes place in the early afternoon on Saturday, and the grand prix takes place Sunday afternoon. Ticket prices vary by type, but a general admission weekend pass costs $70. The massive area that the grand prix covers features multiple entrances, so visitors do not need to seek out any particular entrance – just the entrance most convenient to them. All visitors must mind the increased traffic in & around Long Beach during this weekend, plus the multiple street closures. Preferably, public transportation remains the same price, so visitors should look into that option. As the races take place entirely outdoors, attendees should prepare for the excess heat with sunblock and plenty of hydration. Most if not all of the vendors accept cash only, but attendees can still access businesses in Shoreline Village, which will accept cards.

The Trooper Returns
3:00 pm – 12:00 am, April 15
12:00 pm – 12:00 am, April 16
Phantom Carriage Brewery, Carson
http://www.phantomcarriage.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/507670256101391/

Iron Maiden beer comes to Phantom Carriage in Carson this weekend, and you have a chance to scoop some up. Free to attend, Phantom Carriage will sell the limited Iron Maiden beers on a first come, first served basis, and they will also show Iron Maiden concert videos all weekend.

Tour For Life: Pet Adoptions
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, April 15
Pet Food Express, Pasadena
http://pasadenahumane.org/event/north-shore-animal-leagues-tour-for-life-adoption-event/

A pet adoption event comes to Pasadena this Friday evening. Stop on by, as they will have giveaways, discounted pet adoptions, and more.

Odd Nights at the Autry
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, April 15
Autry Museum, Los Angeles
http://theautry.org/programs/special-events/the-odd-market

Free to attend for all ages, enjoy an evening of shopping, live music, food, arts & crafts, and more at the Autry Museum this Friday night.

Steinfest – Oktoberfest in April
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, April 15
Alpine Village, Torrance
http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/upcoming-events/fri-3-steinfest/

Alpine Village’s traditional Oktoberfest celebration returns for its mid-year event this Friday night. Admission costs $10, but those arriving in an Oktoberfest outfit can enter for free! No one under 21 may attend.

Tough Mudder Los Angeles 2016
7:00 am – 6:00 pm, April 16-17
Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino
http://toughmudder.com/events/2016-los-angeles

Tough Mudder needs no introduction – its legacy alone describes it in ways that words cannot. Expect to train hard this week, all leading up to madness this weekend.

Pinup Girl Clothing Yardsale
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, April 16
Anaheim Marriott, Anaheim
http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/967709676641806/

Check out this pinup clothing pop-up taking place this Saturday at the Marriott in Anaheim near the convention center. Free to attend for all ages, expect to find many clothes and accessories for under $60. While the vendors will accept both cash and credit, parking at the venue takes cash only.

Green Scene Plant & Garden Expo
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, April 16-17
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://fullertonarboretum.org/event_green.php

Check out a diverse range of plants, arts & crafts, and more this weekend at the Fullerton Arboretum at Cal State Fullerton. Admission costs $8 for this all-ages event.

Downtown Burbank Arts Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 16-17
San Fernando Blvd b/t Magnolia & Olive, Downtown Burbank
http://dtnbur.com/

Check out hundreds of artists, street painters, sidewalk chalk artists, and more this weekend in Downtown Burbank. Completely free to attend for all ages, guests can exhibit the many art on display, create their own art with sidewalk chalk or other artists allowing guests to interact, or purchase art to take home.

Rendezvous Artisan Market: Santa Monica
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, April 16-17
Museum of Flying, Santa Monica
http://www.rendezvousmarket.com/

Free to attend for all ages, over a hundred local vendors will set up in Santa Monica for a weekend of food, treats, shopping, and more.

25th Annual Poppy Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, April 16-17
Lancaster City Park, Lancaster
http://www.poppyfestival.com/

Bring out the family to this all-ages family-fun festival this weekend in Lancaster. This festival will have plenty of activities for everyone to get involved with, along with food, drinks, multiple vendors, music, dance, art, games, rides, and more. Admission for regular adults costs $8, while children, seniors, and military can enter for $5.

LAUSD Grand Arts Festival
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, April 16
Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://achieve.lausd.net/arts
http://grandparkla.org/event/lausd-grand-arts-festival/

Free to attend for all ages, thousands of students from dozens of LA County schools will exhibit their art at this event in Downtown LA this Saturday afternoon. Visitors will also find live entertainment, gourmet food trucks, arts & crafts, and more.

