-Weekend-Whaddup- Spring Forward Edition
It’s that time, to spring forward… we lose an hour of sleep and even though the clock shows we’re an hour later, it feels like we’ve been cheated. I don’t know why we still do this but I’d like it to stop! So if anyone has any pull…
Here’s a Friday something to do, before you get to the WeekendWhaddup…
HAPPY HOUR AT LOLLIPOP DREAM
Where: Lollipop Dream, 14006 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks
When:
Friday, March 6 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Who: Ages 2-8
How: Happy hour is a walk-in event, no RSVP necessary.
Cost: $8
the Whaddup:
Kiddos enjoy dressing up in their large vanity closet, having their faces painted, making crafts, playing games, hearing stories, and more.
For more info: More Info
And now, what you’ve been waiting for… #weekendwhaddup!
PURIM CARNIVAL
Temple Beth Hillel
when: March 8 11:30am-3:30pm
where: 12326 Riverside Drive
who: the whole family
how much: Wristbands – $40.00* Unlimited RIDES *pre-sale price. $45.00 at the door.
the Whaddup:
Admission to the fairgrounds is free! Rides and food require the purchase of tickets from ticket booth. Food, rides, and activities are paid for with multiple tickets.
more info: Website

ZIMMERPALOOZA PARTY TIME
when: Mar 8 at 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
where: Mid-City, Zimmer Children’s Museum, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca
cost: $25
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
This is the Zimmer’s biggest family party of the year! With a special performance by Twinkle Time and Friends and a showcase of art created by participants of Zimmer’s signature classes, including Messy Masterpieces, Tinker Time & more, you definitely don’t want to miss out on this full day of family fun. Other activities include face painting, balloon animals, and more.
more info: visit website
THE LANTERN FESTIVAL
Saturday, March 7
Where: Chinese American Museum, 425 N. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles
When: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
the Whaddup:
Bigger and better than ever, the family-friendly Lantern Festival returns to Downtown Los Angeles featuring L.A.’s largest array of interactive cultural arts, crafts, and educational activities – all for free!
Celebrating the Year of the Ram, the festival honors the Chinese tradition of hanging colorful lanterns as families wish for peace and prosperity in the New Year. The festival runs from noon to 7 p.m., so be sure to check the schedule online to see what acts you can’t miss!
more info: More Info
PURIM FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL FOR YOUNG FAMILIES
When: 03/08/2015, Sunday: 11:30am-2:30pm
Where: 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills, CA 91364
the Whaddup:
This year, Shomrei Torah Synagogue debuts an all new Purim Family Fun Festival, designed just for young families! Enjoy games, bounce houses and inflatables, food, a climbing wall, live entertainment, arts and crafts and more! Buy advance tickets and save money – prices go up at the festival. Open to the community!
more info: Website
PALS OF PUP CAN WAG TO WOOFSTOCK
When: Mar 8 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: La Cienega Park, 8400 Gregory Way, Los Angeles, Ca
How Much: Free
Who: All Ages
the Whaddup:
It’s a pretty universal truth that kids LOVE dogs. So let them play with tons of them at Woofstock!
The day includes Cat and Dog Adoptions, a Pet Parade, Pet goodies marketplace, pet entertainment and food trucks for humans.
Parking on site or at Beverly Hills High School with free pet friendly shuttles to the park. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome.
more info: visit website
YOUTH ADVENTURES WITH A RANGER
When: Mar 7 at 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center, 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas
How Much: Free
Who: 3-7
the Whaddup:
Join a Ranger to explore nature while learning all about the local animals and plants.
more info: visit website
GRUNION PARTY!
When: Mar 7 at 9 p.m.
where: Beach Cities, Cabrillo Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San cost: $1-$5
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
OH YEAH, IT’S ON!
Spend a night sitting on Southern California’s sandy shore waiting for the “grunion run.” Grunion are small sardine-size fish of the silversides family, which are among the few species of fish that actually come ashore to lay their eggs on sandy beaches. They are found from Southern California south to Baja California and arrive at night after the high tide around the new moon and full moon. Cabrillo Beach is one of the better places to observe the fish. Watch the silvery fish come up on the beach to spawn! Learn about the interesting mating rituals and growth of this curious fish.
