Upcoming Events: February 27 – March 5, 2017

San Diego Burger Week
February 24 – March 4
Participating locations, San Diego County
http://sdcitybeat.com/burgerweek

Enjoy select specialty burgers from participating locations all over San Diego County during this 10-day period for just $6 each!

Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras
February 28

Many locations and businesses will have some sort of special going on this Fat Tuesday. Check out your favorite local restaurants or businesses to see what they have going on.

The Virus and Agression @ The Observatory
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, February 28
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.viruspunks.com/
http://www.observatoryoc.com/node/2932

Punk band The Virus will headline a show in Santa Ana this Tuesday night. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $13.

OC Roller Derby Orientation
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm, March 1
The Rinks, Huntington Beach
http://www.ocderby.com/ticketsevents/2017/3/1/new-skater-orientation

If you ever wanted to try roller derby, you have a chance to join a league. Click the link to send your information to them, and then show up to orientation this Wednesday night in Huntington Beach.

38th Annual Food Fare
11:00 am – 9:30 pm, March 2
Barker Hangar, Santa Monica
http://pplafoodfare.com/

A high-class ritzy food-tasting event will take place in Santa Monica this Thursday. The afternoon session from 11am to 2pm costs $150 to attend. The evening session from 6:30pm to 9:30pm costs $250 to attend. All attendees receive unlimited food and drink samples while supplies last. Parking costs $10 per vehicle. The website does not specify an age limit.

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern – Santa Monica Grand Opening
11:30 am – 4:00 pm, March 2
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, Santa Monica
http://j-fat.com/locations/santa-monica/
http://www.facebook.com/events/403898963293488/

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern has opened the doors to their fourth location in Santa Monica, and they will celebrate with a generous 50% off all lunch menu items this Thursday afternoon. No coupon required – simply show up, order lunch, and you will get 50% off.

College & Food Truck Night
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, March 3
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/collegenight/

This Friday night, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach will open later than usual. They will have discounted admission for college students, and the aquarium will have gourmet food trucks parked outside to feed visitors.

First Fridays
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, March 3
Various locations
Long Beach: http://firstfridayslongbeach.com/
Venice: http://www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com/

This monthly artwalk occurs on the first Friday of every month. Each location offers different activities, but most will contain food & drink specials, art exhibits & displays, street performers, and more. Venice and Long Beach have the two largest gatherings of all First Fridays. Other locations include Westchester, Fullerton, and City of Industry. Most First Fridays locations cost nothing to attend, while the local businesses uphold their standard rules (e.g. bars 21+ only).

Starpool: Live in Riverside
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, March 3
Romano’s Concert Lounge, Riverside
http://www.starpoolmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1625133217782719/

Local ska band Starpool will headline a show in Riverside this Friday night. Tickets to this show cost $12 presale or $15 at the door. No one under 21 may enter.

2nd Annual Downtown Anaheim Community Yard Sale
8:00 am – 2:00 pm, March 4
Center Street Promenade, Anaheim
http://www.downtownanaheim.com/

Local Anaheim residents will join in on a large communal yard sale in Downtown Anaheim this Saturday morning. Visitors can explore this event for free, while residents wanting to set up a spot to sell things must register for $10 per spot.

The Straw – Grand Opening
8:00 am – 10:00 pm, March 4
The Straw, Costa Mesa
http://www.facebook.com/events/1456671431034077/

Say hello to the next level of hipster food this Saturday as Costa Mesa’s The Straw officially opens their doors to the public. They will not have any specials on this day – just pop on in and buy one of these fancy milkshakes so you can show it off to all of your social media friends and post selfies with it.

34th Annual Porsche & Vintage VW Literature, Toy & Memorabilia Meet
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, March 4
LAX Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles
http://www.lalitandtoyshow.com/

See dozens of vendors this Saturday near LAX all exhibiting posters, brochures, toys, models, gifts, press kits, literature, accessories, and more for Porsches and vintage VW’s. Admission to this all-ages event costs $10 per person.

4th Annual Los Angeles IPA Festival
9:30 am – 9:30 pm, March 4-5
Mohawk Bend, Echo Park
http://www.laipafestival.com/

Find over 60 different California-brewed IPA’s at Mohawk Bend this weekend during the LA IPA Fest. This event operates more like a tap takeover than a typical festival – instead of tickets, all 10oz beers cost $5 each, while souvenir glasses cost $5 each. Guests should park in the neighborhood north of Mohawk Bend.

