Category: feature

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Out and About: Pumpkin Patches in and Near L.A.!

Looking for the perfect pumpkin? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re looking for a quaint patch or a massive farm featuring family games, there are plenty of patches in LA to suit your fancy. Every October, tiny parking lot patches sprout up all over the city and local farms bring out their best orange squash – from tiny little fellas to massive twenty-pounders.

 

  1. Tanaka FarmsLocation: Irvine

Want to take your pumpkin picking up a notch? Make your way to Tanaka Farms in Irvine for a Hello Kitty-themed farm experience (admission is $4) featuring festive activities like wagon rides, a corn maze, petting zoo and sunflower fields. Just note that this themed patch gets very busy, so parking reservations are required in advance on weekends ($10).

  1. Bones Pumpkin Patch

When it comes to celebrity sightings, you probably wouldn’t think of visiting the local pumpkin patch. But at longtime favorite Mr. Bones, Hollywood stars and their offspring can’t stay away from the Halloween fun. This family-owned, Los Angeles mainstay would pop up every year in Beverly Hills before recently moving to its new location in Century City.

  1. Tapia Brothers FarmLocation: Van Nuys

Get lost. No really, get lost in Tapia Brothers Farm’s epic corn maze (an entire lot across from the patch itself) with a much-needed map and a sheet full of trivia questions. Scavenge through the maze for the answers and once you’ve found them all, submit your name in a drawing for a chance to win a cash prize – an early treat for your navigation efforts.

  1. Forneris FarmsLocation: San Fernando Valley

Forneris Farms is back again with a four-acre cornfield maze, weekend pony rides, live entertainment and of course, an impressive selection of pumpkins. Tractor rides will take pumpkin patch goers on a narrated tour through the cornfields and around the farm. Kids can enjoy their own harvest haven by running through a hay bale mini maze, climbing the hay pyramid and getting wild in the giant pumpkin jumper.

  1. Underwood Family FarmsLocation: Ventura County

Every October, Underwood Family Farms becomes an autumnal wonderland as it celebrates its annual Fall Harvest Festival with different events every weekend ranging from Western Weekend to All About Pumpkins. For the entire month, guests can come and be entertained by live music, animal shows, corn mazes and an endless amount of pumpkins. Admission is $16 per person for the first two weekends and then $22 for the following weekends in October.

 

  1. Tina’s Pumpkin PatchLocation: Sherman Oaks

There’s something about encountering a friendly llama that makes the trip to this tiny but charming patch so worth while. Maybe you’re not into the whole pumpkin picking thing – or even Halloween at all – but interacting with these highly entertaining petting zoo animals is one memory you need to create.

 

  1. Shawn’s Pumpkin PatchLocation: LAX/Westchester

Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch is definitely the spot for you. Like most patches, admission is free and activity prices usually range from $3-$9 with most falling toward the cheaper end. If it’s anything like past years, the massive size of this pumpkin patch, guarantees tons of pre-Halloween fun.

  1. Pa’s Pumpkin Patch

Who said county fair season is over? There’s no reason a pumpkin patch can’t bring back the same memories of booth games, carnival rides and sugary indulgences. Treat yourself to a weekend of classic festival favorites like giant slides, fun houses and more – all harvest-themed, of course. The patch is also full of haystacks, corn stalks and gourds.

  1. Whittier Pumpkin PatchLocation: San Gabriel Valley

If you’re an SGV dweller looking to entertain your youngsters, head to Whittier Pumpkin Patch. Pick a pumpkin with your family and enjoy their petting zoo, inflatable jumpers and pony rides.

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Home Tips: Prep Your Home for Fall

With summer a fading memory, now’s the time to ready your home for fall’s cooler temps and unpredictable weather conditions. Read below for how to prep you home during the change of season!

  1. Clear out the gutters

Remove leaves and other debris from your drainpipe and gutters to prevent clogging. In areas with old winters, outdoor faucets should be drained in the fall.

  1. Clean the fireplace and chimney

You can clear out ash and charred wood from the fireplace yourself, but leave the chimney cleaning to a professional. Have the chimney cleaner check the damper to ensure it can be tightly closed to prevent drafts.

  1. Check the heating system

Do a survey of your home’s heating vents to make sure they’re not blocked or covered by furniture, carpeting or curtains. Dust vents and clean all filters. Make an appointment for an annual heating system check-p.

