Photo of last year's Pasadena Chalk Festival by uselessdoug via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr.

ART
Billy Shire Fine Arts opens it’s new exhibit, “New Work” by Detroit artist Glenn Barr tonight. Drop by the reception and take a look at his work and chat (& drink) with the artist!

7 p.m. // Billy Shire Fine Arts // 5790 Washington Blvd., Culver City // (323) 297-0600 // Free

FOOD
If you have an expensive appetite, come by Gourmet on Fire, where you will taste delicious dishes prepared by the top chefs in Los Angeles. It doesn’t hurt that the event location is right across the street from the beach. Part of the proceeds go to the Southland Farmers’ Market Association.

6 p.m. // Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel // 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica // $100

FILM
Escape your boring Saturday night and see John Carpenter’s films, Escape From L.A., and Escape From New York, back to back. Plus, meet the director at the Q&A between the films!

7:30 p.m. // Aero Theater // 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica // $9

COMEDY
Check out Greg Proops and his Chat Show at the all-new Largo (at the not-new Coronet). (Well, it's kind of new.) Tonight's show includes UK sensation Russell Brand and John C. Reilly.

9 p.m. // Largo at the Coronet // 366 North La Cienega Boulevard //310-855- 0350

FESTIVAL
The Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival takes place this weekend and hopes to put works focused on mixed cultural experiences in the forefront. Whether it’s film, writing, performance art, or workshops, all facets of this festival will address racial issues in our society.

6:30 p.m. // Japanese American National Museum // 369 E. 1st St., Los Angeles // Free

STAGE
The downtown Music Center presents Toy Theatre Festival today and tomorrow. Bring your whole family to see over eighty puppet performances and participate in several hands-on workshops.

10 a.m. // Walt Disney Concert Hall // 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles // Free

DRIVE-IN
The drive-in is back again this month with a very appropriate screening of the summer-themed flick, Meatballs. The Angel City Derby Girls will be skating your food orders to you while DJ Morgan spins before and after the showing.

7 p.m. // Angel City Drive-In // 240 W. 4th St., Los Angeles // $10

ARTWALK
Downtown Long Beach is really stepping it up, starting with their downtown Art Walk. Expect live music, art exhibits from around the world, and a dozen gallery receptions, in one of the most up and coming cities in the L.A. area.

12 p.m. // 117 Linden Ave., Long Beach // The Tenth Annual Tour Des Artistes // $0-$75

FISH
While you are in downtown Long Beach for the Art Walk, head over to The Queen Mary for the 2008 Sushi and Sake Festival. Every sushi lover should attend! There will also be a bunch of random activities including sumo demonstrations.

10 a.m. // Seawalk Village // 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach // (562) 435-3511 // $16-$21

CHALK*
If you miss chalking all day on the sidewalk, coming home covered in a mess of pink, blue, and green powder, and then crying when it rains and your creation is ruined, then you might just want to come by the Pasadena Chalk Festival today or tomorrow. 600 artists will create works of art across two city blocks with over 25,000 sticks of chalk. It’s a site you don’t want to miss!

10 a.m. // Paseo Colorado // 280 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena // Free

*Pencil pick of the day