Out & About: San Fernando Valley

Whether you call the Valley home or you reside just over the hill, SFV has a lot to offer. The area is bustling with hidden gems and things to do! Rather than opt for you usual routine, why not take sometime to discover something new? Read through the round-up of ways to enjoy your time in SFV from food to fun and discover your inner Angeleno!

Asanebo


11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City 91604-2607

Like most sushi restaurants in Studio City, Asanebo is located in a nondescript strip mall on Ventura Boulevard. Inside the warm, comforting dining room, you’ll find both traditional and innovative, fusion-style Japanese cuisine, where the omakase, or chef’s choice, is recommended. Thankfully, there are three different tiers so there’s some flexibility. Named the 2014 Zagat Guide’s top food pick in Los Angeles, Asanebo is a dining gem that’s not to be missed.

The Brady Bunch House

The Brady Kids reunite for a renovation of their famous TV house | Instagram: @hgtv



One of the most famous houses in television history can be found at 11217 Dilling Street in Studio City – with civilians living inside. The Brady Bunch began shooting in 1969, and exterior shots of the house were used for 115 episodes. A newly widowed Louise Weddington Carson lived in the house at the time, and set designers attached a phony window to make it look like the two-story structure to match the interior set design. The house was revisited for a couple sequel projects, such as A Very Brady Christmas and The Bradys, a dramatic series on CBS. A fence and new shrubbery somewhat masks its immortalized TV image, but the house will forever live on in reruns of The Brady Bunch.

Eclectica Vintage

Eclectica Vintage | Instagram: @livinonluv

5663 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood 91601

There are some great vintage shops in the San Fernando Valley, but Eclectica Vintage is your go-to whether you’re looking for a bike, furniture, clothing, camera or other classic decorative items. With past experience at local studios as set designers, owners Mike Lis and Ron Lis will help you find anything you might need. Just be sure to bring cash for your purchases.

The Great Wall of Los Angeles

The Great Wall of Los Angeles | Photo courtesy of The City Project, Flickr

12920 W Oxnard St, Valley Glen 91401

At 2,754 feet, The Great Wall of Los Angeles is one of the longest murals in the world, located on Coldwater Canyon between Burbank Boulevard and Oxnard Street. The half-mile-long mural is regarded as one of the city’s most successful depictions and examples of ethnic and cultural cooperation, conceived by Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) founder, Judith Baca as part of a beautification project in the area. The Great Wall of Los Angeles was begun in 1974 and completed five summers later, involving over 400 employed youth and their families from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, as well as artists, oral historians, ethnologists, scholars and community members. Each year was dedicated to depicting a different decade in California history from the viewpoint of different ethnic minorities. Ongoing maintenance efforts are made through donations and grant funding.

Iliad Bookshop

Photo: Iliad Bookshop, Facebook

5400 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood 91601

So-named because the original location was next to Odyssey Video, the Iliad Bookshop offers over 125,000 titles at its home on Cahuenga Boulevard in North Hollywood, where the 20-year-old bookstore has been located since 2006. Specializing in used books, Iliad Bookshop buys and sells hundreds of books daily and even has a table of bargain books for less than $2 each. There are also rare books for sale, and autographed first editions can run for hundreds – sometimes thousands – of dollars. Regulars are often found scouring its shelves for hidden treasures. The hardest part of a visit to the Iliad is leaving without spending several hours there.

Japanese Garden

SuihoEn (“Garden of Water and Fragrance”) | Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys 91406

Constructed over a three-year period and dedicated in 1984, the Japanese Garden at Woodley Park in Van Nuys is an oasis of serenity designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana. Ranked tenth out of 300 public Japanese gardens by the Journal of Japanese Gardening, it’s a treasure of the San Fernando Valley complete with a Zen meditation garden, Three Buddhas arrangement of stones, chisen (wet strolling garden with waterfalls), Shoin Building, Crane Island and a Weeping Willow Tree.