  1. Store air conditioners

If you have removable window air conditioners, be sure to unplug them before taking them down. Dust and clean before covering or storing.

  1. Check for drafts

Stay warm, save energy and reduce your heating bills this fall by examining windows and doors for cracks and sealing them to prevent drafts.

  1. Put up storm windows

If you have removable screens, now’s the time to clean, store and replace them with storm windows.

  1. Ready the water heater

Prepare for cooler weather by draining the water heater and clearing out any debris that has settled in the tank.

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Weekend Events: September 27-29

It’s the last weekend of September and the first weekend of the maximum amount of fall fun kicking off in L.A. From scary pop-ups to retro-arcades, the city of stars in showing out this weekend. Spend some time out on the town and discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, September 27

I Like Scary Movies

Location: 2118 East Seventh Place, Los Angeles

Artist Maximillian’s popular horror-themed pop-up I Like Scary Movies returns for Halloween season September 20 through November 17. The detailed and beautiful series of installations is a love letter from the artist to iconic horror films like The Lost Boys, Beetlejuice, and The Shining. Runs Wednesday through Sundays.

Van Nuys Art Festival

Location: Civil Center, Van Nuys

The third annual Van Nuys Arts Festival showcases the artistic talents and skills of local residents. This years theme is “The Glow Up” and the Van Nuys Civic Center will be transformed into an outdoor virtual forest with interactive art installations, live music, a 3-D maze and more.

Park After Dark Program

Location: Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills

The Stars of Paramount Ranch – Go behind the scenes with a ranger and explore Paramount Ranch at night! See the eerie remains of Western Town. Stand on a dangerous, abandoned racetrack. Gaze into the sky to see the stars that still shine here. Bring a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Stargazing will be available if the sky is clear.

Saturday, September 28

Union Station’s Retrocade Experience

Location: Union Station, DTLA

Enjoy free play of over 50 classic arcade games from the 70’s-90’s during Union Station’s Retrocade Experience happening September 28-29. Guests will also get to enjoy classic arcade food, 80s soft drinks, a Pac Man competition, along with beer, wine and specialty-themed cocktails. Admission is $5 to the experience.

Fantail Wine, Beer & Food Festival

Location: USS Iowa Battleship-250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro

 

Relive the 1940’s aboard the historic Battleship USS IOWA when 40’s On The Fantail Wine, Beer & Food Festival takes over the ship for a day of live music, swing dancing, food and drinks all to raise funds for Mission 22, a non-profit working to combat veteran suicide. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase.

14th Annual Wag ‘n Walk

Location: Rancho Simi Community Duck Park amphitheater, 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley

Wag ‘n Walk is a three-mile fundraising walk for you and your dog. Vendors, music, prizes, dog adoptions, and silent auction/raffle items. Event T-shirt and goodie bag for walkers that raise at least $100. Registration is FREE.

Sunday, September 29

Mexico in a Bottle: South to North

Location: LA Plaza De Cultura y Artes-501 N Main St.., Los Angeles

 

 Mexico in a Bottle: South to North is a special tasting event that explores Mexico’s regional spirits and flavors through craft spirits, art, food, and music. Over 100 expressions of spirits will be offered plus bites from several restaurants including Guelaguetza and Madre.

Abbott Kinney Festival

Location: Abbott Kinney

The Abbot Kinney Festival in Venice has been dubbed the coolest block in America by GQ Magazine. Enjoy over 350 vendors, eclectic boutiques, artisan eateries, food trucks and booths, kids’ rides and games, four music stages, three beer gardens, and more along the mile-long street.

28th Annual California Lemon Festival

Location: Girsh Park, Goleta

As always, the Lemon Festival will feature the most extensive ‘Safety Street’ in the county. Stop by for their wildly-popular pie-eating contests, arts and crafts vendors, and more food than you can shake a lemon-scented stick at. A petting zoo and amusement park rides add to the many things that make the California Lemon Festival fun for the whole family.

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LA Eats: Best Bakeries in Town

The city of L.A. has continued to elevate and evolve its loaves. With renewed interest and appreciation for heirloom grains, extended fermentation, and Old World milling among the city’s bakers, Los Angeles is tasting some of the best bread in its history. Thats why we listed the top picks for everyones favorite carb.

