Gyoza-Eating Competition
Sure, you’ve seen hot-dog-eating competitions. This weekend watch as people shove fistfuls of gyoza (aka pot stickers) in their mouths! This fun event is part of the nine-day Nisei Week Japanese festival. Saturday, 3 pm; JACCC Plaza, 244 S. San Pedro St.
626 Night Market
This is the largest Asian themed night market event in the U.S., which means you can stuff yourself silly with food from more than 200 vendors and food trucks! Plus, shop for crafts, check out art and hear local bands all night long. The event also features a spray paint art battle at the art walk on Saturday and cooking demos on Sunday. Friday & Saturday; Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr., Arcadia
Ramen Yokocho Fest
Nine renowned ramen shops come together to offer their delicious dishes during Nisei Week in Little Tokyo. Slurp on broth and noodles from Tsujita LA, meat-free ramen with tomato noodle from Sacramento’s Shoki Ramen, the tonkotsu spicy miso ramen burger from Fujin Ramen and more. All ramen is $8; Saturday & Sunday, 11 am; 160 N. Central Ave., Downtown
Los Angeles International Tea Festival
Sample endless tastings of some of the world’s finest and more varied flavors of teas, attend presentations by leading tea authors and industry experts, experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and more, including a gift bag to take home. Exhibitors include some of Los Angeles’ favorite tea spots like Chado Tea Room, American Tea Room and Art of Tea. $20; Saturday & sunday, 11 am-5 pm; Japanese-American Museum, 100 N. Central Ave., Downtown
Ferragosto at Cecconi’s
In Italy, Ferragosto marks the time when people abandon their apartments and go to the beaches, mountains and countryside for some serious Rest & Relaxation. Get in the spirit this weekend at Cecconi’s as they roast a whole Porchetta. Dine on roasted pork, peperonata (roasted peppers), wood oven roasted potatoes. $28; Friday-Sunday, dinner only; 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 310.432.2000
$1 Pizza at Southend
Southend’s chef is a Mozza vet, and he’s got 12 pizzas for $1 to celebrate their first birthday. Varities include 1905 (heritage pork salciccia, crushed Roma tomatoes, Kalamata olives, fresh mozzarella, red onion, marjoram), Vanguard (organic mushrooms, Fontina , Fresno chilies, Fiore Sardo, fine herbs), and the Boardwalk (Crushed Roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, sottocenere, speck, mushrooms, egg, rucola). Get all 12.Sunday, 4:30-11 pm; 2805 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; 424.228.4736
Dodger Stadium Movie Series
See the Dodgers take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium and stay for a screening of the baseball flick, The Natural. The movie will be shown on the outfield screens after the game. Saturday; 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles; 323.224.1507
Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks
The Hollywood Bowl annual tradition returns this summer with an evening of classical and cannons. The USC Trojan Marching Band joins the LA Phil for the thrilling 1812 Overture, complete with instrumentation and fireworks. Saturday & Sunday, 8 pm; N. Highland Ave., Hollywood; 323.850.2000
International House of Fried Chicken
We all love fried chicken. Why not change up your favorite weekend at Blank Kitchen?Three chefs are offering Korean fried chicken, Indonesian fried chicken and Algerian fried chicken. Saturday, 6:30-10 pm; Blank Kitchen, 4220 Beverly Blvd., Koreatown; 213.382.4467
Lithe Tour Classes at the Palihouse
Join Lithe founder Lauren Boggi for an hour-long, rooftop fitness class that will have you working up a sweat. The workout is a fat-busting combo of cheerleading-inspired aerobic and strength training exercises. Don’t forget your yoga mat and shoes! Friday & Saturday, various times; Palihouse, 8465 Holloway Dr., West Hollywood
U.R. Art Festival
U.R. Art brings positive energy to your Sundays this summer. There are day and evening components focused on great music, delicious food, innovative fashion and interactive art activities. The festival is also kid and dog friendly! The U.R. Art Festival playfully blends cultures with a unique assortment of music, art, fashion—and of course, food. Sunday, August 17, 1-10 pm; Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90404
Awesome ’80s Run 5k
Everyone loves the ’80s, so why not add a little exercise and a lot of fun to your day?! Get you pumped for your run with live ’80s band covers and dress up in your most colorful ’80s outfits to participate in the costume contest! The run will benefit local youth homeless shelters in each of its host cities. Sunday, 9:30 am; Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena, CA 91103
The LA Taco Festival
I feel like every day in Los Angeles is a taco festival. Well, spend a day full of tacos and talent. This awesome festival will be feeding you some of the tastiest tacos in LA, all while showcasing various professional musicians. If you buy the premium package for $40, you get additional tequila tastings and beer garden drinks! $20; Saturday, 2-8 pm; Mariachi Plaza, 1817 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights
Long Beach Grand Cru
Sip wine and help a good cause! Enjoy light bites from some of Long Beach’s best restaurants and wines from award-winning wineries. Proceeds benefit Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. $250; Saturday, 5-9 pm; Rainbow Lagoon Park, E. Shoreline Dr., Long Beach
Mantra Mela Kirtan and Yoga Festival
Empower yourself and others through good health. This feel good fest features yoga, dance and educational workshops as well as live art shows. Tasty raw vegan and vegetarian food will be sold throughout the day so you can refuel about your workout! Saturday, noon–8 pm; Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave., Long Beach
Young Literati Summer Social
The Library Foundation of Los Angeles’ Young Literati presents its annual summer social party with craft cocktails, summer foods, music, dancing and more. The event celebrates and raises funds for the Los Angeles Public Library. Saturday, 7-10 pm; The Wilshire, 2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403; RSVP: Jennifer Kondo at jenniferkondo@lfla.org or 213.228.7326
FIGat7th Downtown Festival
LA’s shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, FIGat7th, presents the fifth of six free outdoor concerts at the FIGat7th Downtown Festival. This week the festival will feature performances by Fool’s Gold (Official) and Deradoorian. Kevin Bronson of BuzzBands.LA will host the evening. Grab a drink during the festivities at City Tavern’s Festival Bar on the top level near the stage and eat at TASTE (a dining collection on the plaza level). Parking is $5 on Friday nights after 4 pm with validation from one of the retail or restaurant merchants (no min $ purchase)! Friday, 735 S Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90017; 213.955.7150
RivaBella‘s Sunday Supper
Executive Chef Luigi Fineo will debut a new three-course prix-fixe Sunday Supper menu featuring rustic, yet modern Italian fare with a two person minimum. Indulge in the tradition of Italian-style communal dining, the new supper menu has dishes like the housemade Lasagne Nonna Elvira, Cavatelli and Baby Kale Salad. The Sunday Supper will consists of two appetizers with choices including pizza and salads, two entrees with choices including Steak, Salmon and pasta and one dessert. $25; Every Sunday, 5:30-10 pm; 9201 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; resys: 310.278.2060
Fifty Seven’s Brunch
Chef Josh Drew was known to have one of the best brunches in Los Angeles while at Farmshop. Now at Fifty Seven he will continue that tradition and the menu will feature a variety of items “From The Bakeshop” like a Rosemary Sticky Bun with pine nuts and plum preserves and an Orange Blossom Brioche with house Greek yogurt and grated almonds. “From The Market” items include Smashed Sierra Gold Potatoes with smoked munak ranch tomatoes, jerr’s arugula, salsa verde and two fried or poached eggs; Roan Mills Cream of Wheat served two ways with wither local walnuts, crown maple sugar and buttermilk or with a poached egg cherry tomato, soal-loin and cured pork; and a Grain Bowl served with kenter canyon wheatberries & brown rice, with avocados, pecans, ora king salmon cracklings, chili aioli and a poached egg. There are also Griddle Cakes with local stone fruit, almonds and crown maple syrup; smoked ora king salmon with pickled res onion, drake farm goat cheese and cucumbers; Egg-In-The-Basket with smoked pork belly and spring hill firehouse cheddar cheese and; Steak & Eggs served with brick layer steak with two sunny side up eggs, tomato persillade, watercress and salsa criolla. Several libation include a new twist with Bottomless Rose 2011 Gaglioppo; build your own michelada kit that serves 2 people; and Clover Cold Pressed Juices. Saturday & Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm; 712 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021; 213.816.8157
Crossroads Brunch
Savor the weekend with the debut of its weekly Sunday brunch and classic brunch dishes and sides from Chef and Owner Tal Ronnen and Executive Chef Scot Jones. Dishes include Crossroads Benedict (Fire roasted at bread rounds, herb chickpea panisse, sautéed kale, shitake bacon, Tomato hollandaise); Tuscan Eggless Frittata with almond ricotta, truffle cream sauce and soy mozzarella); “Chicken” & Waffles; French Toast; and sandwiches like Favarolo (Truffle leek pâté, almond ricotta, crispy sherry mushrooms). Wash it all down with cocktails, like the Hangover Kir, Old Cuban or Mimosas crafted by lauded bartender Jeremy Lake. Plus, the restaurant will bring the bar to you with a tableside Bloody Mary cart with an array of garnishes including, caper berries, pickled carrots, a dehydrated tomato wheel, roasted balsamic ciopollini onion, cornichon stuffed olive or almond milk truffle dill cheese. Every Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm; 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046; 323.782.9245
Summer Dessert Classes