Steampunk Spring Picnic
10:30 am – 5:30 pm, April 16
Old Poway Train Park, Poway
http://www.sdsteampunk.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1690225247910592/

Mix & mingle with other steampunk enthusiasts this Saturday in Poway. This event has no cover charge or strict programming – just show up whenever you like, preferably dressed for the occasion, and socialize.

Abnormal Beer Company’s One Year Anniversary
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, April 16
The Cork and Craft, Rancho Bernardo, San Diego
http://abnormalbeer.co/
http://www.facebook.com/events/543207895841034/

Abnormal Beer Company launched to the public last year, and they have just turned a year old. To celebrate, they will have a party right where it started last year. Free to attend for all ages, guests will find special brews, bar bites, a live DJ, raffle prizes, a preview of the brewery expansion, and more.

Bikini Bike Wash
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, April 16
Huntington Beach Harley Davidson, Westminster
http://www.hbharley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/166837517035750/

Got a Harley that needs a wash? Bring it down to HB Harley Davidson this Saturday and let some bikini girls wash it for you. Bring cash to pay for the wash, plus some extra cash for tip.

Star Wars: May The Furs Be With You
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, April 16
Dogtopia Doggy Day Care, Anaheim
http://www.barksoflove.org/events.html

A doggy fundraiser comes to Anaheim Hills this Saturday afternoon. This event will have two life size, fully functional R2-D2 droids, plus volunteers from the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion in costume. Attendees can take lots of photos, participate in costume contests, purchase raffle tickets, and more. Admission costs $10 for adults or $5 for children.

11th Annual Vintage Fashion Show and Tea
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 16
Heritage Square Museum, Los Angeles
http://heritagesquare.org/events/calendar/11th-annual-vintage-fashion-show-and-tea

See beautiful costumes and vintage gowns this Saturday in Los Angeles. Following the fashion show, visitors can participate in an afternoon tea buffet, check out the museum, browse the fashion vendors, and more. Presale tickets cost $30 for adults or $15 for children.

4th Annual Riverside Tamale Festival
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, April 16
White Park, Riverside
http://riversidetamalefestival.weebly.com/

Enjoy Hispanic food and culture this Saturday afternoon in Riverside. Admission costs only $5, but all guests must pay for tamales at cost, so bring cash for that.

Santa Barbara Earth Day 2016
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, April 16-17
Alameda Park, Santa Barbara
http://www.sbearthday.org/

Free to attend for all ages, Santa Barbara will host an Earth Day fair this weekend. Guests will find lots of activities, arts & crafts, live entertainment, food & drinks, and more.

2nd Annual L.A. Local Craft Beer & Artisan Food Fest
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, April 16
Alpine Village, Torrance
http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/events/los-angeles-craft-beer-food-fest/

Check out the best of local food and beer at this tasting event this Saturday afternoon at Alpine Village in Torrance. Admission costs $35 presale or $40 at the door, and provides access to unlimited food and beer tastings while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

16th Annual Taste of Hillcrest
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, April 16
5th & Robinson, Hillcrest, San Diego
http://fabuloushillcrest.com/events/taste-of-hillcrest-2016/

Savor the flavors of all the amazing eateries in Hillcrest this Saturday afternoon. Over 40 restaurants will offer delicious samples to guests, while a handful of local breweries will provide beer tasters for guests. Admission costs $30 presale or $35 on the day of the event. Admission includes 50 taster tickets, and each location accepts different amounts of tickets. Guests can move at their own pace, and select which locations to spend their tickets at.

2016 California Wine Festival – Dana Point
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, April 16
Lantern Bay Park, Dana Point
http://www.californiawinefestival.com/ticketsbuytickets/orange-county-wine-festival/

Enjoy food and wine at this wine tasting event this Saturday afternoon in Dana Point. General admission costs $69 and starts at 1pm, early admission costs $89 and starts at 12pm, and VIP admission costs $109, starts at 12pm, and includes a few extra VIP perks.