Seed Bakery

Location: 942 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104

Nestled in Pasadena’s northern outskirts, Seed Bakery adheres to Old World traditions. Freshly milled whole grains undergo a slow fermentation process before being baked into some of the most appealing whole grain country and rye breads in LA.

Bub and Grandma’s Bread

Location: 2433 Riverside Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039

While Bub and Grandma’s doesn’t have a dedicated retail store, Andy Kadin’s bread made with Grist and Toll wheat can be found just about everywhere, from the Hollywood Farmers Market to some of the best restaurants around town like Chi Spacca, Here’s Looking At You, and Sqirl.

Friends & Family

Location: 5150 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027

Now that Roxana Jullapat has a permanent brick and mortar in East Hollywood, fans of her bread and pastries can swing by any time of day for a carbohydrate fix. Jullapat’s constantly tweaking and experimenting with different grains, so arrive with an open mind because who knows what rarities will be behind the counter.

République

Location: 624 S LA Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

To recreate the exceptional bread service at République, first head to the restaurant’s bakery counter for a crusty baguette from pastry goddess Margarita Manzke. Then, pair it with an ungodly amount of Normandy butter or better yet, pan drippings.

Clark Street Bread

Location: 317 S Broadway., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Zack Hall’s dedication to baking with European techniques, organic grains, and natural leaven has made Clark Street Bread one of the most sought-after loaves in town. His stall inside Downtown’s Grand Central Market serves up whole wheat levain and sourdough in simple and fanciful ways.

Pitchoun

Location: 545 S Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

The rustic French-style loaves served up at Downtown’s Pitchoun come from an old family recipe from its founders Fabienne and Frédéric Soulies. The daily selection includes baguettes, ficelle, country bread, pain de mie, and more.

Tartine

Location: 757 S Alameda St Suite 160., Los Angeles, CA 90021

Much like the San Francisco original, this Downtown behemoth spans tens of thousands of square feet of retail, wholesale, and prep space. Pick up some of the wonderfully crusty loaves that made Chad Robertson and Liz Prueitt household names from the takeout window.

Bread Lounge

Location: 700 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021

Ran Zimon’s Bread Lounge serves restaurants and Downtown denizens alike with naturally-leavened bread made in the heart of the Arts District. Choose from fig and walnut, Kalamata olive, and potato rosemary.

Bon Temps

Location: 712 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021

Chef Lincoln Carson knows a thing or two about baking. He designed the entire pastry and bread menu at Superba Food + Bread, and before that he spent years in fine dining under Michael Mina and at Le Bernardin, Picasso at the Bellagio, and Daniel Boulud at Wynn. The baguettes at Bon Temps are nothing short of perfect.

Roan Mills

Location: 250 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Andrea Crawford and her husband, Robert Dedlow, launched Roan Mills in 2013. Their shared passion for heirloom grains can be tasted in every baguette, boule, and batard. Pick up a loaf at the Santa Monica farmers market.

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HOME TIPS: Best Indoor Halloween Decor

You’ve probably spent weeks planning your Halloween costume, but have you thought of how you’re going to dress up your own home? Believe it or not, you don’t need to make a mad dash for the stores in order to get your space ready for the spookiest holiday of the year. Get crafty and create unique decor that gives your guests a delightful sense of foreboding. From floral elements to furniture that you can temporarily modify, there are many how-tos to get you in the spooky spirit.

Floral Skull & Skeleton Hands Centerpiece

Gather your guests ’round the table with this departed decorator as the centerpiece. A grinning skull is brimming with seasonal blooms while two bony hands clutch at taper candles.

Plaster Bones

Go larger than life. This “Flintstones”-size femur and the heap of humeri posing as logs in the fireplace are made from newspaper wrapped in plaster cloth.

Decoupage Halloween Lanterns

Halloween isn’t all orange and black—it’s a burst of bright colors and fun motifs. Bedeck a pair of paper lanterns with découpaged clip-art: owls, flowers, and star bursts.

Tattered Tablecloth & Spiderwebs

Hair-raising party decorations don’t need to be costly or fussy. You can make these frightening flourishes with some inexpensive craft supplies in just a few minutes.

Creepy Candles

Cast a sinister glow over any setting with a cluster of white tapers dripping with “blood” (actually red candle wax). Fill a cup or a small pail with sand, and plant white candles inside so they stand upright. Light a red candle and tip it over the white candles so the wax drips down the tops and sides, being careful not to burn yourself. Let wax cool completely before removing candles from sand.