The Original International Tiki Market Place
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, March 4
Elks Lodge 1952, Garden Grove
http://www.facebook.com/events/1273487682690729/

For $10 admission gain access to a plethora of tiki-themed vendors in Garden Grove this Saturday afternoon. Admission comes with a $10 voucher for a drink.

San Diego Travel & Adventure Show
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, March 4
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, March 5
San Diego Convention Center, San Diego
http://travelshows.com/shows/san-diego/

Interested in traveling and getting out to explore? Find all the information and resources you need and more this weekend at the Travel & Adventure Show. Presale admission costs $11 for one day, or $18 for both days.

SoCal Etsy Guild Market – San Diego
10:00 am – 9:00 pm, March 4
Westfield Mission Valley, San Diego
http://socaletsyguild.com/

Free to attend for all ages, the SoCal Etsy Guild will hold its monthly vendor market this weekend, filled with dozens of vendors selling apparel, accessories, and more.

Holi Festival of Colors – Riverside
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, March 4
Martha McLean Park, Riverside
http://www.festivalofcolorsusa.com/festival-of-colors/festival-colors-riverside-ca/

Want to get covered in color without the necessity of moving for five kilometers? Check out the 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 hour. Admission costs $5, and guests can purchase colors at the festival.

Noble Ale Works 6th Anniversary Celebration
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, March 4
Noble Ale Works, Anaheim
http://www.noblealeworks.com/

Noble Ale Works celebrates their sixth anniversary this weekend, and to commemorate, they will throw a beer fest at their brewery just like previous years. General admission costs $50 and provides four hours of over 30 different brews, unlimited pours, live music, food trucks, a souvenir glass, and more. No one under 21 may attend this event.

Akiba Day #1
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, March 4
Weller Court, Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles
http://akibaday.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1247962838619465/

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

2017 Spring Busker Festival
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, March 4-5
Seaport Village, San Diego
http://www.seaportvillage.com/events-calendar/busker-festival

Basically, Circue du Soleil. This artful all-ages outdoor festival brings out performers of various entertainment trades (jugglers, contortionists, stilt-walkers, etc) to entertain visitors. Free to attend, guests should seek alternate methods of transportation to arrive here, such as carpooling or public transportation, as decent parking will likely take a long time to find.

16th Annual Lantern Festival
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, March 4
Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles
http://www.camla.org/lanternfestival.html

This free and all-ages festival celebrates Chinese tradition with recreations of street fairs filled with illuminating lanterns, music, lion dance, interactive arts & crafts, and more, all culminating with a glow-in-the-dark dragon dance at the end of the day. Local food businesses will sell authentic Chinese food and drinks as well.

2017 Get Shamrocked Fest Launch Party
1:00 pm – 7:00 pm, March 4
Tin Roof, Downtown San Diego
http://www.getshamrocked.com/

The Get Shamrocked Fest normally takes place in Murrieta in September annually, but this Saturday afternoon, they will have a special concert party in Downtown San Diego. Admission to this concert party costs $20. No one under 21 may attend.

Tater Tots & Beer Festival
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, March 4
Montecillo De Leo Politi Park, Elysian Park
http://tatertotfestival.com/events/los-angeles-ca/

Snack on tater tots and craft beers this Saturday in Los Angeles. General admission costs $40 while VIP admission costs $75 and provides access to a VIP area. All attendees receive unlimited food samples while supplies last, and a beer stamp card good for one beer from each participating brewery. No one under 21 may attend.

Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience 2017
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, March 4
Empire Polo Fields, Indio
http://www.rwbexp.com/

Partying, loud music, and alcohol collide in one epic mashup in the desert this Saturday evening. Taking place where the famous Coachella and Stagecoach concerts occur, this all-ages concert will have stoner music, beer, wine, and overpriced food for you to indulge yourself and the kiddos with. Tickets start at $70 and go up to $5000.

Orange County Restaurant Week
March 5-11
Various restaurants in Orange County
http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

For one week, numerous restaurants in Orange County will offer prix-fixe multi-course meals, ranging from $10-20 for lunch and $20-40 for dinner.

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

626 Golden Streets
8:00 am – 2:00 pm, March 5
South Pasadena to Azusa
http://www.626goldenstreets.com/

A ciclovia comes to the San Gabriel Valley this Sunday morning, which will close off many streets to through-traffic to allow bikers and pedestrians to freely roam the streets. Plan your commute accordingly.

