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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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Home Tips: The 6 Best Pool Cover Options to Buy This Fall

With Fall officially here, the days of sitting poolside are slowly fading away. Keep your pool foliage free this fall with the best pool covers that you can install yourself! A pool cover will help keep dirt and debris off the filtration system, minimize water loss due to evaporation, and keep the water warm at a fraction of your current heating cost. So, whether you need a safety net for kids and pets, or you are prepping the pool for the cooler winter months ahead, here is a handpicked list of six high-end pool cover options you can buy online today:

1. Sun2Solar Blue Solar Cover – Best Solar Pick

Sun2Solar Blue Solar Cover is your best solar-powered heat-retaining blanket for you for small or odd-shaped above-ground or in-ground pools. It retails in multiple sizes. Each of them has a 2″ to 4″ overlap that you can trim to precision. Plus, it is easy to install or remove, has an attractive blue finish. For optimal use, install this pool cover with its bubbles facing down.

2. Blue Wave Rectangular Clear Solar Blanket – Best Clear Solar Pick

Do you get at least six hours of direct sunlight at your in-ground pool every day? If so, opt for the clear Blue Wave Rectangular Clear Solar Blanket. It is a thick Magni-Clear blanket that warms and retains the pool water temperature by 15 degrees Fahrenheit. More so, its innovative design prevents 95% water loss. And, its UV-protected, chemical-resistant durable fabric has a 6-year limited warranty.

3. Blue Wave Rectangular In-Ground Pool Safety Cover – Best Safety Pick

Blue Wave In-Ground Pool Safety Cover is a high-end pool safety cover that withstands loads up to 4,000 pounds. Hence, it prevents kids or pets from accessing the water. Likewise, this extreme load capacity means that this safety net keeps your pool intact despite any heavy winter storm.

4. Blue Wave 8-Year Round Above-Ground Pool Winter Cover – Best Winter Above-Ground Pick

Three things make the Blue Wave Round Above-Ground Pool Winter Cover your best pick for the harshest winter months. It uses the durable Dirt Defender Bronze grade cover. Its black underside prevents algae growth. And, its heated sealed seams and big 4-foot overlap guarantees a weather-proof seal on your pool.

5. Colourtree In-Ground Winter Pool Cover – Best Winter In-Ground Pool Cover

Colourtree makes authentic subzero winter pool covers to preserve your pool during winter through to spring. Their In-Ground Winter Pool Cover option is a heavy-duty polyethylene fabric guaranteed to last at least eight years. It keeps dirt, debris, and dirty water from getting into the pool.

6. Intex Solar Cover Roller – Best Retractable Pick

Are you using your above-the-ground pool more often? When shopping for a pool cover that saves you the work of applying and removing every time you go for a dip, opt for the Intex Solar Cover Roller. As a retractable cover roller, it is a definite lifesaver. You can roll it to its convenient metal frame, then secure it with its hand crank and lock without using any hand tools.

A pool is a significant outdoor investment that should serve you for a lifetime. Select any of the above pool covers to preserve the pool in extreme weather, act as a safety net, and facilitate maintenance in tip-top shape.

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From Amazon’s Astro Robot to a Mission to Jupiter’s Asteroids and More | Tech News

From robots named Astro to a Mission to Jupiter’s Asteroids, we’re taking this week’s tech news to new heights. Read on for our round-up of the leading technology stories of the week.

Uber to Now Deliver Seasonal Items to Your Door

The ride-share company will be getting in the haunting spirit this season. Uber has announced seasonal items like Pumpkins and carving kits delivered to your door via Uber Eats. The roll-out will be available in certain regions as a part of Uber’s first official holiday shop. The company announced its plans this week, with Friday marking the first service date in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. After Halloween, the company will offer Christmas items for delivery with a seasonal rotation to expand to additional markets.

Amazon Introduces Astro, Your Own At-Home Robot

Joining the robot race this week is Amazon with the unveiling of Astro, their first at-home robot. Amazon users can apply to be among the first to beta-test, Astro, the new tech device for an initial cost of $999.99. A Day 1 Edition product, the robot can only be bought by invitation even after applying. The device, which Amazon hopes will lead the way in home robots, is meant to provide many services. Astro can obey commands to go to a specific room and recognize people’s faces in your home to deliver specific items. Additionally, Astro can do much of what an Echo device can do if combined with a Ring device. By providing a mobile entertainment and monitoring service, Amazon seeks to set the groundwork for an AI-powered home assistant.

Clubhouse to Now Allow Users to Record Audio Chats

If you happen to be a Clubhouse user and have always wanted to record any smart nugget of information from the app, now you can. This week the company announced a soon-to-be-added platform feature: Clubhouse Clips. Along with additional features heading to the platform next month, Clips will allow you to snip the last 30 seconds of an audio conversation. Starting in October, users will also be able to record a room and save it to their profile and club or download it. Of course, Rooms must be public to be able to use the recording feature. Additional features underway include the ability to search by typing a keyword or name and receive the rooms, people, clubs, and bios that match. 