The Aquarium opens at 8 p.m. and an auditorium program begins at 9 p.m., followed by guided observation at the beach. Warm clothing and a flashlight are recommended.
more info: visit website
REDONDO BEACH PIER FESTIVAL OF THE KITE
Sunday, March 8
Where: Redondo Pier 100 Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach 90277
When: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Who: The whole family
How Much: Free
the Whaddup:
Check out one of the longest-running Kite Festivals in Southern California! Brought to you by Sunshine Kite Company and Redondo Pier Association. The Redondo Pier Association is committed to providing FREE community events throughout the year including one of Southern California’s longest-running kite festivals, an outdoor summer concert series, chalk art festival, classic car show, taste of the Pier and holiday concert! If you like the beach life, this is something to keep your eye on!
For more info: Website
Free Kids Workshops “Build a Bookend” @ Home Depot
When: Saturday, March – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Your local Home Depot
Who: Ages 5-12
How: Register Online
Cost: Free
the Whaddup:
Home Depot offers a free monthly workshop for kids ages 5 – 12. The workshops teach basic DIY skills and tool safety. Kids go home with their craft and a free Kids Workshop apron, commemorative pin, and certificate of achievement.
For more info: More Info
THOMAS & FRIENDS EXPLORE THE RAILS
@
Discovery Cube Los Angeles
Where: Discovery Cube Los Angeles 11800 Foothill Blvd. Sylmar,
When: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Check website for daily hours
Who: Everyone
How: Buy tickets online or at the door
Cost: Included in museum admission. $10 / Children Under 2 FREE.
Thursday, March 5 through Sunday, April 26
the Whaddup:
Hop on board and discover the engineer within! Travel to the Island of Sodor where imaginations charge full steam ahead in Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails, a hands-on STEM exhibit based on the adventures of everyone’s favorite blue engine, Thomas, his engine friends and the Island of Sodor’s iconic locations: Knapford Station, Sodor Steamworks and much more. Help Thomas and his friends solve a variety of challenges, from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles.
For more info: More Info
#ReadAcrossAmerica Day
Rivvid’s “How to create your own comic book” workshop
Where: D J’s Universal Comics 11390 Ventura Blvd, CA 91604
When: Monday, March 2, 2015 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PST)
the Whaddup:
People read comics because they love the action, the characters and the interesting plots that the writers throw at us. So, what makes a really good comic book story and what makes us interested in these stories?
In celebration of Read Across America day, Rivvid is hosting a game based learning workshop on “How to Write Your Own Comic Book.” They will focus on “story development.” The goal is to show how fun it is to make reading and learning fun!
*Lots of fun prizes for those who prove high reading comprehension and attention skills!
*Swag bags and snacks will be provided.
Very limited seating so please RSVP in advance or pay $5 at the door.
*No need to stay the entire 2 hours. We will conduct workshops at different time intervals since we understand everyone is on different schedules with school release and extracurricular activities.
This is what’s happening near me, if you’re not in the area but are interested in celebrating this cool happening, search out #ReadAcrossAmerica on Twitter and Facebook. Look for an event near you!
A great resource for things to do can be found at the founder’s website. Link below.
http://www.readacrossamerica.org/
-Weekend-Whaddup- Feb 7-8.
Games Day @ The Studio City Library
Saturday, February 7
Where: 12511 Moorpark Street Studio City, CA 91604
When: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Who: Kids and their families!
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
the Whaddup:
I like to shop for locally grown vegetables and we like to highlight locally grown events… Bring the whole family for LEGOs, Duplos, blocks, puzzles, board games, coloring, and more!
