Upcoming Events: May 14-20, 2018

American Craft Beer Week
May 14-20
Nationwide
http://www.craftbeer.com/news-and-events/american-craft-beer-week

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

Naja’s Place 10th Annual IPA Festival
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 16-23
Naja’s Place, Redondo Beach
http://www.najasplace.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/2023780541215170/

For eight days straight, Naja’s Place in Redondo Beach will tap nothing but IPA’s from all over. Come get hopped up at Naja’s Place this week.

Belmont Shore Stroll & Savor
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, May 16-17
Along 2nd Street, Belmont Shore
http://www.belmontshore.org/stroll-savor/

This “Taste of Belmont Shore” occurs during the summer months annually from May through August on the third Wednesday and the Thursday immediately after. Attendees may purchase booklets of 12 tickets for $10, and redeem these tickets for food & drink samples from various restaurants along 2nd Street.

23rd Annual Taste of Anaheim
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, May 17
GardenWalk, Anaheim
http://www.tasteofanaheim.com/

Taste food samples from Anaheim’s great local establishments this Thursday evening at the GardenWalk near Disneyland. Admission costs $40 presale and $45 at the door, and comes with unlimited food samples from all participating restaurants while supplies last. In addition to free parking, guests may bid on various prizes in a silent auction. All drinks come at an additional price.

Summer And Music 2018 Kick Off
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 17
Fingerprints Music, Long Beach
http://www.summerandmusic.com/

A free and all-ages music event will take place in Long Beach this Thursday night with local musicians performing.

3rd Annual Venice Art Crawl
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 17
Venice Beach
http://www.veniceartcrawl.com/

Venice gets their own art walk this week, complete with a plethora of events that will take place throughout Venice. Check the website for a full list of art exhibits and other art events taking place.

Youth Brigade – Live in Southern California
9:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 17, Slide Bar, Fullerton
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 18, Five Star Bar, Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/Youth-Brigade-116389007096/

Legendary punk rock band Youth Brigade will headline a few shows in Southern California this week. The cover for each show varies by the location. No one under 21 may enter any of these shows.

2018 Orange County Greek Festival
3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 18
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 19-20
St. John Greek Orthodox Church, Anaheim
http://ocgreekfest.com/

This annual all-ages Greek fair takes place this weekend between Buena Park and Anaheim. For $3 admission, attendees will find many merchandise vendors, plenty of food, drinks, live music, rides, games, and more. Guests must park in the parking lot behind Sears at the Buena Park Mall, then take the free shuttle to and from the fair.

5th Annual OC Night Market
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 18-19
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 20
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://www.ocnightmarket.com/

The popular 626 Night Market comes to Orange County this weekend at the OC Fair in Costa Mesa. This weekend-long all-ages festival brings the nightlife of the east to the west, and shows the locals what goes on at night in populated Asian cities. Visitors will find lots of food, merchandise, live entertainment, music, games, and more. Admission costs $5 per person, while parking costs $8 per vehicle. These night market events always see wall-to-wall people, so expect a big crowd all weekend.

Monrovia Days 2018
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 18
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, May 19
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 20
Library Park, Monrovia
http://www.monroviadays.org/

A free and all-ages event will take place this weekend in Monrovia. Enjoy a city fair complete with games, rides, food, vendors, entertainment, and more.

31st Annual Yorba Linda Lobsterfest
5:30 pm – 11:30 pm, May 18
Yorba Linda Community Center, Yorba Linda
http://www.yllobsterfest.com/

For $88 presale or $100 at the door, gain access to all-you-can-eat lobster and steak while supplies last. Attendees will also find a silent auction, live music, a full bar, and more.

Brea Bonanza Days 2018
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm, May 18
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 19-20
W Birch St, Downtown Brea
http://www.breadowntown.com/brea-bonanza-days-2018/

A free and all-ages street fair and country music concert takes place on the streets of Downtown Brea this weekend.

Uncorked: LA Vintner’s Market
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 18
Skirball Cultural Center, Brentwood
http://uncorkedwinefestivals.com/uncorked-wine-festival-la-vintners-market/

A fancy wine tasting event comes to Brentwood this Friday night. General admission costs $60 and starts at 7pm, while VIP admission costs $70 and starts at 6pm. No one under 21 may attend.

Punk Rock Karaoke
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 19
Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel
http://www.originalpunkrockkaraoke.com/
http://www.facebook.com/PunkRockKaraoke

Live out your punk rock dream with Punk Rock Karaoke this weekend, complete with a backing band consisting of professional musicians. Admission costs $10 for each show. No one under 21 may enter.

24th Annual Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival
8:00 am – 2:00 pm, May 19
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 20
Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton
http://www.muckcarshow.org/

See tons of cars, new and old, this weekend at The Muck in Fullerton. In addition, catch food trucks, local breweries, and local musicians as they accent this car festival. Admission to this event costs $5 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday.

2nd Annual OTL Tournament & Craft Beer Festival
8:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 19-20
Mariners Point, Mission Beach, San Diego
http://www.ombac.org/

An over-the-line tournament will take place throughout this weekend in San Diego, as well as a craft beer festival on Saturday afternoon. The beer fest will run from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday afternoon and cost $30 to enter. The tournament costs $120 for a three-person team.

39th Annual Fiesta del Sol
9:00 am – 9:00 pm, May 19-20
Fletcher Cove, Solana Beach
http://fiestadelsol.net/

Check out this free and all-ages street fair in Solana Beach this weekend, complete with food, vendors, arts & crafts, games, rides, live entertainment, and more.

32nd Annual Bug Fair
9:30 am – 5:00 pm, May 19-20
Natural History Museum, Los Angeles
http://nhm.org/site/activities-programs/bug-fair

Explore the world of bugs and insects this weekend at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. Admission into the museum costs $27, with discounts available for students and seniors.

8th Annual Session Fest
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, May 19
Eagle Rock Brewery, Eagle Rock
http://www.eaglerockbrewery.com/eagle-walk-sip-savor-event-2/

On the opposite side of strong ales lie session beers – beers lower in alcohol content while maximizing flavor. Brewers created session ales so that craft beer lovers can drink more in a session without going overboard, especially with strong ales or hoppy beers. Eagle Rock Brewery started Session Fest to encourage new craft beer drinkers to enjoy what breweries can offer, and they will repeat the fest again this Saturday. For $25 presale or $30 at the door, guests will receive five pints of any session beer featured at the tasting room, in addition to keeping the glass they receive to drink out of. Guests may purchase additional drink tickets if desired. No one under 21 may attend.

Pirate Days
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 19-20
Maritime Museum, San Diego
http://sdmaritime.org/visit/public-events/pirate-days/

Bring out the family to this all-ages pirate festival featuring live entertainment, music, arts & crafts, games, rides, food, drinks, and more. General admission costs $17, with discounts available for seniors, military, children, and students.

Los Angeles Ultimate Women’s Expo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 19-20
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://lawomensexpo.com/

This two-day expo in Los Angeles celebrates women’s culture with shopping, fashion, food, entertainment, cosmetics, career development, travel, financial planning, and more. Other activities include spa treatments, massages, martini & wine tastings, retail therapy, celebrity keynote speakers, endless shopping, samples, and more. Admission to the expo costs only $10.