Honda Sets its Sights on Rockets, Robots, and Flying Cars

Imagine a Honda that can fly. While it may be a while before you see the vehicle’s air-bound, the company has its sites set on the future of Hondo being sky-high. The company announced it would be increasing its spending on research and development for rockets, robots, and flying cars. Over the next six years, the automaker plans to spend $45 billion on R&D. Hondo has not, however, stated what fraction of that will be spent on each of the future initiatives. The company currently hopes to achieve working prototypes before taking any of the proposed products to the next level.

FCC to Work on Ridding Robocalls with Oversea Effort

If you are like the rest of us and look forward to a robocall-less day, the FCC is on it. Jessica Rosenworcel, acting chair of the FCC had stated they have found the loophole that still allows foreign scammers to reach your phone. The proposed fix from the FCC would require “gateway providers” to stop robocalls before they get to your phone. Called the Targeting Gateway Providers to Combat Illegal Robocalls, the agency adopted the proposal earlier this week. The new requirements would in turn ensure that gateway providers are verifying calls before they can pass on to other operators in the US. In regards to the effort, Rosenworcel said the following, “We’re just getting started,” she added. “We have more work to do, and we have a new vigor to make it happen.”

NASA’s Lucy to Explore Eight Never Before Seen Worlds

In the coming weeks, NASA’s Lucy mission will embark on a journey far beyond where science has traveled before. NASA will be sending a spacecraft toward the ancient raw materials of Jupiter’s Trojan belt. The mission serves as a daring attempt to access our solar system’s well-preserved history. These 4 billion-year-old fossils are considered the key to unlock the origins of Earth, Saturn, and Mars. Lucy’s 12-year trek will provide close-up views of a diverse selection of Trojan asteroids. The mission will help scientists in deciphering how and why our solar system came to be. 

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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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From Cryptocurrency Wallets on Robinhood to Disney Plus Day | Tech News

In this week’s tech news we’re covering a range of headlines. From cryptocurrency wallets on Robinhood to Disney Plus day and more. Stay connected with the latest in tech and read on for the top headlines of the week.

Microsoft Debuts New Mouse Made From Recycled Ocean Plastic

Delivering on their promise of sustainability, Microsoft has unveiled their new mouse made of 20% recycled ocean plastic. The announcement took place this week at the tech company’s Surface event. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reiterated the company’s 2030 pledge to become carbon negative, zero waste, and water positive. Likewise, the mouse will serve as one of a number of changes the company hopes to make with its devices and packaging. “If you’re serious about innovation, you must also be serious about accessibility for everyone, and the sustainability of our most finite resource — our planet,” Nadella said during the event. Most importantly, the company has been carbon neutral since 2012. 

Amazon Plans For High-Tech Department Store

According to a Wall Street Journal article this week, Amazon will reportedly be bringing high-tech to its department stores. The article reports that the tech giant has been looking for ways to combine the experience of online shopping with a physical store. Some of the rumored elements of the Amazon store would include customers being able to request clothing to try on via a QR code. Likewise, the report also notes that these concepts are not finalized yet but are part of the potential aspects being considered. California, along with Ohio are among the states that Amazon plans to open its 30,000 square-foot stores in.

Scientists Unveil ‘smallest-ever human-made flying structure’

In the latest new science tech, the world’s ‘smallest-ever human-made flying structures’ have been unveiled. The “microfliers” are minuscule winged microchips with designs inspired by nature. The chips are the size of a sand grain and able to travel by wind like that of a maple tree seed. John Rogers, the co-author of the paper published on the microfliers, stated their goal would be for the device to sense the environment for a number of things. This would include “contamination monitoring, population surveillance or disease tracking.”

Robinhood set to add Cryptocurrency Wallets to Platform

The popular stock trading app Robinhood will soon allow all users to access a cryptocurrency wallet for their digital investments. Users can sign up on the app for the waiting list for early access. Robinhood’s cryptocurrency wallet will allow users to spend and trade their Bitcoin and Ethereum. According to Robinhood’s crypto lead, Christine Brown, waitlist access will begin by the end of 2021. Likewise, the feature will go on to be available to all users in early 2022.

Disney Plus Sets Date for Dinsey Plus Free Streaming Day

For fans of the media giant and their popular app, Disney has announced November 12 as Disney Plus Day. The date celebrates the second anniversary of the launch of the app. Films like Shang-Chi will be available to stream for free for Disney Plus subscribers. Currently, users can watch in-theatre films with premier access for $19.99. Additional content on November 12 will also include new ‘Star Wars’ spin-offs and a new ‘Home Alone’ feature film. 

