Category: activities

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Out & About: The Best Pumpkin Patches Around Town

Fall is full of contrast, warm copper and flame-colored trees, cooler days and nights, and likewise ghoulish Halloween characters abound. Certainly, if you’re around Southern California come October’s spooky season, be sure to visit one of the many pumpkin patches that pop up on prime Cali real estate. Combine foraging for your Jack O’Lantern pumpkin heads or baked sweet treats with wicked rides, slides, and farm fun. Head to one of these favorites and herald in Halloween with pumpkin picking, family festivities, animal encounters, and spooky thrills.

Mr. Jack O’Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch

Location: Los Angeles 

Mr. Jack O’Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch has six locations spread across California, making this multiverse of patches convenient to many locations. Of course, activities vary between locations but all sites include pumpkin decorating, carving, and photo stations. Most importantly, there are petting zoos, pumpkin bounce houses with slides, pumpkin bowling, and tumbling tombstones.

Tina’s Pumpkin Patch

Location: Sherman Oaks

Tina’s Pumpkin Patch at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks certainly has a bounty of activities for the kids including train and pony rides, an obstacle course, a bounce slide, and a straw maze.

Pa’s Pumpkin Patch

Location: Long Beach

The folks at Pa’s Pumpkin Patch have more than forty years of experience serving up Halloween snacks, pumpkin-carving hacks, and adventurous activities. Additionally, its extensive ride list includes carnival-type attractions such as toon cars, a merry-go-round, and dragon race.

Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch

Location: Los Angeles

Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch delivers a country-escape feel to its Sepulveda Blvd. city location. Above all, get lost amongst corn stalks, straw bales, and mounds of pumpkins. Likewise, Shawn’s shriek-fest activities include an inflatable pumpkin, arcade games, face painting, and a giant tiger slide.

Tanaka Farms

Location: Irvine (Tanaka) | Costa Mesa (Hana Field)

There’s no spooky smoke and mirrors at Tanaka Farms which has one of Orange County’s only real pumpkin patches. Get in touch with nature in the u-pick veggie and pumpkin patches, enjoy wagon rides, tractor climbs, and hang out with the barnyard and pasture animals. Additionally, Tanaka’s smaller sister farm of Hana Field offers a similar scaled-down experience in Costa Mesa.

The Pumpkin Factory

Location: Corona

The Pumpkin Factory in Corona offers a cornucopia of activity. Entertain the kids with archery, paintball, and the bee train ride, carousel, spinning pumpkin, go gator coaster, and helicopter. Most importantly, the affiliated Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm is the largest outdoor pumpkin patch in Southern California.

The Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival & Pumpkin Patch

Location: Pomona

The Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival & Pumpkin Patch is staged at the polytechnic’s agricultural college over five weekends in October. Likewise, farm fun includes animal petting, hay wagon rides, and a giant corn maze. 

Of course, plan ahead by consulting individual websites for details on how any Covid-19 restrictions may affect your patch experience. Most importantly, most patches offer free admission and parking and cater to parties, field trips, corporate, and Halloween events.

October is certainly a time to get creative, get crafty, and carve out some fun this Halloween season.

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Weekend Events: October 22-24

With Halloween almost upon us and fall in full swing, it’s time for the best events happening this weekend. Enjoy equal amounts of spooky and autumnal fun with our round-up of things to do near you this October 22-24!

LOS ANGELES

Classic Horror Films at the Roosevelt Theatre

When: October 17-31, 2021

Where: The Hollywood Roosevelt | Hollywood

What: Enjoy a frightening evening screening at one of LA’s most haunted hotels. The Hollywood Roosevelt invites you to a dinner theater screening of classic Halloween films. Select between Night of the Living Dead, A Nightmare on Elm Street, or Friday the 13th if you dare. For a spooky evening accompanied by popcorn and a libation, dress in costume to your film screening of choice.

Grand Park Downtown Día de los Muertos

When: October 22-November 2, 2021

Where: DTLA

What: Grand Park and Self-Help Graphics & Art invite you to their Day of the Dead celebration in DTLA. The nearly two-week display of 20 altars will be on view in the park with a traditional Noche de Ofrenda ceremony. The celebration will also feature a communal circle and blessing led by the indigenous community.

Oddities Flea Market

When: Oct 23-Oct 24, 2021

Where: Downtown Historic Core

What: Head to Downtown’s Globe Theatre for a two-day shopping experience from Brooklyn’s Oddities Flea Market. The vintage market features a bevy of the odd and peculiar to purchase ahead of any haunting fete you have planned. 

 

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES

Taste of Camp Fundraiser

When: October 22, 2021 | 6:30 pm

Where: The Fairmont Miramar | Santa Monica

What: head back to summer camp for a good cause for the Taste of Camp Fundraiser this weekend. Mezcal El Silencio and Tequila Dahlia have teamed up with Happy Trails for Kids to host the 4th annual event. Proceeds from the fundraiser providing overnight summer camps and other year-round outdoor adventures for youth in the SoCal foster care system. The event will feature entertainment, an exciting live auction, and signature camp-inspired dishes.

Bill Burr

When: Oct 22, 2021 | 7:00PM

Where: Terrace Theater – Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center | Long Beach

What: Treat yourself to some well-deserved humor with a hilarious stand-up show from Grammy-nominated comedian, Bill Burr. Burr has led a prolific career in comedy and appeared in such recent films as Judd Apatow’s ‘King of Staten Island’.