6th Annual Heritage of Aloha Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 19-20
Heritage Park, Santa Fe Springs
http://www.hooilinafoundation.com/heritage-of-aloha-fest

This FREE and all-ages Hawaiian cultural festival contains food, drinks, live entertainment, music, dancing, arts & crafts, games, contests, and over 70 different vendors.

2018 Beverly Hills Art Show
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 19-20
Beverly Gardens Park, Beverly Hills
http://www.beverlyhills.org/exploring/beverlyhillsartshow/artshowinformation/

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

2018 California Strawberry Festival
10:00 am – 6:30 pm, May 19-20
College Park, Oxnard
http://strawberry-fest.org/

An all-ages fair/carnival comes to Oxnard this weekend, complete with live entertainment, food, drinks, desserts, rides, games, vendors, arts & crafts, and more. Tickets start at $5, while parking costs $10 per vehicle.

2nd Annual Comic Con Revolution
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, May 19-20
Ontario Convention Center, Ontario
http://www.comicconrevolution.com/

Comic fans rejoice! A new comic con arrives at the Ontario Convention Center this Saturday. Admission ranges from $15 to $40 based on age and when you want to attend, giving guests all-day entry to the all-ages expo, where they can find plenty of merchandise, vendors, workshops, seminars, comic book signings/autographs, and more. Expect hundreds of cosplayers, as both exhibitors and attendees will dress up as their favorite fictional character. Bring plenty of cash for parking and food at the convention center.

1st Annual Long Beach Filipino Festival
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 19
Silverado Park, Long Beach
http://lbfilipinofest.com/

A free and all-ages cultural festival comes to West Long Beach this Saturday afternoon. Visitors will find food, arts & crafts, games, live entertainment, vendors, and more.

Venice Spring Fling 8
11:00 am – 7:30 pm, May 19
Windward Plaza, Venice
http://venicefestivals.com/venicespringfling/

A free & all-ages music & arts festival will take place in Venice this Saturday afternoon.

2018 San Diego Taco Fest
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, May 19
Waterfront Park, San Diego
http://sdtacofest.com/

Tacos, drinks, music, dancing, dogs, wrestling, wild women, and lots of other unrelated things collide this Saturday in San diego. General admission costs $30 presale or $35 at the gate and gets you in to this wicked party. Admission does not include food or drinks – it only just gets you inside, so you still have to pay for everything once in. No one under 21 may attend.

2018 Long Beach Pride Festival & Parade
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, May 19-20
Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach
http://longbeachpride.com/

An LGBT pride festival takes place this weekend in Long Beach, complete with live entertainment, music, dance, vendors, food, arts & crafts, and more. Admission costs $20 presale or $25 at the door.

2018 Ventura Surf ‘n’ Suds Beer Festival
11:30 am – 5:00 pm, May 19
Ventura Harbor, Ventura
http://surfbeerfest.com/

This beer tasting event in Ventura will have over 45 breweries to choose beer from, as well as local surfboard shapers, local music, food trucks, and more. General admission costs $50 and starts at 12:30pm, while VIP admission costs $65 and starts at 11:30am. All attendees receive unlimited beer tastings while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Newport Beach Spirit Tasting: 2018 SIP Awards
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, May 19
Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach
http://sipawards.com/

Sample dozens of different liquors and spirits this Saturday afternoon in Newport Beach. General admission costs $40, while VIP admission costs $70 and includes priority tasting plus a VIP gift. All attendees receive unlimited spirits tasters while supplies last, plus appetizers and live entertainment. No one under 21 may attend.

Eeeeeats Con
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 19
Barker Hangar, Santa Monica
http://theinfatuation.com/EEEEEATSCON

Sample food from dozens of Los Angeles County restaurants at this all-ages event this Saturday in Santa Monica. General admission costs $40, while VIP admission costs $100 and includes a VIP lanyard, early entry, a water bottle, and gift bag. Admission only gets you in to the event – all attendees will still need to pay for all food or drinks once inside.

Hangar 24 AirFest & 10th Anniversary Celebration
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 19
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 20
Redlands Municipal Airport, Redlands
http://www.hangar24airfest.com/

Celebrate Hangar 24 Brewery’s 10th Anniversary with an all-day air show at the Redlands Municipal Airport, located just across the street from the tasting room. Guests gain entry into the airport, where they will witness aerial acrobatics, vintage planes on displays in the hangars, and fireworks shows at night. Live bands will play music all day, and food trucks will keep guests fed and full. Last but not least, Hangar 24 will unleash over 30 beers for consumption, including many rare and limited brews. Admission ranges from $5 to $175 depending on age and if you want to include beer.

7th Annual LitFest Pasadena
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 19-20
Playhouse District, Pasadena
http://litfestpasadena.org/

Check out this free and all-ages event dedicated to books and authors taking place this weekend in Pasadena.

Pico Block Party Spring 2018
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 19
18th Street Arts Center, Santa Monica
http://18thstreet.org/event/pico-block-party-empowering-youth-voices/

Check out this free and all-ages music & arts event this Saturday afternoon in Santa Monica.

2018 Tustin Lobsterfest
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 19
Peppertree Park, Tustin
http://www.tustinlobsterfest.com/

At this annual fundraiser, guests pay $85 presale or $100 at the gate for all-you-can-eat lobster and tri-tip, and other picnic foods like hot dogs, salads, mac & cheese, baked potatoes, various pastries, and more. Each entry ticket comes with an entry to a lottery to win $1000!

4th Annual D6 Night Market
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 19
Mira Mesa Community Park, San Diego
http://d6nightmarket.com/

A night market comes to Mira Mesa in San Diego County this Saturday night, free to attend for all ages. come check out all the food, vendors, music, dancing, games, and more.

Celebrate Yorba Linda
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 19
Main Street, Yorba Linda
http://celebrateyorbalinda.com/

A free and all-ages street fair will take place in Downtown Yorba Linda this Saturday night.

OC Roller Derby – Home Tournament Championships
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 19
The Rinks, Huntington Beach
http://www.ocderby.com/

Watch intense & brutal girl-on-girl action at this roller derby battle this Saturday in Huntington Beach. Tickets cost $15 each.

5th Annual Taste Of Santa Ana
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 19
MainPlace Mall, Santa Ana
http://www.assistanceleague.org/santa-ana/best-taste-of-santa-ana/

Sample food from various Santa Ana restaurants for $30 per person this Saturday night.

Punk Rock Night in Lakewood
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 19
The Regal Inn, Lakewood
http://www.facebook.com/events/2045606128789381/

Get your weekly dose of punk rock this Saturday night in Lakewood. The cover for this punk rock show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

The Great Donut Run
8:00 am – 11:00 am, May 20
Irvine Valley College, Irvine
http://www.greatdonutrun.com/

Eat donuts and go on a run this Sunday morning in Irvine. Registration ranges from $25 to $45 based on your age and how long you want to run for.

24th Annual Balboa Island Artwalk
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 20
Balboa Island, Newport Beach
http://www.balboaislandartwalk.info/Artwalk/Balboa_Island_Artwalk.html

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

Escondido Downtown Street Faire
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 20
Grand Ave, Downtown Escondido
http://www.escondido.org/escondido-street-faire.aspx

Here at this free and all-ages street fair, visitors will find over 500 vendors, arts & crafts, food, drinks, games, live entertainment, and more.