Join Sarah Engelhart and Café Gratitude Venice for a morning of raw vegan dessert making. You will learn how to make Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie, Vanilla Meringue all with raw pie crust construction and marbling and blending tips. $50; Saturday, 8-10 am; 512 Rose Ave., Venice, CA 90291; Resys: alice@cafegratitudela.com
BeautyCon
Listen to panels with everyone from Kelly Osbourne to Aimee Song! This is a day of beauty like you’ve never experienced before. Last year the line went around the building and they had four floors of beauty goods. Saturday; LA Mart, 1933 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Open Air Kitchen + Bar Opening Party
Formerly known as Fatty’s Public House, this spot has gotten a complete makeover to their West Hollywood hotspot. With a new name, new interiors and a new menu by head chef Laurent Saussy, they have a lot to celebrate and will be doing so in style with their official Brand Opening Party. So, head on over to check out the new digs and enjoy a sponsored by Bacardi, passed appetizers and live music by DJ Scooter. Friday, 8 pm – Close; Hosted Bar: 8– 10 pm; 829 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069
Crab Cake
For the second year, Top Chef winner/ink. chef Michael Voltaggio is hosting this all-you-can-eat crab fest with some famous friends, including Duff Goldman and Joel Madden. They’ll all be cracking live crabs, peeling peel-and-eat shrimps, hush puppies, c-cakes, and non-stop Bloody Marys. Sunday; Beach Nation, 8289 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046
Avocado Festival
For the second year, this Downtown brewery’s going green. As in the color. They are brewing avocado beer and opening up its new shed space. The celebration will also have food trucks, entertainment, and tons of avocados. Sunday; 216 S Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213.622.1261
3rd Annual Food GPS Fried Chicken Festival
Presented by Bolthouse Farms, this all-inclusive chef-driven event includes some of LA’s best chefs preparing unique fried chicken dishes and sides, in addition to an array of delicious desserts and beverages. Some chefs/restaurants serving fried chicken and sides include: BADMAASH Nakul Mahendro; Craft Ray England; Eggslut Alvin Cailan & Johnny Lee; Free Range LA Jesse Furman; Homegirl Café & Catering; Kris Morningstar ; Ladies’ Gunboat Society at Flores Brian Dunsmoor; and Superba Food & Bread Jason Travi. Jason Bran and Damian Windsor are creating cocktails and expect juice from Bolthouse Farms, coffee from Portola Coffee Lab, tea from Seventh Tea Bar, craft sodas from Los Angeles Ale Works and water from Pure Water of Los Angeles. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Chinatown Service Center, the largest community-based Chinese American health and human services organization in SoCal. Funds will go to the Los Angeles Chinatown Youth Council (LACYC), which provides the growing population of Chinatown youth with programs that guide them towards positive endeavors and further them in their development as confident and contributing adults. $65/General Admission in advance, $75/door, $90/VIP (one hour early admission) in advance, $100/door; Sunday, 4-7 pm; Chinatown’s Central Plaza, 943-951 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Beer & Bourbon Festival
ChocoChicken will be hosting their first ever Beer & Bourbon Festival with featured breweries including: Spaten, Stella, Hanger 24, and Drakes. You will receive a free beer glass when you buy your first beer and all following beers will be $4. Jack Daniels will have a representative giving samples of their whole line of whiskeys and creating special cocktails. There also will be Choco chalkboard beer specials. Saturday, 1-6 pm; 403 W 12th St., Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.403.1786
“Good Food’s Night Out at Grand Central Market”
Grand Central Market brings KCRW to the table for an evening of fine food and fresh beats. KCRW “Good Food” host Evan Kleiman will be on hand to greet you as you explore the Market, while DJ Marion Hodges will be spinning from 8-10 pm. Select Market vendors will expand their regular menus with special items for the occasion: Olio GCM Wood Fired Pizzeria – White Clam Pie (smoke roasted chiles, shucked clams, linguiça and grated pecorino finished with fresh chopped cilantro and lime); Horse Thief BBQ – smoked pork belly, with apple fennel slaw and Tabasco mayo; Sticky Rice – Thai basil pork sticky rice burger; and Valerie at GCM – the Coffee-esta Sundae and the Almondette Sundae, both recreations of classic desserts from fabled Blum’s Bakery. You will also be able to play ping-pong, cornhole toss and a variety of board and card games. Friday, 7-10 pm; 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013; 213.624.2378
MUSACK Rock and Roll Carnival
Only in Los Angeles, would a writer on Parks and Recreation throw an intimate concert with awesome bands (Rancid & Superchunk) and comedians (Nathan Fielder & John Hodgman) right in his back yard. Oh and he’s inviting you. Plus, it’s all for a good cause. It’s a fundraiser to get instruments into the hands of kids who can’t afford them. Saturday 1-10 pm; 520 S Rossmore Ave.