Lake Balboa

Cherry blossoms at Lake Balboa | Photo: City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks

6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys 91406

In 2007, a large part of Van Nuys was renamed the Lake Balboa district. Shortly after, in 2008, the district’s 80-acre Anthony C. Beilenson Park, formerly Balboa Park, received a million-dollar revamp in the form of a Maritime-themed Universally Accessible Playground, interactive drum play area, and more. Lifeguards are on-site at Lake Balboa, which is located in the park, making it an attractive place for boating and fishing. There are also barbecue pits and picnic tables, ensuring your entire family a whole day of activities. And if you’re visiting at the right time of year, you’ll get to enjoy a stroll around the lake with cherry blossom trees in full bloom. But at all times, don’t forget to enjoy the miles of trails that line the park, which branch off from the trail around the lake. Keep an eye out for nearby bike rentals.

Sako’s Mediterranean Cuisine

Doner platter | Photo courtesy of Sako’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Facebook

6736 Corbin Ave, Reseda 91335

You don’t visit Sako’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Reseda for the decor, but for their outstanding Armenian dishes. Open since 2002, Sako’s has the same name as it did upon opening, although its current owners, John and Ani Panosian, have owned the restaurant since about 2006. The kebabs are quite special and luscious, and if you go with Sako’s Special, the Iskender Kebab, you’ll be treated to a wonderfully seasoned ground beef sirloin sliced straight from the spit. Thick yogurt, browned butter and fresh tomato sauce accent the dish beautifully. Of course, you’ll also find standbys like hummus, baba ghanouj and tabouleh on the menu – all served with warm pitas – but adventurers will love the Mediterranean spice treasure hunt all the way down the menu.

Tonga Hut

“The Loyal Order of the Drooling Bastard” | Photo: Tonga Hut Tiki Lounge, Facebook


Part of the unmatched charm of this Tiki Bar is that this little hideaway – and much of the current decor – dates all the way back to 1958, when it was opened by brothers Ace and Ed Libby at the height of the mid-century Tiki craze. After a period of being run down, the bar was thankfully restored to its former Tiki glory in 2005. Now, the original fountains are running, there’s new, period-appropriate artwork, and vintage, eclectic tunes in the jukebox. If you’re a local barfly, you can join The Loyal Order of the Drooling Bastard by ordering every drink in the Grog Log (which runs over 80 drinks deep) within a year. Whether you want a $2 PBR or a classic 1934 Zombie made according to Don the Beachcomber’s original recipe, the Tonga Hut is your Valley watering hole.

Vitello’s

Photo: Vitello’s, Facebook

4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City

The restaurant known as Vitello’s has changed hands a couple times since Sal Vitello, a baker from New York, opened the restaurant in Tujunga Village. The Rat Pack was known to hang out here, with many industry types swinging by for a plate of pasta and a drink, thanks to its proximity to the CBS Studios Radford Studios Lot and the Universal City soundstages. You’ll have good reason to stop by too, thanks to the contemporary food and drink menu. Gone are the canned tomato sauces and overcooked pasta, and here to stay are fresh seasonal ingredients and al dente pasta. Check the Upstairs at Vitello’s calendar for live performances on select nights, including jazz and stand-up comedy by special guests like Dana Carvey and Arsenio Hall.

Out and About: Topanga Canyon

Tucked beyond a scenic drive and just under a 30 minute stretch to the beach (without traffic) is Topanga Canyon. Said to be a sacred place by the Tongva people, the area feels every bit like a hidden sanctuary. From nature trails set against grassy peaks to brunch by the creek, whats not to enjoy? Whether Topanga Canyon is a place you call home or simply one that you visit, there plenty to do. Read on for notable neighborhood highlights for a day Out & About in Topanga Canyon.

1. Inn of the Seventh Ray.

Surrounded by nature, this restaurant is one of the most romantic in all of Los Angeles. The outdoor seating, a large terraced garden area next to a creek, is replete with sycamore trees, fairy lights, oak trees and buddha statues. During the cooler months, enjoy the interior and its roaring fireplace. The Inn offers plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes, and the meat they serve is sustainable and raised naturally. It’s also a great option for Sunday brunch.