For more info: More Info
(818) 755-7873
American Youth Symphony: Family Music Adventure
Sunday, February 8
Where: UCLA’s Royce Hall 340 Royce Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095
When: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Reserve online
the Whaddup:
LEGACY FEB 8 | ROYCE HALL 2pm – Family Music Adventure RADU PAPONIU, conductor SIMONE PORTER, narrator BLAKE POULIOT, narrator ANGELA BAE, violin Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals; and Introduction et rondo capriccioso J. Strauss: Radetzky March RESERVE NOW! Children of all ages are invited to discover the joy of a live orchestra at this inspiring event. This enriching 45-minute concert and interactive lesson is the perfect way to share the legacy of classical music with your family! Arts & Crafts activities led by First 5 LA follow the performance. Sponsored by First 5 LA
Cost: Free
For more info: More Info
Do Some Traveling with the Harlem Globetrotters
when: Feb 7 at 1 p.m.
where: Exposition Park, Galen Center, 3400 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, Ca
cost: $23 & up
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
Crazy b-ball time! Entertaining young and old alike for almost 90 years, the legendary Harlem Globetrotters bring their unique and timeless mix of basketball, comedy, athleticism and entertainment to the Galen Center. The Globetrotters’ captivating dribbling and dunking wizardry combines with hilarious antics and fan interaction, all presented by some of the world’s greatest athletes and entertainers.
While it’s a must-see for basketball fans of all ages, this show will delight the entire family, sports nuts or no! The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to beat the Globetrotters in the “Washington Generals Revenge Tour.”
more info: visit website
Dinosaur Train Live: Buddy’s Big Adventure
when: Feb 7 at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
where: Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge
cost: $15-$25
ages: 2-6
the Whaddup:
Your little dino fanatic will want to join Buddy and friends in this fun-filled trip back in time when dinosaurs roamed the earth… and rode in trains! Through interactivity, music and laughter Dinosaur Train Live will have kids up and dancing in the aisles.
more info: visit website
Get Trucking To the Monster Jam Trucks
when: Feb 7 at 7 p.m.
where: Angel Stadium, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, Ca
cost: $10-$60
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
Kids love trucks. Big trucks. Monster trucks. So take them to see a massive collection of the world’s best monster trucks battling it out in the ultimate event of high-octane speed, racing and destruction! One of the most popular touring family entertainment sporting events in the world, the Monster Jam is a high-flying, car-crushing explosive event of demolition, speed and powerful stunts with the world’s best monster trucks and drivers whose skills provide an awesome spectacle dirt-flying, high-energy fun.
more info: visit website
Thomas & Friends!
Thursday, February 5 through Sunday, April 26
Where: Discovery Cube Los Angeles 11800 Foothill Blvd. Sylmar,
When: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Check website for daily hours
Who: Everyone
How: Buy tickets online or at the door
Cost: Included in museum admission. $10 / Children Under 2 FREE.
Hop on board and discover the engineer within! Travel to the Island of Sodor where imaginations charge full steam ahead in Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails, a hands-on STEM exhibit based on the adventures of everyone’s favorite blue engine, Thomas, his engine friends and the Island of Sodor’s iconic locations: Knapford Station, Sodor Steamworks and much more. Help Thomas and his friends solve a variety of challenges, from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles.
For more info: More Info
SUPERHERO SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS COMES ASHORE TO VISIT THE LOS ANGELES ZOO
Where: L.A. Zoo
When: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Included in museum admission
Friday, February 6
Superhero SpongeBob SquarePants comes ashore to make a personal appearance at the Los Angeles Zoo on Friday, February 6, 2015, the very same day that “The SpongeBob Movie – Sponge Out of Water,” from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, opens in theaters. The world’s favorite sea dwelling invertebrate greets visitors and poses for pictures between 11 am and 4 pm at the Zoo’s Eucalyptus Grove.
For more info: www.lazoo.org
FREE Frozen Yogurt at Menchies!
Friday, February 6
Happy Frozen Yogurt Day from Menchies, who wants you to celebrate with free frozen yogurt and toppings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. That’s our kind of celebration – sweet and free!
Where: Check your local Menchies for participation
When: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Who: The whole family!
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: More Info
Dig It! Archaeology Adventures @ Skirball
Saturday, February 7 through Sunday, February 8
Where: Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049
When: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Drop in anytime during regular Museum weekend hours, weather permitting only. Last entry at 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Included in Museum Admission
the Whaddup:
There’s so much to see and do at the Skirball’s simulated outdoor archaeological dig and field laboratory! Slip on an archaeologist’s vest, sift and sort through sand to find hidden ancient artifacts, weigh and examine your findings, analyze clues, and work with archaeology staff to piece together the puzzles found in a Near Eastern Iron Age town.