Rooftop Cinema Club Presents: Edward Scissorhands

When: Oct 22, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Where: The Drive-In at Santa Monica Airport | Santa Monica

What: Halloween is not complete without a Tim Burtin showing of some sort and Edward Scissorhands certainly serves as one of the best. Catch Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, and Vincent Price in this haunting classic. 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

San Fernando Valley Halloween Spooky Market

When: October 23, 2021 

Where: 911 San Fernando Road | San Fernando

What: Join the masterminds behind SFV’s beloved drive-in theatre for a haunting street market that all can enjoy. With 50+ Vendors, 25 Storefronts, Music and a Classic Cars Display under the stars, there’s plenty of fun to be had at this Saturday’s ‘Spooky Market’.

A Faery Hunt and Faery Halloween Party

When: Oct 23, 2021 | 10:30 AM

Where: Tarzana Community and Cultural Center | Tarzana

What: If you have little ones in tow this Halloween, celebrate the season early with Tarzana’s A Faery Hunt. The interactive show will have a delightful Halloween party this weekend with costumes encouraged for all ages.

Spooktacular Makers Market

When: October 24, 2021| 11:00 AM

Where: Valley Relics Museum | Van Nuys

What: You can never have enough Maker Markets, especially when they are Halloween-themed! Head to the Valley Relics Museum this Sunday for a day of spooktacular family fun at Van Nuys favorite museum.

 

CONEJO VALLEY

Harvest Night at the Stagecoach Inn Museum Newbury Park

When: October 22, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Where: Stagecoach Inn Museum | Newbury Park

What: For a truly haunting evening Stagecoach Inn Museum invites you to Harvest Night. Beginning at 5:00 PM, enjoy crafts, games, and food before an early showing of classic Casper cartoons. For the adults, the later evening will feature a showing of House on Haunted Hill with Vincent Price. Just beware of what lurks in the shadows of the Inn as you are entertained alongside it.

Ventura County Greek Festival in Camarillo

When: October 22-24, 2021

Where: 515 Eubanks Street | Camarillo

What: The annual Ventura County Greek Festival returns a few months later than usual. The weekend-long event will feature music, folk dancing, food, vendors, and more. For a delicious and fun day, you certainly will not want to miss out!

Halloween Haunted Trail

When: October 23, 6:00 PM

Where: 2525 N. Moorpark Rd | Thousand Oaks

What: The fun and frightening continue with Halloween Haunted Trail hosted by the Conejo Recreation & Park District. This night full of Halloween fun will take place at the Thousand Oaks Community Center. 

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Weekend Events: October 15-17

Whether you’re seeking a spooky or fun, we have you covered this October with our round-up of weekend events. From the pumpkin-centric fall fests to outdoor screenings and more, check out this weekend’s fun!

LOS ANGELES

 

Book Club with Ron Howard and Clint Howard

When: Oct 15, 2021 | 7:00PM – 9:00PM

Where: LA Live | Los Angeles

What: See Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and actor Clint Howard for a book club discussion of their new memoir. Their book “The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family” brings readers inside a childhood spent on TV and growing up in Tinsletown. The discussion will be moderated by Times columnist Mary McNamara. 

Cinespia Presents: Blade

When: October 16, 2021 | 7:00 PM

Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery | Los Angeles

What: Enjoy a film screening under the stars at Hollywood’s favorite outdoor theater. Catch this weekends showing of Blade for a fun fright that is equal parts nostalgia and terror.

Haunted Little Tokyo Pumpkin Patch

When: October 16, 2021 | 11:00 AM

Where: Japanese Village Plaza | Los Angeles

What: If you are in search of a bone-chilling good time in DTLA, look no further than the Haunted Little Tokyo Pumpkin Patch. A favorite Halloween tradition in Little Toyko, the event will have pumpkins for purchase along with plenty of family fun! 

 

WESTSIDE

Rooftop Cinema Club Presents: ‘Hocus Pocus’

When: Oct 15, 2021 |  7:45 PM

Where: Rooftop Cinema Club El Segundo

What: “It’s just a bit of Hocus Pocus”…and a whole lot of quintessential Halloween viewing. It’s been 300 years, and the Sanderson Sisters are back for a screening of the cult classic hit “Hocus Pocus.” Make your way to El Segundo’s Rooftop Cinema for an evening under the stars; with the three spookiest witches around!

Open Main Street

When: October 16-17, 2021

Where: Along Main Street | Santa Monica

What: Head to Main Street Santa Monica for a family fun day as the buzzy street turns into a fall festive pedestrian plaza. This month’s weekend-long event will feature a pumpkin patch, beer booth, live music, and more!

Family Fun Halloween Festival

When: October 17, 2021

Where: 6400 Pacific Coast Hwy. | Long Beach

What: Break out your costumes this weekend and head to Long Beach for the Family Fun Halloween Festival. Hosted by Creative Communal, a makers market pop-up, the event will feature an array of local vendors, Halloween activities, and more!