More information

2.Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum.

Founded by Will Geer, an actor most famous for playing Grandpa on the ‘70s show The Waltons, this outdoor theater, surrounded by oak trees, offers wonderful theatrical performances with an emphasis on the classics, particularly Shakespeare.

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3. Red Rock Canyon Trail

A great place to hike, you’ll want to explore the caves and search for fossils and arrowheads left by the Chumash Indians who once dwelled here. You can also take the canyon trail up to Calabasas Peak for a pretty spectacular view of the surrounding landscape (see Modern Hiker’s write-up for more info on making that trek).

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4. Hidden Treasures

Foraging around this reasonably priced vintage clothing shop is like exploring the overstuffed house of a bunch of stylish eccentrics. Don’t forget to check out the pirate trunk near the front door with clearance items going for just a few bucks each.

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5. Jalan Jalan Imports

If you’re looking for a wide variety of Balinese imports, look no further. Jalan Jalan has a remarkable selection of hand carved statues and petrified wood furniture for your home. What is most unexpected about this outdoor showroom is not just the furniture but the setting. Set against its on quarry, a tranquil waterfall pours calmly into a small pond adjacent to the store. The owners of Jalan Jalan encourage visitors to take a seat and take in the serene setting as dragon flies and hummingbirds flurry by. At this roadside shop you leave with more than a new decor piece. You leave in peace.

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6. Topanga State Park

Hike on one of the many trails to see some of the most beautiful nature in the area — you might even get lucky and see a deer or two. Be sure to check out Santa Ynez Falls if they’re running, along with the meadows and oak groves. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and mountain lions.

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Topanga State Park

Topanga State Park. Credit: Neeson Hsu via flickr cc

7.  Topanga Days

This annual three-day fair, held over Memorial Day weekend, is a celebration of live music and nature. You’ll find all sorts of food and craft vendors, along with a raucous parade of singing and dancing Topangans on Memorial Day.

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8. Cafe Mimosa

Very popular with locals, this coffee shop boasts a shabby chic atmosphere and a koi pond in the garden, the perfect place to linger over a coffee, a Pirates Chai (made with Matcha green tea) or hemp milk. Hungry? Try the pain au chocolat, vegan muffins, quiche or salads.

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9.  Tuna Canyon Park

This dog-friendly park is a lovely place to stroll and take in some breathtaking sights: the nearby beaches, Catalina Island, Malibu Pier and Santa Monica Pier.

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10. Los Angeles Horseback Riding

A wonderful place to disconnect from our screen-centric lives, you can go on sunset rides, moonlight rides and more. If you prefer, ride a mule while taking in views of the beach and mountains.

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11. Boubolina

This tiny clothing store, a local mainstay for over 30 years, features beautiful hippie dresses, Native American jewelry and lots of organic cotton clothing. The selection is eclectic, the size range is large and they have excellent sales.

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12. Summit Valley

Edelman Park offers some 650 preserved acres to explore. While not as well known as the other Topanga walking and hiking areas, there are certainly beautiful views and bountiful wildflowers when in season.

More information 

L.A. Eats: Best Hot Chicken Spots in Town!

“Hot Chicken” has quickly become the hottest food trend in L.A.! From serious chile-based heat found on Nashville-style hot chicken all the way to spicy spots inspired from all around. Here are eight places to set your mouth on fire (figuratively speaking of course) serving some of the best spicy bird in town right now.

Howlin Ray’s

Location: 727 N Broadway, Ste 128., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Everyone already knows this place for their lines at the Far East Plaza. You can get it by the piece, as a box of wings or in a sandwich, and as hot as you want it, from country (no heat) to howlin’, a smoldering too-hot-to-handle, scale-tipping heat. Side dishes change, but look for things like braised greens, succotash, mac ‘n’ cheese, crispy okra, various market salads and crinkle-cut fries dusted with their secret shake spice.

