Fall food festivals fill the weekend agenda. The Taste travels to O.C., while the Eastside Food Festival, A Taste of Soul LA and Ragin Cajun reappear at their previous locales. L.A. history is front-and-center at Triforium Fridays and the Archives Bazaar. The Skirball celebrates the Notorious RBG while the W Hollywood honors King James (aka Lebron) as he makes his debut as a Laker. Not to be outdone, KPCC and LAist are holding an open house.
FRIDAY, OCT. 19 - SUNDAY, OCT. 21
Inside Voices
Pop-up Gallery -- 631 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood
Artist Greg Mike -- and his alter ego Larry Loudmouf -- makes his L.A. solo show debut, with 25 large-scale, pop-art paintings characterized by striking colors, cartoon characters and animals. The opening reception is on Friday from 6 to 11 p.m. (RSVP for the reception.)
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCT. 19 - SUNDAY, OCT. 21
Los Angeles Times: The Taste
The MET -- 535 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa
The L.A. Times food festival travels south for three days of food, wine, spirits and chef experiences. Participating restaurants and drink purveyors include Tabu Shabu, MFK By Aysee Modern Filipino Kitchen, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, Chopin Vodka, 4 Copas Tequila and Delicato Family Vineyards. Tickets are all-inclusive and good for unlimited food and drink tastings. Ages 21+ only.
COST: $85 - $130; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCT. 19 - SUNDAY, OCT. 21; 7:30 p.m.
Señor Plummer's Final Fiesta
Plummer Park -- 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
This site-specific, interactive theater experience celebrates the life of Eugene Plummer, West Hollywood's original resident. Picture this: It's 1942 and you receive an invitation to the book launch of "Señor Plummer: The Life and Laughter of an Old Californian," Plummer's (mostly) true account of his life in early L.A. As the book party commences, a band of ghosts and shadows sweep you into the region's past. Listen to tall tales told with large-scale puppets, masks and music, all from the Rogue Artists Ensemble. There will be a reception prior to the performance on Friday. The play runs through Nov. 4.
COST: $45 - $55 admission; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCT. 19 - SUNDAY, OCT. 21
Long Beach Zombie Fest
Rainbow Lagoon Park -- 400-403 Shoreline Dr., Long Beach, CA.
The undead take over the LBC for three days of zombie mayhem. The fest features zombie walks, an interactive outbreak cage, mazes, scavenger hunts, free zombie makeup, reptile exhibits, all sorts of contests and a Thriller workshop. You'll hear music from Billy Idol tribute band IDOL X/A on Friday, Rage Against the Machine cover band United Rage on Saturday and the Knyght Ryder '80s band on Sunday.
COST: $5 - $20; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCT. 19; 6 - 10 p.m.
Triforium Fridays
At Temple and Main streets, downtown L.A.
A series of "polyphonoptic parties," curated by Claire L. Evans and Jona Bechtolt of YACHT and hosted by Tom Carroll of Tom Explores Los Angeles, celebrates artist Joseph Young's "Triforium." It's a public artwork that you've probably passed a million times while walking or driving near City Hall. The evening includes performances by Reggie Watts, puppeteers from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater and a string quartet conducted by composer Jherek Bischoff. The Institute for Art and Olfaction is doing on-site scent activations during the event. Two other Friday parties follow, on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.
COST: FREE, but RSVP requested; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCT. 19 - SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Skirball Cultural Center -- 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood
Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become a pop-culture sensation. The Skirball presents the first-ever retrospective about her, with archival photographs and documents, art and interactive media installations. The exhibition includes a robe and jabot from her closet, home videos and her yearbooks from high school, Cornell, Columbia, Harvard and Rutgers universities. Following its debut in L.A., the exhibition goes on a national tour for the next four years.
COST: $7 - $12 (free on Thursdays); MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCT. 19 - SUNDAY, OCT. 21
Politicon
Los Angeles Convention Center -- 1201 S Figueroa St., downtown L.A.
The annual, nonpartisan "Unconventional Political Convention" brings Republicans, Democrats and people of all political beliefs together to discuss, argue, laugh about and cry over the state of current politics. Featured speakers include Adam Carolla, Alyssa Milano, Ana Navarro, Ann Coulter, April Ryan, Ben Higgins, Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, Carter Page, Chris Christie, Clay Aiken, Dennis Rodman, Eddie Izzard, Grace Parra, Hasan Piker, Henry Winkler, James Carville, Kathy Griffin and tons of others. Program highlights include "Fake News vs. Real News, AAA: Ask Ann (Coulter) Anything and Drain the Swamp. This event is all ages.
