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9 brilliant ways to spend your SoCal weekend
File: Riders climb Wilshire Boulevard in downtown L.A. during the seventh CicLAvia event on June 23, 2013.
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Todd Johnson/KPCC
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Delectable BakeHouse via Facebook
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Metro
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Original Tommy's via Facebook
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Line dance, eat a sushi burrito, then go to six different L.A. museums for free. The weekend awaits.
1. Country Music Festival
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Grab your cowboy hat and get ready to sing along to some country twang at this year's Brea Bonanza Days. The annual free country music show runs all weekend long and will have arts and crafts booths, line dancing lessons, pony rides and a cow milking challenge. The fest kicks off with Brad Johnson and the Killin' Time Band on Friday.
When: Friday, May 13, 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 14 - Sunday, May 15, noon
Where: Downtown Brea | MAP
Price: Free
2. O.C. Night Market
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Grab a stack of cash and your stretchy pants as you head to this summer’s first O.C. Night Market. There will be hundreds of food vendors along with crafts, art, merchandise and entertainment. With so many delicious treats to try, one strategy is to attend with a group, split up and reconvene to taste test various foods. Look out for Norigami Tacos, Crescendo Ice Cream and sushi burritos from Samurai Burritos.
When: Friday, May 13 - Sunday, May 15, 4 p.m.
Where: O.C. Fair and Event Center | MAP
Price: Cash only for $5 admission and $8 parking
3. Whedonopolis
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This convention was created by fans for fans to celebrate Joss Whedon’s on-screen creations. From “Buffy” to “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” the weekend will encompass all things Whedon and “Whedon adjacent.” The convention will have panels — including a table-read of Whedon’s unproduced “Wonder Woman” script — a stunt demonstration and a cosplay contest. The event will raise money for two anti-bullying organizations via Fandom Charities. The entire weekend will set you back $60 but Friday tickets start at $20.
When: Friday, May 13 - Sunday, May 15
Where: Airtel Plaza Hotel | MAP
Price: Tickets start at $20 for Friday | Get Tickets
4. Anaheim Art Crawl Experience
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Delectable BakeHouse via Facebook
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Bringing together dozens of indie craft vendors, live artists and food vendors, the Anaheim Art Crawl Experience is back. If you're not sure where to start or what to eat, check out this itinerary that outlines the evening from pop-up galleries to macarons.
When: Saturday, May 14, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Anaheim
Price: Free
5. Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
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Discover the Getty Center through the lens of the "Harry Potter" series as you and your kids go on a scavenger hunt through the museum for art that echoes details in the series. You'll hunt for owls, dragons, a potion master and more magical things that tie together the series with pieces at the Getty. Pro tip: The fun is meant for kids and adults to compete together, but all adult teams can compete separately.
When: Saturday, May 14, 4 p.m.
Where: Getty Center | MAP
Price: Tickets are $17.50 for kids, $19.50 for adults | Get Tickets
6. The Eclectic 2016
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Dozens of artists will perform on stages all around South Pasadena. Along with the music there will be an art walk with several works and crafts on display.
When: Saturday, May 14, 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Line-up
Where: South Pasadena | Map of stage locations
Price: Free
7. Southeast CicLAvia
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Streets are closing in L.A.'s southeast cities to make way for you to bike, board, walk, skip or move in whatever way suits your fancy. The important thing is that no cars will get in your way. There are hubs along the route in Huntington Park, Walnut Park, South Gate, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood and Watts that offer live music, dancing, food trucks and more. Each hub is different so check out the rundown. Pro tip: Traffic flows in two directions so keep these safety tips in mind.
When: Sunday, May 15, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Price: Free
8. 70 Cent Hamburgers
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Original Tommy's via Facebook
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Original Tommy’s Hamburgers is turning 70 years old. To celebrate, the burger shack will be selling its classic chiliburger and a canned soda for just 70 cents. Along with the grub, you can catch the USC’s Trojan Band from noon to 1 p.m., take pictures with Original Tommy’s Classic Car and Race Car and win prizes. Pro tip: The 70-cent deal is limited to five orders per person.
When: Sunday, May 15, noon - midnight
Where: Original Tommy’s Hamburgers, Beverly and Rampart Boulevard location | MAP
Price: Get your grub on for 70 cents
9. Museums of the Arroyo Day
Save on admission fees while getting rich in local history on Museums of the Arroyo Day at six museums: The Gamble House, Heritage Square, Los Angeles Police Museum, Lummis Home and Garden and the Pasadena Museum of History. From retired LAPD helicopters to Victorian dances, these museums offer a ton to see and do. Choose one or visit them all. Either way, last entries are at 4 p.m., so plan accordingly.
When: Sunday, May 15, noon - 5 p.m.
Where: Six different museums in L.A. and Pasadena
Price: Free
What'd we miss? Let us know on Twitter @kellie_gal and @LeoHasACat.
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