Clean Made L.A.
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 20
Civic Center Studios, Downtown Los Angeles
http://cleanmade.com/

A food & wellness event comes to Downtown LA this Sunday, complete with food tastings, yoga, demos, vendors, and more. $5 gets you in to the market side, where you can only access the vendors to buy things. $75 gets you in to a tasting event session – two hours of unlimited food tastings while supplies last. $50 gets you in to the speaker series.

Museums of the Arroyo Day
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 20
Museums of the Arroyo, Pasadena
http://www.museumsofthearroyo.com/

Six museums in Los Angeles and Pasadena will have free admission this Sunday during the listed times.

6th Annual Heritage, Music & Arts Festival
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 20
Angel City Brewery, Downtown Los Angeles
http://angelcitybrewery.com/event/6th-annual-heritage-festival/

Celebrate the culture and spirit of the Downtown LA Arts District at this festival, taking place at Angel City Brewery this Sunday. Local bands will play music all day, food trucks will serve food, brewers will lead brewery tours, and more activities will keep guests occupied. Guests pay no fee to enter, just the cost to purchase anything or participate in some activities. Parking for this event costs $4.

2nd Annual Flavor of L.A.
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 20
CBS Studio Center Back Lot, Studio City
http://flavorofla.com/

$75 gets you in to sample food and drinks from over a dozen different restaurants this Sunday afternoon in Studio City. No one under 21 may attend.

5th Annual South Bay Beer & Wine Festival
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 20
Ernie Howlett Park, Rolling Hills Estates
http://www.sbbeerwinefest.com/

Enjoy food, beer, and wine at this tasting event this Sunday afternoon in the South Bay. Admission costs $75 presale and includes unlimited tastings while supplies last. VIP admission costs $105 and include various perks such as reserved parking. No one under under 21 may attend.

Taste of the Nation – Laguna Beach
2:30 pm – 7:30 pm, May 20
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
http://events.nokidhungry.org/events/laguna-beachs-taste-nation/

Sample culinary creations from some of Orange County’s greatest chefs and restaurants, while quenching your thirst from various wineries, breweries, and other non-alcoholic drink producers. General admission costs $250 and starts at 3:00pm, while VIP admission costs $275 and starts at 2:30pm.

Angelic Upstarts – Sunday Matinee
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 20
Characters Sports Bar, Pomona
http://gonzopresents.com/event/311099

Rock out to hardcore punk rock music this Sunday afternoon in Pomona. The cover for this show costs $15. No one under 21 may enter.

Culinary Condensation at the 22nd Annual Taste of Anaheim

Returning to the Anaheim GardenWalk for its 22nd year, the Taste of Anaheim took off last Thursday evening. This annual event covers most of the northern portion of the GardenWalk, closing the area off as guests could enter to savor the local flavors of Anaheim’s great food & drink businesses. Due to the House of Blues relocating from Downtown Disney to here, all of the walkways leading to it had to remain open to the public, so the space normally taken up by the Taste of Anaheim went away. As a result, the Taste of Anaheim had to condense the participating businesses into less space for this year’s event. For $40 presale or $45 at the door, all attendees received admission to this all-ages festival, where attendees could sample all the food they could handle, bid in a silent auction, jam to live music, sip on finely crafted cocktails, and more.

After browsing through all the participating businesses at Taste of Anaheim, one could almost call this a Taste of Disney & Friends, as Disney generally takes up most of the space. Can a city continue to live under a notion that one business entity represents the entire city? When you have great local establishments like Slater’s 50/50, Noble Ale Works, Anaheim Brewery, The Ranch, and more, why settle to puff the space up with corporate entities that operate only for themselves and not the locals? Sometimes, event planners need to scale back and plan smaller, more intimate events. By hosting a smaller food fest consisting of only local establishments and no corporate entities, visitors can truly receive a taste of the city. For example, if I traveled up to San Francisco for a food fest, I would want to try food from restaurants only found there, not from standard corporate entities like Hooters or Buca Di Beppo. I suppose that if a corporate donates enough money, they can earn a good spot in the food fest, which explains Bubba Gump Shrimp Company’s position at the front of this food fest. Because of this, I always advise visitors to start from the back, since most attendees start from the front, where the corporate vendors usually set up, whereas local vendors set up in the back. Regardless of this all, I still enjoyed my time at the Taste of Anaheim, as I got to try lots of great food and talk to lots of great people. Always stay on the lookout for local businesses, as supporting local business stimulates the local economy, providing growth and jobs necessary for that area to flourish.

Upcoming Events: May 8-14, 2017

Starbucks Frappuccino Happy Hour Week 2017
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 5-14
Participating Starbucks, Worldwide
http://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/frappuccino-blended-beverages

During this 10-day period, visit any participating Starbucks location between 3pm and 6pm, and any Frappuccino drink will cost 50% less.

Häagen-Dazs Free Cone Day
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 9
Häagen-Dazs, Nationwide
http://www.haagendazs.us/FreeConeDay/

Get one FREE ice cream cone this Tuesday evening at any participating Häagen-Dazs store.

The Gears: Live in Fullerton
9:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 10
The Continental Room, Fullerton
http://www.facebook.com/events/421381751552767/

Enjoy a free local punk rock show this Wednesday night in Fullerton. No one under 21 may enter.

1st Annual Los Angeles Times Night Market
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 10-12
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 13-14
Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://lafoodbowl.com/night-market/

The LA Times decides to jump in on the night market craze with their first attempt at a night market this week in Downtown LA. Free to attend for all ages, visitors can expect to find dozens of cultural food vendors here, as well as miscellaneous vendors and live entertainment. Although free to attend, they will have a Super Market that costs $10 to enter and includes exclusive vendors plus additional seating.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon
May 11-14
Disneyland Park, Anaheim
http://www.rundisney.com/tinker-bell-half-marathon/

This entire weekend, the Peter Pan universe takes over the Disneyland Resort with this running extravaganza. Choose your distance (5k, 10k, or half marathon) and course (run or obstacle), and each run will have a different theme, from the lost boys to pirates and more. Throughout the weekend, festivities will take place all over the Disneyland Resort, as well as a health & fitness expo in the Disneyland Hotel. The Peter Pan-themed half marathon takes place at Disneyland this Sunday morning. The half marathon runs through Disneyland Park and surrounding Anaheim streets, and will involve lots of costumes and characters on the sidelines. All participants receive a t-shirt, a medal, a goodie bag, and refreshments during and after the race.

22nd Annual Taste of Anaheim
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, May 11
GardenWalk, Anaheim
http://www.tasteofanaheim.com/

Taste food samples from Anaheim’s great local establishments this Thursday evening at the GardenWalk near Disneyland. Admission costs $40 presale and $45 at the door, and comes with unlimited food samples from all participating restaurants while supplies last. In addition to free parking, guests may bid on various prizes in a silent auction. All drinks come at an additional price.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 11
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.

Gator By The Bay 2017
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 11
3:30 pm – 10:30 pm, May 12
10:30 am – 8:30 pm, May 13
10:30 am – 7:30 pm, May 14
Spanish Landing Park, San Diego
http://www.gatorbythebay.com/

This all-ages Zydeco, Blues, & Crawfish festival runs all this weekend, starting on Thursday night. Enjoy plenty of live entertainment, music, dancing, dance lessons, cooking demos, arts & crafts, Cajun food, and more. Ticket prices vary depending on the method of attendance, starting as low as $15 and running all the way up to $200 for the full package.