COST: $70 - $400; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCT. 19 - SUNDAY, OCT. 21
Ballet Folklorico De Mexico De Amalia Hernández
The Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA -- 5151 State University Dr., El Sereno
The renowned ballet, founded by Amalia Hernández in 1952, returns to L.A. for three shows, bringing a repertory of music, dance and costumes of Mexican folklore, from pre-Columbian civilizations through today. The works represent various regions and cultures of Mexico.
COST: $28 - $50; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCT. 20; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
13th Annual Los Angeles Archives Bazaar
Doheny Memorial Library, USC University Park Campus -- 3550 Trousdale Pkwy., University Park
This event specifically caters to L.A. history buffs with more than 70 institutions and archives on hand to show their collections and answer questions. Presented by the L.A. as Subject initiative and the USC Libraries, programming includes a preview screening and Q&A of Lost LA's episode, "Beach Culture" and filmmakers Stephen Seemayer and Pamela Wilson, who present clips from their documentary that tells the story of the American Hotel on the corner of Hewitt Street and Traction Avenue in DTLA.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCT. 20; noon - 8 p.m.
Ragin Cajun Blues Festival
Seaside Lagoon -- 245 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach
Listen to jazz, blues and R&B by the ocean while noshing on Cajun eats. Featured performers include Davy Knowles, Tommy Castro, Eric Sardinas and Reverend Tall Tree. Try savory treats from Ragin Cajun Cafe Trap Kitchen and Mr. Fries Man or desserts from Smitty's Signature Pudding. Beer and wine available as well (for those 21+). Food and beverages are sold separately.
COST: Tickets start at $25, free admission for kids 12 and younger; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCT. 20; 6:30 p.m.
Spooky Saturday Movie Nights
PLATFORM -- 8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City
The film series at family-friendly Mila & Emma's Pumpkin Patch continues with "Ghostbusters." Brooklyn-based pie peddler Roberta's sells pizza while Joymode provides comfy seats and popcorn. The screening is BYOB but if you forget your bottle, Hayden wine shop is right there to help you out.
COST: $10; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCT. 20; 1 p.m.
Demon Dayz Festival
Pico Rivera Sports Arena -- 11003 Rooks Rd, Whittier
Gorillaz bring their festival to L.A. for the first time. In addition to the hosts hitting the stage, you can catch sets by Erykah Badu, The Internet, Dram, Ana Tijoux, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and Las Cafeteras. The festival is all ages.
COST: Tickets start at $99; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCT. 20; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Taste of Soul LA
Crenshaw Boulevard -- Stocker Blvd. and Rodeo Rd., Crenshaw
Now in its 13th year, the big community street festival is expecting 350,000 attendees. Get ready to indulge in some great eats like traditional Kenyan food from Rafikiz Foodz, Cajun and Creole fare from Pearson's and Filipino BBQ from Kapamilya Restaurant. The awesome music lineup features Ginuwine, Chante Moore, Kurtis Blow, Jody Watley, Sister Sledge, Ready for the World, Macy Gray, En Vogue and Jussie Smollett.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCT. 20; noon - 7:30 p.m.
Burbank Beer Festival
201 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank (Front gate)
The beer fest and street fair, which stretches from Magnolia Blvd. to Verdugo Ave., has three separate tasting areas/beer gardens and 85 craft beers on tap, from Burbank's own Lincoln Beer Co. to Belching Beaver from San Diego. Choose from two sessions: noon - 3 p.m. or 4 - 7 p.m. You must be 21+ to enter the beer garden. The fall street festival is free for everyone to attend.
COST: $10 - $45; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCT. 20; 7:30 p.m.
Lakers Viewing Party
W Hollywood -- 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
The hotel honors King (LeBron) James's first home game with the Lakers by throwing a screening party at The Station, its outdoor venue. The game will be broadcast on a 30-foot screen and guests can order from a Lakers- and Lebron-themed menu with dishes like "Full Court Press" wings and cocktails like "Purple Gold." Wear your Lakers gear so you can enter a raffle to win a free overnight stay at the hotel with a $100 food and beverage credit.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCT. 20; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
28th Annual Sherman Oaks Street Fair
14827 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks
The Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce throws one of the largest street parties in the San Fernando Valley. The day celebrates Southern California's history, heritage and culture with more than 200 vendors, a pet expo, live music, a zip line, a ferris wheel and live music. Participating food trucks include Bollywood Bites, Rice Balls of Fire, The Greasy Wiener Truck and Brew Wings.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCT. 20; 7 - 10 p.m.
