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10 fun ways to spend your weekend in SoCal
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Knead & Co.
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File photo of watermelon.
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Jessica Alpern via Flickr
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LadyDucayne via Flickr
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NPR — Tastyart Ltd Rob White/Getty Images
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Nothing says summer quite like watermelon, and nothing says L.A. quite like adding avocado to everything. These plus Shakespeare, Bollywood and giant sand sculptures? Time to hop on the weekend train, and enjoy.
1. Quetzal performs at the Levitt Pavilion
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LadyDucayne via Flickr
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Start your weekend off with music food and community fun by listening to Quetzal, a Chicano rock band from East L.A. The music starts at 8 p.m., but before that you can buy from food vendors like Burgers, Brats & Bros, Peddler's Creamery, Cheesecake Bliss and Taqueria el Severo. Pro tip: Keep the evening free by bringing your own picnic, but leave the alcohol at home — it's not permitted. (Full disclosure: KPCC is a sponsor of Levitt.)
When: Friday, Aug. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Levitt Pavillion, Pasadena | MAP
Sponsored message
Price: Free
2. Shakespeare in Griffith Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI-eYZoglb0/?taken-by=indyshakes
Love, revenge and magic are all looming in Griffith Park as Shakespeare's "The Tempest" continues its summer run. Spend the evening taking in the play while enjoying a picnic on an L.A. summer evening. Concessions like drinks, sweets and kettle corn are all sold at the park. Pro tip: As much as you want your pup to take in the culture Shakespeare has to offer, the park asks that you keep your pets at home.
When: Friday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m.
Where: The Old Zoo at Griffith Park | Driving directions
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Price: Free, donations accepted
3. Bollywood Marathon
Three of Bollywood's best films, live music, lectures and samosas are all in store at the marathon hosted by Machine Project. Watch "Jodhaa Akbar," "Silsila" and "Qurbani" at the Echo Park Film Center. Lectures and musical guests will be at Machine Project in tandem with the films, so be sure to check out the event schedule to decide where you want to be and when. The Bollywood Bites food truck will be outside from noon to 3 p.m.
When: Saturday, Aug. 13, noon - midnight
Where:
- Lectures will be held at Machine Project, Echo Park | MAP
- Films will be screened at Echo Park Film Center | MAP
Price: $5 suggested donation
Sponsored message
4. Frogtown Art Walk
https://twitter.com/FrogtownArts/status/763441491154989056
As the art walk celebrates a decade of existence, Angelenos can spend time doing everything from enjoying six different illuminated art installations to perusing 30 different venues showing art. There will also be three different stages with live music, food and events.
When: Saturday, Aug. 13, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Fletcher Drive to Eads Street along the L.A. River | Event Map
Price: Free
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5. Great Sand Sculpture Contest
https://www.instagram.com/p/r2l8karcFc/?taken-by=gssclongbeach
Lather on that SPF and try your luck with sand sculpting. There's no doubt that there will be constant beach visitors who can spin sand into masterpieces, but making your version of a castle can still be Instagram-worthy. Pro tip: Maybe add some water to the sand?
When: Saturday, Aug. 13 - Sunday, Aug. 14
Where: Long Beach | MAP
Price: Free
6. Watermelon Festival
https://twitter.com/Watermelonfest/status/760981722049581056
It's safe to say that watermelon is the quintessential summer fruit. Have your fill this weekend at the watermelon eating contest or seed spitting contest — then run it all off at the watermelon relay race. View the full schedule here. Pro tip: We're not really sure if bibs are included so bring one just in case.
When: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. - Sunday, Aug. 14, noon - 10 p.m.
Where: Hanson Dam Soccer Complex, Lake View Terrace | MAP
Price: Tickets are $6-10 | Get tickets
7. Avocado Festival
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NPR — Tastyart Ltd Rob White/Getty Images
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Southern Californians really do put avocado on everything. This fest is for all lovers of the fruit (nope, it's not a vegetable). Here you can chug Angel City Brewery's Avocado Ale while sampling foods from The Surfer Taco, The Grilled Cheese Truck and others. If your avocado love isn't that intense, there will also be beer flights and a michelada bar available. If you're somebody that puts avocado on everything but are under 21, sorry, but you're out of luck.
When: Sunday, Aug. 14, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Angel City Brewery, DTLA | MAP
Price: Free/prices vary
8. Exhibition: “Open Call”
https://twitter.com/LAMAGBarnsdall/status/756590684493099014
The yearly exhibition asks L.A. artists to create a piece of work around an idea. This year’s is “play,” and 300 artists will showcase their work with cash prizes for the best in show.
When: Opening reception Aug. 14, 2 - 5 p.m.
Where: LA Municipal Art Gallery, Barnsdall Art Park | MAP
Price: Free
9. BrunchCon
https://twitter.com/LaughingSquid/status/760891248869793793
Mimosas, anyone? All Sunday brunchers will convene under one roof to enjoy every and any type of brunch cuisine, complete with a hangover lounge, speed dating and more. The mid-day meal pretty much brings the world together and is the closest thing to world peace. Pro tip: There will be an iPhone food photography workshop, because it's not brunch unless you document it.
When: Sunday, Aug. 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: The Reef | MAP
Price: Tickets range from $29 - 99 | Get tickets
10. The KNEAD to Give Food & Music Fest
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Knead & Co.
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Go to Grand Central Market and you'll find no shortage of food — go Sunday night and you'll see a whole lot more. Enjoy the usual bites and top it off with pasta bar Knead & Co.'s new cannoli ice cream sandwich. Even if you get full, don't leave before you get to see Ace of Cakes' Duff Goldman play a live set with his band Foie Grock.
When: Sunday, Aug. 14, 6 - 10 p.m.
Where: Grand Central Market, DTLA | MAP
Price: $25 kids, $50 general, $150 VIP | Get tickets
What'd we miss? Let us know on Twitter @kellie_gal, @lizmoonyoz and @LeoHasACat.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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