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9 things to do if you're staying in town over Labor Day weekend
File: Families attend the Los Angeles County Fair.
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Steve Perry/Flickr
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Photo of the San Gabriel Mission.
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Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images
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Singer Juan Gabriel performs during the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards at the Mandalay Bay Events Center November 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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The USS Iowa berthed at its new permanent home in the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif., in June. The decommissioned ship will now be a museum.
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Pacific Battleship Center
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Don't have plans to skip town for the Labor Day weekend? Fried food at the Los Angeles County Fair, drive-in movies and an international street fair are all highlights if you're sticking around for the holiday.
1. L.A. County Fair
https://twitter.com/lacountyfair/status/771502163977768961
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Bacon-wrapped fried pickles, Doritos, Snickers, PB&J, burritos and so many more things are headed for the deep fryer, as people flock to the L.A. County Fair for food, music and family fun. The opening concert this weekend is a fest of old school funk featuring The Brothers Johnson, Rose Royce, The Original Lakeside, Heatwave, Evelyn "Champagne" King and Jimmie Walker. Concert tickets start at $34. Parking is $15 at Gates 17 and 9.
When: Friday, Sept. 2 - Sunday, Sept. 25 | Fair Hours
Where: Pomona Fairplex | MAP
Price: General admission is $20 | Price List
2. Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour
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Santa Barbara artists are opening their studios this weekend for the 15th annual open studio tour. The festivities start with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Throughout the weekend each artist will have a select work on display in their studio. Pro tip: Parking is available at the corner of Montecito and Milpas streets or at the lot at Mason and Mipas streets.
When: Friday, Sept. 2 – Sunday, Sept. 4, 5 p.m.
Where: The tour starts at Corridan Gallery and continues throughout Santa Barbara | MAP
Price: Tickets are $20 for individuals, $15 for each person in groups of two or more | Buy Tickets
3. L.A. Fleet Week
The USS Iowa berthed at its permanent home in the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California.
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Pacific Battleship Center
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Even if you missed the chance to claim the ship-tour tickets, there is still plenty to do at L.A. Fleet Week. From aerial flyovers to exhibits and fireworks, the completely free event along the L.A. Waterfront is a great way to learn more about the U.S. military while having fun. Check out our round-up of 11 must-sees at L.A. Fleet Week.
When: Friday, Sept. 2 - Monday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Event Schedule
Where: L.A. Waterfront | MAP
Price: Free
4. La Fiesta de San Gabriel
Ernesto Salas, chief of a group of Kizh Nation Indians leads a ceremony honouring their ancestors beside the statue of Father Junipero Serra which stands in front of the San Gabriel Mission in San Gabriel, California on September 23, 2015 moments after visiting Pope Francis made the controversial Spanish Missionary a Saint while celebrating the first canonization on U.S. soil during a Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. Some fifty different tribes in California have condemned the sainthood conferred on Serra, according to Deborah Miranda, author of "Bad Indians: A Tribal Memoir," a book about her ancestors' experiences in the Spanish missions and member of the Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation of California. AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
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For more than 200 years, there have been celebrations at the San Gabriel Mission. There were celebrations for the founding of the mission in 1771, secular fiestas from 1834 to 1862 and, beginning in 1903, the modern La Fiesta de San Gabriel began. There will be live entertainment, international food selections, games and rides, along with cultural, historic and religious festivities. The fun starts with a blessing of the festival at 6 p.m. Friday.
When: Friday, Sept. 2 - Sunday, Sept. 4 | Event Schedule
Where: San Gabriel Mission | MAP
Price: Free
5. Orange International Street Fair
https://twitter.com/IHeartOTOrange/status/771256297362599936
Visit England, Japan, Lebanon, Ireland and other destinations across the globe without getting on a plane. This weekend's International Street Fair in Orange will feature food from a variety of cultures, live entertainment, community booths and a children's street with crafts and games.
When: Friday, Sept. 2 - Sunday, Sept. 4 | Event Schedule
Where: The Orange Circle | MAP
Price: Free, wristbands to buy alcohol are $3.
6. Drive-in movie: 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzva_I8WPAg
Feeling old school? Grab some milkshakes and a few friends and go to a drive-in movie. This weekend's showing of the '80s cult classic "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" will make you want to have a pizza delivered to your next work meeting.
When: Saturday, Sept. 3, doors at 6:30 p.m.
Where: LACCD Van de Kamp College Campus | MAP
Price: Drive-in tickets are $14 per person | Get Tickets
7. Smiths and Morrissey Night at the Echoplex
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJRP3LRcUFg
Good times for a change: It's a night dedicated to the Smiths and Morrissey. DJ Jose Maldonado will be spinning "the songs that saved your life" so you can dance the night away. Sorry kiddos, this event is only for people ages 18 and up.
When: Sunday, Sept. 4, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where: The Echoplex | MAP
Price: Tickets are $7 | Get Tickets
8. Remembering Juan Gabriel in song
Singer Juan Gabriel performs during the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards at the Mandalay Bay Events Center November 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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Pay tribute to Mexico's iconic voice, Juan Gabriel, by singing karaoke in his honor. Sign-up to sing on stage, or just belt it out from your seat if you don't like all eyes on you.
When: Sunday, Sept. 4, 8 p.m.
Where: Eastside Luv Wine Bar | MAP
Price: Free, happy hour from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
9. Labor Day Music Festival
https://twitter.com/LaborDayMusic/status/766303664944377856
Spend your Monday off with musical talents like Los Lonely Boys, Poncho Sanchez, Dennis Jones Band, The Victor Orlando Orchestra and Fun-Ja-La, Cuban Funk, The New Orleans All Star Band and headliner Snoop Dogg. The event is put on by the organization Working Californians to celebrate what workers do for the City of L.A.
When: Monday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: L.A. Memorial Coliseum's Exposition Park | MAP
Price: General admission is $20 | Get Tickets
What'd we miss? Let us know on Twitter @kellie_gal, @lizmoonyoz or @LeoHasACat.
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