Dave’s Hot Chicken

Location: 970 N Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029

One of L.A.’s biggest hot-chicken success stories, Dave’s began as a stand and worked its way up to a brick and mortar—and now it’s one of Hollywood’s late-night go-to’s with a line out the door. They’ve only got one rule: no pickups. Don’t worry, the line moves quickly, as the menu is particularly limited. The bright-red hot chicken only comes in strips and (hefty) sliders, juicy and a little greasy and wildly hot, especially as you climb toward the “reaper” spice option. You’re gonna need a side of those cheese-topped crinkle-cut fries to cool things down.

Sweet Chick

Location: 448 N. Fairfax Ave.

When this chicken and soul food shack (hip-hop star Nas is a proud investor) opened on Fairfax, we thought it was all about waffles, greens and mac ‘n’ cheese to accompany the classic crispy, juicy bird. It’s all of that and so much more. To start, there are a few options for heat seekers, including the Nashville hot chicken with a milk jam waffle, or hot sauce–drenched fried chicken sliders on buttery mini biscuits. Want some sweet heat? Try the honey hot chicken instead.

McFly’s All-Natural at Electric Owl

Location: 1451 N. Gardner St.

If you’re familiar with the amazing smoky fried chicken from Plan Check, you already know what chef Ernesto Uchimura can do with the bird. Now you can find him at Electric Owl, the restaurant he opened in West Hollywood earlier this year. For lunch, he’s launched a daytime pop-up called McFly’s, where he serves egg-dipped, fried chicken sandos with a searing chile baste alongside things like tater tots and pink lemonade. Check it out Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 AM until gone.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Location: 1262 Crenshaw Blvd. and 509 S. Glen Oaks Blvd.

A long-standing family business, the Memphis chain is known the world over for its cayenne-spiced, red-tinged crisp chicken. It’s surprising that it’s taken this long to make it out west, but it finally has, landing in a brick-walled spot in Mid-City and most recently in Burbank. Although it calls its fried chicken “hot and spicy,” it’s not mouth-searing like Nashville-style chicken. There’s no extra coating of seasoning and spice on the outside; instead, the batter is laced with cayenne pepper for its kick. Every meal (usually two pieces of white and/or dark meat) at Gus’s comes with white bread, which helps soothe the burn, but a little ranch dressing doesn’t hurt either.

Fritzi Coop

Location: Fairfax District

Redbird’s Neal Fraser technically calls his hot chicken “Memphis-style,” though he admits there’s really no difference when it comes to the Nashville-inspired dish. You can find his take tucked into the Original Farmers Market, where the chef’s fast-casual chicken shack, Fritzi Coop, sells it in wing, boneless-wing and sandwich form—and the sandwich is where it’s at. Fraser isn’t fooling around with the spice (available as “hot” or “super hot”), and on the sandwich, the fried dark meat gets some added oomph from a spicy slaw. Cool off with whatever the daily agua fresca is. You’re going to need it.

Angry Birdz

 

Location: 5065 Hollywood Blvd ste102, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Thai Town’s Angry Birdz is a bit of a dive, but that’s just fine by us—we’re not here for the frills, we’re here for the fried goods. The setting is sparse, the menu straightforward. The Nashville spice? Way hot. Like Howlin’ Ray’s, the basic level is “country,” but here, the hottest setting warns you that you should probably sign a waiver. (It’s hot, but it’s not litigation hot.) The birds here come in slider and tender form, but what it lacks in poultry option it makes up for in sides, with choices like mashed potatoes, slaw, mac and cheese, fries and even buttered rice—in ode to the owners’ Middle Eastern heritage—available until midnight every day of the week, for all your late-night hot cravings.

Theatre Productions not to Miss This Month

September means back to school—and that might even include all of us. As the kids head off, we start to look back on our own schooldays, sometimes recalling long-forgotten texts, sometimes wishing we’d paid more attention in class. September’s local theatrical offerings seem to transport us back to school, with plays bringing to life history, social studies and literature. Start off the Fall season by falling in love with these stories set to stage. Read our selection of productions not to miss this September.