For more info: More Info
Williams-Sonoma Cooking for Kids!
Junior Chef: Kids Cooking Class “Asian Dumplings” @ Williams-Sonoma Sherman Oaks
Saturday, February 7
Where: Sherman Oaks Fashion Square 14006 Riverside Drive Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Suitable for ages 9-13
How: Call (818) 906-2787 to make a reservation
Cost: Free!
the Whaddup:
Learn how easy and fun it is to make Asian dumplings. We’ll have the fillings ready, and you’ll scoop them into wonton wrappers and seal. Then the instructor will cook your dumplings two different ways—steaming and panfrying—so you can discover which you like best!
For more info: More Info
-Weekend-Whaddup- School’s Out!
School got out yesterday and it already feels like Summer. Last year we dove right into camp but this year we’re easing into things with activities and some well needed down time.
As you can see from this week’s list, there’s a ton to do around town… but we’ll do our best to relax!
Kids Club @ Sherman Oaks Galleria
This week’s performer: Singer Ranger Jack
Where: 15301-15303 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks CA 91403
When: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Who: Ages 3 and up
How: Parking is validated (bring your ticket to Kids Club).
Cost: Free
For more info: More Info or call 818.382.4100
2014 Summer Sun Sets Concert Series at Calabasas Lake
Sunday, June 8
June 8: Stone Soul – The Best of Classic Soul & Mowtown
Concerts on the Green @ Warner Center
Sunday, June 8
See our Summer Concert Guide for the list of weekly performers.
Certified Farmer’s Market and Movies on the Farm “Odd Life of Timothy Green” @ Pierce College
Friday, June 6
Free Kids Workshops “Build a Lawnmower” @ Home Depot
Where: Your local home depot
When: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Who: Kids Age 5-12
How: Register HERE
Cost: Free
For more info: More Info
CSUN Summer Movie Fest
Thursday, June 5
6/5: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (PG-13)
6/12: Enchanted (PG)
6/19: Shrek (PG)
Public Star Parties @ Griffith Observatory
Saturday, June 7
Please be aware that the astronomers and telescope demonstrators must cut off the line for each telescope to enable all viewing to be completed by 9:45 p.m. Hours for telescope operation are not the same as for the building (which closes at 10:00 p.m.).
World Oceans Day
when: Jun 8 at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
where: Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, Ca
cost: Free (in costume!)-$6.50
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
World Oceans Day is a day to take note of the ocean’s wide array of wonders and appreciate it’s bounty and resources, and to consider ways that each of us can help with conservation. Explore the wonders of the ocean at the Ocean Institute. Today you can investigate the oceans of the world, discover unusual animal adaptations through hands-on activities, learn about the importance of the ocean for different cultures, past and present and listen to explorers and mad scientists explain myths and legends of the seas.
From coral reefs to arctic waters, those dressed ready for adventure as a pirate or mermaid will get in for free.
more info:
Paddle Over to the Paddleboard Race & Festival
when: Jun 7 at 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
where: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
The Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival is an all-day, family friendly celebration of decades of surf, paddleboard and lifeguard history.
The festival offers live entertainment through-out the day, including live bands, Hawaiian-style slack-key guitar, Southern California’s top hula dance troupes and more.
There are plenty of youth events including a Jrs Swim, Jrs Soft-Top Surfboard Race, and a 1K Kids Run on the sand. Plus, there are free games and activities for kids of all ages on the beach.
more info:
Cars, Cars and More Cars at the Farmers Market
when: Jun 7 at 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
where: Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
To celebrate the rich history of Gilmore Gas and its extraordinary impact on the car culture of California, The Original Farmers Market hosts one of the most entertaining casual car shows in the West. This year the focus is on Mustangs, for the 50th anniversary of the car.
more info:
Dig It: Egyptian Family Art Days
when: every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
where: Miracle Mile, LACMA, 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
LACMA has a huge collection of Egyptian art—some of it is over 2,000 years old! Look for the mother and son gods Isis and Horus, a sarcophagus, and many animals like baboons, cats, and falcons. After exploring, make your own Egypt-inspired art in workshops.
