San Diego Restaurant Week
September 24 – October 1
Various Restaurants, San Diego County
http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/
For eight full days, various restaurants all over San Diego County will participate in this special week, where they will offer special prix-fixe meals that highlight their unique cuisine. Use this chance to explore and discover new restaurants in the area!
2017 Taste of Arcadia
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, September 25
Los Angeles County Arboretum, Arcadia
http://www.arcadiacachamber.org/taste-of-arcadia/
The annual Taste of Arcadia returns TONIGHT, so for those planning to go, buy the $50 presale tickets now, as you cannot purchase tickets at the door. More than 40 food vendors will serve samples, while over 30 other vendors will keep guests occupied between eats.
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra – Live in Orange County
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 25
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/shows/7552015/tokyo-ska-paradise-orchestra-with-viernes-13
Get your skanking on in Santa Ana tonight. The cover for this all-ages show costs $20.
Skacore Night in Downtown LA
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 26
La Cita Bar, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/468671750173082/
Get your skanking on at this skacore show in Downtown LA this Tuesday night. The cover for this show costs $8 if entering before 9pm, or $10 afterwards. No one under 21 may enter.
Wasteland Weekend 2017
September 27 – October 1
California City
http://www.wastelandweekend.com/
Live in a post-apocalyptic world this weekend in the desert. This event will immerse you in a culture that one would expect as shown in the movies.
2017 Cerritos Taste of the Region & Business Expo
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, September 27
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos
http://www.cerritostaste.com/
This “Taste of Cerritos” makes its annual return this Wednesday to the same location, the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. Unlike other food fests in LA & OC, this event does not cost as much – attendees pay $10, then receive unlimited tastes once they enter. Over 30 restaurants will serve food samples, meaning attendees will certainly get a bang for their buck. Also, guests do not have to pay for parking here.
2nd Annual Southern California In-Water Boat Show
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, September 28
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, September 29-30
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1
Cabrillo Way Marina, San Pedro
http://www.socalboatshow.com/
Check out lots of boats on display this weekend in San Pedro. Admission costs $15 for adults, while children enter for free with a paid adult admission.
Orange County International Auto Show
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 28
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 29
9:00 am – 10:00 pm, September 30
9:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 1
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim
http://autoshowoc.com/
For $12 entry, guests can check out the newest and latest cars, trucks, exotics, and more. Seniors and active military personnel can enter for $10. Guests looking for free street parking should locate Casa Vista St, west of the convention center, by Denny’s.
Epic Brewing Pint Nite
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 28
Meat Up BBQ, Placentia
http://www.meatupbbq.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/342785082815424/
Meat Up BBQ brings back their monthly pint nite this Thursday night. Buy a beer, and keep the glass while supplies last.
Taste of Ventura County 2017
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, September 28
Commemorative Air Force Museum, Camarillo
http://www.wcrventuracounty.com/
Sample food and drinks from restaurants throughout Ventura County this Thursday night. $75 gets you in to enjoy unlimited samples while supplies last.
Taste of Pasadena 2017
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 28
Rose Bowl, Pasadena
http://www.pasadena-chamber.org/forms/taste-of-pasadena
Sample foods from dozens of Pasadena restaurants this Thursday night at the Rose Bowl. Tickets cost $30 presale or $50 at the door, and allow unlimited samples while supplies last.
44th La Mesa Oktoberfest
4:00 pm – 10:30 pm, September 29
10:00 am – 10:30 pm, September 30
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1
La Mesa Village, La Mesa
http://www.lamesaoktoberfest.org/
Enjoy a family-fun Oktoberfest celebration this weekend in La Mesa. Free to attend for all ages, this Oktoberfest celebration will have all the usual Oktoberfest festivities such as dance, music, sausages, pretzels, beer, and more. In addition, visitors will find hundreds of vendors, arts & crafts, games, and more activities for all ages.
Get Shamrocked Irish Festival 2017
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 29
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, September 30
Town Square Park, Murrieta
http://www.getshamrocked.com/
Revel in Irish culture all this weekend in Murrieta, with Irish music, food, live entertainment, and more. This all-ages festival will bring Irish culture to town, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all. General admission costs $20 for Friday, $30 for Saturday, or $40 for a weekend pass. As an outdoors event, guests should stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and take any other precaution for lasting long in hot weather. No one under 21 may attend.