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

LA “Rocks” Super Sunday

When: October 17, 2021 | 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Where: Hilton Woodland Hills | Los Angeles

What: Get your fitness on this weekend for LA “Rocks” Super Sunday. This ‘welcome back’ event will feature a LIVE workout with super trainer Jennifer Jacobs. The LA MArket Council will also have fantastic raffle baskets on hand that participants can win by purchasing a raffle ticket. Just be sure to wear your best 80’s gear for the rockin’ workout with the ultimate throwback.

BCR: “A Place to Scare” presents CURSED CREEK!

When: October 16, 2021 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 

Where: A Place to sCARE | Burbank

What: We’re diving into the haunting season with more spooky fun. Enjoy ‘Cursed Creek,’ an outdoor haunted walk-thru attraction. Make your way through scare after scare if you dare.

San Fernando Valley Halloween Drive-In Presents: The Nightmare Before Christmas & Gremlins

Location: Lake Balboa Complex, Lake Balboa, CA

Date(s): until Oct 30, 2021

It’s a DOUBLE CREATURE FEATURE! Get your spook on at the Halloween edition of San Fernando Valley’s beloved drive-in. Catch Gremlins or the Nightmare Before Christmas for a nostalgic and joyful cinema-going experience.

CONEJO VALLEY

Annual Ojai Day Street Fair Event

When: October 16 | 10am – 5pm

Where: Downtown Ojai

What: Hosted by the Ojai recreation Department, Ojai Day is not your ordinary street fair. Enjoy a cultural explosion of fun, with art food, and more at this multi-ethnic celebration. There is something for everyone at Ojai Day!

Centennial Guild’s 2nd Annual Pumpkin Patch in Westlake Village

When: October 16 | 12pm – 4pm

Where: Westlake Village

What: Pumpkins, Candy and Music…Oh My! Make your way to the Centennial Guild’s 2nd Annual Pumpkin Patch benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This charitable community event will feature a pumpkin patch, live DJ, photo booth, raffles, and of course, candy for all little ghosts and goblins in attendance. 

Calabasas Pumpkin Festival at De Anza Park

When: October 17, 2021 | 10:00AM-5:00PM

Where: De Anza Park | Calabasas

What: The annual Calabasas Pumpkin Festival returns this Sunday at Juan Bautista de Anza Park. The family-friendly event will feature a pumpkin patch and professional pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting, live music, and more! Admission to the event includes access to inflatable rides and games.

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Out and About: The Best Spooky Fun This October

It’s the spookiest time of the year, with mots of LA’s most haunting attractions back in full swing after a brief departure. From family-friendly to truly frightening, we’re breaking down all the Halloween happenings in your area. Read on for the best spooky fun this October.

LOS ANGELES SPOOKY FUN

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Live with Danny Elfman

Location: USC/Exposition Park

Date(s): Oct 29-Oct 31, 2021

Celebrate Halloween with the Skeleton King for truly spooky fun! The O.G. Jack Skellington will be reprising his iconic role for a live performance and screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas. This exciting performance will also feature Grammy-winner Billie Eilish as Sally with the duo on stage at the Banc of California Stadium.

Halloween Organ & Film

Location: Downtown

Date(s): October 31, 2021

Is there anything spookier than organ playing on Halloween, or just anytime in general? See 1923’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, starring the legend Lon Chaney. Organist Clark Wilson will be providing the evening’s ghostly tunes for this silent film screening.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Location: Griffith Park

Date(s): Until Oct 31, 2021

Fright season has officially begun and you can hitch a ride on the return of LA’s Haunted Hayride. The traditional hayride arrives back at Griffith Park with the return of the mid-’80s fictitious town of Midnight Falls for truly spooky fun.

Bob Baker’s Halloween Spooktacular!

Location: Highland Park

Date(s): until October 31, 2021

Don’t miss the delightfully ghoulish return of “Bob Baker’s Halloween Spooktacular”. October is almost here and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the most haunting year of the month with this beloved “boo-sical revue”. Likewise, the puppet theater’s Halloween performance will run all the way through the end of All Hallow’s Eve.

 

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES SPOOKY FUN

Open Main Street

Location: Along Main Street | Santa Monica

Date(s): October 16-17, 2021

Head to Main Street Santa Monica for a fun-filled day as the buzzy street turns into a fall festive pedestrian plaza. This month’s weekend-long event will feature a pumpkin patch, beer booth, live music, and more!

Halloween Lights on the Pacific Wheel

Location: 380 Santa Monica Pier | Santa Monica

Date(s): until November 1, 2021

Enjoy a special light program on the Santa Monica Pier for truly spooky fun. SaMo’s famed Ferris wheel will display a range of fall colors, ghosts, and pumpkins to highlight Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. Can’t make it in person? The pier will be live-streaming the event online!

Family Fun Halloween Festival

Location: 6400 Pacific Coast Hwy. | Long Beach

Date(s): October 17, 2021

Break out your costumes this weekend and head to Long Beach for the Family Fun Halloween Festival. Hosted by Creative Communal, a makers market pop-up, the event will feature an array of local vendors, Halloween activities, and more!

Amazon Prime Video’s House of Horrors Pop Up

Location: 8551 Melrose Ave. | West Hollywood.

Date(s): Through Nov 1, 2021

As a part of their celebration as they launch their “Now Screaming” collection, Prime Video has a frightening pop-up WeHo. The House of Horrors brings to life the streaming services’ scariest titles for extra spooky fun. Most importantly, see showed-inspired costume displays from Amazon Originals like The Voyeurs, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and more! Likewise, this free event will also feature a photo booth and candy kiosk.