Heritage Square Halloween Movie Night
Heritage Square Museum -- 3800 Homer St., Montecito Heights
Watch the 1962 cult classic "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" starring Bette Davis as a mentally ill alcoholic who torments her sister, Joan Crawford, a paraplegic and once successful actress. Directed by Robert Aldrich, thecreepy and campy film focuses on the twisted, torturous relationship between the two women.
COST: $10; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCT. 21; 6 - 10 p.m.
The Poetry Brothel: 4th Annual Masquerade
El Cid -- 4212 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake
The immersive poetry event takes place in a faux-bordello, with burlesque, tarot readings, souvenirs, poetry readings, installations, live music, aerial tricks and surprises. Masquerade costumes or vintage formalwear are encouraged, but not required, for entry. The venue's kitchen and bar are open for dinner and drinks throughout the night. This event is strictly 21+.
COST: $40 - $80; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCT. 20; 1 - 6 p.m.
Chris Nichols' Spooks Tour
Various locations
For the ninth year, writer and historian Chris Nichols leads a tour of spooky surprises aboard a private motorcoach. The tour meets in Pasadena, and throughout the afternoon, guests visit locations including a Victorian tintype photography studio, a puppet factory and a bug museum. Nichols will also introduce riders to interesting creators and personalities along the way. The tour is sold out, so please email nixols@yahoo.com to be added to the waitlist.
COST: $60; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
Oktoberfest DTLA
Pershing Square -- 532 South Olive Street, Downtown
The 3rd Annual Oktoberfest DTLA transforms Pershing Square into a Bavarian festival with craft beers, pretzels, bratwurst and food trucks. Local bands perform live. This is an all ages event, with $5 admission. However, if attendees want to enjoy German and California craft beers, there are tasting packages available.
COST: $5 - $70; MORE INFO
SPONSORED
SUNDAY, OCT. 21; 11 a.m.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Hammer Museum -- 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood
The museum's Family Flicks Film Series screens the classic 1948 film in which the comedy duo try to stop Dracula from reanimating Frankenstein's monster in order to rule the world. All ages are welcome but the film is not recommended for people under the age of seven.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCT. 21; 1 - 3 p.m.
Fall Family Festival
Norton Simon Museum -- 411 West Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
The museum celebrates music and movement with a performance by dance artist Rebecca Bruno and a workshop of sound and sculpture with collaborator Mak Kern. Other activities include a wind chime-making station, tours, musical instrument demos, drawing and story time. This event is free for children 18 and younger.
COST: $12 - $15 for adults; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCT. 21; 12 - 6 p.m.
Halloween Family Fest
Boomtown Brewery -- 700 Jackson St., downtown L.A.
This festival features a haunted bounce house, a petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, costume contests, food and of course trick or treating. Costumes are highly encouraged.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCT. 21; 8:30 p.m.
Elliott Smith - A Tribute to His Life and Music
Bootleg Theater -- 2220 Beverly Blvd., Westlake
This all-ages show honors the late, great musician through song. The lineup includes The Wild Reeds, Ethan Gruska, Meg Duffy, Johanna Samuels, Sean Watkins, Sara Watkins and Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes, among many others. Proceeds benefit The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.
COST: $15; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCT. 21; 4 - 7 p.m.
Eastside Food Festival
Mack Sennett Studios -- 1215 Bates Ave., Silver Lake
The festival returns for its fifth edition with unlimited tastings from more than 35 food and beverage vendors from L.A.'s eastside(ish) neighborhoods. They include Kismet, Otoño, Kettle Black, Jeni's Ice Cream, Homestate, Pine & Crane, Little Beast and Sticky Rice. General admission entry includes tastings, three bar drink tickets, access to workshops and live music. Eric Andre makes a guest appearance for a live recording of the "Yelling About Pâté" podcast. For VIP ticket holders, actor and comedian Eric Wareheim pours wines from his label, Las Jaras, during VIP happy hour from 3 to 4 p.m. This event is 21+.
COST: General admission tickets run $69 - $79; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCT. 21; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
KPCC + LAist Community Open House
KPCC's Mohn Broadcast Center/Crawford Family Forum -- 474 South Raymond Ave., Pasadena
Meet and mingle with your favorite hosts and reporters at KPCC and LAist as you chat with other public radio fans. You'll also get to tour the broadcast studios, connect with community partners and enter to win giveaways and prizes. If you RSVP in advance, you'll receive a gift bag with KPCC swag at check-in.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
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