Monrovia Station Beer & Music Festival
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, April 16
Metro Gold Line Monrovia Station, Monrovia
http://beerfests.com/events/monrovia-station-beer-music-fest/

To celebrate the opening of Station Square Park & Metro Gold Line, Monrovia will have a beer and music festival there this Saturday afternoon. General admission costs $45 and starts at 2pm, while VIP admission costs $55 and starts at 1pm. Admission at the gate costs $65, if any tickets remain. All attendees receive fifteen 6oz beer tasters, plus access to local food vendors and the live music stage. No one under 21 may attend.

Mikkeller Brewing San Diego Grand Opening
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, April 16
Mikkeller Brewing, Miramar, San Diego
http://mikkeller.dk/location/mikkeller-brewing-san-diego/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1523339264629334/

Guess who took over the old AleSmith location? Mikkeller has touched down in Southern California, and they will open their doors to the public this Saturday afternoon. Free to attend, guests will find plenty of booze, live music, mobile food vendors, and more.

Cosmo 7K – All Ladies Run/Walk
3:30 pm – 9:30 pm, April 16
Fairplex, Pomona
http://energyevents.com/cosmo7k-pomona

Only women can participate in this 7k fun run this Saturday! All participants receive complimentary snacks, a t-shirt, a souvenir martini glass, a goodie bag, and more.

OC Roller Girls: I Love Block And Roll
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, April 16
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 $15.

Implants: Live in Laguna Niguel
6:00 pm – 12:00 am, April 16
The Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel
http://www.facebook.com/events/215459385462267/

Check out some great local punk rock bands this Saturday night in Laguna Niguel. Tickets to this show cost $7 presale or $10 at the door. No one under 21 may enter.

Guttermouth: Live in Corona
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, April 16
Bar 1650, Corona
http://xxx-guttermouth-xxx.com/
http://www.selloutevents.com/event/1131369

Everyone’s favorite offensive punk band Guttermouth will headline a small show in Corona this Saturday night. Tickets to this show cost $15. No one under 21 may enter.

30th Annual Fallbrook Avocado Festival
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 17
Main Street, Downtown Fallbrook
http://www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/events-v2/avocado-festival.html

This annual local treat returns to Fallbrook this Sunday to celebrate the legacy of the California avocado. Free to attend for all ages, visitors will find hundreds of vendors booths, arts & crafts, live entertainment, food & drinks, activities, and more.

27th Annual San Diego Earth Fair
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 17
Balboa Park, San Diego
http://earthdayweb.org/

This FREE and all-ages Earth Day celebration takes place this Sunday at Balboa Park in San Diego. Bring the family out to enjoy this fair with art galleries, “green” food, arts & crafts, vendors, a parade, and more.

Pinup Parade in the Park
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, April 17
Disneyland Park, Anaheim
http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/692802034195626/

Pinup Girl Clothing will host their semiannual pinup model meetup this Sunday at Disneyland. In addition to plenty of photo opportunities, expect to find goodie bags, trivia, contests, and more.

Local Brews & Local Grooves
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, April 17
House of Blues, Anaheim
http://www.houseofblues.com/anaheim/events/eventdetail/?viewNav=/event-detail&eventId=09005047F4D81503

Sample beers from over a dozen breweries while enjoying the sounds of local musicians at this semiannual food & beer event this Sunday afternoon at House of Blues in Downtown Disney in Anaheim. Admission costs $12, while the tasting wristband costs an additional $15 and come with five taste tickets, good towards food or beer.

Beer Up – Speakeasy Ales & Lagers’ Payback Porter

Prohibition represented a dark time in American history. The government taking away something that the people desire only sounds like a plot one would hear of in a movie or television series. During that time, underground/hidden bars cropped up known as speakeasies, representing bars stealthily hidden from the public view, known only to people with connections. When Prohibition got repealed, the need for speakeasies diminished. However, the concept of speakeasies persisted, and patrons who appreciated the theme kept them intact. Nowadays, speakeasies have no reason to exist aside from nostalgia and theming, so places that resembles them receive praise for keeping an old tradition alive, such as Speakeasy Ales & Lagers.

