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Have a fantastically free weekend: Stay cool and enjoy these 5 cheap events
The magnificently colorful fountain at downtown L.A.'s Grand Park.
(
Kristen Lepore
)
The magnificently colorful fountain at downtown L.A.'s Grand Park.
(
Kristen Lepore
)
It's going to be a hot one. We suggest you grab a portable fan, smack on a hydration backpack and drape a wet towel on your head this weekend. Then make your way to one of these five free events. Each suggested activity includes a stay-cool tip from a formerly hot person.
Enjoy, and let us know your plans in comments below!
1.) Take in jaw-dropping visuals from animator Miwa Matreyek
Tucked away in downtown L.A.’s California Plaza, Grand Performances has a full summer lineup of outdoor shows planned. This Saturday, experience dark animation with a unique multimedia show featuring international animator Miwa Matreyek. Expect Italian wooden marionettes illustrating surreal stories inspired by Mexico City's Brujerias De Papel. Here's a taste:
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday; RSVP on Facebook
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Where: California Plaza | MAP
Price: Free
Stay Cool Tip: While the venue is surrounded by a moat of sorts, you can't jump in. So stop by Grand Park instead before and after the event (it’s just a couple blocks away) and splash around its magnificently colorful fountain. Note: This is totally legal; the ground level of the fountain is open to patrons. | MAP
2. Enjoy authentic Italian music at Levitt Pavilion Pasadena
Hailing from Salento, Italy, the traditional Italian music ensemble Canzonere Grecanico Salentino brings old-style and modern-day Italy together for a revival of southern Italy's music and dance. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:
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The food court will include Chef DJ Seal, Crepe Studio, Koolfruit and Lemonade Brigade.
When: Festival begins 6:30 p.m., Saturday; music starts at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park, Pasadena | MAP
Price: Free
Stay Cool Tip: Get yourself one (or maybe 10) of those nifty spray fans.
3) Hang with our helicopter heroes
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Meet and greet the heroes behind search and rescue teams from around SoCal at the annual American Heroes Air Show. View dozens of state-of-the-art helicopters and experience a helicopter ride alongside aviation experts. The Aero Channel has a synopsis:
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hansen Dam Sports Complex | MAP
Price: Free admission; if you take the Metro, you’ll get a 5 percent discount on a helicopter ride
Stay Cool Tip: Take after this New Yorker and grab an iced coffee or tea on your way there. Starbucks is offering half-off Refresher beverages 3 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at participating locations.
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4.) Attend the East L.A. ArtsFest 2013 kickoff
Browse dozens of original and riveting art pieces by local artists and artisans. Watch a fireworks show and listen to music all day.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday; fireworks at 9:15 p.m.; the ArtsFest continues until September 7
Where: East Los Angeles Civic Center | MAP
Price: Free
Stay Cool Tip: Get yourself a hydrating backpack. This guy really wants one (because they are awesome).
5. See Budweiser's iconic Clydesdales in person
Visit the Collection at Riverpark on Sunday and witness the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Don't forget your camera. Eight beautiful Clydesdales will parade to Park View Court and handlers will be available for questions. You might just fall in love with one of the horses like this guy did:
Where: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Collection at Riverpark | MAP
Price: Free
Stay Cool Tip: Grab a quick photo of the horses and then head to a nearby air-conditioned restaurant or yogurt shop. Here's a list of nearby dining spots.
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.
How do you stay cool in the summer heat? Tweet us pics and tips @KPCC.
With contributions from Monica Luhar.
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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.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
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