Pasadena Restaurant Week
Business hours, April 26 – May 1
Various restaurants, Pasadena
http://www.pasadenarestaurantweek.com/
Between April 26 and May 1, 45 different restaurants in Pasadena will offer prix-fixe lunches and/or dinners. In addition, some locations will offer other discounts, prizes, and more. See the full list of participating restaurants by clicking the link to the website above.
Los Angeles Happy Hour Week
April 27 – May 1
Participating locations, Los Angeles County
http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/dinela-los-angeles-happy-hour-week
From the organizers behind LA Restaurant Week comes LA Happy Hour Week, a five-day celebration for you to get your booze on. Over a hundred restaurants all over Los Angeles County will have various Happy Hour specials during this period, so check out the list in the link above and start getting happy.
Artopia Los Angeles
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, April 30
The Container Yard, Downtown Los Angeles
http://microapp.laweekly.com/artopia/2015/
Join the party and celebrate the best of local Los Angeles talent with live music, drinks, food trucks, art, and more. Admission costs $35 or $30 if purchasing multiples. No one under 21 may attend.
2015 Spring Citrus Fair
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 1
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 2
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 3
El Centro Park, La Habra
http://www.citrusfair.com/
This little city fair takes place all weekend starting Friday evening. Open to all ages, guests can experience rides, games, food, merchandise, stage shows, and more. The fair requires no admission, though any sort of participation will require a cost.
First Fridays
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 1
Various locations
Long Beach: http://firstfridayslongbeach.com/
Venice: http://www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com/
This monthly artwalk occurs on the first Friday of every month. Each location offers different activities, but most will contain food & drink specials, art exhibits & displays, street performers, and more. Venice and Long Beach have the two largest gatherings of all First Fridays. Other locations include Westchester, Fullerton, and City of Industry. Most First Fridays locations cost nothing to attend, while the local businesses uphold their standard rules (e.g. bars 21+ only).
Pancakes & Booze Art Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 1-2
Lot 613, Los Angeles
http://www.facebook.com/events/1498531810426575/
For just a $5 cover, guests get treated to unlimited pancakes and many artists from across the country showcasing their works. Guests can also witness body painting, stencil art, art battles, sculptures, graffiti, and more. Guests can park on the street for free, or park in the adjacent parking lot for $5. No one under 21 may enter.
The Secret Affair – 60’s Night
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 1
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/205201
Occurring on every month’s first Friday, this 60’s night at Alex’s Bar will play all vinyl music of motown, northern soul, boogaloo, 60’s pop, and more. Feel free to dress up too, as the bar staff will hold costume contests and dance contests.
Free Punk Show in Lomita
9:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 1
The Firehouse, Lomita
http://www.facebook.com/events/366221183579040/
Enjoy a FREE local punk show in Lomita this Friday night. No one under 21 may enter.
Free Comic Book Day
May 2
Participating locations, Worldwide
http://www.freecomicbookday.com/
Get a comic book for FREE this Saturday at participating comic book stores. Many stores will also host some sort of celebration, such as complimentary snacks, live entertainment, contests, and more, so check in with your favorite shop for details.
Bubble Run Pomona
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, May 2
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.bubblerun.com/events/pomona/
Tired of the same 5k run everywhere? If you have had your fill of color runs and glow runs, try your hand at the Bubble Run. Participants wear all white and run through colored foam bogs in this 5k race. Registration costs $40, and all levels of runners may participate. Space will fill up fast, so register early, and try to carpool to this event.
Exploring the History of Chinese Pioneers: A Hike to Elysian Park
8:00 am – 2:00 pm, May 2
Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles
http://camla.org/calendar/#chinesepioneer
Join in on a half-day, 7-mile easy, half-street, half-trail hike to Elysian Park, concluding with a dim sum lunch in Chinatown. Registration for this event costs $15.
CicLAvia – Old Pasadena Walking Tour
9:00 am – 12:00 pm, May 2
Old Pasadena, Pasadena
http://www.ciclavia.org/
As a preview to their CicLAvia Pasadena event coming up later this month, the organization will host this guided walking tour of Old Pasadena this Saturday morning. Participation for this event costs $12, and comes with Choctal ice cream at the conclusion of the event.