New Snap Lens Teaches Users How to Fingerspell in Sign Language

Snapchat has introduced new features this week as a way of marking International Week of the Deaf. The added changes include customer stickers and three AR lenses that encourage users to fingerspell. In addition, feedback and guidance from deaf and hard-of-hearing employees at the company helped to design the feature. Most importantly, Snap Lab software engineer Jennica Pounds, who is deaf, was one of the employees that helped drive the initiative.

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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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Weekend Events: September 17-19, 2021

We’re almost midway through September and right on time for some weekend fun! Enjoy events throughout town from the tasty to the spooky. Read on for our pick of the best weekend events from around town.

 

LOS ANGELES 

Bite-Sized Fair

Weekend Events: September 17-19, 2021

When: until Sep 26, 2021

Where: Pomona

What: It may not be the full shindig, but you’ll still love the bite-sized version of the LA County Fair. The ‘Bite-Sized fair’ will be a bites-only event at the Fairplex. Enjoy this food-only edition with more than 30 food stands throughout September.

LaToya Ruby Frazier: The Last Cruze

Weekend Events: September 17-19, 2021

When: Until March 20, 2022 

Where: USC/Exposition Park | DTLA

What: In this insightful exhibit artist LaToya Ruby Frazier chronicles the lives of shutdown GM plants workers. Spanning a half-century through 67 documentary-style photos and videos, view this remarkable architecture-like installation.

Cinespia Presents: School of Rock

Weekend Events: September 17-19, 2021

When: September 17, 2021 | 8:00PM

Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetary | Hollywood

What: Are you ready to rock with Jack Black? Then don’t miss this weekend’s Cinespia showing of the ‘School of Rock’. Enjoy movies under the stars with DJs, a photo booth, bar, and snacks.

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES

Oogie Boogie Bash

When: until October 31, 2021

Where: Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim

What: 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.

Critter Carnival

When: September 18, 2021 | 11:00AM

Where: 12005 Bluff Creek Dr. | Los Angeles 

What: Having fun and adopting pets? You heard that right. The Wallis Annenberg PetSpace invites you to explore all things critters this weekend. Local animal shelter reps will have a variety of small animals to see and adopt. Spend time exploring the center and possibly bring home a new companion of your own!

Redondo Beach Pier 47th Annual Festival of the Kite

When: September 19, 2021 | 12:00PM – 5:00PM

Where: 100 Fisherman Wharf | Redondo Beach

What: The 47th Annual Festival of Kite returns to Redondo Beach for a weekend of fun. This year’s event is presented by Redondo Pier Association and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Participants will have a chance at prizes like Best Handmade Kite, Highest Flying Kite, Youngest at Heart Kite Flyer, and more.

 

CONEJO VALLEY

Simi Valley Concert Series Presents: Natalie Wattre

When: September 18, 2021

Where: 1555 Simi Town Center Way – East Court | Simi Valley

What: Add some tunes to your weekend festivities with the Simi Valley Concert Series. This free summer concert event will bow out for the year on September 25, so don’t miss out!

37th Annual Ventura County Coastal Cleanup Day

Weekend Events: September 17-19, 2021

When: September 18, 2021

Where: various locations Ventura County

What: Spend the weekend helping your community. Join the 37th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. The community clean-up day will be at beaches and waterways throughout California. Let’s help keep California clean together!

She.Is.Beautiful 5K and 10K in Santa Barbara

When: Sep 18, 2021

Where: Santa Barbara, CA

What: Make your way to Santa Barbara for this weekend’s She.Is.Beautiful 5K and 10K race. The women’s only race will be a fun and inspirational event for all ages. Proceeds benefit Girls Incorporated in Santa Barbara.


SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Electric Dusk Drive-In presents The Lion King (2019)

When: September 19, 2021 | 6:30 PM 

Where: Sears Parking Lot | Glendale

What: Enjoy this revamped Disney Classic at LA’s Longest Pop-up Drive and Outdoor Move! The Link King (2019) will be at the Electric Dusk Drive-In this weekend for a night that’s perfect for the whole family.

Sundays at The Gentle Barn – California

 

When: September 19, 2021

Where: 15825 Sierra Highway | Santa Clarita

What: Connect with nature this weekend at The Gentle Barn. Stop by on Sunday from 10 am-2 pm to hug the cows, cuddle the turkeys, and enjoy a beautiful day at the barn!

Halloween Radio Spooktacular

When: September 18, 2021

Where: The Actors Group | Burbank

What: It may not be October but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate spooky season early. Break out your costumes and head to the ’30s and ’40s with  Worst Ever Productions “Halloween Radio Spooktacular!” This special one weekend only invites the audience to partake in a haunting show. 

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