So Cal All-Porsche Swap & Car Display 2017
8:00 am – 3:00 pm, March 5
Phoenix Club, Anaheim
http://www.lalitandtoyshow.com/related-events.html

Check out a bunch of classic cars this Sunday morning in Anaheim. Admission to this all-ages car show costs $10 per person.

San Diego Vintage Flea Market
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, March 5
The Observatory Parking Lot, North Park, San Diego
http://sdvintagefleamarket.com/

At this free all-ages outdoor market, visitors will find modern to vintage inspired clothing, housewares, furniture, smalls, and more for sale from the various local vendors.

2017 San Fernando Valley Comic Book Convention
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, March 5
Granada Pavilion, Granada Hills
http://www.facebook.com/SanFernandoValleyComicBookConvention

This annual local comics event returns to the San Fernando Valley this Sunday. General admission costs $5 while children under 12 enter for free with paid adult admission, and admission grants full access to the show floor, which contains dozens of artists, vendors, professional actors, and more.

San Diego Magazine’s Brunch Bash 2017
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, March 5
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, La Jolla
http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/December-2016/San-Diego-Magazines-Brunch-Bash-2017/

Splurge on breakfast foods, beer, cocktails, coffee, and more this Sunday early afternoon in La Jolla. Tickets cost $50 per person and includes unlimited food and drink samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Stone IPA Madness
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, March 5
Stone Brewing, Escondido
http://www.stonebrewing.com/events/stone-ipa-madness-festival-hops

Submerge yourself in hops this Sunday at this beer festival at Stone Brewing in Escondido. $15 gets you five 4oz beer tasters, while $25 gets you ten 4oz beer tasters. They currently have 20 beers listed, and may potentially have more added by Sunday. Bring cash for food, which you can buy separately once inside the festival. No one under 21 may attend.

South Coast Roller Derby Recruitment
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, March 5
Laguna Hills Community Center, Laguna Hills
http://www.southcoastrollerderby.com/

If you ever wanted to try roller derby, you have a chance to join a league. Show up to orientation this Sunday evening in Laguna Hills for more information and to meet current participants.

D.I. and Narcoleptic Youth: Live in Riverside
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, March 5
Aurea Vista, Riverside
http://www.facebook.com/events/170507356783333/

Get your weekly dose of punk rock this Sunday evening in Riverside. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $10 presale or $12 at the door.

Upcoming Events: August 29 – September 4, 2016

2016 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 28-30
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://www.westernfoodexpo.com/

The food and hospitality industry will have its own expo this weekend, featuring many aspects from food, ingredients, equipment, accessories, services, and more. This time, they have opened the expo to the public, so you no longer need to work in the industry to attend this. Attendees should expect lots of food and drink samples, plus lots of information about businesses and the industry. Registration for an attendee starts at $65. No one under 18 may attend.

Haven Gastropub 7th Anniversary Celebration
11:00 am – 12:00 am, August 29 – September 1
Haven Gastropub, Orange
http://www.havengastropub.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/668535763310192/

The long-standing Haven Gastropub turns seven years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have four days of food and drink specials at their restaurant in Old Towne Orange, where they will tap a bunch of rare brews for your enjoyment. They will also have a handful of food specials served during these days.

Great Society Cider & Mead’s Grand Opening
4:30 pm – 11:00 pm, August 30
Great Society Cider & Mead, Long Beach
http://www.greatsocietycider.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/160375111035292/

After weeks of launching as a soft opening, Long Beach’s Great Society Cider & Mead will finally officially open their doors to the public this Tuesday evening. They will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30, and will have a special cider available just for this day. Stop on by and enjoy some mid-week drinks.

11th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend
10:00 am – 12:00 am, September 1
5:30 am – 8:00 pm, September 2
5:30 am – 4:00 pm, September 3
5:30 am – 11:30 am, September 4
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
http://www.rundisney.com/disneyland-half-marathon/

The Disneyland Half Marathon returns for its tenth year this weekend with a plethora of things to see and do. Participate in any of the races, check out the health & fitness expo, and stick around for after-parties throughout the weekend. The website has an extensive list of everything going on this weekend, so consult with the website for more details.

Flights 2nd Annual South Bay Tap Takeover
12:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 1
Flights Beer Bar, Hawthorne
http://flightsbeerbar.com/

This Thursday, Flights Beer Bar in Hawthorne will stock all of their taps with only South Bay brewery beer. Come taste local flavor in one spot. This event has no admission fee or cover charge – simply show up and pay for drinks as you go.