As they approach their 18th anniversary, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers keeps the old speakeasy tradition alive by sticking with the theme. Based in San Francisco, locals revere this brewery for not only standing the test of time, but for delivering quality goods to our hands and mouths. Speakeasy has an amazing lineup of brews, all complete with their own art and theme with a story, such as their Payback Porter. Fans of dark beer will love this robust porter, which sits at 7.5% abv. American hops and dark imported malts give this brew its robust strength. Additional flavors in this brew come from English chocolate malts and rolled oats, which yield a dark brown color, roasted malt aroma, strong coffee flavor, and a smooth finish. A solid brew like this drinks well on its own, but for those enjoying Payback Porter with food, it pairs well with sweet flavors, such as barbecue, caramelized onions, or chocolate.

If you cannot make it to their 18th anniversary celebration this weekend, honor them by enjoying a cold Speakeasy brew at home. You can acquire their beers at your local bottle shop, such as Total Wine & More. See what they have in store for the craft beer community by liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.

5 Craft Beers Obtainable in the Los Angeles Area You Must Try This Fall

The age of the domestic beer monopoly in the United States shrinks with each passing day. The beer industry around the world dominates the alcoholic beverage industry, as consumers drink 3,500 bottles of beer for every one glass of wine – that makes 8,000 times more beer consumed by the liter. Annually, consumers worldwide drink 189 billion liters of beer, but only 24 million liters of wine. While drinking habits may peak during certain times of the year such as holidays, the consumption of beverages remains fairly consistent and rarely makes huge changes in consumption from one day to the next. An exception to this exists on Thanksgiving Eve, the day of the year when the most alcohol gets consumed throughout the world. With Thanksgiving approaching in less than two months from now, several beers have made their way to the shelves of your favorite local liquor store for this specific season. If you want to savor the coolest brews this season has to offer, check out these five brews certain to wet your whistle.

5. Coronado Brewing Company‘s Punk’in Drublic

Other than bearing the same name as a punk rock album, this pumpkin ale represents the pumpkin style quite well, but steps it up a notch with its west coast flair. San Diego County never shies away from strong bold brews, and Coronado Brewing displays that very well with Punk’in Drublic. This 8% abv imperial pumpkin ale contains brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and of course, lots of pumpkins. The resulting brew yields lots of sweet characteristics without the overbearing sweetness found in most soft drinks. The pumpkin itself provides its own finish, allowing the flavor to linger for a bit with each sip. People may criticize pumpkin beers, but perhaps adding some local flavor may mix things up.

4. Uinta Brewing Company‘s Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin

Mainstream media has done quite a job over the past few decades of giving beer a negative connotation. Television shows like Married With Children or King Of The Hill depict men lazily drinking beer and performing other manly activities, like gambling or standing around doing nothing. However, the media fails to show the artistic side of beer. The art of brewing requires intense studying and inherent knowledge of the industry or ingredients necessary to brew beer. In addition to the brewing, micro brewery owners need artists to give life and a face to their brand. Consumers will either see a bottle or tap handle first before trying the beer, so a good first impression can influence opinions of the beer. If you seek fancy beer art, take a look at some of the beers from Uinta Brewing. This Salt Lake City brewpub has had a foot in Southern California for at least a few years by now, but most people tend to overlook them for other prominent breweries like Deschutes, Great Divide, or Avery. Although Uinta’s distribution reaches California, they have yet to cement an image of their company in the minds of Californians. This all changed with the improvisation of their themed lines of beers. Each series of brews contains its own themes, but Californians may best recognize beers from Uinta’s Crooked Line, which houses Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin. Clocking in at 10.31% abv, this amber-colored beer yields an aroma of pumpkins, brown sugar, oak, and Fall spices, while tasting like pumpkin pie, cinnamon, nutmeg, and oaked whisky. The Crooked Line consists of Uinta’s odd or strong brews that do not fit in the other categories. Uinta strongly supports the local art community, and looks to them for inspiration for naming beers in the Crooked Line. Explore all of Uinta’s beers, and see for yourself how they give back to the community more than just refreshing beers.

