Wow! Its official now: Summer is here! Along with the sunny days come weekends jam packed with more things to do than there is daylight to do them. That’s OK, though, night time activities are welcome too.
Here are a few activities we have on our radar this weekend. Maybe we’ll see you there!
Riviera Village Summer Festival, Redondo Beach
I fell in love with this festival last year. The already quaint and picturesque Riviera Village becomes even more so with streets full of artists, vendors, and bouncy houses for kids. Along with the booths are plenty of brick and mortar restaurants and cafes, many with patios that lend themselves to ‘al fresco’ dining and drinking. This could be the perfect spot to while the day away!
Riviera Village Summer Festival
http://www.rvsummerfestival.com
Saturday, June 25 (10AM – 7 PM) and Sunday, June 26 (10AM – 6PM)
At the corner of Catalina and Avenue I in Redondo Beach.
San Diego Spirits Festival
Now in its third year, the San Diego Spirits Festival is living up to its description as (and I quote) “Southern California’s Preeminent Spirits Festival”. This two-day-long series of events is packed with liquor tastings, bartender competitions, and other special events for the discerning beverage connoisseur.
One day passes run $60 and get you 4 hours of swilling on Saturday or Sunday. You can make the most of the Saturday pass since it includes access to the afterparty Saturday night. Or go all out for the two day VIP pass ($150) and you’ll get into the Grand Tasting 2 hours early on both days AND the afterparty on Saturday night. Bring a DD and your spare liver! Whatever you do, drink responsibly.
Follow this link to check out our coverage from last year’s festival!
San Diego Spirits Festival Grand Tasting
http://www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com
Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26, 1 – 5PM
Port Pier Pavilion on Broadway
1000 E. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Fun Decanted at the Pomona Fairplex
Here’s another one that involves a bit of driving to get a drink; make sure you have your DD on deck! The Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition is hosting an event that brings together food trucks, music, and award winning beer, wine, and spirits. In summary, they call it “Fun, Decanted”.
Taking place in the Fairplex’s Wine & Spirits Marketplace, the event will feature
- Interactive pouring stations featuring gold-medal winning wines, spirits and beers
- Music and tunes spun by a live DJ
- Gourmet food trucks including the Grilled Cheese Truck
- Educational seminars
- Saturday night chef fights
The $50 entry fee includes event admission for 1 guest, wine/beer/spirits tasting, and $10 in “Food Truck Bucks”.
Fun Decanted
http://www.fairplex.com/wos/wine_competition/AwardsCelebration/index.asp
Satuday, June 25, 6 -10PM
Wine & Spirits Marketplace at Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
50th Annual Manhattan Beach Grand Prix
The MBGP is a serious competition with thousands of professional athletes coming to Manhattan Beach to race. Even more come to watch them and enjoy the food court, vendors, and the family friendly events like the tricycle races. If you’re a fan of high adrenaline competition — or just like to see guys and gals walking around in biker shorts — grab a blanket and a picnic lunch and enjoy this unique South Bay event. Oh yeah, and its free!
Manhattan Beach Grand Prix
http://mbgp.com
Sunday, June 26 7AM – 2 PM
Live Oak Park, 1601 North Valley Drive
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266