Decorative Skeleton Bone Table

Frankenstein saw inspiration in the most grotesque of scavenging—here, we took a note from his book and constructed a bare-bones table decoration. The table legs are legs indeed—store-bought faux bones. To make it, trim the thigh bones: Use saw to cut the legs to 1 inch less than the desired table height (to account for tabletop). Next, stabilize the knees: Take each leg apart at the knee; unscrew the hardware, and remove the kneecap. Connect shin bone to thighbone with one double-threaded screw (3/16-by-3 inches). Lastly, stabilize the ankles: Position one foot so it rests flat on the floor, and generously squeeze epoxy into the hinge that makes the ankle flex. Repeat with the remaining legs. Let it dry and cure overnight at least before moving onto the next step. Attach the legs to the table: Decide where you want the legs, and drill pilot holes through tabletop. Place each leg underneath the pilot hole, then screw to attach. Put putty over the screws, and let it dry. Sand until smooth. Paint the tabletop a skeletal white.

Spooky Halloween Paper Garland

Jaunty jack-o’-lanterns, foreboding bats—these are Halloween-appropriate versions of the classic paper-doll chain. To make it, print our template onto card stock, fold the paper to its width, trace, and cut it out. Then, use scissors for the outline, and a craft knife or hole punch for facial features and smaller details. Intersperse with fringed garlands to add color.

Batty Mantels

Sometimes there’s safety in numbers. But this Halloween, there’s fear—and fabulousness—in a flock. To summon a swarm of nocturnal nomads, use our downloadable template to cut out your own—stick on removable adhesive dots, bend the wings for extra eeriness, and let ’em loose.

Friendly Ghost Shades

These easy, inexpensive window treatments are a spooky addition to windows for Halloween. Trim a paper window shade from a home store to fit your window, then print our templates before cutting them out and tracing them onto thin white paper (such as white kraft paper). Cut these out, and then stretch and tape your window shade flat onto a safe work surface. Spray the back of the ghost cut out with adhesive, then press it onto the shade.

Hanging Snake & Frog Vellum Lanterns

Create giant gothic lanterns using nothing more than our instructions, clip-art designs, and simple supplies. First, print out all of the following templates: this snake lantern, another spooky snake option, and the frog lantern as well. To begin, cut out one of the lantern templates, and trace it four times, side by side, on black paper. Use a bone folder to crease the areas where the sides meet before cutting it out. Print four copies of your chosen design onto vellum using a laser printer, and then cut each piece just larger than the frame’s windows. Tape the vellum into a frame, and form into a lamp shape before taping the edges. To finish, cut a 26-inch length of wire and twist a loop in the middle of it; poke the wire ends through the paper to make two holes at the edge of the lantern. Use pliers to roll ends of wire to secure; and then use monofilament to hang two battery-operated votive candles, taped end to end, inside the lantern. Finally, use twine and a removable advise hanger to suspend the lantern in your chosen space.

Cheesecloth Spirits

Inviting these spooky floating guests inside will keep other ghouls on their toes. Making these foreboding decorations is actually very easy—styrofoam mannequin heads are sold at wig shops, and while they can stand on their necks, suspending them lets the cloth flow freely.

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Fun Things to do in October!

The fun never stops in L.A and the fall is no exception! With so many things to do in and around L.A. this fall season, we thought we round-up our favorites. From family friendly to a night on the town, we’ve got you covered this October! Check out the list below of fun for this upcoming month and have a ghoulish time!

Family-Friendly

Happy Harbor Halloween – Port of Los Angeles

October 26, 2019

Happy Harbor Halloween welcomes the entire family to the Port of Los Angeles. The event takes place from 11 am to 2pm at two locations: in San Pedro, along the Promenade on Harbor Boulevard between 3rd and 4th Streets; and Wilmington Waterfront Park on West “C” Street. Note: Halloween costumes are admired but not required.

DTLA Halloween Festival – Grand Hope Park at FIDM

October 31, 2019

Children and their families living in Downtown Los Angeles are invited to the 12th Annual Halloween Festival, taking place from 5-8 pm in Grand Hope Park at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). Enjoy face painters, bounce houses, arts and crafts tables, puppet shows, trick-or-treat doors and more. Costumes are required for children and optional for adults.