2015 Southern California Friendship 5K Walk
9:00 am – 1:00 pm, May 2
Shoreline Village, Long Beach
http://www.bestbuddiescalifornia.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1123598
Donate money to charity to walk a 5k in Long Beach this Saturday morning.
FroYo 5k – San Diego
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 2
San Diego Convention Center, San Diego
http://www.froyo5k.com/san-diego/
Pay lots of money to run a 5k for some frozen yogurt. You also get a bunch of random swag for participating too. Make sure that you load up on as much frozen yogurt as you can eat once you finish the run, at least until they kick you out.
Tacos & Beer 5K Run & Festival
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 2
El Dorado East Regional Park, Long Beach
http://www.tacosnbeer5k.com/
Take a fun run, hold it during Cinco de Mayo weekend, add tacos and beer, throw costumes on, and you have a white boy’s fantasy party all on one day. Basically, if you have seen an MTV party, this does not stray too far from it. This event starts with a 5K fun run in the morning, and then when that ends, all participants can stay for tacos and beer for the rest of the festival. The organizers encourage everyone to wear silly costumes in an attempt to see who can stereotype the Latin culture the most. Food will come from local vendors, and since this takes place in Long Beach, except very normal Mexican food. Also, Bud Light will sponsor the beer, so keep that in mind if you care about the quality of your beer. If you still feel like going to this, registration costs $45 presale or $55 on the day of the event.
San Diego Ho’olaule’a Hawaiian Cultural Festival
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 2-3
De Anza Cove, Mission Bay, San Diego
http://www.sdhoolaulea.com/
Enjoy an all-ages Hawaiian festival for FREE this weekend in San Diego. At this two-day festival, find islander cuisine, live music, dancing, arts & crafts, and more.
2015 Vintage Fashion Expo
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 2
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, May 3
The Reef, Los Angeles
http://www.vintageexpo.com/
Browse dozens of vintage fashion vendors at this vintage fashion expo this weekend at The Reef in Los Angeles. Admission varies based on when you want to attend, starting at $13.
Wanderlust 108
9:30 am – 5:00 pm, May 2
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
http://wanderlust.com/
Join in on this yoga meetup this Saturday on the Santa Monica Pier. Admission costs $60, and includes entry into a 5k run, yoga, and meditation. Attendees should bring their own yoga mat, plus sunscreen if they want to share.
Strawberry Jam 2015
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 2
Suzie’s Farm, Chula Vista
http://suziesfarm.com/community/strawberry-jam/
Free to attend for all ages, visitors to Suzie’s Farm this Saturday will get to pick their own strawberries to take home. In addition, watch some demos, attend some workshops, and sample various farm goodies during your visit.
2015 National Conference & Gluten-Free Expo
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 2-3
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://celiac.org/get-involved/gluten-free-expo/
This weekend in Pasadena, find hundreds of gluten-free samples, vendors, bloggers, authors, chefs, discounted products and more. Admission to the expo costs $20 for adults or $10 for children. The conference costs $45 for adults or $19 for children, and also provides a full conference experience with features such as complimentary breakfast, speakers, free goodies, and more.
Steampunk Spring Picnic 2015
10:00 am – 4:30 pm, May 2
Old Poway Park, Poway
http://www.facebook.com/events/1406246619675907/
Show off your steampunk fashion at this steampunk meetup this Saturday in San Diego. Free to attend for all ages, come mix and mingle with other steampunk fans, and check out a few of the vendors that will sell their steampunk merchandise.
4th Street Retro Ramble & Sidewalk Sale
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 2
4th Street’s Retro Row, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/818073931603979/
Check out some fun and fashion this Saturday along 4th Street’s Retro Row in Long Beach. Visitors will find dozens of sidewalk sales hosted by the various shops in this area, in addition to retro Volkswagen vehicles also selling merchandise along the sidewalks. Visitors will also find live street music, retro sodas, free ice cream, and event t-shirts.
Soka University’s 14th Annual International Festival
10:30 am – 5:00 pm, May 2
Soka University, Aliso Viejo
http://www.soka.edu/news_events/International-Festival/default.aspx
At this free festival, guests of all ages can enjoy music, dance, arts & crafts, artists, and more. Parking costs $10 per vehicle, so consider carpooling if attending.