Echo Park Rising
This three-day music festival from the Spaceland Productions people always has a great lineup of bands, including headliners Allah-Las and Woods. Plus, you can enjoy discounts from local businesses and food specials, too. Free; Friday-Sunday, Echo Park
Movies from Dusk til Dawn: Fantasy Films All Night
It’s the Fourth Annual Movies All Night cinema celebration! From dusk til dawn, catch movies under the stars with this year’s theme: Fantasy Movies. They are starting the night off with The Never Ending Story and continue with sword and sorcery favorites and other fantastical film ephemera. Bring blankets and pillows and see some of the most magical movies of the silver screen. Come early, come late, stay all night! $18; Saturday, 9 pm-6 am; 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Eat|See|Hear Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Purple Rain
EatISeeIHear will also present the iconic Prince film, Purple Rain, for its 30th anniversary on at The Autry in Griffith Park. With arguably the greatest soundtrack in movie history that helped define music of the 1980s, you can sing along with your furry friends (dogs allowed) and enjoy the outdoor screening on The Autry’s large, grassy lawn where pillows, cushions and blankets are encouraged. Plus, food trucks like Baby’s Badass Burgers, Romolo’s, Cambalaches, No Jodas Kitchen, Postcards CAS, Bool BBQ, Schmuck Truck, Rushed Art, CJs Wings, Good Greek Grub, Royal Red Velvet, Coolhaus, and Brasil Kissand will be on hand and LA’s own Chicano Batman will be entertaining the crowd before the show. $5/parking, $10/advance, $12/door, $20/fashionably late (premium, reserved seats available online in advance only, not at the door); Saturday, doors: 5:30 pm, band: 7 pm, movie: 8:30 pm; The Autry, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Sales:
Beckley
Now until stock lasts, enjoy 50% off sale merchandise, including brands like House of Holland, Stuart Weitzman, Opening Ceremony and more during the West 3rd Street boutique’s summer sale. 8128 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.652.3500
Gogosha Optique
Now until stock lasts, save 25% off select frames or 50% off when purchased with prescription lenses or a second pair. The sale’s also happening at Gogosha’s West 3rd Street boutique. 3208 1/2 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026; 323.660.1122
LF Stores
Score 60% off or more on all spring/summer collections, including apparel and accessories from brands like Jeffrey Campbell, Child of the Wild, For Love & Lemons, UNIF and more during the chain’s end-of-season sale. It’s also happening at their Santa Monica, Venice and Larchmont locations. Friday; 106 S Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.271.2727
Myrtle
Now until stock lasts, take 40% off all summer sale items at the lady designer-loving indie boutique. 2213 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Planet Blue
Enjoy 50% off storewide, plus score pieces from the boho brand’s in-house Blue Life and Blu Moon lines for $35 and $45 a pop. Friday-Monday; 2940 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310.396.1767
Polkadots & Moonbeams
Now until stock lasts, enjoy up to 50% off brands like Michael Stars, Dolce Vita, Flynn Skye and more during the essential indie boutique’s summer sale. 8367 & 8381 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 323.651.1746
Ravishing Resale
Score an additional 20-30% off all sale items during the consignment boutique’s summer sale. Expect labels like Chanel, Gucci, Dior and more during the month-long blowout. Through Saturday, August 30; 8127 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 323.655.8480
Reformation
Now until stock lasts, enjoy 30% off dresses, jumpers, tops and more during the sustainably-made LA label’s semi-annual sale. 8253 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Tarina Tarantino
Now until stock lasts, save 30-80% off the DTLA-loving designer’s colorful accessories, cosmetics and more during her Melrose shop’s moving sale. 7957 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046; 323.651.5155