Oogie Boogie Bash

Location: Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim

Date(s): until October 31, 2021

Mr. Oogie Boogie returns for a haunting bash at Disney’s California Adventure. Have a ghoulish time after-hours at the happiest place on earth for the Oogie Boogie Bash. Of course, an advance ticket purchase is required. 

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SPOOKY FUN

San Fernando Valley Halloween Drive-In

Location: Lake Balboa Complex, Lake Balboa, CA

Date(s): until Oct 30, 2021

Get your spook on at the Halloween edition of San Fernando Valley’s beloved drive-in. While this weekend’s screening has been canceled, it’s all the more reason to book your tix in advance. Catch Teen Wolf or the Nightmare Before Christmas as the first screening of this limited seasonal series.

Haunt’oween LA

Location: 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd | Woodland Hills

Date(s): until October 31, 2021

It’s spooky season so you know there’s a bounty of Halloween fun around town. Enjoy this family-friendly on-foot adventure in Woodland Hills. ‘Haunt’oween LA will feature a pumpkin patch, a scarecrow garden, trick or treating, and more!

Halloween Horror Nights

Location: Universal Studios Hollywood 

Date(s): until October 31, 2021

Fright season has arrived early at Universal Studios in Hollywood. The most haunting event of the season returns with Halloween Horror Nights. Navigate through multiple scare zones and mazes if you dare. From The Haunting of Hill House to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Exorcist and the Bride of Frankenstein, plus the return of “The Curse of Pandora’s Box.” 

San Fernando Valley Trunk-Or-Treat

Location: 14006 Riverside Drive | Sherman Oaks

Date(s): October 30, 2021

Head to Westfield Fashion Square for SFV’s Trunk or Treat. This family-friendly event encourages participants to decorate their vehicles and pass out treats for this spooky fun community event. Likewise, costumes are of course encouraged!

CONEJO VALLEY SPOOKY FUN

Reign of Terror Haunted House

When: Until November 6, 2021

Where: Janss Marketplace | Thousand Oaks

What: Make your way to Janss Marketplace this weekend if you dare. The 17-night ‘Reign of Terror Haunted House’ returns for a truly frightful attraction. Entering its 22nd annual season, make your way through 130 rooms and 10 terrifying attractions for a sarcastic evening. 

Fall Harvest Festival at Underwood Farms – Friends of the Farm Weekend

Location: Underwood Farms | Moorpark

Date(s): October 31, 2021

From this weekend through October, Underwood Family Farms invites you to their festival of fall fun. The farm festival featured a giant Pumpkin Patch, Pick Your Own & Fall Harvest experience. Enjoy the annual fall festival with a bevy of games, rides, photos ops, live entertainment, themed weekends, bands, and more! 

7th Annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival

Location: Strathearn Historical Park | Simi Valley

Date(s): October 24, 2021

Presented by the Simi Valley Historical Society and Museum, community members are invited to join the 7th annual Día de los Muertos festival. The Day of the Dead celebration will feature music, dancers, arts and crafts, food vendors, and more! Visitors are encouraged to come in costume. Of course, social Distancing and safety measures will be enforced. 

Ventura County Fear Grounds

Location: 10 W. Harbor Blvd. | Ventura

Date(s): until October 31, 2021

From a true expert in spook, Edward Marks comes one of SoCal’s newest open-air haunted attractions. The Ventura County Fear Grounds will take place at the Surfer’s Point Live Ventura fair Grounds. Likewise, visitors can test their tolerance for fear if they dare as they encounter ghastly frights at this haunting attraction. 

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Weekend Events: October 8-10, 2021

This weekend, enjoy some well-deserved fun in your neighborhood. With so much fall fun happening around town, we’re rounding up our favorite picks. Read on for this week’s weekend event guide!

LOS ANGELES

Family Style Food Festival

When: October 10, 2021

Where: Fairfax District

What: Enjoy 50 different culinary offerings and fashion brands for this one-day-only food festival. Family Style Food Festival will be taking over Fairfax for an epic day of food, fashion, and fall fun.

DineLA

When: until October 15, 2021

Where: Various locations

What: Everyone’s favorite semi-annual two-week dining event returns this weekend for its fall session. Enjoy prix fixe menu offerings at some of the best restaurants in town for take-out and dine-in. It’s a foodie event you won’t want to miss!

New Original Works Festival

When: until October 23, 2021

Where: 631 West 2nd Street | Los Angeles

What: Fans of fine art won’t want to miss this cutting-edge display of Redcat’s vibrant performing art scene. The summer festival comes to a close this fall, where varying creative arts collide. See daring and distinctive performances from dance, theatre, and music to multimedia performance art.

 

WESTSIDE

“Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds”

When: Oct 7, 2021Feb 20, 2022
Where: Skirball Cultural Center | Los Angeles

What: Calling all Trekkies, here’s an event for you! Begin your voyage upon this traveling pop-culture exhibition of “Star Trek: Exploring Worlds.” The exhibit’s final stop on its journey home will be at the Skirball Cultural Center until early 2022.

