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Fourth of July Events: Pho waffles, ping pong and a block party
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Caroline Hadilaksono/Flickr
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Cheers to the three-day weekend! If you're staying in town (and you don't have a friend with a pool), don't worry — there is life beyond beer and burgers. Here's everything you need to know.
Food parties
1. Night market
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Half the fun of holidays is the food. Forget BBQ — 626 Night Market in Arcadia is the place to be. Two-hundred food vendors will bring this Asian-themed market to life all weekend at Santa Anita Park. But it's not just Asian cuisine: Think kobe beef hot dogs with pretzel buns, pho waffles (see photo above) and Irish nachos. Instead of fireworks, it's celebrating with an epic laser show and live DJ set. Sounds like an interesting alternative. Pro tip: Not into those complicated waffles? There will also be Belgium waffles and fried chicken and waffles! See a full list of vendors here.
When: 4 to 1 a.m. Friday, Saturday | 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday
Where: Santa Anita Park | MAP
Price: $3 admission
2. Game night at GCM
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Everyone needs a good game night now and then. Start your weekend early with ping pong and plenty of food at Grand Central Market on Thursday. Select vendors will stay open late. Other games on the docket include cornhole toss, Jenga, Uno, Cards Against Humanity and Scrabble. Our advice: Head there straight after work, because this party ends at 9 p.m.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday
Where: Grand Central Market | MAP
Price: Free entry | Food prices vary
For the weekend warriors
3. A Drake pool party
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This is not a joke. Figueroa Hotel is hosting a pool party dedicated to Drake. And based on the party planner's website — drakeparty.net — we're confident it's going to be a good time. Not only will rappers and DJs be "playing all your favorite Drake and party hits all day long," but there will also be @champagnepapi drink specials and a taco bar.
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hotel Figueroa | MAP
Price: Free entry with RSVP here
4. Dance Yourself Clean
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Rough week? Dance yourself clean at the Satellite's Saturday night party. For July 4, it's hosting a special performance by the handsome DJ duo also known as Air Bag One. We can't think of a better way to burn off those burgers.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Satellite | MAP
Price: $5
Fireworks
5. Grand Park Block Party
Party with the Eastsiders at Grand Park's massive block party featuring four music stages (including two mobile stages), mural painting and a lot of food. This is a picnic-friendly spot, so outdoor food is welcome. Fireworks start at 9 p.m., but you can set up your spot as early as 3 p.m. This party is booze-free, but you can grab a discounted drink after the event at nearby Angel City Brewery if you ride with Metro.
When: 3 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Grand Park | MAP
Price: Free
6. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach will celebrate Independence Day all weekend long with a festival at the pier and fireworks over the water. The party runs Friday through Sunday with live music, food vendors and family-friendly fun. On Saturday, there will be a parade and fireworks. If nothing else, go to hang out on the beach and watch surfers ride the waves.
When: Festival runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday | Parade 10 a.m. to noon Saturday | Fireworks 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Huntington Beach Pier
Price: Free
7. Kid-friendly party in the Palisades
Food trucks and fireworks. What more do you need on July 4? Palisades Charter High School is hosting a day of just that. The parade starts at 2 p.m. Musical performances and food trucks start at 4 p.m. Keep the kids occupied through the night with glitter tattoos and a bounce house! Food trucks include Hang 10 Tacos, Dogtown Dogs and the Hungry Nomad.
When: All day Friday | Details here
Where: Palisades Charter High School | MAP
Price: $10 admission
Some low key fun
8. Nina Simone doc in theaters (and on Netflix)
Looking for a low-key activity? Venture to Beverly Hills for a screening of “What Happened, Miss Simone?” The documentary by Liz Garbus explores Nina Simone's life, including never-before-heard recordings, rare archival footage and interviews with Simone's daughter. Too lazy? Watch it on Netflix. Pro tip: Listen to the Frame's interview with documentarian Liz Garbus here.
When: Noon, 2:20 p.m., 4:50 p.m., 7:20 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday
Where: Music Hall 3 | MAP
Price: Between $5 and $11 | Purchase tix here
9. Shakespeare in the Park
You've heard the story of Romeo and Juliet, but have you seen the L.A. version? This new adaptation incorporates an original rock score with a live band and athletic performances to "create a Romeo and Juliet that explodes off the Griffith Park stage." There won't be a performance on July 4, but you can catch the outdoor show Thursday or Friday.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday
Where: Old L.A. Zoo| MAP
Price: Free
What'd we miss? Let me know on Twitter @kristenlepore.
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