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Have a fantastically free weekend: 5 things to do in LA
Locals hang at the Beverly Hills artSHOW.
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Beverly Hills artSHOW
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You worked hard all week. Don't let the weekend steal your money. Here are five free, festive things to do in Los Angeles over the next few days —
Climb to a world above the smog on the city's hidden staircases; learn what a croaker is (and how to get one); indulge in European idol worship; or perhaps just take me to river, and drop me in the water after helping to pick disgusting things out of it.
1. Party like a European: Watch the Eurovision finals at Angel City Brewery
American idol has nothing on the continental convergence of glitter, spandex and drama at this annual musical event. Every year the nations of Europe get together to host the "biggest song contest on earth." On Saturday, local brewery Angel City offers Angelenos an opportunity to drink beer and eat from local food trucks while watching the competition live. A percentage of sales will benefit AIDS/Lifecycle.
When: Noon to 3:00 p.m. Saturday
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Where: Angel City Brewery & Public House, 216 South Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Bring a flag to root on your favorite country and enjoy the big-screen craziness from the comforts of your local pub.
2. Get down and dirty in the L.A. River
The L.A. River could be a local landmark of national stature. As local activists work to revamp and restore portions of river, the Friends of the L.A. River are hoping you can help make it happen. As part of their ongoing effort to revive the natural space, the Friends are hosting its 24th annual La Gran Limpieza Saturday, including cleaning 15 sites from Compton Creek to Marsh Street and the Arroyo Seco.
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When: 9 to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: 15 sites along the L.A. River
RELATED: The L.A. River is on its way up
3. Wander rows of outdoor art at the Beverly Hills artSHOW
Better known for its window shopping along Rodeo Drive, the city of Beverly Hills also hosts a twice-a-year 2-day outdoor artshow at the beautiful Beverly Gardens Park. The show features art by 250 exhibitors from around the nation in mediums including painting, sculpture, watercolor, photography, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, drawings and printmaking.
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When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Historic Beverly Gardens Park in Beverly Hills
4. Hike the hidden staircases of Northeast L.A. at the Big Parade
This two-day hike across the hills of Los Angeles includes climbing about 100 public stairways over 35 miles, from downtown to Hollywood. "The walk runs on a timetable, and is designed as a series of attached loops, so that people can come and go as they please," according to its website. Expect to learn a good deal on the city's music, art, history and other surprises along the way.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
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Where: All over L.A., check here for locations
RELATED: The hidden staircases of Los Angeles
5. Fish up some croaker and corbina at Dockweiler Beach
The Department of Beaches & Harbors is offering this introductory shore fishing class on Sunday. That's your chance to catch surfperch, croaker, corbina, halibut and leopard shark and explore Dockweiler Beach. All ages are welcome, but anyone under the age of 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing poles and bait will be provided at no cost.
When: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Where: Dockweiler Youth Center 12505 Vista Del Mar Los Angeles, CA 90293
Did we miss something? What are your plans for the weekend? Share in comment.
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