Taste Like a Pro
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm, May 11
Off The Vine, San Pedro
http://www.offthevinewines.com/

Taste six wines and learn about them this Thursday night in San Pedro for $40 per person. No one under 21 may attend.

Me First & The Gimme Gimmes – Live in Southern California
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 11, House of Blues, San Diego
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 12, The Observatory, Santa Ana
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 13, The Fonda Theatre, Hollywood
http://www.facebook.com/gimmegimmes

Punk rock cover band Me First & The Gimme Gimmes currently tour across the country, and that tour will end in California this weekend. Ticket prices to these all-ages shows vary by location, so check with the venue for prices.

Suburban Legends: Live in Southern California
6:30 pm – 11:30 pm, May 12, House of Blues, Anaheim
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 13, The Irenic, North Park, San Diego
http://www.suburbanlegends.com/

Popular ska band Suburban Legends will headline some shows in Southern California this week. Ticket prices to these all-ages shows vary by location, so check with the venue for prices.

Punk & Psychobilly Night
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 12
Original Mike’s, Santa Ana
http://www.facebook.com/events/332900010458521/

Get your weekly dose of punk rock this Friday night in Downtown Santa Ana. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 18 may enter.

2017 Tour of Long Beach
6:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 13
Marina Green Park, Long Beach
http://www.touroflongbeach.com/

Join hundreds of locals on a bike ride through Long Beach this Saturday morning, including the mayor and more city officials. This race for charity features different levels of riding for all skill levels, starting with the 100-mile ride, all the way down to the 4-mile family ride. Following the bike rides, a free all-day all-ages festival will take place with more activities to partake in. Registration, which closes Thursday night, varies in cost based on the ride length, while the family ride comes at no cost.

Bubble Run Pomona
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, May 13
Fairplex, Pomona
http://bubblerun.com/upcoming-locations/pomona-ca-2017/

Tired of the same 5k run everywhere? If you have had your fill of color runs and glow runs, try your hand at the Bubble Run. Participants wear all white and run through colored foam bogs in this 5k race. Registration costs $40, and all levels of runners may participate. Space will fill up fast, so register early, and try to carpool to this event.

1 Shop Auto’s 4th Annual Classics & Hot Rods Show
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 13
Home Depot, Signal Hill
http://1shopauto.com/classicsandhotrodsshow.html

Bring out your friends & family to this free and all-ages car show this Saturday in Signal Hill.

16th Annual Stanton Spring Car Show & Kids Fair
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 13
Stanton Park, Stanton
http://ci.stanton.ca.us/Departments/Community-Services/Special-Events

Enjoy a free and all-ages car show and fair this Saturday in Stanton.

2017 San Diego Chocolate Festival
9:00 am – 4:30 pm, May 13
San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
http://www.sdbgarden.org/chocolate.htm

Enjoy plenty of chocolate tastings, demos, and more this Saturday at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. Guests pay the admission of the garden to enter ($12 general admission, discounts available for seniors, students, military, and children), then pay for tasting tickets to receive any of the chocolate or food. The garden will host activities for children to play with, while other guests can check out plant sales or other merchandise perfect for Mother’s Day.

CurioCon 2017
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 13-14
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.curiocon.com/

An expo for all things toys, art, and design returns to Pasadena this weekend. Tickets cost $10 per day or $15 for the weekend and gets you full access to the show floor full of vendors, exhibits, demos, shows, and more.

50th Annual Sunset Beach Art Festival
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 13-14
Pacific Ave, Sunset Beach
http://www.sunsetbeachca.org/specialevent.htm

Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift or any other great gift this weekend in Sunset Beach. Completely free to attend for all ages, the grassy area along Pacific Avenue gets filled with booths from local arts & crafts vendors all selling accessories, apparel, merchandise, and various other goodies. Local bands will play throughout the day, and a few food trucks will make their way down here to serve their wonderful eats.

Fullerton Airport Day 2017
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 13
Fullerton Municipal Airport, Fullerton
http://www.cityoffullerton.com/gov/departments/public_works/airport/airport_day.asp

At this free and all-ages event, visitors can check out all things aviation at the Fullerton Municipal Airport.

8th Annual Irvine Korean Cultural Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 13
Irvine Civic Center, Irvine
http://irvinekoreanfestival.com/

This free and all-ages event showcases Korean culture with food, drinks, music, entertainment, arts & crafts, and more.

40th Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Fair
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 13-14
Bernardo Winery, Rancho Bernardo, San Diego
http://bernardowinery.com/

Free to attend for all ages, check out this arts & crafts fair going on in San Diego complete with food, arts & crafts, vendors, live entertainment, and more.

14th Annual Culver City Car Show
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 13
Veteran’s Memorial Park, Culver City
http://www.culvercitycarshow.com/

Check out a free and all-ages car show in Culver City this Saturday to see hundreds of classic and custom cars, as well as browse dozens of automotive vendors and the local shops and restaurants.

9th Annual Echo Park Craft Fair
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 13-14
Mack Sennett Studios, Echo Park
http://echoparkcraftfair.com/

Check out the finest in food, design, arts & crafts, and more at this craft fair in Echo Park this weekend. Admission to this all-ages fair costs $10 for one day or $16 for both days.

1st Annual Comic Con Revolution
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, May 13
Ontario Convention Center, Ontario
http://www.comicconrevolution.com/

Comic fans rejoice! A new comic con arrives at the Ontario Convention Center this Saturday. Admission costs $25 for adults or $15 for teenagers, while children enter for free with a paid adult admission, giving guests all-day entry to the all-ages expo, where they can find plenty of merchandise, vendors, workshops, seminars, comic book signings/autographs, and more. Expect hundreds of cosplayers, as both exhibitors and attendees will dress up as their favorite fictional character. Bring plenty of cash for parking and food at the convention center.

2nd Annual Holi Festival of Colors – San Fernando Valley
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 13
Woodley Park, Van Nuys
http://www.festivalofcolorsusa.com/

Want to get covered in color without the necessity of moving for five kilometers? Check out the annual Festival of Colors this Saturday. As simply a celebration of color, guests will enjoy live music the entire time, all while mingling and showing off colors. Color throwing occurs every two hours starting at noon. Admission costs $5, and guests can purchase colors at the festival.

3rd Annual Inland Empire Salsa Festival
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 13
White Park, Riverside
http://www.iesalsafestival.com/

This all-ages festival in Riverside will have salsa tasting, live entertainment, a kids zone, a talent competition, a wine & beer garden, and more. Admission to this festival costs $15, but does not include anything else, so have cash available to buy things once inside.

8th Annual Unique LA Spring Show
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 13-14
The California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.uniquemarkets.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 $15 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.

EAT Show 2017
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, May 13
The Reef, Los Angeles
http://theeatshow.com/

Over 50 Los Angeles restaurants will set up at The Reef this Saturday to sample their food for you. General admission costs $60 and gets you in to either of two 4-hour sessions: 11am-3pm or 5pm-9pm. No one under 21 may attend.

2nd Annual Like Totally 80’s Festival
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, May 13
Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach
http://www.liketotallyfestival.com/

An all-ages concert featuring 80’s pop bands moves to Huntington Beach this Saturday. Tickets to this concert cost $40 each.