OC Weekly’s 14th Annual Decadence
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 29
Hotel Irvine, Irvine
http://www.ocdecadence.com/
Come enjoy a night of food, drinks, music, dancing, and more. This festival for the senses will feature over 30 local restaurants, live music & DJ’s, local dance performers, signature cocktails, wild animal exhibits, and more. General admission costs $55 and starts at 7pm. VIP admission costs $70, starts at 6pm, and includes a goodie bag plus access to a VIP area. No one under 21 may attend.
4th Annual Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm, September 29
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 30 – October 1
Newport Beach Civic Center, Newport Beach
http://newportwineandfood.com/
Lots of activity will take place in the culinary world this weekend in Newport Beach. On Friday night, a VIP party will take place with a cocktail reception and a three-course food & wine pairing dinner. On Saturday and Sunday, attendees of the festival gain access to unlimited food tastings, cooking demos, cocktail mixing demos, live music, a silent auction, and more. Admission prices significantly vary based on the mode of attendance, with single-day admission costing $175 and a weekend pass costing $295.
2017 Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 30 – October 1
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.offroadexpo.com/pomona-ca
Check out all things off-roading this weekend at the Fairplex in Pomona, complete with hundreds of vendors, dozens of industry professionals, and acres of off-road. Adult admission costs $20, or $15 if you purchase it at O’Reilly Auto Parts. Children enter for $6. Bring cash for parking, which usually costs $10 per vehicle.
Nerdbot-Con 2017
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 30
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.nerdbot.com/nerdbot-con
$17 gets you in to this all-ages pop culture expo complete with dozens of vendors, artists, cosplayers, music, games, activities, and more.
356th Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, September 30
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 1
Adams Avenue between 32nd & 35th Street, Normal Heights, San Diego
http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/Adams-Avenue-Street-Fair.html
This FREE and all-ages music festival takes place over two days this weekend on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, between the 805 and 15 freeways. Ten blocks will close to traffic to make way for over 90 music acts on seven stages and over 350 vendor booths. Guests should take public transportation to Adams Avenue, as traffic will remain heavily congested all weekend, and parking will not exist in high numbers here.
Alhambra Moon Festival on Main
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 30 – October 1
2nd & Main, Downtown Alhambra
http://downtownalhambra.com/event/moonfestival/
A free and all-ages street fair comes to Downtown Alhambra this weekend.
Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow 2017
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 30 – October 1
Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach
http://www.hbairshow.com/
A free and all-ages jet show comes to Huntington Beach this weekend. Practice/rehearsals will take place on Friday, while the actual shows take place on Saturday and Sunday. Bring out your friends and family to enjoy some aerial entertainment. Attendees may purchase reserved seats via the website.
Music Tastes Good
12:00 pm – 10:00 am, September 30 – October 1
Marina Green Park, Long Beach
http://mtglb.co/
An all-ages concert will come to Downtown Long Beach this weekend. Admission costs $75 for one day or $135 for both days. As with any long concert, make sure you can endure remaining outdoors for a long period of time, and have plenty of cash for food and drinks.
Eat Uptown Food Festival
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, September 30
Nixon Plaza, Whittier
http://whittieruptown.org/event/eat-uptown-food-festival/
Savor the local flavor of Uptown Whittier at this food tasting event this Saturday afternoon in Uptown Whittier. At this event, attendees will get treated to eats from dozens of local restaurants. General admission costs $45 and starts at 2pm, while VIP admission costs $60 and starts at 1pm. All attendees receive unlimited food samples while supplies last. Guests must purchase drinks separately. No one under 21 may attend.
Los Angeles Beer Fest (Fall Edition)
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, September 30
LA Center Studios, Los Angeles
http://www.drinkeatplay.com/labeerfest/
Everyone’s favorite drunk fest returns to Los Angeles this Saturday. This festival allows attendees to drink unlimited beers while enjoying live music from local bands. Food trucks will sell their delicious foods to hungry guests. General admission costs $45 and starts at 3pm, while VIP admission costs $55 and starts at 2pm. All admission comes with unlimited beer pours, but does not include parking. No one under 21 may attend.