 

  1. The HealLocation & Dates: Getty Villa, Sept 5-28

Aaron Posner, a gifted adaptor who skillfully turns the classics upside down and sideways, adapted and directs this work. Based on the Sophocles original, about wounds and healing is a beautiful show not to be missed. Taking place at the time of the Trojan War, The Heal tells the story of Philoctetes, a gifted archer and a relatively faithful soldier. Music for the production is by Cliff Eberhardt.

  1. Sisters in LawLocation & Dates: Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Sept 18 – Oct 6

Of different generations, differing politics and distinct personalities, U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor had one interest in common: making sure we remained a nation of laws and not of only men. Jonathan Shapiro penned this script, based on Linda Hirshman’s nonfiction bestseller.

  1. A Play Is a Poem Location and Dates: Mark Taper Forum, Sept 11-Oct 13

Expect to be engaged and challenged by the co-writer of such films as The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men. Ethan Coen, one-half of the filmmaking Coen brothers, penned this world premiere of one-acts. Each is set in a different region of the United States: New York, Hollywood, Mississippi and Appalachia. Neil Pepe directs. Live music by Nellie McKay.

  1. Latin History for MoronsLocation & Dates: Ahmanson Theatre, Sept 8 – Oct 20

Playwright, filmmaker, actor and wry guy John Leguizamo takes the stage in this much needed cultural crash course. Noticing that his son’s American history books made little mention of Latin History, Leguizamo saw this as a call to action. Tony Taccone directs this solo show, which takes us along as Leguizamo searches for a hero. For himself and as a topic for his son’s homework.

  1. On BeckettLocation & Dates: Kirk Douglas Theatre, Sept 13 – Oct 27

Longtime actor and clown Bill Irwin offers this master class on the works of legendary writer Samuel Beckett. Relishing Beckett’s absurdism and humanity, ever more so as Irwin enters his own burnished theatrical maturity.

Tips for Organizing Your Bedroom

Aside from work, your bedroom is where you spend quite a bit of home time. Whether it is simply where you sleep and keep your belonging or doubles as your home office, its your space. That’s why we have selected some helpful tips on keeping your space as organized as possible. Read below for ways to organize your bedroom and cut out some unneeded clutter!

 

  1. Picture Rail Shoe Rack

Some of your heels are works of art, so why not display them as such? Line the walls of a walk-in closet or a dressing area with picture-rail molding to make a tidy yet visually arresting display.

  1. Shadow Box Jewelry Holder

Some baubles are just too pretty to put away at the end of the day. But with a jewelry holder and display case made from a basic shadow box, you’ll have less clutter, more chances to admire your favorite pieces, and everything within reach.

  1. Keep a Duvet Cover in Place

Although a duvet cover does an admirable job of protecting a comforter from stains, it is notorious for being a shifty character. Keep it and your comforter neatly in place by turning the cover inside out and sewing two pieces of five-inch-long fabric tape to all four corners. Then tie the fabric tape around each corner of the comforter and sleep tight.

  1. Jewelry Palette

Ceramic watercolor palettes provide perfect slots for sorting and separating earrings and other jewelry — with no tangles. They’re also small enough to tuck in a drawer.

  1. Stepladder Bed Stand

Take advantage of every bit of bedroom space by stacking your nighttime necessities instead of crowding them on top of a tiny stand. The four wide rungs of an extra stepladder provide a steady spot for a row of books as well as the necessary alarm clock and reading lamp.

  1. Ever-Open Laundry Bag

A hanging laundry bag saves floor space, but you have to wrestle with the drawstring to deposit dirty clothes. Have it both ways when you prop open the suspended bag with a large embroidery hoop at least 14 inches in diameter.

  1. Accessory Haven

Square acrylic organizers give ties and belts their own homes. Underneath, blue acid-free mat board lines the drawer for extra color. Additional trays are cushioned with coordinating felt to protect the jewelry inside.

  1. Portable Hooks

To create a belt rack that matches your other hangers (and doesn’t require making holds in the wall), try this: Pre-drill a row of holes in alternating spots on both sides of a wooden clamp hanger, and screw in cup hooks. Make as many of these hangers as you need to accommodate your belts.

