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Have a fantastically free weekend: 7 cheap things to do in LA
The DaKah HipHop Orchestra performs at Grand Performances in downtown, Los Angeles.
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victoriabernal
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You've made it through the week. Now it's time to take advantage of all the cheap activities L.A. has to offer. Grab a friend or date and head over to the Architecture and Design Museum to find captivating illustrations of urban landscape, bring your camera to capture snapshots of rare butterflies, and catch live music at venues around L.A.
Here's everything you need to know:
1. Attend a free concert on Sunset Boulevard
Want a taste of the 2013 Sunset Strip Music Festival without paying for a day pass? Check out the Pre-Fest Kickoff Party featuring Franky Perez, best-known as the former guitarist for Scars on Broadway. Expect shows from Jessica Childress, Great White Buffalo and Exist Elsewhere, too. The concert is open to all ages and food trucks will include the Grilled Cheese Truck, Border Grill and Joe's Pizza.
Pro tip: Get a free ride to the concert from Uber; details here.
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When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday
Where: 8950 Sunset Boulevard | MAP
Price: Free
2. Stuff your face with palatable pies
Georgia Peach, Strawberry Rhubarb or Chocolate Cream? We can't wait to see — and taste! —what the pros whip up for Claremont's first Pie Festival Saturday. Save your appetite and take a trip for a day of pie eating, pie demonstrations and a silly apron contest.
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Pro tip: If you're in the mood to compete, enter this contest to win $20 gift cards.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: 500 W. First Street, Claremont | MAP
Price: Free
3. Eat a downtown dog while watching extreme sports
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Moto racing anyone? ESPN X Games will hold its last planned competition in L.A. this weekend and more than 250 athletes will compete for the most coveted medals in skateboard, BMX Freestyle, motocross and rally car racing.
Pro tip: The cheapest tickets are for Sunday's games.
When: 11 a.m. Thursday through 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Staples Center | MAP
Price: $10 to $25 | Purchase tickets here
4. Break a sweat with funky soul train at the Echo
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Dance to disco, funk and soul at The Echo Saturday night. This weekly event draws an eclectic crowd of local Echo Park regulars and first-timers. All levels of dancers are welcome, so have a drink and get ready to move.
Pro tip: Not much of a dancer? People-watching is also part of the party. (And encouraged!) Stop by Two Boots next door for a slice of thin-crust pizza beforehand.
Here's a taste from the event's 11th anniversary in 2012:
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Price: Free before 10:30 p.m.; $5 after 10:30 p.m.
5. Explore LA architectural ideas that never came to pass
"Never Built" is the latest exhibit at the Architecture and Design Museum, reveling in the great "what ifs" of L.A. architecture. The show contains dozens of architectural ideas of an L.A. that didn't quite come to be. Many of these plans still show promise today, according to the museum. So why were they never built? Perhaps this exposure is the boost they need.
Pro tip: Download the "Never Built" app to navigate the show.
When: Now until October 13; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Architecture and Design Museum | MAP
Price: $10 for general admissions; $5 for seniors and students
6. Photograph beautiful butterflies!
Wander a unique ecosystem containing over 53 butterfly species and an array of plants in this outdoor exhibit. The Butterfly Pavilion showcases butterflies, moths and the plants they rely on. Expect to see locals like the monarch, mourning cloak, the California dogface as well as exotic butterflies shipped in from across the country.
Pro tip: Save $2 on adult admission with this promo code OR show your valid Metro pass or Metro Rail ticket at the box office and get $1.25 off adult admission.
When: April 12 through September 2; seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Natural History Museum Los Angeles | MAP
Price: Prices range from $6 to $15 | Purchase tickets here
7. Enjoy South American electronica in downtown LA
Grand Performances' Saturday show combines Afro-Latino music and modern DJ culture. First up, Peru’s Novalima featuring folkloric rhythms of funk, salsa, dub, and hip hop beats. Then it's L.A.’s electronic trio Palenke Soultribe performing Colombian-influenced beats meshed with pop and rock.
Pro tip: Come early for a summer cocktail and appetizers at the nearby Blue Cow.
When: 8:00 p.m. Saturday
Where: California Plaza | MAP
Price: Free
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
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