To Live & Dine in OC 2016
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, September 1
Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo
http://www.modernluxury.com/orange-county/events/live-dine-1

Sample food and drinks from some of Orange County’s top restaurants this Thursday evening in Aliso Viejo. Tickets cost $40 presale or $50 at the door. No one under 21 may attend.

5th Annual Long Beach Psyclone Weekender
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, September 1-4
Seaport Marina Hotel, Long Beach
http://www.lbpsyclone.com/

Lots of psychobilly bands will invade Long Beach this weekend for this annual rockabilly festival. Live music will go on all weekend, and other events will circulate around town to coincide with this festival too, such as BBQ/pool parties, brunches, bus rides, and more. Find tickets for sale at select retailers, or purchase them online. Thursday night costs $10, the weekend costs $30 per day, and the full weekend pass costs $80.

U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge & 3D Art Expo
9:00 am – 7:00 pm, September 2-5
B Street Pier, San Diego
http://www.ussandsculpting.com/

Check out various works of art involving sand sculpting and 3D printing this weekend in San Diego. Admission ranges from $5 to $17.

Los Angeles Times: The TASTE
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, September 2-4
Paramount Pictures Studios, Hollywood
http://events.latimes.com/taste/

Los Angeles Times presents The TASTE, a series of food-based events at Paramount Pictures Studios. Each event will feature unlimited food & drink tastings from over 40 of LA’s top restaurants, along with live cooking & mixology demonstrations, wine seminars, and panel discussions. Tickets vary in price depending on the event attended, starting at $100.

Anime California 2016
11:00 am – 2:00 am, September 2
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 3-4
Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach
http://www.animecalifornia.com/

Anime, manga, and cosplay fans rejoice! Anime California returns this weekend to its new home at the Long Beach Convention Center. This 3-day expo contains hundreds of artist & vendor booths, various special events such as a masquerade ball, music videos, concerts, battle of the bands, fashion shows, dancing, video games, karaoke, cosplay gatherings & contests, and much more. Admission to this all-ages expo costs $60 for the entire weekend.

LA County Fair – Opening Day
12:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 2
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.lacountyfair.com/

Your local fair will open this Friday at the Fairplex in Pomona. If you missed the OC Fair, you will not want to miss the LA County Fair. Ticket prices range from free up to $17, but stores like Walgreens and Costco sell discounted ticket packages.

2016 E Hula Mau
12:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 2
8:00 am – 12:00 am, September 3-4
Terrace Theater @ the Long Beach Convention Center
http://www.ehulamau.org/

The annual E Hula Mau returns to Long Beach to exhibit various Pacific Islander performances, arts & crafts, food, vendors, and more. The actual fest requires no admission, while spectating the competitions requires a ticket purchase. Nearby parking structures east of Pine Avenue between 3rd & 6th Streets provide free parking for up to two hours.

626 Night Market
4:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 2-4
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.626nightmarket.com/

The largest Asian night market in America returns to Santa Anita Park this weekend. For just $3 to enter, this flea market of sorts will host tons of vendors selling Asian wares, merchandise, apparel, appliances, food, drinks, and more.

First Fridays
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 2
Various locations
Long Beach: http://firstfridayslongbeach.com/
Venice: http://www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com/

This monthly artwalk occurs on the first Friday of every month. Each location offers different activities, but most will contain food & drink specials, art exhibits & displays, street performers, and more. Venice and Long Beach have the two largest gatherings of all First Fridays. Other locations include Westchester, Fullerton, and City of Industry. Most First Fridays locations cost nothing to attend, while the local businesses uphold their standard rules (e.g. bars 21+ only).

Orange International Street Fair
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 2
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, September 3-4
Streets of Old Town Orange
http://www.orangestreetfair.org/

One of the grandest events to grace Orange County, the annual OISF returns this weekend to the streets of Old Town Orange. Completely free to attend and open to all ages, the OISF brings together regions of the world and their food, drinks, merchandise, dance, music, and so much more. The four roads radiating from the Orange Circle each contain 3-4 themed “Streets” based on a region of the world. This year, the organizers have shifted. You have never seen a street party this huge – trust me.

2016 Vegan Street Fair: Nights
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 2-3
The Federal Bar, North Hollywood
http://www.veganstreetfair.com/

The vegans have their nights in North Hollywood this weekend. General admission costs $20 while VIP admission costs $40 that includes a “fast pass” for food lines. This event will operate similarly to a night market, where guests will still have to pay for any food or drinks they wish to consume.