  1. Stylish Jewelry Storage

To set it up, measure the height of the drawer’s side (not the front), then gather dish-ware that’s slightly shorter. Line the drawer with velvet or felt to prevent rattling and sliding, then position the porcelain. Hook drop earrings on rims of cups, nestle necklaces within them, and stash chunkier beads and bangles on individual saucers.

  1. Boot Hangers

Homemade hangers preserve the shape of tall boots and maximize space. They’re created by replacing the knobs on cedar boot trees with large cup hooks, which are screwed into the tops. The trees and boots then hang from a cafe-curtain rod.

Weekend Events: September 6-8

After such a long week, the weekend has finally arrived. Subtle sarcasm aside, this week flew by quicker than summer. Rather than opt for the usual routine now that fall dwindles ever so close, we’re suggesting otherwise. Don’t let the back to school/work/whatever it is you were doing prior to summer get you down. LA still has plenty of fun to be had! Lucky for Angelenos, weather wise it’ll be summer midway through November. So read on for our weekend round up of fun things to do and discover your inner Angeleno!

 

Friday, September 6
 The Original Long Beach Lobster Festival

Location: Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach

Returning for the 23rd year is LB’s annual Lobster Fest! Taking place this weekend only, enjoy copious amounts of delicious lobster prepared in a variety of ways. Grab your “Lobster” and head down to LB for a seafood-sational weekend.

Click here for more info.

The Heal

Location: Getty Villa

Head to the Getty Villa for an outdoor performance of The Heal in the Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman Theater. Sit in the stunning venue modeled after ancient Greek and Roman theaters. Enjoy a new version of Sophocles’ timeless tale. The show runs every Thursday through Saturday from September 6-28.

Click here for more info.

Burbank International Film Festival

Location: AMC Burbank 16, Burbank, CA

Don’t miss the 11th Annual Burbank International Film Festival. Featuring 180 films is a film fest not to be missed. Partake in a Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure 30th anniversary screening and a science fiction themed party! It’s all happening this weekend only at the Burbank Film Fest. Most-Excellent!

Click here for more info.

Saturday, September 7
Muse ’til Midnight: The Allure of Music

Location: LACMA

Muse ’til Midnight: The Allure of Music is LACMA’s annual after-hours party inspired by current exhibitions at the museum. This years focus if the exhibit The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China. Multiple performance stages, music curated by DUBLAB and Ninja Tune, sound and visual installations will be sprinkled across various locations of the museum.

Click here for more info.

Moon Festival Spectacular

Location: Santa Anita Park

The fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month is time to celebrate the Moon Festival. Head to Santa Anita Park for The Moon Festival Spectacular, a two-daylong celebration featuring Chinese and Asian arts, a lantern festival, traditional food and live entertainment.

Click here for more info.

Visual Artists Guild’s: Art & Democracy VI

Location: City of West Hollywood

The City of West Hollywood presents an opening reception for Visual Artists Guild’s Art & Democracy VI. Artists from all over the world will address issues of human rights, immigrants rights, democratic aspirations, social justice and freedom of speech and expression through their artwork. The event taking place from 1-4 p.m. will feature live entertainment, light refreshments, interactive art installations, artist meet-and-greets and more.

Click here for more info.

Summer Movies in the Park

Location: Morrison Park, 29909 Forest Cove Lane

Get ready for a SUPER summer in Agoura Hills! Each movie this summer will be at a different park location and on the first Saturday of each month (June-September). Be sure to bring a blanket & cash for the snack bar! There will also be $1 raffle tickets for some super prizes! Movie starts at sundown.

Click here for more info.

Sunday, September 8
KCRW & Gustavo’s Great Tortilla Tournament

Location: 

Writer Gustavo Arellano and KCRW’s Good Food host Evan Kleiman have been hunting for the tasting tortillas in Southern California, and this Sunday they’ll present the best of the best at KCRW & Gustavo’s Great Tortilla Tournament. Expect music via DJs Raul Campos and José Galván, tortilla tastings, margaritas and michelada bars, and more.

Click here for more info.

