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Have a 'Despicable' free weekend: 5 fun things to do in LA
It's mid-July and we know want to know what your plans are for the rest of the summer.
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The DaKah HipHop Orchestra performs at Grand Performances in downtown, Los Angeles.
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victoriabernal
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Get yourself Instagram-ready and take snapshots and selfies with life-sized minions from the animated film "Despicable Me." It’s going to be a fun weekend, so be sure to pack extra sunscreen and water bottles to stay hydrated when you're participating in beachfront activities with yoga enthusiasts and clean-up crews. And don't forget to bring some extra cash so you can splurge on Pinterest-inspired decor during one of the largest indie craft fairs in Southern California.
Check out these five free events, and let us know your plans in the comments.
1. Spend the night under the stars with menacing minions
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Geek out with 3D glasses while catching some of your favorite one-eyed minions on the big screen. “Despicable Me” will play Friday night as a part of “Cinema on the Street,” a series of weekly movies at the Promenade in Santa Monica. Bring blankets and beach chairs so you can comfortably kick back and watch the villainous Gru attempt to steal the moon. Pro tip: Come early to grab food and booze at one of the many local bars and restaurants.
Expect life-size minions ready for photo shoots, too:
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica; the outdoor movie screen is on Third Street Promenade at the 1200 block, just outside Chipotle | MAP
Admission: Free
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2. Peruse aisles of cool and crafty designer goods
Spruce up your summer wardrobe with tribal-looking necklaces and cute cat rings. Decorate your house with llama vases and a raging-tiger silk-screened poster. You’ll find eye-appealing oddities, installations and accessories designed by hundreds of top indie crafters and makers at the Renegade Craft Fair, which is held a handful of times every year in cities like Brooklyn, Chicago, London and San Francisco. Pro tip: Check out its Pinterest board for a heads-up on items you might want to purchase. That way, you won’t be distressingly overwhelmed upon arrival.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Los Angeles State Historic Park | MAP
Admission: Free
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3. Participate in one of the most intense beach workouts ever
Sweat off your weekend sins with two hours of Roga — aka yoga and running. You'll be surrounded by the calming sounds and beautiful hues of the ocean. So grab a yoga mat and put your phone on silent for this all-inclusive no-judgment morning of exercise presented by Honest Tea. You can join either class or both.
When: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday; run starts at 8 a.m.; yoga at 9 a.m.
Where: Santa Monica Pier | MAP | Click here for details
Admission: Free
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4. Bust a move with a highly-charged night of funk and soul
Remember those classic songs "Sweet Thing" and "Tell me Something Good?" Legendary Grammy winners from the band Rufus will play them live at an intimate outdoor concert Saturday. Two of its founding members — Kevin Murphy and Tony Maiden, who helped launched vocal superstar Chaka Khan — will headline the evening.
Here's a throwback to get you in the mood:
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: California Plaza | MAP | Click here for more on how to get there.
Price: Free
5. Keep our beaches clean with Nothin' but Sand
Wake up early Saturday for a drive to Pacific Palisades and join dozens of volunteers on the lookout for littered items. Heal the Bay is hosting a special cleanup as part of Nelson Mandela International Day. Volunteers must be 13 years old or be accompanied by an adult to participate. Sanitary supplies will be provided, but the group is encouraging folks to bring reusable bags. Pro tip: Bring your suit for a dip when the work is done!
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday
Where: Will Rogers State Beach | MAP
Price: Free
Did we miss something? Share it on our Facebook page or let us know in comments. You can also loop us in on upcoming events here.
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