What You're Doing This Week: Aug. 26
This is the last week of August, which also means summer is quickly coming to a close. There are many events on deck this week, so clear some space in your calendar and see what is going on.
August 26
Home Dinner Plate Exchange
Heath Ceramics
7525 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 965-0800
www.heathceramics.com
This is the last week of the Home Plate Dinnerware Exchange at Heath Ceramics benefiting the Skid Row Housing Trust. Bring in your ceramic set as a donation and receive 25 percent off each corresponding ceramic piece -- plate for a plate, bowl for a bowl, mug for a mug -- to be purchased in store that day. Although the discount is only available for eligible ceramic donations, feel free to bring in unused glassware, flatware, small kitchen appliances and utensils, and the Heath team will also send them along to those who could make the most use of them at the Skid Row Housing Trust. The Exchange program runs through Aug. 31.
August 27
Moonlight Movies on the Beach
Granada Beach
5101 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 477-6820
www.alfredosbeachclub.com
This is the last week to take advantage of free movies on the beach in Long Beach. This Tuesday's feature is the old-school thriller "Jaws," and you are more than welcome to return on Saturday, Aug. 31 for "The Breakfast Club." The movies are free, as well as parking, and you can order dinner and drinks while you watch.
August 28
Twilight Swim
Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles
8440 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA
(323) 848-6025
mondrianhotel.com
Evening swim parties continue through September at Mondrian's Skybar above the Sunset Strip. Each Wednesday night, float away and unwind in the pool from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Kristina Kova and various rotating DJs will set the mood, and all you have to do is be there and enjoy. Call Skybar to RSVP as entry is guest list only.
August 29
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
The Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
kcrw.com
The KCRW Summer Nights series is slowly, but surely coming to an end at Santa Monica Pier. This is a free, fun for all ages, outdoor event that focuses on good music and fun entertainment. Trombone Shorty is back in L.A. with an evening of New Orleans jazz that will force you out of your seat. If you live near the area, avoid the hassle of parking by walking, taking the Big Blue Bus or riding a bike. Bike valet is free for the evening.
August 30
The Taste
Paramount Pictures Studios
5555 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
events.latimes.com
The Los Angeles Times' food festival, The Taste, takes over Paramount Studios for Labor Day weekend. Friday evening kicks off with a limited engagement that will allow guests to mix and mingle with chefs, mixologists and event hosts in an intimate environment. Saturday and Sunday will both be full days of cooking demos, tastings and panel discussions led by culinary rock stars, critics and writers, including Michael Voltaggio, Nancy Silverton, Russ Parsons, Sang Yoon, Jonathan Gold, Evan Kleiman and Neil Strawder. Tickets are available now for a slightly discounted price and will go up after Aug. 29, so reserve your spot now. Note all events are 21 and over, except for the Labor Day Block Party.
August 31
L.A. County Fair
1101 West McKinley Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 623-3111
www.lacountyfair.com
The L.A. County Fair opens for a full month with a non-stop line-up of rides and attractions, live animals, performances, shopping, themed exhibits, wine and beer and outrageous deep fried foods. Check out the concert series featuring performers like Charlie Wilson, The Bangles, Ke$ha, The Jacksons, Demi Lovato, Lynard Skynard and Zendaya. Hours vary, and entry fees range from $8 to $19, although children under 6 are free. Visit the website for more information.
September 1
Labor Day Luau
Howl at the Moon
1000 Universal Studios Boulevard
Universal City, CA 91608
(818) 755-9970
www.howlatthemoon.com
Universal Citywalk's dueling piano bar, Howl at the Moon, invites you to its Labor Day party. It all starts at 6 p.m. Drink specials include $1 Miller Lites, $4 Mai Tais and Bacardi and $20 Cheeky Tiki Buckets. There will be music, of course, and a limbo contest for anyone feeling particularly loose that evening. Visit the website to RSVP.
Chrystal Baker is a freelance food, events, culture travel contributor for CBS Los Angeles, Basil Magazine, Frugivore Magazine and Politic365. She is the co-editor of a recipe blog, The Duo Dishes, and manages her own lifestyle and travel blog, Any and Everywhere, as well as the Farm 2 Plate Culinary Club site.
