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Free weekend? Here are 6 cheap ways to get #LostinLA
Eagle Rock Brewery: Beer for the people.
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Photo: fordsbasement/ Flickr
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Bid adieu to summer and embrace Los Angeles's cooling temps with bike rides, hula hoops, food and booze. Lots of booze. Did we mention it's beer week? It's true, and we're totally there.
Here's everything you need to know:
1. It's beer week — let's drink!
(Photo: fordsbasement/ Flickr)
In light of this brilliantly boozy holiday, various bars around Los Angeles will offer seasonal beers from local breweries. Spitz in Little Tokyo, known for its kebabs and falafel, will feature Eagle Rock Brewery beer on tap all night Friday. There's no better way to wash away garlic breath. Here's a list of other beer-related events happening around town.
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Pro tip: After dinner at Spitz, head to One-Eyed Gypsy for its special beer event — happy hour lasts until 9 p.m. and live music starts at 9:30 p.m.
When: 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday
Where: 371 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA | MAP
Price: Free entry but expect to drop around $30 for food and booze.
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Clothes, accessories, food and home decor. It's all available at Downtown Flea this weekend. Here's a list of vendors attending; there's an eclectic lineup including Taos Footwear, Love Soundz Jewelry, Oyate Adornments and All Spice Cafe.
Pro tip: Buy one admission, get one free if you show your valid TAP card, Metro employee ID or L.A. County employee ID.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Sunday
Where: 246 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | MAP
Price: $5 | Buy tickets here | Bring cash if you want to shop.
Pro tip: Here's the parking situation.
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(Photo: lostinangeles/Flickr)
The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is hosting one of its Car Free LA events Sunday — bicycles are encouraged and Instagram is mandatory. This week's tour will explore the hidden gems of Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Expect historic landmarks like the Electric Fountain and the Santa Monica Pier, plus everyday destinations including the Beverly Hills Farmers Market and Gardens Park.
Pro tip: Participants are encouraged to share their photos on social media during and after the event, tagging #CarFreeLA.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Tour begins at 9 a.m. on the steps of Beverly Hills City Hall, at the Crescent Drive entrance. | MAP
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RELATED: #CarFreeLA: 7 cool LA bike shops make pedal pushing a breeze (Map)
4. Hula hoop your way to the Venice Boardwalk
It's Venice Beach... amplified. Channel your inner hippie (or just sit back and people watch) with belly dancers from Ya Harissa Bellydance Theatre and trance-like rhythms from local drummers at the Venice Beach Music Fest on Saturday. Expect ice cream from the Paradise Truck, psychedelic pieces of art and mellow tunes. Here's a list of performers.
Pro tip: This is the ultimate people watching spot. Get your camera(s) ready.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Windward Plaza Park | MAP
Price: Free
5. Trekking LA: Moon festival over Chinatown
(Photo: jshyun/Flickr)
Brace yourself for exotic dishes and local favorites prepared by some of the best culinary artists in town with this guided event. Bring your walking shoes, and start an exciting trek to the many shops and restaurants that light up the streets of Chinatown. The food tour, hosted by LA Commons, will start at Hoan Kiem restaurant, followed by a Moon Festival celebration where you can dance and unwrap a tasty moon cake.
Pro tip: Show your valid TAP card, Metro Employee ID or L.A. County Employee ID to your tour guide and save $2 on tickets. Book tickets online and use promo code “GOMETRO” to get $4 off up to four adult tickets.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: The tour will start 5 p.m. at Hoan Kiem restaurant | MAP
Price: $10 | Purchase tickets here.
6. Dress, eat and dance like your favorite '80s pop icon
OK, we know it's not in L.A. But we couldn't pass by this totally rad '80s-themed extravaganza. Transport yourself to a Pac-Man-inspired maze featuring loads of flashy lights and vinyl records — that's the scene at Bellflower's New Wave Restaurant & Bar. There will be a performance by British new wave band Naked Eyes (of "(There's) Always Something There To Remind Me" fame) followed by a karaoke session hosted by KROQ.
Pro tip: The menu is pretty awesome — try the Pac-Man drink or a Billy Idol Bacon Burger.
Where: New Wave Bar | MAP
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Price: $10
Have an event to share? Share in the comments below or tweet us your suggestions to @KristenLepore or @monicaluhar. We may feature your recommendations in next week's post!
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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