And while you’re at the museum, don’t miss Chris Burden’s kinetic sculpture, Metropolis II. Kids can sit mesmerized for ages at this whizzing, whirring mass. It’s in action every Sunday (Fridays and Saturdays, too.)
LACMA’s Andell Family Sundays are programs designed especially for families: make art, look at art, and talk about art together in workshops and bilingual gallery tours. Most of all—have fun.
The program is free with admission, and kids always get free admission for themselves and an accompanying adult with the LACMA NextGen program! Please remember that all children must be accompanied by an adult.
more info:
-Weekend-Whaddup- What to do April 26-27
Fiesta Broadway
when: Apr 27 at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
where: Downtown, Broadway & Olympic Ave., Downtown, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
This is the “largest Cinco de Mayo” celebration in the world, with over half a million people participating and taking over more than 12 square blocks of downtown Los Angeles. There are three stages staggered throughout the festival and between them you’ll find lots of food, fun and games for the whole family that spotlight Mexican and Latin American cultures.
more info:
The Best International Film Festival For Kids
when: Apr 26 at Various times
where: Downtown, REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., Los Angeles, CA
cost: $5
ages: 3 and up
the Whaddup:
The 9th annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival returns with three weekends of adventurous short-film programs to appeal to moviegoers of all ages. Magical, exhilarating works made by acclaimed filmmakers and up-and-coming auteurs showcase work from around the globe—including Mexico, Brazil, Sweden, Russia, Taiwan, Mozambique, Korea, The Netherlands, and Ukraine—to inspire the whole family. Festival highlights include the latest in both live action and animated shorts. This is a Red Tricycle favorite event event year, so be sure to check the schedule for programs appropriate for your kiddos and plan on coming!
more info:
How Do You Spell Fun? B-I-N-G-O
when: Apr 27 at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
where: Pasadena Area, One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
Come play Bingo with Bingo Boy! With prizes from One Colorado stores and restaurants and old-school ice cream treats for all, this Sunday Funday Bingo event will be a winner. The whole family can play, from tots to Grandma (and that makes more chances to win!). Bingo-ites and novices welcome. Spoilsports frowned upon. Daubers provided.
more info:
Party on the Pier
when: Apr 27 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
where: Westside, Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, Ca
cost: $25 and up
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
It’s a fun-filled day of rides (all rides, all day!), games, food, raffles for cool stuff, arts & crafts with PS Arts,fun with Santa Monica Pier Aquarium’s touch tanks, hair and face painting, more kids activities and tons of live entertainment.
And the best part is that all this fun does some good. Proceeds from the day will benefit all students in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD).
more info:
Open House at the California Wildlife Center
when: Apr 27 at 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
where: California Wildlife Center , 26026 Piuma Rd., Calabasas, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
The California Wildlife Center is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife. Today they are giving behind the scenes tours, wildlife education, children’s activities, and up-close encounters.
more info:
Science Fest in the Mountains
when: Apr 26 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
where: Paramount Ranch, 2813 Cornell Rd., Agoura Hills, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the scoop:
Something for all citizen scientists with an inquiring mind: learn how to track mountain lions, bobcats, and island foxes; get to know the local wildlife; discover the mysteries of your neighborhood national parks. This 5th annual event features talks, hands-on demonstrations, nature walks, family activities, live animal displays, and a chance to meet and talk with the scientists. So get out that magnifying glass, slather on the sunscreen and come to the mountains for a day of science!
more info:
Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic
when: Apr 23, 2014 – Apr 27 at Various times
where: Long Beach, Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. , Long Beach, Ca
cost: $15-$70
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
Mickey and the rest of the gang take to their skates and take the audience along on a whirlwind tour of favorite Disney moments. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are your hosts and they are sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy & Donald Duck; the beloved Disney Princesses; Chip & Dale; Pinocchio & Jiminy Cricket; Belle & The Beast plus many more – everyone you love from your own childhood and the characters your kids love today will all be here, so it’s a great trip down memory lane for everyone!