Marina Spooktacular – Marina del Rey

October 26-27, 2019

Taking place Oct. 26-27 at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey, the Marina Spooktacular offers Halloween fun for the whole family. Daytime activities are kid-friendly, but when night falls at this two-day festival the park evolves into a field of frights with tours of LA’s only haunted pirate ships, recommended for brave souls age 13 and up. Admission to the Marina Spooktacular is free.

Screams on Screen

Haunted Little Tokyo Film Festival

September 27-October 17, 2019

Brew up some sweet treats and enjoy the Haunted Little Tokyo Film Festival with family-friendly films and classic Japanese horror flicks at various outdoor screening locations. The festival kicks off with John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness (1987) screening on Friday, September 27 at the “Saint Godards” church location, now know as the Union Center for the Arts. All screenings are free – RSVPs encouraged as space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hocus Pocus – El Capitan Theatre

September 26 – October 7, 2019

Screening at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Hocus Pocus has it all: three witches, three kids and a talking cat! You’re in for a devil of a time when three outlandishly wild witches return from 17th century Salem after they’re accidentally conjured up by some unsuspecting pranksters. Photo op plus see the cauldron from the film!

Three Films by Alfred Hitchcock – Norton Simon Museum

October 2019

Presented in conjunction with the exhibition AIR LAND SEA: A Lithographic Suite by William Crutchfield, the Norton Simon Museum is screening three cinematic masterpieces by Alfred Hitchcock. The trio of films showcases the auteur’s unmatched skill at capturing tension and terror, whether in the air, on land or at sea. The three films screen on Fridays at 5:30pm (except for Friday, October 11, when the Museum participates in Art Night Pasadena) and are free with Museum admission.

Nightlife

A Hitchcock Halloween – The Theatre at Ace Hotel

October 26, 2019

Following the October 26 screening of “Psycho” with live orchestra, LA Opera and The Theatre at Ace Hotel invite you to A Hitchcock Halloween, taking place from 10pm to 2am. The annual All Hallows ritual features music, “devilish potions,” and all manner of dark arts carrying deep into the witching hour with DJ sets from Restless Nites DJs and special guests. Tickets to A Hitchcock Halloween are $25 presale and $35 at the door.

Cypress Hill: Haunted Hill – The Novo

October 30, 2019

For the second consecutive year, B-Real, Sen Dog and DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill are presenting the Haunted Hill Festival in Los Angeles. The all-ages show is taking place at The Novo at LA LIVE on Wednesday, October 30. Support from Mariachi El Bronx and Meyhem Lauren. Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm.

Into the Woods: A Haunted Fairy Tale – Clifton’s Restaurant

October 26, 2019

Descend into a world of dark legends and the macabre – a world of sensuous delight and fairy tale mayhem. On Saturday, October 26 Clifton’s Republic presents Into the Woods: A Haunted Fairy Tale, which explores the macabre stories that have haunted us since childhood – from the classic Brothers Grimm to Nordic and Russian tales from deep within the darkened woods. Celebrate this astonishing history while exploring the enchanting wonder of Clifton’s Haunted Forest and spirited libations.

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Out & About: New Fall Exhibits

Fall is the official start of the “Art Season” and the Museums and Galleries in Los Angeles runneth over in fantastic and thoughtful work. Below are just a few exhibits we think you can’t miss. Come for a visit and check out at all the beautiful  art shows L.A. has to offer.

  1. The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens

“Nineteen Nineteen”

Through Jan. 20, 2020

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens kicks off its yearlong Centennial Celebration with Nineteen Nineteen, a major exhibition that examines the institution and its founding through the prism of a single, tumultuous year. Featuring more than 250 objects drawn from The Huntington’s library and art collections, the exhibition is organized around themes defined by the verbs “Fight,” “Return,” “Map,” “Move” and “Build.

“What Now, Part I”

Oct. 19, 2019 – Feb. 17, 2020

What Now: Collecting for the Library in the 21st Century is a two-part exhibition that invites visitors to consider the continued relevance of the role of The Huntington’s library in documenting the human experience. All works on view have been acquired in the 21st century, and this is the first time that they will be on public display at The Huntington.

  1.  The Broad

“Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again”

Oct 19, 2019 – Feb. 16, 2020

Shirin Neshat: I will Greet the Sun Again is the largest exhibition to date of internationally acclaimed artist Shirin Neshat’s approximately 30-year career. Taking its title from a poem by Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhzad, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of Neshat’s artistic journey as she explores topics of exile, displacement and identity with beauty, dynamic formal invention and poetic grace.

