What You're Doing This Week: Sept. 16
Summer has sadly come to an end, but that doesn't mean you still can't take some time to get out and have some fun! There is always so much to do in Los Angeles. This week features amazing food, events, celebrations, and culture. Here's our round up of events for this week.
September 16
Mexican Independence Day on Olvera Street
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
125 Paseo De La Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.elpueblo.lacity.org
If you're looking for a celebration or want to celebrate your Mexican heritage check out the Annual Celebration of Mexican Independence Day which includes live music, dancing, carnival games and rides and exhibit booths. It's sure to be fun for the whole family! What a great way to start your week. The event is free and lasts from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
September 17
Taste of Old Pasadena
Multiple Locations
Pasadena, CA 91105
www.pfarcf.org
Want to indulge in an adventure of taste? Then you should visit the Old Pasadena restaurants on a self-guided walking tour called Taste of Old Pasadena. Between 5:30 and 9 p.m., each participating restaurant will provide maps to guide you on your tasty adventure. You can follow the map or simply follow the signs conveniently placed in front of establishments participating. "A Taste of Old Pasadena" is the perfect opportunity to experience many of the area's award-winning restaurants in one evening. Dinners will not only be delicious, but you will be helping others as you eat with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting local charities. It's eating with a cause at its best. Tickets are $30.
September 18
Smashed Ice Cocktails
The Luggage Room
260 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
www.theluggageroom.com
The Luggage Room is known to be an amazing pizzeria. It's located on the historic site of the luggage room of the Del Mar Train Station. They only use the best flavors and ingredients for their wood-burning stove. Every day in the month of September at the Luggage Room you can try some of their new smashed ice cocktails during their famous happy hours, between noon and 10 p.m. Drinks are just $4.50. Grab your friends and enjoy one of these deliciously refreshing.
September 19
3rd Annual NamasDAY event
1755 North Highland Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 491-1376
www.exhalespa.com
Photo Courtesy of Exhale Spa Looking to find your inner Zen? Then you should celebrate National Yoga Month with its third annual NamasDAY event. The celebration will be held at 13 exhale locations nationwide and feature an evening Yoga Bash with complimentary yoga classes, DJs, trunk shows, promotions and mini spa therapies.
Enjoy the complimentary yoga classes and experience Exhale's full suite of yoga offerings. It's a great way to find the classes that are perfect for your yoga level.
September 20
55th Annual Pasadena Greek Festival
283 W. Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91107
(626) 600-1672
www.pasadenagreekfest.org
Check out the amazing 55th Annual Pasadena Greek Fest, sponsored by Santa Anita Park, Pasadena Star-News, and Metaxa. You can experience "all things Greek" at this fun endless summer event. It's great food, shows, and celebration of Greek culture. This event brings together thousands of visitors from the Greater Los Angeles area, so you may want to get there early. Proceeds benefit cultural, educational, and community outreach programs run by Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church. Tickets are $5 for adults and admission is free for children under 12. It's a must-visit for the week.
September 21
10th Annual Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails
Bear Mountain
43101 Goldmine Dr.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92305
www.bigbearmountainresorts.com
Winter is upon us as the 10th Anniversary of Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails returns to Bear Mountain in Big Bear Lake. The gates open at 9 a.m. and it's free to the public to enjoy live DJ's, giveaways, and a great view of the competition. This winter kick-off party has something for all ages. Guests can participate in fun games and walk away with giveaways from Red Bull, GoPro, Electric, SkullCandy, ThirtyTwo and other snowboard brands at the vendor booth city located in the scene. If you love to ski you might want to get your ski season started with this fun event.
September 22
The Oaks at Ojai's Upcoming Dance Week
Memorial Park Bandshell
222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
(626) 355-5278
www.oaksspa.com
The Oaks at Ojai Dance Week will allow you to get your groove on with a variety of dance-based fitness classes taught by guest instructors. Its fitness and dancing all in one event! Some of the fantastic instructors participating at the event include Courtney Stammler, a Black Belt in NIA, Rachel Fleischman will bring her "Dance Your Bliss" classes filled with restorative, energizing, thought-provoking and Spirit-invoking results. And Deirdra Martinez will teach Aqua Zumba dance, Latin and Hip Hop classes. If those classes aren't enough to get you grooving they will also have Classic Choreographed Cardio, Bollywood, Burlesque, Flemenco Fusion, Belly Dance, Drum on the Ball, Latin and Jazz classes.
Vanessa Diaz is a freelance writer and blogger. You can find her on her blogs The Queen of Swag and Disney Domain. You can also find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