Belmont Shore Car Show

Location: Downtown Long Beach

Returning for its 30th year, the Belmont Shore Car Show boasts over 500 classic, custom and novelty vehicles parked on over 14 blocks in Downtown Long Beach. Guests get to peruse, take pictures with, and sometimes, even get inside some of the cars.

Click here for more info.

Doggie Yoga Series

Location: Pan Pacific Park

Instantaneous Pet Service and Pan Pacific Park will host a summer Sunday Doggie Yoga Series highlighting pet fitness. Grab your fur baby, a mat, and water for a one hour yoga session. Coffee and snacks will be provided by Le Pain Quotidien. This is a donation based event.

Click here for more info.

Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival

Location: Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura

This waterfront juried art festival features more than over 40 talented street chalk artists creating colorful murals along the Village promenade overlooking the boats. Visitors to the seaside event will watch as street painters create spectacular chalk pastel murals along the promenade, and enjoy original artwork available for purchase including paintings, sculptures, woodwork and wearable items.

Click here for more info.

Weekend Events: August 30-September 1

If you’re one of the few Angeleno’s in town this Labor Day weekend, then likewise you’re in luck! There is a jam packed schedule of entertainment and fun happening throughout L.A. this holiday weekend. We rounded up some of the top choices for weekend fun. So don’t let the last days of summer pass you by! Read on and explore the city of stars! For a more Labor Day focused list read our Labor Day Events Blog.

Friday, August 30

Summer Nights in the Tar Pits

Location: La Brea Tar Pits, Miracle Mile

Summer Nights at the Tar Pits returns for an evening party featuring DJs, cocktails, museum exploration, discussions and more.

Click here for more info.

West Adams Avenues Jazz and Music Festival

Location: 2521 7th Avenue.,Los Angeles

West Adams Avenues Jazz and Music Festival (August 30-September 1) offers three nights of music including jazz, blues, funk and more, as well as activities, arts and crafts, and food trucks.

Click here for more info.

Maestros of Music: John Williams Celebration

Location: Hollywood Bowl

John Williams hosts and David Newman conducts the LA Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl in their annual celebration of the music of John Williams. Film clips from Star WarsJurassic ParkSaving Private RyanE.T. and more will accompany the music. Happening Friday through Sunday. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, August 31

The Big Sing 2019

Location: MUsic Center Plaza, DTLA

The Big Sing 2019 brings together members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the public for a giant community sing-along. Participation is free, and reservations are not required, a commemorative song booklet will be given out on the day of the event. The song list includes tunes from ABBA, Toto, Randy Newman and more.

Click here for more info.

Made in LA Music and Arts Festival

Location: Golden Road Brewing, Los Angeles

Golden Road Brewing hosts its third Made in LA Music and Arts Festival on Labor Day Weekend to celebrate Los Angeles’ best art, music, food, and California-inspired beer. The block party takes place August 31 to September 1 and features live performances from Phantom Planet, Donavon Frankenreiter, Lematire, Pell, and Lauren Ruth Ward.

Click here for more info.

long Beach Comic Con

Location: Long Beach Convention Center

Long Beach Comic Con August 31 to September 1 for two-days of cosplay, panels, a space expo, screenings, and a behind the scenes look at the comic industry. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase.

Click here for more info. 

Sunday, September 1

The 3rd Annual West Adams Block Party

Location:5419 W. Adams Boulevard., Los Angeles

The 3rd Annual West Adams Block Party returns for a community block party presented by Delicious Pizza celebrating Labor Day Weekend with four live music stages, 30+ performers ranging from hip hop, reggae, soul, afrobeat, and cumbia, plus 50+ vendors selling food, clothing, art and more.

Click here for more info.

Broad Fest

Location: The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, Santa Monica

Broad Fest is an annual free event celebrating arts and culture in Santa Monica. The family friendly festival taking place at The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage will have music, dancing, fun activities, and food. The musical lineup features DJ Anthony Valadez, Boogaloo Assassins, She Sings She Swings, and more.

Click here for more info.

