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Free weekend? Street art, Beer Week and Taste of Mexico
Put down your computer and close that tablet. We're making the most of our precious time off with free art, amazing food and delicious beer. Pro tip: Beer Week isn't over just yet.
Here's everything you need to know:
1. Pop-up D*Face exhibit
British street artist D*Face — also know as Dean Stockton — will debut his largest solo show to date at a pop-up location in West Hollywood this weekend. The multimedia exhibit, Stars and Stripes, will feature a new body of paintings, sculptures and two print releases, all based on artists who have died under the age of 30. Subjects include Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix and Tupac; D*Face explains to LAist that his inspiration revolves around "the ideology of ‘burning bright’ and entombing the essence of youth." Here's a glimpse:
When: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: 315 South Robertson Boulevard | MAP
Price: Free; must RSVP at info@pmmLA.com
2. Crafted at Port of LA
Eco pet handbags, artisanal coffee, gluten-free cookies, decorative glass, reclaimed wood — find all those crafty goodies and more at Port of L.A.'s weekend marketplace. Sunday demonstrations at Crafted will include how to make Japanese doll origami and wine labeling (details here).
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Port of Los Angeles; Warehouse No. 10 |MAP
Price: Free admission and parking
3. Taste of Mexico
Forget food trucks. We're stepping up our game this weekend at L.A.'s Taste of Mexico. The fourth annual event was created by a group of well-known Angeleno restaurateurs, and it features so much delicious food. Sample Guelaguetza's infamous mole, eat La Monarca's freshly-made pan dulce or smash some of Frida's soft tacos. Here's a full list of participating restaurants.
When: Brunch is noon to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: L.A. Plaza | MAP
Price: $35 brunch pass; kids under 10 years old are free | Purchase tix here
4. Wolfpack Hustle Race Series Finale
You've probably heard of L.A.'s bada-- bike gang Wolfpack Hustle. On Saturday, it's hosting HP Gran Prix, a drag race down Pacific Boulevard in the historic core of Huntington Park. Come out and watch pro cyclists pedal the 1,000-foot gauntlet. Like any great L.A. event, there will be food trucks, a DJ and vendor booths. Prizes will go to the top 40 men and women.
When: Starts at 5 p.m. Saturday; finale races begin at 7 p.m.
Where: Pacific Boulevard at Zoe, Huntington Park | MAP
Price: Free to watch; registration closed
5. Tongue and Groove
Want to do something low-key? How about a literary variety show of short fiction, personal essays, poetry and spoken word? The L.A. series Tongue & Groove is in its 11th year, but it will host its first Orange County show Saturday. Head out to downtown Fullerton for readings from Ron Carlson, Samantha Dunn and Shawnacy Kiker.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Continental Room | MAP
Price: Free; $4 to get into the beer garden
6. Abbot Kinney Festival
Eat gourmet food, see local art, shop the latest trends and schmooze with independent vendors at the 30th annual Abbot Kinney Festival on Sunday. The mile-long stretch will have a kids quad with games and music, a pop-up shrimp boil, three beer gardens, five live music stages and free bike valet. Here's a map. Full vendor list here. Pro tip: Check out the newly opened Blue Bottle; its espresso bar is all the rage.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Abbott Kinney between Venice Boulevard and Main Street | MAP
Price: Free admission
7. Wiggle Waggle Walk
(Photo: Pasadena Humane Society/Facebook)
The Pasadena Humane Society is hosting the Wiggle Waggle Walk on Sunday to raise money for animals in need. But you’ll have to get up early if you want to participate in the fundraising walk, because registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Stop by to walk or just hang out and pet all the cute pups — the pet expo starts at 9:30 a.m. Wil Wheaton, who you may know from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" or "The Big Bang Theory," will be there. He’s a huge supporter of the Humane Society.
When: Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.; schedule here
Where: Rose Bowl | MAP
Price: Free
8. BEER WEEK!
Beer week runs through Sunday, but maybe you’re already ready for a happy hour Friday? Here are a few options:
- Craft beer flights at Mohawk Bend in Echo Park and BottleRock in downtown Los Angeles.
- Stone Brewing Company vintage brews at Lucky Baldwins in Pasadena.
- Beer and burger specials at Pono Burger in Santa Monica and Barlo in Venice.
When: Runs through Sunday
Where: Various times and dates | Details here
Price: Admission is free; drink at your own will
What'd we miss? Let me know in comments or send me a tweet @kristenlepore.