Tacos y Cerveza
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, May 13
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.santaanita.com/events/tacos-y-cervezas/

$35 gets you eight food tickets (tacos cost either two or three tickets), eight 3oz beer pours, and admission to the race track for a day. No one under 21 may attend.

9th Annual Orange County Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, May 13
Phoenix Club, Anaheim
http://orangecountybeerfest.com/

The annual Orange County Beer Fest returns this Saturday to Phoenix Club in Anaheim. Dozens of microbreweries will gather here and pour all the beers that the guests can drink for the duration of the event. General admission costs $45 and starts at 1pm, while early bird admission costs $55 and starts at 12pm. Tickets at the door cost $10 more. Some bands will play music throughout the fest, while food trucks will serve their delicious eats, sold separately. The fest takes place entirely outdoors, so apply sunscreen prior. No one under 21 may enter.

3rd Annual Reader Tacotopia
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, May 13
Golden Hill Park, San Diego
http://www.readertacotopia.com/

Sample tacos from over 30 of San Diego County’s top restaurants, vote for your favorite taco, and enjoy live music and a cash bar at this tasting event this Saturday afternoon in San Diego. General admission costs $40 presale or $50 at the door, and starts at 1pm. VIP admission costs $55 presale or $65 at the door, and includes two drink tickets. All guests have access to unlimited food samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Akiba Spring Day
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 13
Weller Court, Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles
http://akibaday.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/199229833915525/

Check out this free and all-ages meetup for fans of anime and manga. Expect to see a handful of cosplay here as well.

Newport Beach Spirit Tasting: 2017 SIP Awards
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 13
Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach
http://sipawards.com/

Sample dozens of different liquors and spirits this Saturday afternoon in Newport Beach. General admission costs $40, while VIP admission costs $70 and includes priority tasting plus a VIP gift. All attendees receive unlimited spirits tasters while supplies last, plus appetizers and live entertainment. No one under 21 may attend.

2017 Avenue Amps & Ales
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 13
Memorial Park, Chula Vista
http://thirdavenuevillage.com/avenue-amps-ales-pours-onto-third-avenue-may-13/

A beer festival comes to Chula Vista this Saturday afternoon. General admission costs $40 and starts at 2pm. VIP admission costs $55 and starts at 1pm. All attendees receive unlimited beer pours for the duration of the event while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

San Diego Paella & Wine Festival
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 13
Embarcadero Marina Park South, San Diego
http://paellawinefest.com/

Enjoy paella and wines down by the coast this Saturday afternoon. General admission costs $45 presale or $90 at the door. Non-alcoholic admission costs $40. VIP admission costs $125 and includes access to a VIP area. All attendees receive unlimited food and drink samples while supplies last.

2017 Hillcrest Craft Beer Crawl
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 13
Hillcrest Brewing Company, Hillcrest, San Diego
http://hillcrestcraftbeercrawl.com/

Take a walk and explore the beer, wine, and liquor scene in Hillcrest this Saturday afternoon. Admission costs $20 presale or $25 on the day of the event, and includes a tasting cup and tasters at each participating location. No one under 21 may participate.

2nd Annual Beach Cities Beer & Wine Festival
2:30 pm – 6:30 pm, May 13
Bay Club, Redondo Beach
http://www.smackfestevents.com/beach-cities-beer-wine-festival/

Sample dozens of beers and wines from local breweries and vineyards this Saturday in Redondo Beach. Visitors will also find food, music, and more. Admission costs $45 and includes unlimited beer and wine tasters while supplies last. Guests should bring cash for food and parking. No one under 21 may attend.

Market 90254
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 13
Hermosa Design, Hermosa Beach
http://www.market90254.com/

Check out local vendors, food, drinks, entertainment, art, and more this Saturday evening in Hermosa Beach. Non-alcoholic admission costs $20, while admission with access to drinks costs $35. All attendees receive unlimited food samples while supplies last, plus access to all the vendors.

Vintage Guess
3:30 pm – 9:00 pm, May 13
Eat Drink Americano, Arts District, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.winela.com/vintage-guess-bordeaux

Do a blind wine tasting this Saturday in Downtown LA. Tickets cost $140 presale or $250 at the door, and gets you in to one of two 2-hour sessions: 3:30-5:30 or 7:00-9:00. No one under 21 may attend.

Blacklight Run – Indio
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 13
Indio Open Air Market, Indio
http://www.blacklightrun.com/indioca/

The fun run madness continues with this nightly run through Indio this Saturday night. This run takes place at night, and requires participants to wear all white while getting splattered with neon powder throughout the blacklight-filled course. By the end of the run, all participants will glow with many different colors and enjoy seeing a sea of glowing runners at the afterparty. Registration costs $50 and comes with an event t-shirt, a glow pack to throw at other runners AFTER you have crossed the finish line, and a goodie bag full of items from the event sponsors.

Art Crawl Experience
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 13
Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim
http://downtownanaheim.com/events/ace/

Downtown Anaheim will see a variety of activities and exhibits this Saturday night. Visitors can expect to find tons of art exhibits, live music, food, food trucks, drinks, yoga, dance, and more. Visitors may park for free in the parking structure located at S Clementine Street and W Oak Street.

Anaheim Brewery’s Founder’s Day
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 13
Anaheim Brewery, Anaheim
http://www.anaheimbrew.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/142841239579895/

Enjoy specials beers, guests food vendors, and live music this Saturday at Anaheim Brewery.

D.I. – Live in Laguna Niguel
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 13
The Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel
http://www.facebook.com/events/1853519121604137/

Local punk rock legend D.I. will headline a show in Laguna Niguel this Saturday night. The cover for this show costs $15. No one under 21 may enter.

Mother’s Day
May 14
Worldwide
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day

Mother’s Day arrives this Sunday. Take note that many restaurants and flower shops will have excess business this weekend.

Exotic Bird & Animal Expo – Orange County
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 14
American Sports Center, Anaheim
http://www.exoticbirdmart.com/

Explore a colorful array of exotic birds, as well as snakes, lizards, guinea pigs, rabbits, poultry, and more at this animal show this Sunday morning. Admission costs $10 cash at the door.

Upcoming Events: May 9-15, 2016

Häagen-Dazs Free Cone Day
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 10
Häagen-Dazs, Nationwide
http://www.haagendazs.us/FreeConeDay/

Get one FREE ice cream cone this Tuesday evening at any participating Häagen-Dazs store.

Belmont Shore Stroll & Savor
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, May 11-12
Along 2nd Street, Belmont Shore
http://www.belmontshore.org/stroll-savor/

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

Oskar Blues Pint Nite
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, May 11
Wild Goose Tavern, Costa Mesa
http://www.goosebar.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/523040181218104/

Wild Goose Tavern in Costa Mesa will receive some Oskar Blues brews and pint glasses this Wednesday for your pleasure. Buy a pint, get discounted refills the rest of the night, and take the pint glass home with you.

21st Annual Taste of Anaheim
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, May 12
GardenWalk, Anaheim
http://www.tasteofanaheim.com/

Taste food samples from Anaheim’s great local establishments this Thursday evening at the GardenWalk near Disneyland. Admission costs $40 presale and $45 at the door, and comes with unlimited food samples from all participating restaurants while supplies last. In addition to free parking, guests may bid on various prizes in a silent auction. All drinks come at an additional price.