3. The Lost Abbey‘s Witch’s Wit

If something does not fit in with the others, do you call it a black sheep or a wolf in sheep’s clothing? You probably answered black sheep… but what if the black sheep holds power over the herd? Standing out from the crowd, The Lost Abbey does their own thing down there in San Diego County and pays no attention to all the other breweries around that all compete for the top West Coast IPA of San Diego. While the hundreds of breweries in San Diego County all attempt to produce the best West Coast IPA, Lost Abbey simply wants to make the boldest, strongest brews, regardless of style. Lost Abbey has personified this so well that any other brewery that also only focuses on strong brews, such as The Bruery, Valiant Brewing, and Four Sons Brewing, may colloquially receive the unofficial nickname as the “Lost Abbey” of fill-in-the-city/county/region. How can you tell that Lost Abbey does their own thing independent of the rest? Take a look at last season’s seasonal brew: Witch’s Wit. For a 750ml bottle, it only sits at a measly 4.8% abv, classifying it as a session ale. Although originally released as a summer seasonal, the combination of coriander, wheat citrus, honey, and oats give it a filling presence, perfect for the Fall season when things start to cool down. Many will disagree with drinking a seasonal beer during the wrong season. That means that the beer has had some time to age. Consumers may age certain beers nicely, while consumers should avoid aging certain other beers. Witch’s Wit definitely can age, but I would cut off the aging of this at 12 months.

2. Speakeasy Ales & Lagers‘ Blind Tiger

When people thinks about Fall beers, they tend to envision pumpkins, squashes, bocks, and Oktoberfest beers. Something about the Fall harvest plus the merry celebrations of the Germans cause people to crave a beer representative of those thoughts. Not everyone thinks along those lines, however. While the hive minds will tend to shift towards what the majority believes, the outliers will scuttle in a different direction, and Speakeasy Ales & Lagers will await those who walk off of the beaten path. Brewing for almost two decades by now, Speakeasy has carved out a solid name for themselves to the locals in San Francisco. From their vivacious brews to their speakeasy-style tasting room, craft beer fans cannot get enough of Speakeasy! Speakeasy does not develop traditional seasonal beers; rather, they have set yearly releases of certain styles, none of which match the current trend of the industry. As such, now in the Fall season, you may encounter Blind Tiger, a complete turn from what many perceive as traditional Fall beers. While Speakeasy released Blind Tiger in mid-summer, Southern Californians recently discovered Blind Tiger on store shelves as of last month. This 9.5% abv imperial IPA represents Speakeasy’s hoppiest beer, with the aroma and taste dominated with four different hops, followed by subtle malts. The aftertaste yields signs of piney, citrusy hops that you must enjoy fresh. If you stumble upon the dumb luck of witnessing this magnificent bottle on a store shelf, do not hesitate to purchase it immediately!

1. Hangar 24 Craft Brewery‘s Gourdgeous

Having officially lived through the Fall season for over two weeks, we can already enjoy the perks of Fall. For example, the weather has changed from excessively hot to the kind of weather where you wear a jacket in the morning and a tank top in the afternoon. Also in the Fall, coffee lovers rejoice over the return of Pumpkin Spice Lattés from Starbucks. Fall in general reminds us all of pumpkins, yams, squashes, and other similar produce. At this time, I would like to thank Beer Advocate for their integral role in this year’s popularization of pumpkin beers with a simple innocent retweet that managed to infuriate their followers to the level of a headless horseman. With the rising desire for pumpkin beers, breweries have to stay a step ahead of the competition to capitalize on what the market demands, and Hangar 24 Craft Brewery took that go-ahead step last year. With as big as a local reputation as Stone Brewing, Hangar 24 stands toe-to-toe with the big guys of Southern California, never relenting in the face of pressure. Their massive popularity stems from their incredibly diverse selective of brews, from the light & approachable Orange Wheat to the bold & assertive Double IPA. In addition to their year-round lineup, Hangar 24 releases a handful of seasonal releases, and will usually have up to three series of beers available at a time. For example, during the Fall season, Hangar 24 will have Oktoberfest, Gourdgeous, and a surprise brew available in addition to the year-round offerings. For now, we focus on Gourdgeous, perhaps the true personification of a pumpkin beer. Unlike most pumpkin ales, Gourdgeous falls under the classification of an imperial porter brewed with pumpkins, molasses, and spices. Standing tall at 8.5% abv, this American porter combines the rich, roasted flavors of a porter with pumpkins, dark chocolate, caramel, and spices. Imagine a peanut butter cup, but with pumpkin butter instead of peanuts, and in the form of beer. I believe Trader Joe’s has Pumpkin Butter Cups, and if they do not carry it yet, they will very soon. Oh sweet joy, seasonal candy you can drink that has alcohol in it? Count me in!