No Humans Involved

When: October 10, 2021Jan 9, 2022

Where: Hammer Museum | Los Angeles

What: Get your dose of weekly art with ‘No Humans Involved’ at the Hammer Museum.  Featuring installations and sculptures from a group of seven artists, the exhibit focuses on 

Danish String Quartet

When: October 8, 2021 

Where: 1310 11th St. | Santa Monica

What: Enjoy the Danish String Quartet as part of the triumphant return of live chamber music to the Broad Stage. Heralded by the New York Times as “prodigiously gifted musicians,” the concert will feature a curated suite of dances, Mozart favorites, and Nordic folk music.

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

San Fernando Valley Halloween Drive-In

When: until October 30, 2021

Where: Lake Balboa Complex, Lake Balboa, CA

What: Get your spook on at the Halloween edition of San Fernando Valley’s beloved drive-in for some fall fun. While this weekend’s screening has been canceled, it’s all the more reason to book your tix in advance. Catch Teen Wolf or the Nightmare Before Christmas as the first screening of this limited seasonal series.

Haunt’oween LA

When: until October 31, 2021

Where: 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd | Woodland Hills

What: It’s spooky season, so you know there’s a bounty of Halloween and fall fun around town. Enjoy this family-friendly on-foot adventure in Woodland Hills. ‘Haunt’oween LA will feature a pumpkin patch, a scarecrow garden, trick or treating, and more!

USC Marshall Golf Club Annual Fall Tournament

When: October 10, 2021

Where: DeBell Golf Club | Burbank

What: Head to the green for USC Marshall Golf Club’s Annual Fall Tournament. You’re invited to enjoy a day on the golf course, with a shotgun start beginning at 10 am. Tickets for the tournament include a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, open bar, and on-course drink tickets.

CONEJO VALLEY

2021 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K

When: October 9, 2021

Where: 1583 Spinnaker Drive | Ventura

What: It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and your chance to give back. Participate in this weekend’s 2021 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K fundraiser and pancake breakfast for Ventura County.  The event serves as a celebration of survivorship, an occasion to express hope, and a shared determination to end breast cancer for good!

Santa Paula Rotary Pumpkin Patch

When: October 9-10, 2021

Where: 12471 Foothill Rd | Santa Paula

What: Make your way to the Santa Paula Rotary Pumpkin Patch. The two-day event will be filled with music, delicious fall food, and of course, pumpkins.  Other activities include a corn maze, pony rides, face painting, the “Pumpkin Chucker,” and more for a weekend of fall fun.

“Voices of Old Conejo” Living History Performance

When: October 9-10, 2021

Where: 51 S Ventu Park Rd, Thousand Oaks

What: Travel back in time to 1870 with “Voices of Old Conejo” Living History performances. The play will guide visitors through the history of Conejo Valley from the 1800s to the present day.

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Staycation in Santa Barbara

There are many reasons to have a “staycation” rather than traveling far from home when a break from life and work is warranted. Many attractions and hidden gems often are mere miles away from where you live. A staycation in Santa Barbara may just fit the bill for your vacation plans this year.

Stay Awhile

You don’t have to stay at home while on staycation. Consider checking into an upscale hotel.

The El Encanto is a luxury 5-star hotel with beautiful rooms and suites and seven acres of green cultivated gardens. The hotel grounds include a boutique spa and upscale restaurant. Ninety-two bungalows feature massive marble bathrooms, monogrammed pillows, and other upscale finishing touches that make you feel at home and very pampered.

The Hotel Californian is a Spanish Colonial Revival-inspired hotel that features 121 rooms decorated with black and white photos of Hollywood stars and custom furnishings. The Hotel Californian has a Turkish-inspired spa, rooftop pool, clothing boutique, a cocktail bar, and two destination restaurants.

Dine and Sip

While on staycation, treat yourself to a dining and wine tasting experience of a lifetime.

Culinary excellence is found at The Stonehouse Restaurant at the San Ysidro Ranch. Enjoy fresh vegetable dishes seasoned with herbs from the chef’s own garden, a full bar lounge, and outdoor dining complete with a fireplace on the terrace.

The Bouchon in Santa Barbara sources local ingredients to create gourmet dishes of duck, lamb, beef, and the finest seafood. With an “understated” elegance, the Bouchon is sure to please the palate of any diner.

If you need a fine wine to take back to your hotel or home, wineries and tasting rooms abound.

Wine tasting is available in several downtown locations. Just a short walk from the beach, visit Jaffurs Wine Cellars. Here you will find handcrafted wines from premier vineyards in Santa Barbara county.

Another in-town option for fine wines is at Jamie Slone’s. Featuring the best 90+ point wines from local vineyards and the winner of Favorite Winery & Favorite Tasting Room 2019 Santa Barbara News-Press Readers’ Choice Awards, wine lovers and connoisseurs are in for a delectable treat.

Shop and See

Luxury hotels and fine wine and dining are wonderful treats on your staycation in Santa Barbara. Still, there is plenty to see and do as well!

Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara is an open-air mall with a variety of chain retailers, a movie theatre, and dining options.

If you have kids, the Santa Barbara beaches and zoo are places you won’t want to miss.

East Beach and West Beach are among the best seaside beaches in southern California.

And, the zoo encompasses more than 30 acres of lush botanical gardens and a variety of animals to watch, pet and feed.

