BY KAREN YOUNG
CicLAvia is back — from Downtown to Venice
FRIDAY
Veterans of Comedy: TONIGHT from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. An amazing line-up of legendary comedians who’ve been seen in all the top comedy clubs and late night talk shows will be appearing tonight at Bob’s Espresso Bar in Noho. Bob’s is owned by Bob Romanos (you know him as ‘Mike Damone’ in Fast Times at Ridgemont High) and tonight’s show is hosted by Tony Edwards. Top lining are: Cathy Ladman, Steve Mittleman, Ritch Shydner, Jimmy Brogan, Chris Pina,Chris Spencer and Diane Nichols. $5 donation suggested for the show. In addition to great comedy, enjoy coffee drinks and treats from Porto’s Bakery. 5251 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Earth Day Expo at the LA Zoo: This Earth Day Expo on April 20 and 21 is in conjunction with KEARTH 101. It is a family event where you’ll be able to learn about our planet and those we share it with through educational booths, games, crafts and live entertainment in an earth-friendly environment. KEARTH 101 with Charlie Tuna will be broadcasting live on Saturday and Sunday. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $17 for adults and $12 for children ages 2 to 12. This event is free with paid Zoo admission. The Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
18th Annual Festival Los Angeles Times Festival of Books: Spend a fun-filled weekend at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 20 and 21 at USC. There is something here for all ages and literary tastes. Get to know famous authors and celebrities, see culinary greats create their latest recipes, catch screenings and live music, enjoy cultural entertainment and much more.
14th Annual Topanga Earth Day: This is the real-deal Earth Day celebration happening this Saturday and Sunday. Musical performances, guest speakers, a gallery of ecological artists, nonprofit organizations, workshops, biodegradable and sustainable solutions, composting, water conservation, native planting, organic food gardening, ecological products and services, alternative energy and healing arts. Organic food and beverages (vegetarian only), and a free bio-diesel shuttle. Saturday and Sunday, Topanga Community Club Fair Grounds, 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. $12 suggested donation.
SATURDAY
Mack Sennett and the Birth of Studio City: The Studio City Neighborhood Council and the Studio City Library present a FREE event on Saturday, April 20 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., including a film screening honoring the 85th anniversary of the opening of the Mack Sennett Studio (now CBS Radford) on May 1, 1928, which gave the community its name. Sennett historian Brent Walker will give a PowerPoint presentation. A program of Sennett movie shorts will follow, including The Dentist (1932), Taxi for Two (1930) and Match Play (1930). There will also be a reception after the screening. Studio City Library 12511 Moorpark St.
10th Anniversary of the Re-Built Encino-Tarzana Library: Celebrate books and the unique architecture of the building itself on Saturday, April 20 from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. This community open house celebration begins with magician Allen Oshira, straight from the Magic Castle (and who also performed for the first anniversary); a temporary tattoo artist; former city librarian Fontayne Holmes (who oversaw the construction); local historian Ralph J. Herman who will share his delightful stories (teens may really like these!); and tasty refreshments, of course. If you haven’t had a chance to see this library, now is the time to go! The public and all ages welcome. Co-sponsored by The Friends of the Library. 18231 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. (818) 343-1843.
The 11th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational: Cheesiness in all its glory is back this Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Los Angeles Center Studios in Downtown Los Angeles. It’s known as the largest, craziest, and most exciting Grilled Cheese cooking contest in the country. The goal is to find the perfect grilled cheese “sammich,” so says Tim Walker, an artist in downtown LA who started it in 2003 as a competition between friends. It’s now become a national movement dedicated to the art of Grilled Cheese, where amateur and professional chefs to compete side-by-side in the hopes of becoming a true Grilled Cheese Champion. Various vendors will sell grilled cheese sandwiches for $2-5. Highlights will include: Amateur and Professional Grilled Cheese Competitions. Cheesy samples (free and for purchase), cooking demos, costume contests, poetry contests, cheese calling contests, music, food, a beer garden and so much more! Pre-event tickets are $12 ($15 day of event). Warning: They do sell out.
SUNDAY
CicLAvia: Claim the streets at the sixth CicLAvia event and the first to be held outside Downtown. CicLAvia – To the Sea will span more than 15 miles from Downtown to Venice Beach. It’s all happening on April 21 from 10 a.m.-3 .m. CicLAvia is the largest cost-free and car-free event in the United States. Streets are blocked to car traffic, making it safe to walk, skate, play and ride a bike. There’s will be entertainment, games, arts and crafts and so much more along the way. It’s perfect fun for all ages.
Canine Classic: It’s a dog walk and festival for the entire family at Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Rd, Calabasas on Sunday, April 21. Check-in 9 a.m.. Join Grand Marshals Rafer Johnson and Mitch Richmond on a two mile walk through the rolling hills of Calabasas starting at 10 a.m. If you just want to attend the festival, it runs from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. All dogs must be on leash. Activities include dog adoption, dog agility play area, over 30 pet industry vendors, kids activity zone, food trucks, and much more.
Celebrate Israel Festival: Israel’s 65th Independence Day celebration will take place on Sunday, April 21 at Cheviot Hills Recreation Center. The festivities will begin with a 1.5mile “Salute to Israel Walk” sponsored by StandWithUS. Registration for the walk starts at 8 a.m. at the entrance of the festival. Enjoy live musical performances throughout the day including the headliner, Mashina and the Spazmatics; peruse the Israeli Artist Pavilion, create your own family tree, go on amusement park rides. Other activities include a puppy petting zoo, reptile show, magicians, stilt walkers, face painters, jugglers, drum circles and more. A highlight of this year’s festival will be the model of SpaceIL, a replica of the first Israeli space ship to travel to space. You’ll be able to take a picture that’s out of this world!
Rotary Club Food Drive: The Rotary E-Club of The Greater San Fernando Valley with the support of Gelsons is holding a food drive benefiting the Valley Food Bank on Sunday, April 21 from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Sherman Oaks store. Please purchase just ‘one more item’ of non-perishable food. Rotary Club members at the entrances will collect your item on your way out. 4520 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks.
What are you doing this weekend? Let us know and comment below!
About Karen Young
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