carmageddon-weekend-what-up

Surprise! The 405 freeway will be closed between the 101 and the 10 all weekend. If this is news to you, then it’s clear you have no idea what’s going on around Los Angeles. Thank goodness we can give you the Weekend, What Up! so you can find plenty of things to do in and around L.A., hopefully within walking, skating or biking distance to you.

Minimize your driving misery with many special “Carmageddon” deals around L.A. We found a good list of sweet deals here and here, not to mention these free bus and metro rides.

Friday

  • Get your African rhythms on with Grand Performances’ weekly music installment, featuring Seun Kuti. Grand Performances are free! Starts at 8 PM at 300-350 S. Grand Ave. downtown Los Angeles, 90017
  • If you need more music, check out King Khan, since he guarantees a good time in a speedo (and there might be money-burning, as seen at Coachella 2010). Tickets $12 online, $14 doors, show begins 8:30 PM at The Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, 90026
  • Give high-fives and get some grilled cheese & locally made beer at Eagle Rock Brewery. Toast the staff on their recent public hearing while enjoying the Grilled Cheese Truck, which will be there 7 – 10 PM. Beer served starting at 4 PM at 3056 Roswell St. Los Angeles, 90065

Saturday

  • The second ColLAbortion beer garden for the month of July will be on the Sunset Strip again. Tons of great craft beers will be tapped at $5- $6 each. Admission is $10 for a glass, or bring your own from previous ColLAboration events to be admitted for free. Event is 12 – 9 PM at 8950 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood CA 90069 P.S. We’re giving away admission and beers for two! Enter the ColLAboration giveaway here.
  • The California Beer Festival features over 60 beers on tap, food, live bands and plenty of bocce ballin’. This year it’s going down in Santa Cruz. Unlimited beer samples for $40, D.D. admission for $25. Event is 12:30 – 5 PM at Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos 95003
  • The LA Street Food Fest features a long list of food and beverage participants from all over L.A. An all inclusive ticket price of $60 gets you food, drinks and parking. Choose from three sessions 10 AM – 1 PM, 2 – 5 PM, 6 – 9 PM (this session is 21+) with tickets and ticket packages ranging $60 – $150. Event takes place at the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena 91103
  • Enjoy the movie Office Space under the stars (and maybe win a red stapler … sweet). Outdoor Cinema Fest this Saturday has Grill ‘Em All, Buttermilk Truck, Atomic Hog, Vizzi Truck, Greenz on Wheelz and OG Tempua on the food truck docket and live music from Other Mountains. $10 a person or $8 group rate. Doors 5:30 PM, movie begins 8:30 PM at Grand Hope Park, W. 9th St and S. Hope, downtown Los Angeles, 90017

Sunday

  • Get your extra-pointy boots ready for El Festival Colombiano de Los Angeles. Art, booze, Colombian electronic music, food and much more. Admission $25 online/$35 doors, 10 AM – 10 PM at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, 11003 Rooks Rd. Whittier, 90601
  • Stairways and Beer returns to Verdugo Bar on Sunday. Enjoy a 7-mile stroll about the secret stairs around Atwater Village, the LA River and Glassell Park. Stops include the Atwater Farmers Market, Eagle Rock Brewery, Verdugo Bar and possibly other treats. Free, meet at 10:30 AM at Verdugo Bar (walk goes until about 3:30 PM) 3408 Verdugo Rd. Los Angeles 90065

All Weekend Long, My Babies

  • Little Toyko Design Week features many exhibits, including shipping containers (think train box cars) converted into gallery spaces full of art from local artists and universities. Catch one of the many discussion forums, food trucks, giveaways, tunes, parties and more running Thursday through Sunday. Check the full schedule of events for exact event times and locations. Events take place all around Little Tokyo, from the MOCA Geffen down to the JACCC in downtown Los Angeles.
  • Head to the Helms Bakery for the Eat Real festival. All Saturday and Sunday sample regional and sustainable food at $5 a pop or less. Learn who grows it, makes it and how it’s all made at the fest that’s all about good food. Entrance is free, all food is cash only. Saturday 10:30 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM – 5 PM at 8800 Venice Blvd. Los Angeles, 90034
  • The OC Fair kicks off this week. Start it off right with a Bob Dylan concert Friday and free admission and parking from 12 – 1 PM. Check the site for specific events and times.
    General admission $11, parking $7 per vehicle. Wednesday – Friday 12 PM – 12 AM, Saturday & Sunday 10 AM – 12 AM at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr. Costa Mesa, 92626