Enjoy your time in SB

A staycation in Santa Barbara likewise includes opportunities for fine dining, wine tasting, shopping, beaches, and more.

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Weekend Events: October 1-3, 2021

Enjoy the weekend and all that fall has to offer with our round-up of this weekend’s best events. From Bond in Motion to the annual Harvest Festival, we have you covered with October events!

October Events in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

When: until October 31, 2021

Where: Griffith Park

What: Fright season has officially begun and you can hitch a ride on the return of LA’s Haunted Hayride. The traditional hayride arrives back at Griffith Park with the return of the mid-’80s fictitious town of Midnight Falls.

Bond in Motion

When: until October 30, 2021

Where: Petersen Automotive Museum | Miracle Mile

What: Shaken, not stirred. See some of the most famous gadget-adorned vehicles of agent 007 and the films. The ‘Bond in Motion’ collection features 30 cars, motorcycles, boats, submarines, helicopters, and scale filming models of aircraft from six decades of James Bond movies. 

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

When: until October 2, 2021

Where: various locations

What: Celebrate the careers of famed Asian and Asian-American filmmakers at this year’s film festival. Returning for its 37th year, this hybrid version of the festival includes both virtual and in-person screenings. 

October Events in the Westside and Beach Communities

Rooftop Cinema Club Presents: Beetlejuice

When: Oct 1, 2021

Where: The Drive-In at Santa Monica Airport

What: You don’t need to say his name three times for Betteljuice to appear this weekend with a showing at the Santa Monica Airpot. Catch the cult classic film this Friday night! Rooftop Cinema offers the perfect alfresco rooftop movie viewing experience for some well-deserved weekend fun.

Rare Books LA Book Fair – Santa Monica Edition

When: October 1, 2021

Where: Santa Monica

What: Calling all bookworms, this one is for you! Rare Books LA brings back in-person book fairs with their upcoming Santa Monica edition. The highly anticipated event is being sponsored by Biblio.com and is located on the Third Street Promenade. Rare booksellers from around the U.S. will be sharing their love of books, maps, ephemera, fine bindings, original art, photography, and more.

Old Hometown Fair

When: October 2-3, 2021

Where: Manhattan Beach

What: Valley Drive will be lined with over 175 arts and crafts booths this weekend only for the Old Hometown Fair. The fair will also have the return of the Batte of the Bands along with other free games and entertainment. Check out Saturday’s opening parade and bid on 50+ silent auction packages.

October Events in San Fernando Valley

Tarzana Music Night

When: October 1, 2021

Where: Tarzana Communtiy and Cultural Center | Tarzana

What: Spend your evening in the gardens of the Tarzana Community and Cultural Center. This weekend’s music night will feature a showcase of musical artists performing outdoors. Musical guests will include Catharine Beck, Art Podell, Ric Taylor, Tracy Newman, and more!

Yoga at the Park

When: October 2, 2021

Where: Balboa Sports Center | Burbank

What: Find your inner zen with yoga guru Aimee Malgapo. This weekend’s yoga session will donate a portion of proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Center. Participants are recommended to wear pink in support. 

Movies on Location: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

When: October 1, 2021

Where: Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser Plant) | Van Nuys

What: Find yourself transported to the wonderful world of Willy Wonka this Friday. The Anheuser-Busch/Budweiser plant in Van Nuys will host a special screening of this 1971 classic for Movies on Location. 

October Events in Conejo Valley

Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show

When: October 1, 2021

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds | Ventura

What: We’re going full in on fall events starting off with the 49th Annual Harvest Festival in Ventura. Spanning the weekend the Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show welcomes back attendees to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. This family-owned and operated event will feature the nation’s finest artists and crafters for a one-of-kind shopping experience unlike any other.

Fall Harvest Festival at Underwood Farms – Friends of the Farm Weekend

When: October 2, 2021

Where: Underwood Farms | Moorpark

What: From this weekend through October, Underwood Family Farms invites you to their festival of fall fun. The farm festival featured a giant Pumpkin Patch, Pick Your Own & Fall Harvest experience. Enjoy the annual fall festival with a bevy of games, rides, photos ops, live entertainment, themed weekends, bands, and more! 

First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Museum of Ventura County

When: October 3, 2021

Where: The Museum of Ventura County | Ventura

What: Join the Museum of Ventura County as they present their First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Sponsored by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), the inaugural event will include light refreshments, live performances, and more. There will also be a variety of cultural family-friendly activities.

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Out & About: Visiting the Brand New The Academy Museum

The highly anticipated Academy Museum opens to the public this week after a star-studded opening preview over the weekend. Certainly, with the history of filmmaking on grand display, you’ll want to plan ahead for your visit. Aside from the stunningly renovated Wilshire May Company building serving as the museum’s new home, there are a few extra sites to see. See it all, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano’s glass sphere theatre to the ‘Oscar experience. Not exactly sure where to go, how to visit, or what else to see? Read on for our visitor guide to Hollywood’s latest icon.

When to Go and How to Get There

Make your way to the Academy Museum seven days a week. The museum is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm. Likewise, on the busier days of Friday and Saturday, you can stay a tad bit later from 10 am to 8 pm.