Dudes Brewing Three Year Anniversary Celebration
3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 30
Dudes Brewing, Torrance
http://thedudesbrew.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1939290312952050/
Dudes Brewing in Torrance turns three years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have anniversary glasses available, raffle prizes throughout the day, and special beers on tap for you to try. This event has no admission fee – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.
Taste Of Santa Ana 2017
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 30
Main Place Mall, Santa Ana
http://www.tasteofsantaana.org/
Sample various bites and sips from Santa Ana restaurants at this all-ages event this Saturday evening at the mall. Admission costs $25 presale or $30 at the gate, and gets you unlimited food and drink samples while supplies last.
2017 Fullerton Uncorked
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, September 30
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonuncorked.org/
At this food & wine tasting, find food samples from local restaurants, dozens of wine & craft beer tastings, live music, raffle prizes, and more. Tickets to this event cost $70 presale or $75 at the door, and include unlimited food and drinks while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.
GBH, The Casualties, Spider – Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 30, Glass House, Pomona
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 1, The Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood
http://gbhuk.com/
Legendary UK punk band GBH will headline a pair of shows this weekend. Ticket prices to these all-ages shows vary by location, so check with the venue for prices.
14th Annual Orange County Children’s Book Festival
9:30 am – 4:30 pm, October 1
Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa
http://kidsbookfestival.com/
This FREE all-ages fair caters to families as it presents thousands of children’s book available to read or buy. The fair will also host multiple stages complete with family-friendly entertainment.
Coast – Santa Monica’s Open Streets Event
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 1
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
http://beta.smgov.net/strategic-goals/mobility/coast
Santa Monica gets its own ciclovia event this Sunday that will block off a portion of Santa Monica to vehicles, as if the city does not already have enough traffic problems. If you intend to drive anywhere in or near Santa Monica this Sunday, plan your commute accordingly.
56th Annual Sandcastle Contest
10:00 am – 4:30 pm, October 1
Corona Del Mar State Beach, Newport Beach
http://www.newportbeach.com/events/56th-annual-sandcastle-contest/
Register to build the best sand castle this Sunday in Newport Beach.
Santa Clarita Comic & Toy Expo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1
College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita
http://www.santaclaritacomictoyexpo.com/
Santa Clarita gets their own comics and toys convention this Sunday afternoon. Admission costs $8 and includes free parking at the venue.
La Feria De Los Moles
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1
Grand Park, Los Angeles
http://feriadelosmoles.com/
This free and all-ages event in Downtown LA will have mole, Mexican food, live music, entertainment, and more.
22nd Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1
Mountain Vista Drive, Encinitas
http://encinitasoktoberfest.com/
At this FREE and all-ages event this Sunday, the six-block marketplace on Mountain Vista Drive in Encinitas will feature Bavarian dancers, bands, hundreds of vendors, authentic German food & beverages, a family fun zone, and a ceremonial parade at 12pm.
11th Annual International Chocolate Salon
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.lachocolatesalon.com/
Chocolate lovers will want to attend the International Chocolate Salon this Saturday afternoon in Pasadena for an all-you-can-eat chocolate bonanza. Admission costs $20 presale or $25 at the door, while children can get in for $10.
Sustainable Seafood Expo 2017
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 1
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro
http://sustainableseafoodexpo.org/
Explore the future of sustainable seafood this Sunday in San Pedro. General admission costs $10 and gets you two tasting tickets. All-inclusive admission costs $60 and gets you a taste from each booth plus one drink ticket.
3rd Annual SlutWalk
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 1
Pershing Square, Los Angeles
http://amberroseslutwalk.com/
Assume the role of an activist for an afternoon this Saturday in Downtown Los Angeles. Participation costs $12.
Taste of Garden Grove
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 1
Garden Grove Amphitheater, Garden Grove
http://www.ggcf.com/
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-garden-grove-featuring-missing-persons-anabella-of-bow-wow-wow-tickets-35450922664
Sample foods from local Garden Grove restaurants and listen to live music this Sunday. Admission costs $20 presale or $25 at the gate. VIP admission with select locations for the main stage costs $30. The event page does not give a lot of specifics, so basically treat this as a concert more than anything.
A Punk, A Camera, and An Empty Stomach 