La Fiesta de San Gabriel 2016
6:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 2
12:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 3-4
San Gabriel Mission, San Gabriel
http://www.sangabrielmissionfiesta.org/

A free and all-ages street fair comes to San Gabriel this weekend. Visitors will find food, entertainment, arts & crafts, activities, and more.

14th Annual Ventura Nationals Hot Rod & Motorcycle Show
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 3
Ventura Fairgrounds, Ventura
http://www.venturanationals.com/

Immerse yourself in a world of classic cars, local music, pinup models, and more at this rockabilly event in Ventura this Saturday. Admission costs $15 for adults or $10 for active military with ID. Children 12 & under enter for free with a paid adult admission.

New Blues Festival III
9:00 am – 8:00 pm, September 3-4
El Dorado Park, Long Beach
http://newbluesfestival.com/

Enjoy two full days of local blues music at this all-ages concert this weekend at El Dorado Park in Long Beach. General admission costs $30 for one day or $50 for both days. VIP admission costs $125 for one day, and includes access to a VIP tent. Parking costs $8 per vehicle.

Fiesta Hermosa
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 3-5
Downtown Hermosa Beach
http://fiestahermosa.net/

Fiesta Hermosa returns to the streets of Downtown Hermosa Beach this weekend. Free to park and attend, this street fair will have food, drinks, music, arts & crafts, games, rides, vendors, and more. You cannot park AT the event – for those driving, you must park at the Northrop Grumman Building at Marine & Aviation in Redondo Beach, and a free shuttle will carry you to and from the fest and parking lot.

Four Sons Brewing 2nd Year Anniversary
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 3-4
Four Sons Brewing, Huntington Beach
http://foursonsbrewing.com/event/four-sons-2nd-anniversary-celebration/

Four Sons Brewing in Huntington Beach turns two years old this weekend, and to celebrate, they will tap a bunch of rare brews at their tasting room all weekend. No admission required – simply show up, and enjoy some rare brews.

67th Annual Long Beach Greek Festival
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 3-5
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Long Beach
http://www.lbgreekfest.org/

At this Greek Festival, you will find Greek foods & desserts, drinks, dancers, music, games, rides, arts & crafts, vendors, exhibits, and more. CSULB provides free parking and shuttle rides. Print the voucher from the website to waive the admission fee.

San Diego Bacon Fest
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, September 3
NTC Park – Preble Field, Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.sdbaconfest.com/

Simply put, you can eat all the bacon and drink all the drinks you can at this festival dedicated to bacon. General admission costs $60 and starts at 2pm. VIP admission costs $100, starts at 1pm, and comes with a beer caddy to hold your beer tasting cup. All admissions include unlimited food and drinks until 5pm. No one under 21 may attend. This fest takes place outdoors, so apply sunscreen prior to arriving, and stay hydrated.

6th Annual D.I.Y. Music & Fashion Fest
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 3
The Glass House, Pomona
http://bricktoyaface.com/
http://www.facebook.com/BrickToYaFace

Check out this all-ages music & art fest this Saturday night in Pomona. Admission costs $15 presale or $20 at the door.

8th Annual BuskerFest
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 3
East Village Arts District, Long Beach
http://www.summerandmusic.com/buskerfest

BuskerFest returns to Long Beach this Saturday. Like the Long Beach Funk Fest, various bands will perform on buskers in the East Village Arts Districts, with the headliners playing on the main stage. Free to attend for all ages, fans of music will surely want to come here. For long-term parking, search for street parking in neighborhoods to the east or north.

For What Ales Ya 2016
6:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 3
Maniac Mike’s Cafe, Upland
http://www.facebook.com/events/223705457992880/

$35 gets you admittance to this bottle share party, complete with a souvenir glass, complimentary taco bar, live music, and more. All attendees must bring at least one bottle of craft beer to participate in the beer drinking, as per the rules of any bottle share. No one under 21 may enter. See their website for a map of where attendees may park.

The Virus @ The Observatory
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 3
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/thevirus

Punk rock band The Virus will make a rare appearance headlining an all-ages show in Santa Ana this Saturday night. Tickets to this show cost only $5. Arrive early to park at the venue’s parking lot for free. Arrive too late, and end up parking in a lot down the street for $10.

Punk Rock Karaoke
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, September 3
Casbah, San Diego
http://www.casbahmusic.com/event/1222029-punk-rock-karaoke-san-diego/

Live out your punk rock dream with Punk Rock Karaoke this Saturday night in San Diego, complete with a backing band consisting of professional musicians. Admission costs $12. No one under 21 may enter.

