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Free weekend? How to pass the time during the #LAHeatWave
This is your brain on the #LAHeatWave.
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William Murphy/Flickr/Creative Commons
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I don't know how, but we managed to survive the work week while enduring grueling temps. Hang in there, SoCal: Just a few more days, and we're in the clear! (Seriously, you can expect comparatively icy 80 degree temps next week.)
In the meantime, I highly recommend investing in a fan. And to pass the time, how about air-conditioned museums or live music at the beach? Sounds great, right? Here's everything you need to know.
1. Venice Beach Music Fest
When debating what beach to visit this weekend, consider Venice. The Venice Beach Music Fest is back for its 10th year with a lineup of music, art and dance. Highlights include: Violin virtuoso Lili Haydn; seasoned rock and roller Greg Douglass; local author Carlos Allende and the ArtQueen ensemble of Sweden.
When: 11 a.m. to 7:30 pm. Saturday
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Where: 1 Windward Avenue | MAP
Price: Free
2. "Portlandia: Season 5"
Watch: Tumblrize your sexuality
If you have air conditioning, why even leave the couch? Marathon your way through "Portlandia: Season 5," which comes out Saturday. Find more new releases here.
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3. "Edward Scissorhands"
OK, this one is outdoors, but it's at night, so you might just catch an inkling of a breeze. Street Food Cinema is screening one of my personal favorites, "Edward Scissorhands" (best Halloween costume ever!), Saturday evening in Griffith Park. Pack a picnic or eat from one of a handful of food trucks, including Pho King Awesome and Postcards. Come early for a live performance by Tides.
When: Doors 5:30 p.m. | Band 6:30 P.m. | Movie 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Griffith Park Center | MAP
Price: Between $6 and $17 | Purchase tix
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4. Family Day at Hammer
Aaaahhhhhh, can you feel that air conditioning? Saturday is Family Day at the Hammer Museum. Enjoy hours of indoor relief as the kids sculpt their own tableware for a tea party; design costumes; pose in a photo booth; and excavate their own artwork. Free snacks will be provided but you can also buy food at Ammo Café.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hammer Museum | MAP
Price: Free
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5. And for the adults
Don't have kids? Check out "Hammer Projects: Mary Reid Kelley," a series of creepy narrative videos set within stylized black and white drawings.
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Hammer Museum | MAP
Price: Free
6. The Mindy Burger
There's a new burger in town, and it's named after Mindy Kaling. As promotion for her new book, Kaling has teamed up with Umami Burger to offer a signature beef patty topped with pickled jalapeño, fried onion strings and house-made Sriracha Aioli. A dollar from each burger will go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Pro tip: Grab your burger during "Social Hour" — 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday — for $5 draft beers, $6 glasses of wine, $4 sliders and $3 fries.
When: During store hours | Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Where: Find a list of locations here
Price: The Mindy Burger is $13
7. Opulent Mobility
Artists reimagine wheelchairs, walkers, prosthetics, crutches and other assistive technology devices in CSUN's new exhibit, "Opulent Mobility." The works include video installation, film, animation, sculptures, photos and drawings from all over California and as far away as the UK and Taiwan. The exhibit includes ASL interpreters, descriptive audio and a small tactile exhibit for the hearing and visually impaired.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday | Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday | Closed Sundays
Where: CSUN Art Galleries | MAP
Price: Free admission | Parking in all lots is $6.00 per day
7. Rooftop cinema series
Eastsiders: Head to Pasadena for a free outdoor screening of "Avatar" Saturday night as a part of its Rooftop Cinema Series. Arrive early for live music, food trucks and outdoor activities like neon airbrush artists and ping pong. Can't make it? Catch "Tron: Legacy" later this month (hopefully, it'll be cooler then).
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Pasadena Towers | MAP
Price: Free
8. Anaheim Night Market
The Anaheim Packing District will turn into a shopping center where you can buy from local artists and eateries. Choose from over a dozen foods and tons of vendors offering handmade and sustainable goods. When the shopping and dinning is over, stay for the live music or a free screening of "The Incredibles."
When: 6 to 10 p.m Saturday
Where: Anaheim Packing District | MAP
Price: Entrance is free
9. Oktoberfest
No need to travel to Germany. Torrance's version of Oktoberfest may not be the real thing, but it's just as fun. This Friday kicks of the two-month celebration of the oldest Oktoberfest in L.A. Enjoy tons of beer, entertainment and European food. Special events include a happy hour and a "Sunday Champagne Brunch." (This event is indoors but we can't confirm the efficiency of its air conditioning. Sorry, folks.) Pro tip: Catch an early bird discount if you go this month.
When: Starts Friday and runs through October
Where: Alpine Village | MAP
Price: Tickets start at $10
What's we miss? Let me know on Twitter @kristenlepore.
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