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8 fun ways to spend your weekend in SoCal

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As white pants return to the back of the closet and Labor Day is crossed off the calendar, you can embrace the new season at a fall market or soak in the end of summer at the Lobster Fest this weekend. Or you can participate in the year-round pastime of drinking beer. We've got the details.


1. The Original Long Beach Lobster Festival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RncjWcjG6BQ#t=11

Have a hankering for lobster? Celebrate the end of summer with fresh, live Maine lobsters. Visit the food court to pile your plate high with lobster, and a variety of other eats. General admission includes live entertainment, inflatable bounces, a reptile exhibit, souvenir photos and karaoke. Food is not included with admission.

When: Friday, Sept. 9 to Sunday, Sept. 11, times vary 

Where: Rainbow Lagoon Park | MAP 

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Price: Tickets are $15 at the door, $13 online | Buy Tickets


2. OC Japan Fair

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKGwqoNAxsJ/?taken-by=ocjapanfair

Celebrate Japanese culture this weekend with food, music, hip hop dance and a Samurai play. Get foods like sushi burritos from Samurai Burrito, poke bowls from Uroko Cafe, udon from Oki Doki and Korean barbecue from Luckyball BBQ. If your mouth isn't watering yet, there will also be shaved ice and deco Pocky. Check out the event schedule to see the lineup of performances.

When: Friday, Sept. 9, 5 p.m. - midnight; Saturday, Sept. 10, noon - 11 p.m.

Where: Phoenix Club of Anaheim | MAP 

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Price: Tickets are $5 | Get tickets 


3. Los Angeles International Neon Jubilee

The Union Theater marquee lights are being restored to their former 1939 glory. The free day festival, leading up to the main lighting event once the sun goes down, will include everything from live music to animation workshops. Inside the theater, families can enjoy cartoon screenings and puppet shows. After 7:30 p.m., folks will need a ticket to witness the unveiling of the lights, which will be followed by more live entertainment and dinner. 

When: Saturday, Sept. 10, noon - 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m 

Where: The Velaslavasay Panorama, University Park | MAP 

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Price: Street festival is free | RSVP ; Tickets for night marquee are $20 | Get tickets 


4. Unique L.A. Fall Market

Shop 'til you drop at this pop-up shopping event that will have everything from clothing and jewelry  to furniture and housewares from over 100 local artists and designers. Roam through the converted space for that one special something you won't be able to find in stores, while sipping and munching on free drinks and snacks. Free DIY workshops will also be available all weekend. Pro tip: The venue has an underground parking lot with a $6 flat rate if you don't feel like going Metro.

When: Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Where: California Market Center, DTLA | MAP 

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Price: Tickets $12 online, $15 at the door | Get tickets 


5. "For the Love of Spock" screening

https://twitter.com/SidGrauman/status/773982827859759104

The phrase "Live long and prosper" takes on a whole new meaning with "Star Trek's" 50th anniversary this week and the debut of the new documentary that follows the life of iconic Leonard Nimoy. Directed by Nimoy's son, the film provides an extra fandom fix with rare archival footage and original cast member interviews, followed by a discussion with Adam Nimoy himself. Stick around for a bonus screening of "The New Frontier: Resurrecting Star Trek." Prosthetic Vulcan ears are optional.

When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Egyptian Theater, Hollywood | MAP 

Price: Tickets are $11 | Get tickets 


6. “This Used to Be Mexico"

(
Avenue 50 Studio via Facebook
)

More than 30 artists and poets are coming together to present a "visual response to the turbulent and inflammatory discourse surrounding the 2016 presidential campaign." The exhibit at Avenue 50 Studio was curated by Sybil Venegas and Jessica Ceballos. The opening reception is Saturday night.

When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 7 - 10 p.m., running through Oct. 1 

Where: Avenue 50 Studio, Highland Park | MAP 

Price: Free 


7. 2016 California Beer Festival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_aXCd2dOqA&feature=youtu.be

Admission to this weekend's beer garden scores you one souvenir glass with unlimited pours from 85 craft breweries from up and down the Californian coast. Food will be sold from various vendors on site. Grab some brew, take a lap around the venue and go back for more. Cheers! 

When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 12:30 - 5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 11, 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Frank G. Bonelli Park, San Dimas | MAP       

Price: Tickets are $10-70 | Get tickets 


8. Feria de Los Moles

https://twitter.com/feriadelosmoles/status/773322763155234816

If you've never had the Mexican dish mole, you might be the perfect non-partisan foodie to settle a long-debated controversy — which Mexican state makes the best variation of mole: Puebla or Oaxaca? The pressure to make a decision might be a bit much — good thing there'll be live mariachi music and plenty of shopping to distract you. 

When: Sunday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Where: Olvera Street, DTLA | MAP 

Price: Free


What'd we miss? Let us know @kellie_gal, @lizmoonyoz and @leohasacat

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