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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

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Have a fantastically free weekend: 6 cheap things to do in Los Angeles

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Don't let the weekend burn a hole in your wallet. Make it an inexpensive one with free music, free dance lessons and a free citywide bike ride. Take a look at these six events, and let us know your weekend plans in the comments below.


1. Peruse arts and crafts at the Port of LA

Join Crafted — a marketplace at the waterfront of San Pedro — for its Retail & Food Truck Festival. The Crafted marketplace houses "one-of-a-kind treasures and handmade creations" from more than 100 artists around Southern California. Expect savory bites from the Melt Bus while shopping the latest fashion at Alegria Bazaar. No need to to bring extra cash for parking, because that's free too! 

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Crafted at the Port of L.A. | MAP

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Price: Free


2. Fusion Friday with traditional Japanese festivities 

Asian-inspired attire is encouraged at this monthly event hosted by the Pacific Asia Museum. Angel City Brewery will provide a cash bar and food trucks will offer assorted fare in the parking lot. Plus, there will be haka warrior dance art from Takashi Tomo-oka. 

When: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday; Japanese Festival Dances at 8:15; Maori Haka Warrior Dance at 9:15

Where: Pacific Asia Museum | MAP

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Price: Free for members, $15 nonmembers; reserve tickets here


3. Get sentimental with the Upright Citizens Brigade

Do you have a guilty pleasure that you just can't wait to get off your chest? Then consider seeing

"Sentimental Lady: Guilty Pleasures" where "one audience member's guilty pleasure will be transformed from a skeleton in a closet into a fully improvised show!" Anyone bold enough to wear a Dave Matthews Band concert t-shirt gets in for free. (Just kidding! It was their joke; not ours.)

When: 7 p.m. Saturdays

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Where: Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre | MAP

Price: $5; purchase tickets here


4. Watch the UCLA Camarades perform an LACMA

Watch UCLA student musicians play beautiful music at LACMA Sunday. This week's performance will feature Schubert's String Quintet in C major, D. 956. Can't make the concert? Stream it live here.

When: 6 p.m. Sunday 

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Where: LACMA’s Bing Theater | MAP 

Price: Free; no reservations required 


5. Dine and dance with Ricki Lake

Bring your best poodle skirt and Tracy Turnblad moves for a screening of John Waters’ cult classic "Hairspray" at Grand Park Friday. Presented in partnership with the L.A. Film Fest and Dance Camera West, the event includes food trucks and free dance lessons from Contra Tiempo.

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Grand Park | MAP

Price: Free


6. Cycle LA's busiest thoroughfare car-free 

CicLAvia returns Sunday — this time along six miles of Wilshire Boulevard. Imagine: no cars and open streets from downtown to the Miracle Mile. Anchor hubs including MacArthur Park, Koreatown and Mid-Wilshire will be pedestrian-friendly, featuring performers, activities and food trucks along the way. 

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Wilshire Boulevard from downtown to the Miracle Mile; click here for a map and info on how it will affect weekend traffic 

Price: Free

Did we miss something? Share it on our Facebook page or let us know in the comments. You can also loop us in on upcoming events here.

Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that CicLAvia was on Saturday. 

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