  1. Hauser & Wirth

“Charles Gaines: Palm Trees and Other Works”

Through Jan. 5, 2020

Palm Trees and Other Works is Hauser & Wirth’s first exhibition with Charles Gaines, noted American artist, educator and recipient of 2019 Edward MacDowell Medal. This exhibition debuts new works from his signature Gridworks series. Employing native trees from Palm Canyon near Palm Springs, these luminous works have evolved from Gaines’ rigorous application of his numbered systems.

“Resilience: Philip Guston in 1971”

Through Jan. 5, 2020

Hauser & Wirth presents the first solo Los Angeles exhibition in over half a century dedicated to American artist Philip Guston. Resilience: Philip Guston in 1971 sheds light on a single pivotal year that launched Guston into the final prolific decade of his career, during which he painted what are now celebrated as some of the most important works of art of the 20th Century. On view will be two major series, the Roma paintings and the Nixon drawings, accompanied by a select group of larger works.

  1. Japanese American National Museum

“Under a Mushroom Cloud”

Nov. 9, 2019 – June 7, 2020

To commemorate the upcoming 75th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo presents Under a Mushroom Cloud: Hiroshima, Nagasaki and the Atomic Bomb, organized in partnership with the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The exhibition will shed light on this painful history and provide a safe space for discussion, in the hope that such an event never occurs to any person or country again.

  1. California African American Museum

“Timothy Washington: Citizen/Ship”

Sept. 25, 2019 – March 1, 2020

Timothy Washington: Citizen/Ship presents Washington’s very installation project, a powerful yet playful collection of works that meld American patriotism with Afrofuturistic narratives of fantasy and science fiction. Through references to technology, utopia and mysticism, Citizen/Ship speaks to both the negative and positive aspects of American culture, emphasizing issues that affect black lives: violence, racism and displacement, but also survival, hope, love and reconciliation.

  1. Subliminal Projects

“New Deal 1990”

Sept. 28 – Oct. 26, 2019

Subliminal Projects presents New Deal 1990, an exhibition celebrating the 30-year anniversary of New Deal Skateboards curated by longtime friends and collaborators Shepard Fairey and Andy Howell. The exhibition will feature original works by the team riders and artists of New Deal. New Deal Skateboard Products relaunches in 2020 as a reimagined heritage brand drawing on its authentic foundation as a skater-run company.

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Weekend Events: September 20-22

The last weekend of summer is here and the weather already knows! With L.A. getting into the Fall spirit, there is a bounty of fun to be had. Whether you’re wanting to go full fall fun or hang on to the last days of sunny season, we have you covered! Read our weekend round-up of fun things to do and discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, September 20

Hello Kitty Friends Around the World Tour 

Location: Chinatown LA Plaza Village

Celebrates Hello Kitty’s 45-year anniversary with a multi-room, sensory-rich, brilliant walk-through adventure!  From September 20 through October 20 you’ll get to enjoy all things Hello Kitty. The 10,000-square-foot pop-up takes you aboard ‘Hello Kitty Air’ to virtually visit London, Paris, New York, Honolulu, and Tokyo.

2nd Annual Art Women Art Week

Location: E.P. & L.P., Melrose Ave.

E.P. & L.P. along with Melrose Rooftop Theatre will host the 2nd annual Art Women Art Week series from September 15 – 21. The weeklong female-forward series is dedicated to highlighting women in the creative arts with a line-up of talks with female entrepreneurs, actors, producers & screenwriters paired with a curated movie screening.

Food Truck Fridays

Location: Pacific View Mall

The Pacific View Mall hosts gourmet food trucks every 3rd Friday of the month in the parking lot next to Trader Joe’s, along Mills Road. Hours are 5-9pm and event features over 20 food trucks, like Cousins Maine Lobster, The Underground Gourmet Food Truck, The Grilled Cheese Truck, Sweet Arleen’s, Steamy Bun Truck, etc.

Saturday, September 21

Olga Pericet

Location: Ford Theatres, Los Angeles

Olga Pericet comes to the Ford Theatres for a one-night-only flamenco performance that blends tradition with contemporary vision. Featuring award-winning flamenco dancer Olga Pericet audiences will be dazzled by the art of dance, right under the stars of one of LA’s best amphitheaters. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase.

Museum Day L.A.

