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#LostinLA: Here are 7 cheap things to do this weekend
A customer watches televison as he drinks his beer in King Eddy Saloon.
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Andres Aguila/KPCC
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Yoga practitioners at a studio in Raleigh, NC.
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waynesutton12/Flickr.com
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Forget the menacing heat wave. We've got a great list of fun and inexpensive events that combine just the right mix of body and booze. Drink beer while doing yoga, karaoke at a dive bar, de-stress with free meditation, eat like a Greek, or challenge yourself to an 8-mile bike ride. It's all happening in 'hoods around Southern California from downtown L.A. to Santa Monica.
Here's everything you need to know:
Grand Parks’ latest attraction — a 175-foot-long, 95-foot wide, maze-like complex — will combine soaring domes and multi-cultural performances to create an interactive world of light, color and sound. Dubbed Exxopolis, the mega exhibit is a part of The Music Center’s World City season. (Note: While it may look like a humungous bounce house from the exterior, that's not at all the case, the exhibition's manager told Downtown News.)
Pro tip: Don’t come with stank feet because you'll be asked to remove your shoes before entering.
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When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Grand Park | MAP
Price: Free. Pre-sale tickets are sold out, but tickets will be available at the door | Info here.
2. Jog. Yoga. Beer. And Breakfast. Yes.
(Photo: JaneGabriela/Flickr)
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It's Golden Road's Detox/Retox, and really, what more can you ask for? The event begins with a 2-mile jog followed by a 90-minute, music-based Vinyasa Flow class. Once you get past the exhausting temps and rigorous workout, relax with vegan-friendly fare and local craft beer.
Pro tip: Bring a mat, towel, water and koozie.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: Golden Road Brewing | MAP
Price: $10
3. Oppa! Enter a food coma at the L.A. Greek Fest
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(Photo: LA Greek Fest Facebook)
Get your sweet tooth ready for the ultimate foodie experience at the 15th annual L.A. Greek Fest hosted by celebrities Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks. Tour Saint Sophia Cathedral's beautiful architecture and enjoy live music while eating your favorites from this extensive menu. To top the night, cool off with a tasty blend of Greek yogurt drizzled with crunchy bits of Baklava.
Protip: There's plenty of free parking nearby. Shuttle services will be offered as well. Here's a map.
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Where: Saint Sophia Cathedral | MAP
Price: $5 regular admission; $3 for kids 4-12 | Purchase tickets here.
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4. Ommmm. Refuel the mind with meditation
Surround yourself by positive energy, listen to calming music and chant poignant mantras. Bring peace to your mind and learn basic meditation techniques from well-renowned presenters like Sujantra McKeever, founder of Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga.
When: 8:00 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bhakti Yoga Shala | MAP
Price: Free
5. Sing your heart out at a hipster dive bar
(Photo Credit: porcupiny/Flickr Creative Commons)
Love being the center of attention? Then grab a mic, and karaoke to throwback jams with Bobby Vegas at Detroit Bar on Sunday. Mingle with locals while playing pool and enjoy a varied selection of craft beer.
Pro tip: Come early for $3 wells and PBRs during happy hour from 8 to 10 p.m.
When: 8 p.m. Sundays
Where: Detroit Bar | MAP
Price: Free
(Photo: Umberto Brayj/Flickr Creative Commons)
Join the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition for a strenuous 8-mile bike ride through the neighborhoods of East L.A. When you've completed the bike ride, enjoy an ice-cold beverage at the wine garden during "Taste of East L.A." Free T-shirts will be distributed to the first 200 bike riders and there will be a bicycle decorating contest for those interested.
Pro tip: Safety first! Helmets are required for all riders.
When: Saturday; check-in at 9:30 a.m; bike ride starts at 10 a.m.
Where: East Los Angeles Civic Center | MAP
Price: Free | Register here.
7. Hang with creepy, crawly creatures
(Photo: Courtesy of STAR Eco Station)
It's going to be an afternoon filled with creatures rescued from peril. Learn about the exciting world of entomology and get a glimpse of bugs, tarantulas, butterflies and other winged critters on display at STAR Eco Station, a wildlife rescue museum in Culver City. Expect an arts and crafts session and tons of interactive games for the kids.
Pro tip: There's a special bug buffet for kids (and adults) who would like to take a stab at those edible insects. Think Fear Factor.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: STAR Eco Station | MAP
Price: $6 for kids; $8 for adults; $5 for STAR kids
What are you doing this weekend? Tweet us a pic using the hashtag #LostinLA, and we'll add it to our slideshow!
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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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