If you haven’t been on Mid-Wilshire allow us to reintroduce Museum Row. Likewise, the newly unveiled museum sits next to LACMA and across the street from the Petersen Museum. Find your way to this Oscar-worthy space at 6067 Wilshire Boulevard.

How to Visit

As with most museums these days, a timed ticket will be required for entry. Tickets for entry are $25 for adults, $10 for seniors (62 and over), $15 for students, and free for visitors 17 and under. Of course, your ticket will grant you access to all exhibits and public areas like the Spielberg Family Gallery. Similarly, for an extra glamorous experience, you can give your own Oscar moment. The immersive installation titled the Oscars Experience cost an additional $15. What exactly is the ‘Oscar Experience’? You’ll have the chance to step in front of a virtual crowd while holding a real oscar to give your acceptance speech. Of course, the video will be emailed to you and you’ll be able to say you had your brief moment of ‘fame’

What to See

Consider every blockbuster, oscar-winning, star-studded film you’ve ever seen. Now think about all of the props and costumes from those films and where exactly they went. Well, ponder no more, because that is why you’ll find at the Academy Museum. From Dorothy’s ruby slippers to R2-D2 and C-3PO and even the shark from Jaws, they’re all on display. Likewise, take a trip down nostalgia lane and view true cinematic treasures from the past to the present.

What Are the Current Exhibits:

Stories of Cinema 1

Located in the Saban Building, visitors are greeted by a soaring, glass-walled gallery and multiscreen experience where an introduction to the exhibition Stories of Cinema can be enjoyed for free.

 

Stories of Cinema 2

A multi-floor exhibition that connects audiences to celebratory, complex, diverse, and international stories of the people who make motion pictures and the artworks they create.

 

Stories of Cinema 3

Stories of Cinema continues on the third floor with special installations by director Pedro Almodóvar, composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, and sound designer Ben Burtt—all Academy Award®–winning artists.

 

Backdrop: An Invisible Art

The Hurd Gallery features the exhibition Backdrop: An Invisible Art. The exhibit spotlights a monumental backdrop—the iconic Mt. Rushmore backing from Hitchcock’s North by Northwest.

 

Path to Cinema: Highlights from the Richard Balzer Collection

This exhibit explores how the cinematic experience we know today evolved. From a long tradition of optical amusements and devices of wonder magic lanterns, zoetropes, and praxinoscopes to the Cinématographe Lumière.

 

Hayao Miyazaki

The Academy Museum’s inaugural temporary exhibition. This exhibit marks the first North American museum retrospective dedicated to the work of its namesake. A stunning ode to the internationally celebrated artist and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.

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Weekend Events: September 24-26, 2021

With Fall almost here, your weekend just got a lot more festive. Enjoy fun events from around town from the spooky to the creative. Whether heading out with friends or family, this weekend’s event round-up is sure to be one to remember.

LOS ANGELES

Bob Baker’s Halloween Spooktacular!

When: Until October 31, 2021

Where: Highland Park | Los Angeles

What: Don’t miss the delightfully ghoulish return of “Bob Baker’s Halloween Spooktacular”. October is almost here and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the most haunting year of the month with this beloved “boo-sical revue”. The puppet theater’s Halloween performance will run all the way through the end of All Hallow’s Eve.

Lorna Simpson: Everrrything

When: Until January 9, 2022

Where: Downtown Arts District | DTLA

What: See Hauser & Wirth’s latest exhibit, Lorna Simpson’s ‘Everrrything’ now on display. Located in the courtyard and north gallery, the works are from all sides of the artist conception toolkit. The photographer-turned-painter has a range of mediums to view from new sculptures to paintings and collages.

Asphalt Comedy

When: until October 30, 2021

Where: 7763 Melrose Avenue | Los Angeles 

What: After a long week, you deserve a good laugh this weekend, and Asphalt Comedy agrees. Take a seat on Melrose for a mix of stand-ups at this outdoor stage. If you are hungry Mona Lisa Kitchen will be hand to provide nosh options for purchase. Just make sure to bring your vaccine card as proof of vaccination will be needed to be seated. Masks are mandatory when not eating or drinking.


WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES


Americana in the Park

When: until October 10, 2021

Where: Santa Monica

What: Bring the entire family to Santa Monica’s newest free concert! ‘American in the Park’ picks up where Twilight on the Pier’ left off in its own unique way. Enjoy this new concert series in partnership with McCabe’s Guitar Shop for fun Sunday afternoon musical acts outdoors. Running in both September and October, the concert explores the roots of Americana.

Rooftop Cinema Club Presents: Selena

When: Sept 6, 2021

Where: The Drive-In at Santa Monica Airport

What: Head to Santa Monica for a screening of the cult classic biopic ‘Selena’ starring Jennifer Lopez. Rooftop Cinema offers the perfect alfresco rooftop movie viewing experience for some well-deserved weekend fun.

 

Noises Off

When: until October 9, 2021

Where: Long Beach Playhouse | Long Beach

What: See the mayhem and humor of what goes on behind the scenes of putting on a stage show with the hit Michael Frayn production ‘Noises Off’. Long Beach Playhouse and its troupe of actors invite you to enjoy the most horrendously funny performance ever presented.


SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Electric Dusk Drive-In presents Once Upon a Time In Hollywood

When: September 19, 2021 | 6:30 PM 

Where: Sears Parking Lot | Glendale

What: “A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the final years of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.” Once Upon a Time in Hollywood will be at the Electric Dusk Drive-In this weekend for a night that’s perfect for the whole family.

 

Totally Valley Block Party

When:  Sep 25, 2021

Where: Westfield Fashion Square | Sherman Oaks

What: Presented by My Valley Pass and Westfield Fashion Square is the end-of-summer block party you and your family won’t want to miss. Totally Valley Block Party invites you to enjoy an evening filled with fun. The event will feature popular food vendors, tastings from five local brewers, music, and more. Stop by for outdoor games and surprise giveaways as the valley closes out summer in style. 

 

Habitat Restoration Day

When: Sep 25, 2021

Where: Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve | Van Nuys

What: Help keep your community clean this weekend for National Public Lands Day. Spend the morning at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve for a habitat restoration project. You’ll be joining the California Native Plant Society to help remove invasive plants and make native seed balls.


CONEJO VALLEY

Reign of Terror Haunted House

When: Until November 6, 2021

Where: Janss Marketplace | Thousand Oaks

What: Make your way to Janss Marketplace this weekend if you dare. The 17-night ‘Reign of Terror Haunted House’ returns for a truly frightful attraction. Entering its 22nd annual season, make your way through 130 rooms and 10 terrifying attractions for a sarcastic evening. 

Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Oxnard

When: Sep 25, 2021

Where: The Collection Riverpark | Oxnard

What: Walk for a cause this Saturday with friends or family. Join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at The Collection at RiverPark. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. 

Kathak Karnival at Oak Canyon Community Park

When: September 26, 2021

Where: 5700 Hollytree Dr | Oak Park

What: Bring the whole family for this weekend’s Kathak Karnival in Oak Park. Play carnival games, enjoy carnival food, watch Kathak performances at this fun and educational community event. 

 

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From LG’s $1.7M TV to Space X’s Civilian Space Launch and More! | Tech News

Stay current on the latest tech news from LG’s $1.7M TV to Space X’s Civilian Space Launch and More! Read on for this week’s leading tech stories from around the globe.

LG Unveils 2,000 Pound TV for $1.7 Million


If you have the space and the cash, LG has the perfect 325-inch TV for you. This week the tech company announced their new lineup of Direct View LED (DVLED) home cinema displays. The TV’s range in size from a 108-inch HD screen to a massive 325-inch 8K panel that rings in at $1.7 million. Likewise, the devices have usually been reserved for commercial buyers, but will now be available for purchase “general” consumers. The devices can be considered a suitable replacement for a high-end projector for those who wish to splurge.

The Top Highlights from Apple’s California Streaming Event

This week Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the latest lineup of devices at the tech giants ‘California Streaming’ event. Within the slew of new products includes the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini. Likewise, the phones will be similar to the iPhone 12 but with a smaller notch and diagonal camera array. The new devices will also have the A15 Bionic chip with an improved dual-camera system and longer battery life. Of course, also underway later this fall will be the Apple Watch Series 7 which includes an oximeter and varying sizes. In addition, Apple Fitness will also be adding  group fitness classes and pilates as new features.

CRISPR Startup Seeks to have Woolly Mammoths Walk the Earth Again

In what sounds like the plotline of Jurassic Park, a start-up company has high hopes of bringing back Wooly Mammoths. Using revolutionary gene-editing technology, startup company Colossal is seeking to bring back the Ice Age giants. The company’s goal would be to use the technology to bring the species back from extinction by 2027 using CRISPR. Likewise, the company would not necessarily be re-creating true woolly mammoths. Instead, they’ll use cold-adapted genetic traits, to create a hybrid that can wander the tundra. This would be the first of its kind to do so in over 10,000 years if successful. “Our true North Star is a successful restoration of the woolly mammoth, but also it’s successful rewilding into interbreeding herds in the Arctic,” said Colossal co-founder Chief Executive Ben Lamm. “We’re now focusing on having our first calves in the next four to six years.”

Zoom to Add Live Translation Services and Facebook VR Integration

This week Zoom announced plans to expand its support for automatic live transcriptions. The change will include the addition of live translation, and turn its whiteboard feature into more of a fully-featured app. Next year, Zoom will launch on Facebook’s Horizon Workrooms app. Users will be able to connect to Zoom Whiteboard, according to Zoom. Likewise, the tool will let users pin a Zoom Whiteboard to a virtual desk or to the wall for everyone to utilize. Most importantly, meeting participants will have the ability to attend and interact in the meeting through a traditional computer.

Space X Makes History with Inspiraiton4 All-Civilian Launch

On Wednesday of this week, history was made with the first civilian launch to orbit. Space X’s Inspiration4 took flight on Wednesday evening in Florida. The flight includes commander Jared Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux, Sian Proctor, and Chris Sembroski. Billionaire Jared Isaacman bought the entire commercial launch in February of this year after the flight was announced by Space X CEO Elon Musk. The three other civilian participants won their ticket to space after Isaacman donated two seats to St. Judes Hospital and one in a separate raffle. Most importantly, Isaacman and the rest of the crew are aiming to raise $200 million from the mission to go towards St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Few have come before, and many are about to follow,” Isaacman said in his first communication with Space X mission control after launch. “The door’s open now and it’s pretty incredible,” he said.

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