This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
7 ways to spend your SoCal weekend—with or without Pokémon Go
Sameer Uddin and Michelle Macias play Pokemon Go on their smartphones outside of Nintendo's flagship store, July 11, 2016 in New York City. The success of Nintendo's new smartphone game, Pokemon Go, has sent shares of Nintendo soaring.
(
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
)
File photo.
(
BRJ INC. via Flickr
)
Photo of a cup from Hello Kitty Cafe in Seoul, South Korea.
(
Jirka Matousek via Flickr
)
Los Angeles Chinatown 70th Anniversary Celebration.
(
jshyun via Flickr
)
If you are one of the seemingly few people who isn't planning to surrender your weekend to catching Rattatas and Pidgeys on Pokémon Go, we've got several ideas for things to do — everything from a Hello Kitty Café to a hot sauce expo. (If you are into the popular game, we suppose these could make for potential PokéStops.)
1. Hello Kitty Café 'pop-up' opens
https://www.facebook.com/HelloKittyCafe/
Photo of a cup from Hello Kitty Cafe in Seoul, South Korea.
(
Jirka Matousek via Flickr
)
The popular cartoon character is getting a café of her own at the Irvine Spectrum this weekend. The opening of the Hello Kitty Café Pop-Up Container will be celebrated with lots of giveaways. Sip on a strawberry mint lemonade or coffee and munch on sweet, baked treats.
When: Friday, July 15 - Sunday, July 17, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Irvine Spectrum Center | MAP
Sponsored message
Price: Free
2. Body Art Expo
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHScCL-hpgI/?taken-by=bodyartexpo
Why go to a regular tattoo shop when this behemoth of an expo will have all things related to body art? Whether you've been itching to get a new tattoo or you've just been curious but what it would be like to face the needle, this weekend could be your chance to get inked. Should you decide you're not ready yet to make the commitment, there'll be plenty of non-body-altering activities to enjoy.
When: Friday, July 15 - Sunday, July 17 | Event Schedule
Where: Pomona Fairplex | MAP
Sponsored message
Price: Free
3. California Hot Sauce Expo
https://twitter.com/cahotsauceexpo/status/751810608555814912
A warning: this event is for those who have been training much of their lives by carrying a bottle of Tabasco everywhere they go. An insane spice tolerance will be needed to fare well in the "spicy burrito challenge" and the "Ghost Pepper Spicy Pizza Eating Contest of Doom." Participation isn't mandatory — you might prefer being an observant bystander, far away from the chili.
Pro tip: Bring a gallon of milk or loaf of bread?
When: Saturday, July 16 - Sunday, July 17, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Event schedule
Sponsored message
Where: Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach | MAP
Price: General admission is $10 | Get tickets
4. Go out and catch.them.all.
https://media.giphy.com/media/l41Yf4o57HfLGQh9K/giphy.gif
Once you look up from your Pokémon Go app after unintentionally walking three miles in search of a monster, you might decide you need to up your game. Groups of trainers are popping up all over the Southland, and we’ve picked just a few you might be interested in — but we won't judge if you decide to hit up all of them.
When and where:
Sponsored message
Santa Monica Pier, Saturday, July 16, 1 - 4 p.m.; and Sunday, July 17, 7 p.m.
Chinatown on July 16, 5 p.m. - midnight.
Downtown Disney, July 16, 8 p.m.
Price: Free
5. 38th Annual Ho’olaule’a Hawaiian Festival
File photo.
(
BRJ INC. via Flickr
)
Aloha! Gather for Polynesian entertainment, arts and crafts, food and drawings at this annual event that commemorates the Ku’e petitions, which were organized in 1898 in opposition to the U.S. taking over Hawaii. You can see the original petitions at the event while celebrating Hawaiian tradition and learning about its history.
When: Saturday July 16 - Sunday July 17, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Alondra Park, Lawndale | MAP
Pro tip: Parking is $2 for the day at El Camino College if the streets are full.
Price: Free
6. Chinatown Summer Nights
Los Angeles Chinatown 70th Anniversary Celebration.
(
jshyun via Flickr
)
There's something about glowing red lanterns that really make a summer evening in L.A. You'll have no problem finding something to do at Chinatown's Central and West plazas, which will feature live music, food trucks and a craft beer garden.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the Metro Gold Line station that's within walking distance and avoid any parking hassles.
When: Saturday, July 16, 5 p.m. - midnight.
Where: Chinatown | MAP
Price: Free
7. Manhattan Beach Summer Concerts in the Park: Blue Breeze Band
Grab a blanket and a picnic basket and head to Manhattan Beach to enjoy an evening concert featuring the Motown, R&B, funk and jazz stylings of the Blue Breeze Band.
When: Sunday, July 17, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: Polliwog Park, Manhattan Beach | MAP
Price: Free
What'd we miss? Let us know @kellie_gal, @lizmoonyoz and @leohasacat.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