Business & Beer @ Scholb Premium Ales
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 12
Scholb Premium Ales, 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 Scholb Premium Ales 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, May 12
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.

3rd Annual OC Night Market
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 13-14
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 15
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://www.ocnightmarket.com/

The popular 626 Night Market comes to Orange County this weekend at the OC Fair in Costa Mesa. This weekend-long all-ages festival brings the nightlife of the east to the west, and shows the locals what goes on at night in populated Asian cities. Visitors will find lots of food, merchandise, live entertainment, music, games, and more. Admission costs $5 per person, while parking costs $8 per vehicle. These night market events always see wall-to-wall people, so expect a big crowd all weekend.

Stout Tasting Evening
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 13
Pacific Park Market, Aliso Viejo
http://www.facebook.com/events/993018787460532/

Sample a beer flight of various stouts this Friday evening in Aliso Viejo for $5.

Pennywise: Three Albums, Three Nights
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 13-15
The Observatory, North Park, San Diego
http://pennywisdom.com/

Punk band Pennywise will headline three consecutive nights at The Observatory in San Diego this week, playing a different album each night. Tickets to these all-ages shows vary in price, so check with the website to see prices.

Alton Brown LIVE: Eat Your Science
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm, May 13
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
http://www.altonbrowntour.com/

Listen to Alton Brown speak about the know-how and the how-to of food, cooking, and food science at this seminar this Friday night in Costa Mesa. Admission costs $49.

Booze & Glory: Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 13, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1106135-booze-glory-long-beach/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 14, Characters Sports Bar, Pomona http://www.gonzopresents.com/event/238531
http://www.boozeandglory.com/

UK punk band Booze & Glory makes a rare appearance in Southern California this weekend to perform these shows. Tickets to these shows vary in price, so click on a show’s link for prices. No one under 21 may enter any of these shows.

2016 Tour of Long Beach
6:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 14
Marina Green Park, Long Beach
http://www.touroflongbeach.com/

Join hundreds of locals on a bike ride through Long Beach this Saturday morning, including the mayor and more city officials. This race for charity features different levels of riding for all skill levels, starting with the 100-mile ride, all the way down to the 4-mile family ride. Following the bike rides, a free all-day all-ages festival will take place with more activities to partake in. Registration, which closes Thursday night, varies in cost based on the ride length, while the family ride comes at no cost.

Bubble Run Pomona
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, May 14
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.bubblerun.com/events/pomona/

Tired of the same 5k run everywhere? If you have had your fill of color runs and glow runs, try your hand at the Bubble Run. Participants wear all white and run through colored foam bogs in this 5k race. Registration costs $40, and all levels of runners may participate. Space will fill up fast, so register early, and try to carpool to this event.

Monrovia Days 2016
8:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 14
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 15
Monrovia Library Park, Monrovia
http://www.monroviadays.org/
http://www.monroviadaysmusicfestival.com/

Two different free all-ages events celebrating the same occasion will take place this weekend in Monrovia. On Saturday, enjoy a city fair complete with games, rides, food, vendors, entertainment, and more. On Sunday, enjoy an all-day concert that will also have food, drinks, and vendors.

22nd Annual Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival
8:00 am – 2:00 pm, May 14
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 15
Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton
http://www.muckcarshow.org/

See tons of cars, new and old, this weekend at The Muck in Fullerton. In addition, catch food trucks, local breweries, and local musicians as they accent this car festival. Admission to this event costs $5 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday.

15th Annual Stanton Spring Car Show & Kids Fair
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 14
Stanton Park, Stanton
http://www.ci.stanton.ca.us/departments/parks-and-recreation/special-events

Enjoy a free and all-ages car show and fair this Saturday in Stanton.

7th Annual Irvine Korean Cultural Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 14
Irvine Civic Center, Irvine
http://irvinekoreanfestival.com/

This free and all-ages event showcases Korean culture with food, drinks, music, entertainment, arts & crafts, and more.

The Yummy California Sweets & Beads Show
10:00 am – 5:30 pm, May 14-15
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://www.theyummycaliforniasweetsshow.com/

Check out this bizarre mashup of desserts and beaded jewelry this weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown LA. General admission costs $20, or $15 per person if purchasing a 4-pack, and provides access to the entire expo floor. Parking at the convention center will cost $20 per vehicle. Take note that another event not appropriate for children will also take place at the convention center this weekend (scroll down to see it).

2016 West Coast Natural Hair + Health + Beauty Expo
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, May 14
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 15
Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach
http://www.wcnhexpo.com/

Check out this all-ages hair, health, and beauty expo taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center this weekend and browse dozens of vendors selling and sampling many different products. General admission into the expo costs $20, while VIP admission costs $40 and also includes all the workshops, a refreshment station, and a goodie bag.

3rd Annual Holi Festival of Colors – Oceanside
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 14
Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre, Oceanside
http://www.festivalofcolorsusa.com/

Want to get covered in color without the necessity of moving for five kilometers? Check out the annual Festival of Colors this Saturday. As simply a celebration of color, guests will enjoy live music the entire time, all while mingling and showing off colors. Color throwing occurs every two hours starting at noon. Admission costs $5, and guests can purchase colors at the festival.

2nd Annual Inland Empire Salsa Festival
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, May 14
White Park, Riverside
http://www.iesalsafestival.com/

This all-ages festival in Riverside will have salsa tasting, live entertainment, a kids zone, a talent competition, a wine & beer garden, and more. Admission to this festival costs $12, but does not include anything else, so have cash available to buy things once inside.

5th Annual Rhythm & Brews Music & Craft Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, May 14
Historic Downtown Vista Village, Vista
http://www.sdrhythmandbrews.com/

The San Diego Brewers Guild presents the Rhythm & Brews Music & Craft Beer Festival this Saturday afternoon in the historic Vista Village district. Now in its fifth year, this festival now contains over 50 breweries, nine music acts across three stages, and plenty of food for sale from local businesses. General admission costs $45 presale or $50 at the door, starts at 1pm, and comes with a souvenir glass good for unlimited beer tastings. VIP admission costs $55 presale only, and starts an hour earlier at 12pm. No one under 21 may attend.

2nd Annual Reader Tacotopia
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, May 14
Golden Hill Park, San Diego
http://www.readertacotopia.com/

Sample tacos from over 30 of San Diego County’s top restaurants, vote for your favorite taco, and enjoy live music and a cash bar at this tasting event this Saturday afternoon in San Diego. General admission costs $40 presale or $50 at the door, and starts at 1pm. VIP admission costs $55 presale or $65 at the door, and includes two drink tickets. All guests have access to unlimited food samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

LA On Tap
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 14
California Market Center, Los Angeles
http://americaontap.com/los-angeles-ca/

Dozens of breweries will meet up in Downtown LA this Saturday afternoon to serve their refreshing brews to attendees of this event. Two sessions will take place: an afternoon session and an evening one. General admission costs $45 presale or $55 at the door and starts at 1pm or 5pm and lasts three hours. VIP admission costs $60 presale or $70 at the door, starts at 12pm, and includes a t-shirt and food voucher. All attendees receive unlimited beer pours while supplies last, but food comes at a separate cost, so bring cash for that plus parking. No one under 21 may attend.