more info:
Gold Rush! @ The Autry
Saturday, April 26 through Sunday, April 27
Positive Parenting Seminar
Saturday, April 26
-Weekend-Whaddup-
Once again, this is your handy-dandy -Weekend-Whaddup-… your not so insider’s guide to what’s up around Studio City and the Los Angeles area…

The Long Beach Grand Prix
when: Apr 11 – Apr 13 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
where: Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, Ca
cost: $28 and up adults, kids free
the Whaddup:
This is a favorite of mine, a local institution. If you haven’t been, get there. I have great memories of this as a kid. My dad raced cars and seeing these guys lap the track at unbelievable speeds, on a closed course, with all that power and noise has to be seen to be believed.
The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is an open-wheel race held on a street circuit in Long Beach. The Long Beach Grand Prix is the longest running major “street” race held on the North American continent.
Ticket prices vary depending on date and seating, but you can check it out with the kids on the cheap side. General admission tickets for adults start at $28, and kids 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult.
more info:
The L.A. Times Festival of Books
when: Apr 12 – Apr 13 at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
where: Exposition Park, USC, Exposition Blvd. and S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
I got tired just reading through the website about all the activities going on at this fair, this one’s a keeper!
This year authors include Jon Klassen (This is Not My Hat), Oliver Jeffers (The Day the Crayons Quit), Levar Burton does Reading Rainbow Live!, David Shannon (Bugs in My Hair), and kids friendly cooks and sports stars and more. And in between readings and book signings with these authors, cool music acts for kids will take the stage. Don’t miss Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, Jose Luis Ortega, and more. There are tons more authors on this stage alone – remember to check the schedule so you don’t miss your favorites. Oh yeah, there’s some other stuff for grown ups, too.
The event is free. Parking at the USC campus is $10.
For more info:
Butterfly Pavilion
Open April 13 through September 1, 2014
The Whaddup:
More than 30 native North American butterfly species and an array of plants take up residence every summer for our much-anticipated living habitat, the Butterfly Pavilion. Wander through a unique changing ecosystem, witness free-flying creatures interacting with plant life, and emerge with a better understanding of the environment needed for the survival of these spectacular animals.
Tickets Click here.

Showcase for Butterflies
The Butterfly Pavilion showcases hundreds of butterflies and the plants that surround them, each visit to the Butterfly Pavilion throughout the summer can be a different experience!
Butterflies from Near and Far
- 20 species of California natives such as the Monarch, Mourning Cloak, and Buckeye
- 10 species of subtropical varieties from south Florida and Texas, such as the Malachite and the Grey Cracker
More about our Monarchs citizen science project here!

Puppet Festival
A Family Celebration of the Wonders of Puppet Theater
Sunday, April 13, 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
ADMISSION
- $10 General
- $7 Seniors and Children over 12
- $5 Children 2–12
- FREE to Members and Children under 2
Walk-up tickets will also be available at the door on festival day, subject to availability.
Carpooling and early arrival are highly recommended.
Download a full schedule of activities and campus map here!
There is a whole lot going on at Skirball that day, check their website for a complete schedule.
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Pacific Opera Project. Photo: Martha Benedict
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Family Festival celebrating:
A Royal
Passion: Queen Victoria and Photography
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2014
Time: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Admission: Free; no reservations required.
Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Celebration
Saturday, April 12
The Whaddup:
This year’s 16th annual Chumash Day Powwow will celebrate Native Americans from all over the country, representing hundreds of tribes who will gather at Malibu Bluffs Park. Native American food, craft vendors, tribal ceremonies and dances will be a part of the event on both days.
Saturday, April 12
11am-7:30pm
Grand Entry at 1pm
Sunday, April 13
10am-5pm
Grand Entry at 12pm
Admission and parking are both free. Parking and free shuttle will be on the corner of Civic Center and Webb Way; parking onsite at Malibu Bluffs Park will not be available.
