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7 things to do this weekend in SoCal
File: Athena Stamos (left) dressed as Chemistry Cat, Linda Trujillo dressed as Haru Yoshioka from "The Cat Returns" and Kendra Guffey pose for a photo during the first-ever CatConLA at The Reef on Saturday, June 6, 2015. CatConLA 2017 is being held this weekend in Pasadena.
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7 things to do this weekend in SoCal
Nothing will get you out of the house like the last chance to try some of the free (and almost free) summer events going on around Los Angeles. Before it's gone, eat fried food at the OC Fair and go swing dancing at the Wiltern. Check out those and all of our other picks for things to do this weekend. Oh, and did I mention CatCon?
FOODIE PICK
OC Fair
WHEN: Friday Aug. 11 - Sunday Aug. 13, 11 a.m. - midnight
WHERE: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa MAP
COST: $12 for adults on Friday, $14 for adults on the weekend, $7 for youth and seniors every day, free for military every day Get tickets
This is your last chance to indulge in the fried, sweet, on-a-stick goodness of the Orange County Fair. It closes this weekend, but hopefully not before you chow down on a unicorn leg (roasted pork leg), pineapple rice bowls and fried peanut butter meatballs.
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DANCE PICK
1940s Swing Dancing at the Wiltern
WHEN: Sunday Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m. - 12 a.m.
WHERE: The Wiltern MAP
COST: Free Get tickets
It's the final event of the Wiltern's summer swing series. There will be live music and a lot of quick-stepping, stomping and maybe even a lift or two. If you're new to swing, you can sign up for dance lessons before the main event for an extra cost.
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MOVIE PICK
7th Annual Slumber Party
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-phH1we1kY
WHEN: Saturday Aug. 12, 11:30 p.m. - 4:20 a.m.
WHERE: Hollywood Forever Cemetery MAP
COST: $16 Get tickets
Tickets to movie screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery sell out fast — sorry, "Big Lebowski" fans, but tickets for that on Saturday night are sold out — but there are a few left to the last two-thirds of the triple feature. The cemetery will screen "Half Baked" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Night owls can enter the cemetery at 11:30 p.m. for the pre-show DJ set and photo booth. These movies start at midnight.
FAMILY PICK
World Elephant Day at the LA Zoo
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WHEN: Saturday Aug. 12 - Sunday Aug. 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: L.A. Zoo MAP
COST: Free with zoo admission ($20 for adults, $15 for kids)
World Elephant Day is Saturday, but the L.A. Zoo is celebrating all weekend long. Kids can bring their stuffed animals for a "Health Check-Up" by zoo volunteers. There are also activity stations and a chance to go behind-the-scenes of the elephant exhibit. — and of course, you won't miss the giant Asian elephants that call the L.A. Zoo home.
CONCERT PICK
The B5-2s at Pershing Square
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mW5Vj4ngdw
WHEN: Saturday Aug. 12, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Pershing Square, DTLA MAP
COST: Free
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As far as free concerts go, this one is no sleepy affair. After all, the B-52s are nicknamed "The World's Greatest Party Band," best known for a slew of hits in the late '80s. You'll know them from songs like "Love Shack," "Rock Lobster" and "Roam."
FUR-FRIENDLY PICK
CatCon
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 12 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Sunday Aug. 13, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Pasadena Convention Center MAP
COST: $30 for adults, $15 for children Get tickets
Celebrate all things cat culture at one of the largest gatherings of feline enthusiasts. There will be an array of vendors selling kitty-inspired products for humans and cat-care products for our fur-covered friends. Participants can also sign up for meet-and-greets with Insta-famous cats and their owners, like @white_coffee_cat or the cat rapper @iammoshow. Be sure to leave your own pet friend at home, but cat cosplay is encouraged.
ACTIVE PICK
CicLAvia: San Pedro Meets Wilmington
WHEN: Sunday Aug. 13, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: San Pedro and Wilmington MAP
COST: Free
The streets of San Pedro and Wilmington will be filled with bicycles instead of cars on Sunday. CicLAvia is closing the streets once again to make way for pedestrians, skateboarders and bikers to rule the road. You can join in at any time and cruise as far and for as long as you'd like — or, at least until 4 o'clock. Along the route, you can also pick up free swag and visit food trucks.
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @inkwaves and @LeoHasACat.
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