2nd Annual Sabroso Craft Beer & Taco Festival
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, May 2
Oak Canyon Park, Silverado
http://sabrosotacofest.com/
From the ensorcelling minds behind OC Brew Ha Ha comes a Spring version of Orange County’s biggest beer festival – a beer & taco festival on this lovely Cinco de Mayo weekend. Here at this festival, attendees will find over 30 microbreweries serving their refreshing brews, dozens of chefs and restaurants serving up gourmet tacos, live Latin music all day, and much more. The $55 admission includes unlimited beer tasters, a souvenir glass, free parking, free water, live entertainment, games, a cigar lounge, and more. All tacos will cost $3, so prepare to carry cash, preferably singles. No one under 21 may attend.
2nd Annual Hamburgers & Hops Music Festival
11:00 am – 5:30 pm, May 2
Collection Park, Oxnard
http://hamburgerandhops.com/
Burgers, craft beer, and music collide in this mixed festival this Saturday afternoon in Oxnard. Entry to the festival costs $10, and then visitors can simply pay for things as they go. For $25, guests will receive a souvenir glass and one 12oz beer pour. The complete package costs $45, which includes one burger, the souvenir glass, five 4oz beer samples, and access to an exclusive VIP area.
2015 Taste of the Town
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 2
Mann Biomedical Park, Valencia
http://www.childfamilycenter.org/foundation/taste_of_town_buy_tickets.cfm
Enjoy unlimited food and drinks (while supplies last) from over 40 restaurants from the Santa Clarita and Valencia area this Saturday at this tasting event in Valencia. General admission costs $75 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $125, starts at 12pm, and includes reserved seating, two bottles of wine, tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, and cooking demos.
KROQ Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 5:30 pm, May 2
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.santaanita.com/events/kroq-beer-festival-2/
Basically, a bro fest with food trucks, beer, loud music, horse racing, and dudes. Parking and entry into the park costs nothing, or for $30, gain access to the KROQ backstage area, plus two drinks and a souvenir cup.
Mission Viejo Food, Wine & Art Festival
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 2
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 3
Oso Viejo Community Park, Mission Viejo
http://www.mvfoodandwinefestival.com/
Food, wine, art, and corporations collide in this two-day event in South Orange County. Free to enter, guests will find plenty of food, beer, wine, art, music, and other things to do to bide the time. All things come at cost, so make sure you bring cash to take part in this event.
15th Annual Junior League of San Diego Food & Wine Festival
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 2
La Jolla Cove, La Jolla
http://www.jlsdfoodandwine.com/
Taste food from many of San Diego’s finest restaurants, and sip on California’s great wines and craft beers at this festival. Guests can participate in a silent auction, while live music and painting will keep guests occupied. General admission costs $85, or $140 for VIP, which includes preferred parking, access to exclusive drinks, and a VIP lounge. No one under 21 may attend.
Tacos & Tequila Festival
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 2
SILO in Makers Quarter, San Diego
http://www.facebook.com/events/1557964201120844/
Unlimited tacos, craft beer, and margaritas await you this Saturday afternoon in San Diego. General admission costs $35 and starts at 2pm, while VIP admission costs $45 and starts at 1pm.
7th Annual South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival & Art Walk
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 2
Mission District, South Pasadena
http://eclecticmusicfestival.com/
Free to attend for all ages, see dozens of musicians and artists across five stages in South Pasadena this Saturday, plus a self-guided art walk, food trucks, a beer & wine garden, and more.
21st Annual Jewels of the Night Food & Wine Festival
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 2
Walter Pyramid, Long Beach
http://www.longbeachstate.com/jewelsofthenight/
This Saturday evening, Cal State Long Beach hosts its annual food & wine festival for the 20th year in a row at the Walter Pyramid on the north side of the campus. Over 20 of the area’s top restaurants will serve their delicious food at this tasting gala, and a handful of California wineries will pour their signature wines. General admission to this event costs $100.
Street Food Cinema 2015 Opening Night
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, May 2
Exposition Park, Los Angeles
http://www.streetfoodcinema.com/
Street Food Cinema kicks off their 2015 season with more food trucks, live music, and more movies than before. Check out the movie schedule on their website linked above, which may also feature the food truck lineup for you to plan your meals around.
