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10 ways to spend this warm SoCal weekend
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Eastside Luv wine bar y QueSo via Facebook
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Long Beach BBQ Festival via Facebook
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Picasa
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Courtesy Los Angeles Poverty Department
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JACCC via Facebook
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File photo of a glass of beer.
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Photograph by Martin Garrido (aka martingarri) via Flickr Creative Commons
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Most of the city might be at the Coliseum to watch the Rams take on the Chiefs Saturday, but if you aren't a big football fan, there's still plenty to do. From a taco festival to dancing in DTLA, we've got a football-free itinerary lined up for you.
1. Dance DTLA: Samba
https://twitter.com/downtown_la/status/766004931425820672
Nothing says Friday like dancing the night away in the heart of the city. Brush up on your Samba moves and munch on bites that will be available for purchase (don't worry about limiting how much you eat, you can just burn it off dancing).
When: Friday, Aug. 19, 7 - 11 p.m.
Where: Music Center Plaza | MAP
Sponsored message
Price: Free
2. Long Beach BBQ Festival
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Long Beach BBQ Festival via Facebook
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Your face and hands are sure to be sticky, so wet naps will be essential. Die-hard BBQ lovers can splurge on the VIP tickets that gains them entry to the Rib Village for unlimited ribs, sides and desserts. For those who choose this route, we suggest you start fasting now.
When: Friday, Aug. 19 - Sunday, Aug. 21
Where: Near Long Beach Convention Center | MAP
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Price: Tickets are $12 online, $15 at the gate | Get tickets
3. Leimert Park Village Book Fair
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGrkFwULVuT/?taken-by=leimertparkbf
Books, books, books! The literary-packed schedule includes panels, workshops for children and adults, plus special exhibitions from local photographers and a tribute to Prince. Face painting and a coloring book party will also be available for bookworms of all ages.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza | MAP
Sponsored message
Price: Free
4. Blues and Brews in the Garden
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If you find yourself in the O.C. this weekend, stop by Fullerton's 26-acre garden and sip on some beers from local breweries, including Anaheim Brewery, Hangar 24 and Bootleggers. Admission is a bit steep, but it scores you unlimited beer tastes in a souvenir glass, parking and live music. Cheers!
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 5:30 - 9 p.m.
Where: Fullerton Arboretum | MAP
Sponsored message
Price: Tickets are $45 at the door
5. The Dream Walk Exhibit
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Courtesy Los Angeles Poverty Department
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As an alternative to the usual food fests and movie screenings, this exhibit will feature multimedia pieces from more than 40 Skid Row artists. If you can't make the opening reception, the exhibit will run through Sept. 18 on the Mezzanine Level of the museum.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 6 - 9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 21, 2 - 5 p.m.
Where: Skid Row History Museum and Archive, DTLA | MAP
Price: Free
6. English as a Second Language Vol. 3
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Eastside Luv wine bar y QueSo via Facebook
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Inthe third installment of this music series, the Mexican-American concert hosted by Boyle Heights' Eastside Luv will feature Mariachicanos de Los Angeles and other local artists, in the newly refurbished outdoor venue. Take your own wine, beer and picnic basket to enjoy throughout the night.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
Where: Ford Amphitheatre, Hollywood | MAP
Price: Tickets are $25-45 | Get tickets
7. L.A. Taco Festival
https://twitter.com/GrandPark_LA/status/766017935466860544
It seems as if there's a taco festival fairly often in L.A., but Angelenos seem to love it. Head to Grand Park for tortilla-stuffed bliss and enjoy bites from Kogi BBQ, Downtown Taco Co. and other local vendors. Pro tip: Anytime there's an event downtown, it's always best to take Metro, but there is also a nearby lot (you'll just have to shell out some cash).
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, Noon - 8 p.m.
Where: Grand Park, DTLA | MAP
Price: Free admission, but donations are welcome
8. Nisei Week Festival
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JACCC via Facebook
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So much will be going on at this Japanese-American culture event, it's hard to figure out exactly what the main event is. With everything from a bonsai tree and Japanese doll galleries, live music and a Rubik's cube contest, you really can't go wrong. Pro tip: There will be food trucks on site, but you might want to save some room for the gyoza eating competition at 2 p.m. Saturday.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20 - Sunday, Aug. 21
Where: Japanese American Cultural and Community Center Plaza, Little Tokyo | MAP
Price: Free
9. Tiki Beach Festival
https://twitter.com/VisitLB/status/766398128446664709
This event embodies the idea that summer is for beach days and fruity drinks adorned with mini umbrellas. Hula dancing, tiki carving and an aloha food court (and so much more) is the perfect way to beat the SoCal heat. For the full schedule of activities, click here.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20 - Sunday, Aug. 21
Where: Granada Beach | MAP
Price: Free
10. SoCal Retro Gaming Expo
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBeIdU0hsWM/?taken-by=socalretrogamingexpo
Anyone who fancies themselves the ultimate gamer has been to the Frank & Son Show at least a couple dozen times, but this time, it'll be a little different. The giant space that usually hosts a slew of gaming vendors will also play host to panels with various YouTube talent, meet-and-greets and classic arcade consoles set to free play — no quarters needed. Pro tip: The warehouse is giant, so you might want to splurge on the two-day pass for a nerd-tastic weekend.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. - Sunday, Aug. 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Frank & Son Show, City of Industry | MAP
Price: $10 single-day, $15 two-day
What'd we miss? Let us know @kellie_gal, @lizmoonyoz and @leohasacat
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