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp Across America 2016 Collaborations
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 14
Select Beer Store, Redondo Beach
http://www.selectbeerstore.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1692997077650634/

This Saturday, Select Beer Store in Redondo Beach will have all of this year’s Beer Camp Across America brews for you to try, fresh from the tap.

Hangar 24 AirFest & 8th Anniversary Celebration
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 14
Redlands Municipal Airport, Redlands
http://www.hangar24airfest.com/

Celebrate Hangar 24 Brewery’s 8th Anniversary with an all-day air show at the Redlands Municipal Airport, located just across the street from the tasting room. Guests gain entry into the airport, where they will witness aerial acrobatics, vintage planes on displays in the hangars, and fireworks shows at night. Live bands will play music all day, and food trucks will keep guests fed and full. Last but not least, Hangar 24 will unleash over 30 beers for consumption, including many rare and limited brews. General admission costs $17 but does not include any beer – guests must purchase drink tickets for that.

Orange County Food and Wine Celebration
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, May 14
4:30 pm – 11:00 pm, May 15
Old Ranch Country Club, Seal Beach
http://roostersfoodandwinecelebration.com/

Indulge in local wine and/or food this weekend in Seal Beach. On Saturday, enjoy a wine tasting festival complete with dozens of wines to sip on for $85 admission. On Sunday night, reserve a seat for $375 at this formal five-course dinner.

AdultCon
1:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 14
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 15
Los Angeles Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.adultcon.com/indexa.html

Adult entertainment fans will not want to miss AdultCon this weekend. This expo allows guests to purchase adult entertainment paraphernalia, meet & take photos with porn stars, browse accessories, and more. For an 18 & over event, these types of expos rarely contain live nudity, as all the talent cover up their private parts in some way. For those not totally into the porn industry, AdultCon also features vendors and speakers geared towards couples and sexuality, as to not make this an event that only men would attend. General admission costs $40 and includes a $5 token that guests can redeem at vendors or to take a photo with a model/star. For just $10 more, upgrade to VIP to gain admission to both days plus some extra perks, listed on the website. Parking costs $20 per vehicle, so find a way to carpool to alleviate that cost.

1st Annual Beach Cities Beer & Wine Festival
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 14
King Harbor Marina, Redondo Beach
http://www.smackfestevents.com/beach-cities-beer-wine-festival/

Sample dozens of beers and wines from local breweries and vineyards this Saturday in Redondo Beach. Visitors will also find food, music, and more. Admission costs $45 and includes unlimited beer and wine tasters while supplies last. Guests should bring cash for food and parking. No one under 21 may attend.

8th Annual South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival & Art Walk
3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 14
Mission District, South Pasadena
http://eclecticmusicfestival.com/

Free to attend for all ages, see dozens of musicians and artists across five stages in South Pasadena this Saturday, plus a self-guided art walk, food trucks, a beer & wine garden, and more.

Artopia Orange County
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 14
The 1912, Santa Ana
http://www.ocweekly.com/artopia

Join the party and celebrate the best of local Orange County talent with live music, drinks, food trucks, art, and more. General admission costs $30, while VIP admission costs $50 and includes three drinks plus a VIP area to lounge in. No one under 21 may attend.

Art Crawl Experience
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 14
Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim
http://www.downtownanaheim.com/artcrawlexperience

Downtown Anahiem will see a variety of activities and exhibits this Saturday night. Visitors can expect to find tons of art exhibits, live music, food, food trucks, drinks, yoga, dance, and more. Visitors may park for free in the parking structure located at S Clementine Street and W Oak Street.

Body Fine Art Competition
7:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 14
The Springs, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.bodyfineart.com/

Check out this one-of-a-king art gallery feature works of art on the human body. Using naked models as a living canvas, dozens of artists showcase their skills in devising living art to wow the audience. Guests will spend most of their time admiring all of the art and models while also enjoying live music, live entertainment, and more. Admission to this event costs $25 presale or $30 at the door, but this event will definitely sell out, so act fast on those tickets. No one under 21 may attend.

CicLAvia
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 15
Long Beach Blvd & Firestone, South Gate
http://www.ciclavia.org/

Much of Long Beach Blvd and Firestone in South Gate will close to bikers this Sunday afternoon. Cars may not enter the designated areas during this time – only bikers and pedestrians may roam the streets.

Escondido Downtown Street Faire
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 15
Grand Ave, Downtown Escondido
http://www.escondido.org/escondido-street-faire.aspx

Here at this free and all-ages street fair, visitors will find over 500 vendors, arts & crafts, food, drinks, games, live entertainment, and more.

18th Annual Taiwanese American Heritage Week Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 15
Barnes Park, Monterey Park
http://www.tahwla.org/

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

Museums of the Arroyo Day
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 15
Museums of the Arroyo, Pasadena
http://www.museumsofthearroyo.com/

Six museums in Los Angeles and Pasadena will have free admission this Sunday during the listed times.

4th Annual Heritage, Music & Arts Festival
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 15
Angel City Brewery, Downtown Los Angeles
http://angelcitybrewery.com/events/4th-annual-heritage-music-arts-festival/

Celebrate the culture and spirit of the Downtown LA Arts District at this festival, taking place at Angel City Brewery this Sunday. Local bands will play music all day, food trucks will serve food, brewers will lead brewery tours, and more activities will keep guests occupied. Guests pay no fee to enter, just the cost to purchase anything or participate in some activities. Parking for this event costs $4.

3rd Annual South Bay Beer & Wine Festival
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 15
Ernie Howlett Park, Rolling Hills Estates
http://www.sbbeerwinefest.com/

Enjoy food, beer, and wine at this tasting event this Sunday afternoon in the South Bay. Admission costs $65 presale or $75 at the door, and includes unlimited tastings while supplies last. VIP admission costs $135 presale or $150 at the door if any remain, and include various perks such as reserved parking. Admission for children costs $20.

Taste of the Nation – Laguna Beach
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 15
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
http://ce.nokidhungry.org/events/taste-nation-laguna-beach

Sample culinary creations from some of Orange County’s greatest chefs and restaurants, while quenching your thirst from various wineries, breweries, and other non-alcoholic drink producers. General admission costs $200 and runs from 3pm to 6pm, while VIP costs $275 and goes until 8pm. The price goes up $25 at the door.

American Craft Beer Week
May 16-22
Nationwide
http://www.craftbeer.com/news-and-events/american-craft-beer-week

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

Upcoming Events: May 6-12, 2013

18th Annual Taste of Anaheim
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, May 9
GardenWalk, Anaheim
http://tasteofanaheim365.com/

Taste food samples from Anaheim’s great local establishments this Thursday evening at the GardenWalk near Disneyland. Admission costs $35 presale and $45 at the door, and comes with unlimited food samples from all participating restaurants while supplies last. In addition to free parking, guests may bid on various prizes in a silent auction. All drinks come at an additional price.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 9
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 does not exist in Downtown LA, although some meters only operate until 8pm. First-time visitors should attend with someone who has gone here before.

Night of Crust-Punk-D-Beat
6:30 pm – 12:30 am, May 10
Guirado Park, Whittier
http://www.facebook.com/events/101115630093059/

Experience a true East LA backyard punk show this Friday night. Many local punk rock bands will play at this show, with 9 bands expected to play. Admission to this all-ages show costs $3 early bird, then $5 after 7:30. Guests may not bring outside food or drinks to the location, but the venue will sell basic food like tacos and hot dogs.

