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7 things to do in SoCal this weekend
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Ninety Dachshund dogs will compete on a race track for the Weinerschnitzel Wiener Nationals title.
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Stephen Morton/AP
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So you've been to the beach a million times already this summer... Find something else to do around SoCal this weekend that doesn't involve getting sand in the house. From gazing at the night sky in the Santa Monica mountains to watching a weiner dog race in Cypress, we've got a list of food, festivals, and nighttime events. And if all else fails, you can always watch the Twitter livestream of FYF Fest.
FOODIE PICK
Delicious Little Tokyo 2017
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WHEN: Friday, July 21 - Sunday, July 23
WHERE: Various locations in Little Tokyo
COST: Free - $15 Get tickets
Here's your chance to learn how to make some of your favorite Japanese treats. Some of the best restaurants around Little Tokyo are hosting cooking demonstrations, workshops, and special menu items this weekend. Try building one of those adorable bento boxes or attend a poke and tea tasting. You can even learn the Japanese art of flower arranging or sushi making.
CULTURE PICK
Lalopolooza: A Chicanofest Celebrating Lalo Guerrero
WHEN: Sunday, July 23, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes MAP
COST: Free
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It's the 100th anniversary of the Mexican American musician Lalo Guerrero's birth and LA Plaza is going all out for a celebration of Chicano music. The Wise Guys Big Band, Lindas Mexicanas, Los Tres Souls and other local bands pay tribute to a wide variety of Chicano music styles, including pachuco boogie music, mariachi and boleros. A zoot suit fashion show and a lowrider car show will also take guests back to the time of Guerrero.
FURRY PICK
Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals Dog Race
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzenlPYqJlc
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Los Alamitos Race Course MAP
COST: $3 for adults, free for children under the age of 18
Head to the races for a battle of four-legged—or rather, short-legged—competitors. In between the horse races, 90 Dachshunds will compete in the trial rounds for a chance to advance for the title race. Last year's winner blazed through the 50-yard dash in less than 7 seconds. All of the proceeds from ticket sales go to the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-kill animal shelter based in Orange County.
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FAMILY PICK
Night Sky Festival
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
WHERE: Paramount Ranch MAP
COST: Free
Thought the Hollywood stars were the only kind in Los Angeles? Think again. The National Park Service is bringing telescopes to Paramount Ranch so guests can see the planets from right here in SoCal. There's also kids activities for junior rangers, Native American sky stories with a member of the Hupa tribe and a presentation with an expert on the night sky.
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NIGHTLIFE PICK
Downtown Dark Nights
WHEN: Friday, July 21, 6:00 p.m. - late
WHERE: L.A. Live MAP
COST: Free
The $5 food and drink specials at L.A. Live restaurants are the excuse you've been looking for to go downtown. While you're at it, check out the special discounts on LA Lakers, Kings, Galaxy and Clippers gear at the Team LA store and the New Era D-Lab. There's also more vendors at the popup marketplace, along with live music, street performers (watch out for the stilt walkers and street dancers), and murals.
MOVIE PICK
Marina Movie Nights: Singin' In The Rain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv6DNrIUiZU
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Burton Chace Park, Marina del Rey MAP
COST: Free
The classic ode to Hollywood film "Singin' In The Rain" is playing on a huge outdoor movie screen right on the pier in Marina del Rey. Bring a picnic and blankets. A jacket might be a good idea, too, because it gets a little chilly at night near the water.
SPLURGE PICK
FYF Fest
WHEN: Friday, July 21 - Sunday, July 23
WHERE: Exposition Park MAP
COST: $109 - $125 single-day passes, $329 for weekend passes Get tickets
The team that puts on Coachella is bringing another massive music festival to Los Angeles. This year's FYF is now three days, instead of two, and is headlined by Missy Elliot, Björk, Frank Ocean, and Nine Inch Nails. If you can't afford to splurge this weekend, some of the Saturday and Sunday evening shows sill be livestreamed on Twitter.
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @inkwaves and @LeoHasACat.
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