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7 things to do this weekend in SoCal
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Photo by Buz Carter via Flickr Creative Commons
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The 64th Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo will be held Saturday at Belmont Pier.
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Courtesy of Alfredo's Beach Club
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Chinatown Summer Nights features food and live musics in Central Plaza.
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Dawna Nakaya via Flickr Creative Commons
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Your weekend just got a lot more exciting. Check out some of the one-of-a-kind events in Los Angeles this weekend, from a Mexican cultural parade and an avocado festival to a comedic take on Shakespeare. The best part is that pretty much everything on the list is free — including the ice cream!
FESTIVAL PICK
Chinatown Summer Nights
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WHEN: Saturday, August 5, 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.
WHERE: Central Plaza, Chinatown MAP
COST: Free
Where there's confetti, there's a party. It's a food festival and a summer block party rolled into one! There's candy sculptures, fruit carving and cooking demonstrations. In the heart of Chinatown you'll have no shortage of great eats too, including food trucks and pop-up food booths — along with Chinatown's own restaurants. Central Plaza will also turn into a mega dance party with live DJs.
FOOD PICK
Salt & Straw's Free Ice Cream Friday
WHEN: Friday, August 4, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
WHERE: Salt & Straw, West Hollywood MAP
COST: Free
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Get a free scoop of ice cream at one of Salt & Straw's newest L.A. locations. Be sure to try a tongue-boggling flavor like Carrot Cake Batter & Hazelnut Praline or Freckled Chocolate Zucchini Bread from their August Farmers Market Series. If you go during Happy Hour (every Friday from 9-11 p.m.), you'll get to enjoy live music and a free upgrade to a waffle cone.
21+ PICK
Avocado Fest
WHEN: Saturday, August 5 - Sunday, August 6, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Angel City Brewery
COST: Free
It doesn't get much more California than this. Enjoy a weekend of live music, avocado-themed contests and live mural painting in Angel City Brewery's outdoor beer garden. There will also be cake and other food to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated Avocado Ale. You must be 21 or older to attend.
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FAMILY PICK
64th Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo
The 64th Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo will be held Saturday at Belmont Pier.
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Courtesy of Alfredo's Beach Club
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WHEN: Saturday, August 5, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
WHERE: Belmont Pier, Long Beach MAP
COST: Free
Kids under the age of 17 can compete for the biggest catch at a fishing tournament this weekend. You must bring your own fishing rod and reel, but the bait and the fishing tips are provided. Contestants will compete for trophies and other prizes.
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CULTURE PICK
Guelaguetza Festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piVRgx6U4D8&feature=youtu.be
WHEN: Saturday, August 5 - Sunday, August 6
WHERE: Lincoln Park MAP
COST: Free
The 30th annual Guelaguetza Festival celebrates the diverse indigenous communities from the Oaxacan region of Mexico. You can expect a festive parade, folk dancing, musical performances and traditional food from the region. L.A. has the largest Oaxacan population outside of Mexico, so this is one of the rare places to experience this unique culture.
MOVIE PICK
'Martin' Movie Screening
WHEN: Friday, August 4, 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
WHERE: Cinefamily MAP
COST: $15 Get tickets
A film from the late director George Romero is screening at an old-school, indie theater near Melrose. "Martin" is an eerie zombie flick that's rightfully earned its reputation as a cult horror film. Other options for cool movie showings this weekend include "Raiders of the Lost Ark" accompanied by a live orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl and "E.T." at Griffith Park. (There's also "The Princess Bride" as one of Cinespia's Hollywood Forever film screenings, but alas, it is sold out.)
STAGE PICK
Scumbag Shakespeare
WHEN: Sunday, August 6, 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
WHERE: Pack Theater MAP
COST: Pay what you can
You've probably read or seen Shakespeare a dozen times, but you've never seen it like this. It's a raunchy, comedic version of "Julius Caesar." The cast rehearses the show for just a few hours, so you're guaranteed to see a fast and raw version of the famous play. Or, if serious Shakespeare sounds more appealing, check out the free Shakespeare in the Park performances at Griffith Park this weekend.
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @inkwaves and @LeoHasACat.
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