Implants, Sederra, Pour Habit, Skip Jack, Thorne @ The Ruby Room
7:30 pm – 2:00 am, May 10
The Ruby Room, San Diego
http://www.facebook.com/events/536738876348754/

Catch Implants, Sederra, Pour Habit, Ship Jack, and Thorne at this local punk rock show this Friday night in San Diego. Tickets only cost $10. No one under 21 may enter.

Face to Face, Teenage Bottlerocket, Blacklist Royals @ House of Blues Anaheim
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, May 10-11
House of Blues, Downtown Disney, Anaheim
May 10: http://www.houseofblues.com/tickets/eventdetail.php?eventid=80002
May 11: http://www.houseofblues.com/tickets/eventdetail.php?eventid=79999

Punk band Face To Face just released a new album, and currently headlines a tour with Teenage Bottlerocket. That tour will sweep through Southern California this week. Tickets to both all-ages shows cost $25.

WHAM! BANG! POW! The Retro Edition
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 10
The Vex, Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/169319916550710/

Experience art, live music, DJ’s, food trucks, and more this Friday night at The Vex in Los Angeles. For just $5, guests of all ages can check out art of B movies, cartoons, comic books, and more. Local bands and live DJ’s will break any silence all night, while a few food trucks will keep guests fed. For free parking, parking behind the venue, on the side closest to the train tracks. Take care not to park too deep, as you risk getting blocked by other cars.

2013 Tour of Long Beach
6:30 am – 9:30 am, May 11
Marina Green Park, Long Beach
http://www.touroflongbeach.com/

Join hundreds of locals on a bike ride through Long Beach this Saturday morning, including the mayor and more city officials. This race for charity features different levels of riding for all skill levels, starting with the 100-mile ride, all the way down to the 4-mile family ride. Registration, which closes Thursday night, varies in cost based on the ride length, while the family ride comes at no cost. The end of the Tour of Long Beach coincides with Bike Fest Long Beach, taking place at the finish line and opening at 9:30.

46th Annual Sunset Beach Art Festival
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 11-12
Pacific Ave, Sunset Beach
http://www.sunsetbeachartfestival.org/

Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift or any other great gift this weekend in Sunset Beach. Completely free to attend for all ages, the grassy area along Pacific Avenue gets filled with booths from local arts & crafts vendors all selling accessories, apparel, merchandise, and various other goodies. Local bands will play throughout the day, and a few food trucks will make their way down here to serve their wonderful eats.

Bike Fest Long Beach
9:30 am – 4:30 pm, May 11
The Pike, Long Beach
http://downtownlongbeach.org/Latest-News-Detail/Bike-Fest-of-Long-Beach

Enjoy a family-fun day filled with bike activities, vendors, and exhibits at the finish line of the Tour of Long Beach, located at The Pike right next to the Laugh Factory. This free all-ages event will feature bike exhibits, live entertainment, a bike valet, rides, games, vendors, food, a mini beer fest hosted by Beachwood BBQ, and more. The mini beer fest has no admission fee, so guests pay as they go. In addition to beers from Beachwood Brewing, other local breweries will make an appearance too.

2013 San Diego Chocolate Festival
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 11
San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
http://www.sdbgarden.org/chocolate.htm

Enjoy plenty of chocolate tastings, demos, and more this Saturday at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. Guests pay the admission of the garden to enter ($12 general admission, discounts available for seniors, students, military, and children), then pay for tasting tickets to receive any of the chocolate or food. The garden will host activities for children to play with, while other guests can check out plant sales or other merchandise perfect for Mother’s Day.

2013 Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 11
NTC Park, Liberty Station, San Diego
http://asianculturalfestivalsd.com/

This FREE all-ages fair celebrates Asian culture with martial arts demos, dancing, music, cooking demos, games, food, and more. Guests receive free parking as well as free entry into the festival, so bring the entire family over and have a ball.

Long Beach Comic Con
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 11
Long Beach Convention Center, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.longbeachcomiccon.com/

Comic fans rejoice! The Long Beach Comic Con returns for its semiannual installment at the Long Beach Convention Center this Saturday. For just $15 general admission, guests receive all-day entry to the all-ages expo, where they can find plenty of merchandise, vendors, workshops, seminars, comic book signings/autographs, and more. Expect hundreds of cosplayers, as both exhibitors and attendees will dress up as their favorite fictional character. The convention center will sell food to hungry guests, but you can also check out the other great restaurants nearby if you get hungry, plus the bike fest going on across the street. Convention Center parking costs $10, so I suggest taking carpooling, taking public transportation, or parking in the neighborhoods east of Alamitos Ave and walking to the Convention Center.

2nd Annual West Coast BBQ Classic
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 11
The Queen Mary, Long Beach
http://www.queenmary.com/bbq/

BBQ experts from around the country will fly in this weekend to compete at the Queen Mary for the annual Best BBQ of the West title. Guests can help judges decide which contestant deserves to win the $9,000 cash prize by sampling all the BBQ and voting for the favorites. Entry costs $10 presale and $15 at the door, with parking costing $10. Once inside, guests can receive food samplers from the contestants for $2 each. In addition to all the smoke & meat around, live bands will play music all day, games will keep everyone occupied, select vendors will sell their related merchandise, Jack Daniels will open a lounge for all adults, while a separate kids’ county will house the little ones, and some of the LA Kings crew will make an appearance.

2013 Unique LA Spring Show
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 11-12
The California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles
http://stateofunique.com/unique-la/

Their website describes this event best: “The largest independent design show in the country, attendees get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from over 350 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.

Hwy 78 Festiv(ale)
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 11
Walnut Grove Park, San Marcos
http://78festivale.net/

Taste great beers from breweries along the 78 Corridor at this mini festival this Saturday afternoon. Plenty of food trucks will come out too, making this a beer fest & food truck fest in one. Admission costs $20 presale and $30 at the door. Although guests of all ages can visit the food trucks, only guests 21 or over may enter the beer area.

Glow Rush 5K
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 11
Casey’s Irish Pub, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.glowrush.com/#!los-angeles/c1imn

If you have ran in a color run before, prepare yourself for a new light. This 5K run/walk combines racing with a scavenger hunt and plenty of lights to brighten up the night. Teams compete to locate clues spread out among the city, and race to the finish line at the same time. Following the race, participants can party at the After-Glow Party at the finish line. Although tickets originally sold out over a month ago, the organizers just released a few hundred tickets at $80 each, so register now before all the tickets sell out!

Lori Gilbert Art @ Old Orange Brewing
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm, May 11
Old Orange Brewing, Orange
http://www.facebook.com/events/130927847097339/

Enjoy a night of art, beer, and food this Saturday night in Old Orange. Guests may purchase art available all night as well as some of the latest brews available from the brewery.

Zombie Fashion Show & Creature Art Exhibit
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 11
The Mezz Bar, Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/490945747623099/

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 over 300 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 that just occurred last week. No one under 21 may enter.

The American Wake @ Auld Dubliner
10:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 11
Auld Dubliner, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/538710106180772/

Come watch local Irish rock band The American Wake play a few sets for no cover charge at the Auld Dubliner in Downtown Long Beach. No one under 21 may enter.