Artopia Orange County
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, May 2
Business Expo Center, Anaheim
http://microapp.ocweekly.com/artopia/2015/
Join the party and celebrate the best of local Orange County talent with live music, drinks, food trucks, art, and more. General admission costs $30, while VIP admission costs $50 and includes three drinks plus a VIP area to lounge in. No one under 21 may attend.
The Copper Door 2 Year Anniversary Celebration
6:00 pm – 2:00 am, May 2
The Copper Door, Santa Ana
http://www.facebook.com/events/1424868077807909/
This Saturday, The Copper Door will celebrate their second year in business with live music, live DJ’s, burlesque shows from the Dirty Little Secrets, art exhibits, and more. No one under 21 may attend.
Manic Hispanic @ The Observatory
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, May 2
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/Manic-Hispanic
Manic Hispanic returns to The Observatory this Saturday night for their annual Cinco de Mayo show. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $15. The venue has limited parking and runs two shows on this night, so arrive early to park for free. Arrive too late, and end up parking in a lot down the street for $10.
The Briggs @ Slidebar
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, May 2
Slidebar, Fullerton
http://www.bandsintown.com/event/9567458
The Briggs will perform a FREE show this Saturday night at the Slidebar in Downtown Fullerton. No one under 21 may enter.
11th Annual Orange County Marathon
5:00 am – 1:00 pm, May 3
Newport Center, Newport Beach
http://ocmarathon.com/
The OC Marathon takes place this Sunday morning. Please plan your commute accordingly.
4th Annual Los Angeles River 5K Fun Run
7:30 am – 11:30 am, May 3
Bond Park, Atwater Village
http://www.arunnerscircleevents.com/lariverfunrun/
Take part in an easygoing 5k fun run this Sunday morning starting in Atwater Village. Registration to this run costs $45 and ends on Tuesday, so act fast!
College Area Food Experience (CAFE)
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, May 3
College Area Business District, San Diego
http://www.collegeareabid.com/
Over 25 local restaurants will participate in this afternoon food fest in the College Area Business District near San Diego State. Presale tickets cost $25, while tickets at the gate will cost $30, and will cover all the samples that guests will receive.
5th Annual Chef Celebration San Diego
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, May 3
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1239596
14 chefs will pair their best dishes with 14 craft beers from San Diego this Sunday afternoon, and you get to come and immerse your taste buds in ecstasy. Participation in this tasting event only costs $49! No one under 21 may attend.
3rd Annual Heritage, Music & Arts Festival
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, May 3
Angel City Brewery, Downtown Los Angeles
http://angelcitybrewery.com/events/3rd-annual-heritage-music-and-arts-festival/
Celebrate the culture and spirit of the Downtown LA Arts District at this festival, taking place at Angel City Brewery this Saturday. Local bands will play music all day, food trucks will serve food, brewers will lead brewery tours, and more activities will keep guests occupied. Guests pay no fee to enter, just the cost to purchase anything or participate in some activities. Parking for this event costs $4.
2nd Annual South Bay Beer & Wine Festival
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, May 3
South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula
http://www.sbbeerwinefest.com/
Enjoy food, beer, and wine at this tasting event this Sunday afternoon in the South Bay. Admission costs $65 and includes unlimited tastings while supplies last. Admission for children costs $20.
Doll Hut Punk ‘N BBQ
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 3
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/1005368189494855/
Rock out to local punk rock bands, and chow down on grilled meats at this FREE all-day show this Sunday. No one under 21 may enter.
10th Annual Taste of Orange
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 3
Orange Circle, Old Town Orange
http://www.thetasteoforange.org/
Sample the local flavors of Old Town Orange this Sunday at their annual Taste of Orange event. For $40, guests receive unlimited food samples, beer & wine tastings (additional cost), access to silent auctions, opportunity drawings, photo booth, and more.
Dirty Little Secrets Rock Burlesque – Storytime
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, May 3
Harvelle’s, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/822172121170156/
Enjoy a burlesque and comedy show in one this Sunday night in Downtown Long Beach. Admission to this event starts at $15.