FoodBeast Presents-Nood Beach-Noddle Festival

Location: Huntington Beach

DJ Snoopadelic aka rap legend Snoop Dog will headline Foodbeast’s noodle-tastic food and music festival Nood Beach this Sunday in Hermosa Beach. 20 noodle vendors, live music performances from DJ Snoopadelic, Jeffrey Sutorius aka Dash Berlin and E-40 will also take place.

Click here for more info.

Fun Things to do For Labor Day Weekend

The last holiday weekend of summer is here! While you can always opt for the bevy of fun available in L.A., this weekend features some great LDW choices! We scouted the World-Wide-Web so you don’t have to and listed our picks of Labor Day focused fun! Read the round-up below and make the most of your weekend!!

L.A. County Fair

Location: Fairplex, Pomona

L.A. has changed immeasurably since 1921, when this event was first staged as an agricultural fair. However, the perennially popular event still has farm-friendly appeal (livestock beauty contests, local produce) alongside the more modern acrobats, wine tastings, exhibitions and concerts.

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L.A. Times-The Taste

Location: Paramount Studios

The Taste attracts foodies of all types to the Paramount back lot for a weekend to sample some of the best food and wine L.A. has to offer. Various L.A. Times editors and writers will host daily panel discussions and demonstrations on topics from farm-to-table cuisine to how to mix the perfect cocktail. Your ticket allows you full nibbling privileges, as you soak up knowledge from the esteemed panelists.

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Fiesta Hermosa

Location: Downtown Hermosa Beach, Hermosa Beach

Roam the 400 stalls at this arts festival, sample the fine foods and listen to the music—and then take a dip in the nearby Pacific. Look out for the Fiesta over both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

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626 Night Market

Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia

The midnight snacker’s greatest fantasy is just a car ride away. One of America’s largest Asian food markets spans the course of Santa Anita Park’s front Paddock Gardens. Come hungry and come caffeinated—this lively market, complete with over 100 Asian street food and booze peddlers, live music, artists, films, games, and beyond, won’t put itself to bed until midnight each evening.

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Cinecon Classic Film Festival

Location: Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood

Film buffs, unite. This lesser-known cinephile festival is celebrating 55 years of showing classic film fare and selling top movie memorabilia in the heart of Hollywood this Labor Day weekend. Enjoy a five-day program of rare and “unusual” films, shown back-to-back at the Egyptian Theatre.

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Maestro of the Movies: The Music of John Williams

Location: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood

Nobody’s film credits can compare to John Williams: Star Wars, E.T., Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and literally a hundred others. David Newman conducts the LA Phil as they tackle the composer’s iconic film scores set to a selection of movie clips, with an appearance from Williams himself.

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Street Food Cinema

Location: Multiple Venues

For dinner and a movie, all in one, just follow the food trucks. During the summer and fall, Street Food Cinema throws together a series of mostly outdoor parties that include screenings of some of our favorite movies, paired with an assortment of gourmet food trucks and even a live music performance from a cool local band.

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Cinespia Cemetery Screenings

Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetery

It isn’t summer in L.A. until the first cemetery screening brings hoards of movie-lovers to Hollywood Forever, toting folding chairs, picnic blankets, snack spreads and lots of booze. Each year, Cinespia brings classic cult favorites to the hallowed resting place of such Hollywood greats as Rudolph Valentino and Bugsy Siegel.

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Pasadena Daydream

Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena

Pasadena Daydream, a single-day concert curated by and featuring the Cure, will take over Brookside at the Rose Bowl. The spectacularly moody lineup also features Pixies, Deftones, Mogwai, Throwing Muses, the Joy Formidable, Chelsea Wolfe, the Twilight Sad, Emma Ruth Rundle and Kælan Mikla.

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The Music Center Plaza Reopening

Location: The Music Center, DTLA

The half-century–old Music Center Plaza unveils the results of its 20-month, $41 million renovation with a slew of free outdoor celebrations. Scope out the brand new Go Get Em Tiger outpost, the Mullin Wine Bar and the new restaurant Abernethy’s, attend the latest Dance DTLA, catch free performances and more.

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