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Free weekend: 5 cheap things to do outdoors in LA
Life Rolls On surfer, Christiaan Bailey, prepares to hit the waves during the 2012 US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach, CA.
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Bear Guerra/KPCC
)
It's going to be a weekend full of free music, outdoor films and vintage finds. Here's the itinerary: Start off with a free Modest Mouse concert Friday night. The festivities continue early Saturday with unlimited eye candy at the US Open of Surfing. At night, pick from free music at the Getty Museum or cheap, outdoor movie screenings downtown. Finish your free weekend with a trip to Downtown Flea and treat yourself to crazy cat memorabilia from The Funky Casterz.
Here's everything you need to know:
1. Enjoy surf and sun at Huntington Beach
Get ready for a day of bods and boards at the Huntington beach waterfront. The Vans US Open of Surfing is a nine-day free event mixing intense competition, autographs, music and film. Unfortunately, no booze is allowed. But you can cool off in the nearby water as long as you swim between the flags. Pro Tip: Leave work early Friday for the Modest Mouse and Matt Costa concert from 4 to 7 p.m. Can’t make it? Live stream the events here.
When: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; noon to 9 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday | Find a schedule of events here
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Where: Huntington Beach | MAP
Price: Free
2. Listen to great music at the Getty Museum
Bask in gorgeous design and good company at the Getty’s “Saturday’s off the 405.” The summer series has garnered an eclectic lineup, and this week's concert continues that trend with indie-rock trio Geographer, recently named one of SPIN Magazine's "Three Undiscovered Bands You Need to Hear Now":
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday
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Where: Courtyard of the Getty Museum | MAP
Price: Free | No reservations required
3. And now for something completely different...
Watch the 1975 cult classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail amongst friends and food trucks at Street Food Cinema’s outdoor movie screening Saturday. This British comedy follows King Arthur and his knights as they embark on a low-budget quest for the Holy Grail.
Be on the lookout for food trucks that range from healthy to mildly hazardous: Salads Galore, Fresh Fries, La Frite, and My Delight Cupcakery. The band Fly Johnson will play prior to the screening.
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When: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; movie starts at 8:30 p.m Saturday
Where: LA State Historic Park | MAP
Price: $10 and up | Purchase tickets here
4. Schedule a day of shopping downtown
As if there weren't enough cheap finds in DTLA's Fashion District, you can scavenge anew at the Downtown Flea beginning this Sunday. Expect one-of-a-kind clothing, hand-crafted furniture and fun (read: weird) accessories. There will be food and entertainment, too.
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When: 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: 246 Spring Street, Los Angeles, 90012 | MAP
Price: $5
5.) Watch an epic film at a drive-in
Catch the classic flick "Almost Famous" in DTLA Saturday night. You can watch it picnic-style or from your car. Scroll down to the bottom of this list for nearby bars. And find out more about parking here. Pets are welcome and food trucks include Vizzi Truck, Slummin Gourmet, El Burger Luchador and Brasil Kiss.
When: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; music at 7 p.m.; movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: LA Trade Tech College | MAP
Price: $15 per person, 2 person minimum per car; or $10 advance or $12 at the door for picnic style | Purchase tickets here
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