Malibu Bluffs Park
24250 Pacific Coast Highway
Kids Rhythm Club @ Remo
Saturday, April 12
The Whaddup:
LA Puppet Fest Parade
Sunday, April 6
2nd Saturday at the Adobe
Saturday, April 12
The Whaddup:
Critters n’ Kids: Loveable Lemurs @ LA Zoo
Monday, April 7 through Saturday, April 12
Exciting Elephants – May 12, 13, 14, and 17
Non-members: $26 per child/adult pair
Peter Rabbit Day
Saturday, April 12
The Whaddup:
For more info: Event Website
LAKE SHRINE
AVOCADO FESTIVALS:
So, you like green things and avocados are on the short list… you’ve got a couple of places to visit this weekend. One is a bit of a haul but sounds like good time, come on… be adventurous and head down to Fallbrook in San Diego County for a big ol’ street fair with the green fruit at its center.

It’s that time again! The first avocado festival of 2014 is nearly here, which means avocado enthusiasts from all over the world will be heading to Fallbrook in San Diego County to celebrate the California Avocado. Fallbrook is a natural fit for the avocado festival as its roots go deep into California agriculture. The Fallbrook/Bonsall area has been an agricultural-based community since the earliest settlers arrived in the 1800
This street fair-style festival, taking place on Main Street, is accommodating to all ages (note: pets are prohibited in the main festival area, but there is a designated pet area – shown on the map below) with many activities happening throughout the day including:
- A Fallbrook Farmers Market
- A Guacamole Contest
- The Art of the Avocado Contest
- The Avo 500 Children’s Car Race
- The Best Decorated Avocado Contest
Additionally, the festival attracts all kinds of vendors, including:
- California Avocado growers
- Avocado Packers
- Arts and Crafts (art and jewelry)
- Breweries
- Food (including the famous avocado ice cream!)
Los Angeles AVOCADO Festival
The Whaddup:
- La Placita Olvera is located right across the street from Union Station and one block from Chinatown.
It’s the host of many beautiful traditions held by our Latin Community. Also known as El Pueblo de Los Angeles is a traditional Mexican style plaza area with shops for handcrafted Mexican souvenirs. Olvera Street is the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles in 1781.The avocado fruit was introduced from Mexico to California in the 19th century. Some 90% of United States avocado production is located in Southern California, with 60% in San Diego County.While dozens of cultivars are grown, the Hass avocado is today the most common. It produces fruit year-round and accounts for 80% of cultivated avocados in the world. Peru, Chile and Mexico are the avocados exporter to USA.The avocado is very popular in cuisine dishes, meats, sandwiches, Seafood, California sushi rolls, salads as well as a spread on corn tortillas or toast served with spices like the Mexican dip known as guacamole.
Generally, avocado is served raw and is also often eaten as a fruit, eaten alone, or mixed with other fruits. They are generally available throughout the year, they are the most abundant and at their best during the beginning of spring in California.
At the “Los Angeles AVOCADO Festival” (free entrance to the public) in La Placita Olvera more than 15,000 people will taste a variety of Dishes serve with lots of Avocado or Guacamole provided by all type of ethnicity food vendors and local Restaurants of Los Angeles area. Attendants can also enjoy Crafts, live entertainment, free ruffle to win gifts, cooking recipe books, Commercial Products, free health screenings, services and information provided by all type of exhibitors.
- Official Website
- Sunday, April 13, 2014 10:00am-6:00 pm
Olvera Street
845 N Alameda StLos Angeles, CA 90012
DESPICABLE ME MINION MAYHEM:
Universal Studios Hollywood is debuting its splashy ride for the warm-weather season. By the way, expect to see minions. Personally I’d wait a couple of weeks to check this one out, for two reasons.
1. Crowds are brutal when this sort of thing first opens.
2. Wait for the heat, any wet ride is best tried when it’s hotter than 80 degrees out.
DEATH VALLEY FLOWERS:
The national park is expecting a much bigger wildflower bloom than expected, right now, this minute, so if you want to see petals in the desert, go, go, go.

























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