Ballast Point 20th Anniversary Festival
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 4
Del Mar Racetrack, Del Mar
http://www.ballastpoint.com/og20/

San Diego’s Ballast Point reaches a milestone this week, and to celebrate, they will have lots of beer and live music this Sunday evening in Del Mar. General admission costs $55 and starts at 5pm. VIP admission costs $70 and starts at 4pm. All attendees receive ten 4oz beer pours, a souvenir glass, and access to the full venue grounds and music concerts. No one under 21 may attend.

Upcoming Events: April 7-13, 2014

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

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

Roar in The Shore
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, April 9
Legends, Belmont Shore, Long Beach
http://www.belmontshore.org/events.html

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

21st Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, April 10
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 $70.

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

Tecate Light Thunder Thursday
6:30 pm – 10:30 pm, April 10
Pine & Broadway, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.downtownlongbeach.org/Latest-News-Detail/Tecate-Thunder-Thursday?id=64693

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.

40th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
7:00 am – 9:00 pm, April 11-12
7:00 am – 5:30 pm, April 13
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.

Santa Monica Global Festival
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, April 11-13
3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica
http://www.global-festival.com/

Santa Monica will bustle with activity this weekend at this free and all-ages festival that celebrates the cultures of the world. Catch live entertainment all weekend, plus lots of worldly foods to try and vendors to shop from.

2013 Spring Citrus Fair
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, April 11
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, April 12
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, April 13
La Habra Chamber of Commerce, La Habra
http://www.citrusfair.com/

This little city fair takes place all weekend starting Thursday evening. Open to all ages, guests can experience rides, games, food, merchandise, stage shows, and more. The fair requires no admission, though any sort of participation will require a cost.

The Virus, Evacuate, The Bad Engrish, and More – On Tour
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, April 11, The Observatory, Santa Ana http://www.observatoryoc.com/events/the-virus
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, April 12, Los Globos, Silverlake http://thevirus.brownpapertickets.com/

Catch original punk rock bands The Virus, Evacuate, The Bad Engrish, and more this weekend in Southern California. This Friday night at The Observatory in Santa Ana, tickets to this all-ages show cost $15. The venue has a limited parking lot, so arrive early to park for free. Arrive too late, and end up parking at a lot down the street for $10. This Saturday night at Los Globos in Silverlake, tickets to this all-ages show cost $13. Guests should park in the neighborhood down Vendome St.

Special Class of 99 Reunion Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 pm, April 11
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/1379875255620201/

Relive the best of 90’s punk rock at this show this Friday night at the Doll Hut in Anaheim. The cover for this show costs $6. No one under 21 may attend.

The LAST Grilled Cheese Invitational
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, April 12
Los Angeles Center Studios, Los Angeles
http://grilledcheeseinvitational.com/

You heard right – the Grilled Cheese Invitational will occur this weekend for the last time ever. Entry to this event costs $15, which allows you to watch people eat, drink, yell, cook, and more. Regular guests must still pay for grilled cheeses.

Punk Night @ Friar Tucks
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, April 12
Friar Tucks, Pomona
http://www.facebook.com/events/596250813791083/

Catch a FREE show at Friar Tucks this Saturday night in Pomona. No one under 21 may enter.

Yeastie Boys @ The World Famous Doll Hut
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, April 12
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/505069746270273/

Get crazy this Saturday night at The World Famous Doll Hut with the Yeastie Boys and more. The cover for this show costs $5. No one under 21 may attend.

Shattered Faith @ Alex’s Bar
9:00 pm – 1:30 am, April 12
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/168890

Long Beach gets its punk rock night this weekend, as Alex’s Bar hosts Shattered Faith and more. The cover for this show costs $7. No one under 21 may enter. Guests should park in the neighborhood across the street from the venue, or up Orizaba Ave.

2014 Los Angeles Avocado Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, April 13
Olvera Street, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.lafoodfestivals.com/

Dozens of food vendors will serve up delicious avocado eats along Olvera Street this Sunday afternoon. Free to attend for all ages, visitors can simply pay for the food that they want without the worry of paying to enter.

2014 College Area Taste
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, April 13
College Area Business District, San Diego
http://www.collegeareabid.com/

Over 25 local restaurants will participate in this afternoon food fest in the College Area Business District near San Diego State. Presale tickets cost $25, while tickets at the gate will cost $30, and will cover all the samples that guests will receive.