Location: Various Locations

Over 10 L.A. County Museums Will Be Free For Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day. Participants include the Japanese American National Museum, the GRAMMY Museum, Autry Museum of the American West, USC Pacific Asia Museum, and more.

Ventura County Coastal Cleanup Day

Location: Various Locations

The mission of the Ventura Countywide Coalition for Coastal and Inland Waterways is ‘Promoting clean & healthier beaches, rivers and creeks, throughout Ventura County. Be one of 60,000 people to take part in the upcoming 35th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day! Volunteers will remove debris from the coast, creeks, rivers, lakes and shorelines all around California protecting wildlife from harm while taking care of our environment.

Sunday, September 22

Roaring Twenties Speak Easy Party

Location: Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round

The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round will be hosting a Roaring Twenties Speakeasy Party with a Vintage Cirque Sideshow. There will be a talented cast of eccentric performers along with other DJ entertainment and live music by Holy Crow Jazz Band. Other highlights include merry-go-round rides, strolling performers, cirque games, dance exhibitions, and more.

Movie & Bites

Location: Japan House

Japan House host Movie & Bites a combined screening and culinary event featuring a discussion, a screening of the acclaimed Japanese film “The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice” (1952) by legendary filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu and bites of salmon ochazuke plus popcorn during the screening.

Malibu Lagoon Field Trips Hosted by Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society

Location: Malibu Lagoon

The Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society (SMBAS) hosts Malibu Lagoon Field Trips the 4th Sunday of every month. Adult Walk starts at 8:30 a.m. for 2-3 hrs. The group meets at the metal-shaded viewing area next to parking lot. SMBAS makes a special effort to make these monthly Malibu Lagoon walks attractive to first-time and beginner birdwatchers. Brings binoculars and cameras. Kids are welcome to attend and take part.

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Home Tips: Prep Your Closet for Fall!

Summer is coming to an end, and even though Californians don’t need to brace themselves for a cold season with plush sweaters and puffer coats, a new season comes a new wardrobe. Time to put away your denim shorts and sundresses. However, this does not mean cramming stained or unloved items into a box and stowing them away under your bed.

For clothes to look their best—and to ensure they last for seasons to come—it’s important to prep and store them the right way. Here, we’ve rounded up a few tips for sorting out the items you don’t want, cleaning the ones you do, storing them in a way that won’t ruin them, and unpacking your in-season wardrobe no matter what time of year it is.

Follow these tips to seamlessly transition your wardrobe from warm weather to cold and back again.

Spruce Up Your Shoes

Be vigilant with your shoes. Mucky sandals will rub off on other items and packing away smelly sneakers is a recipe for disaster. Use a soft bristle brush to rub off any caked on dirt, then clean the shoes with detergent and water, baby wipes, or with a cleaner made specifically for the material. Check the brand’s website as most provide detailed cleaning instructions.

Donate, Recycle, or Resell Unwanted Items

While it’s still fresh in your mind, sort out the old or unwanted items. Not loving that shirt or bathing suit anymore? Find a new home for it. Clothing free of stains, holes, or rips can be donated or sold. “I am very passionate about peer-to-peer resale markets such as OfferUp that allow you to sell the items you are no longer using to your local community,” says Caitlin Rose Roberts, founder of Minimize With Purpose and master certified KonMari consultant. “You never regret letting go of an item when you know it has gone to a good home!” The rest can be dropped off at textile recyclers—if your local community doesn’t have one, H&M and other stores will take them off your hands, and some might even give you a discount on future purchases. In any case, you should wash and remove stains beforehand. Once you’ve gone through your collection, you’ll most likely have a lot less to store.

Store Clothing in a Dry, Dark Space

Storing your out-of-season clothes in a clean, unused suitcase is a great use of space, as is sticking them in attractive storage containers on the upper shelves of your closet. In order to prevent delicate dresses and blouses from getting crushed, hang them in a single garment bag to keep them protected and contained. “Never store the item in a dry-cleaning bag as they trap in moisture,” says Roberts.

Unpack In-Season Clothes

If you didn’t do a thorough review of your winter wardrobe last year, do it before putting the clothes back in your closet. Check for stains and tears, and determine whether someone else might get more use out of the items. Roberts recommends Marie Kondo’s “spark-joy” test to make sure you are keeping items for the right reason. If you’re cramming your coats and boots back into your closet, it might be time to give something up.

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