BY KAREN YOUNG
Okay, so if you’re not seeing The Rolling Stones this weekend, or even if you are one of the lucky ones who is, here’s a list of more to do….
FRIDAY
Dancing Under the Stars: Join Billy Blanks Jr. and Sharon Catherine Blanks tonight, May 3 at 8:45 p.m. in the Sherman Oaks Galleria’ s Center Plaza (near P.F. Chang’s). The Blanks are bringing their ‘Dance It Out’ family for a fun night of dancing – it’s a high energy, total body, non-stop cardio workout, utilizing over 20 plus styles of dance from all over the world, with an extra emphasis on Hip Hop.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Big Sunday: It’s the largest community service regional event in the nation today through Sunday. There are over 500 different projects from Solvang to San Diego to join for an hour, two or a full day, with most in Los Angeles County. Over 50, 000 people are expected participate. Various times thoughout Los Angeles. Check out the list here.
2013 Saint Francis de Sales Annual School Fair: “The Biggest Little Fair in the Valley” is back again all weekend long and open to the public. Live music acts include: Elliot Easton’s Tiki Gods (Elliot is the guitar player from the CARS) and his band features members of Brian Wilson band and the Beach Boys (Friday) and on Saturday evening England’s The Records,The School Of Rock Hollywood Kids, The Bob Cowsill Band (featured in Showtime documentary about The Cowsills and the best 60s/70s cover band ever), and Britain’s Finest delivering a scorching set of Beatles dance music. There will be a pyrotechnics show on Friday and Saturday evenings, a variety of food vendors, games and rides. Don’t miss the silent/live auction with hundreds of items available to the highest bidders. Free admission and parking. Cost for rides and food. Friday 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, noon – 11 p.m., Sunday, noon – 7 :30 p.m. For further info click here. St. Francis de Sales School,13368 Valleyheart Drive, Sherman Oaks (Corner of Dixie Canyon and Moorpark).
SATURDAY
Kester Avenue School and Magnet 7th annual World Music & Art Festival: It’ll be a great day with music, art, food trucks, crafts, bouncies, a rock wall, and silent auction. New this year is a small E-Waste Station, so bring your used ink cartridges old cell phones, ipods; cameras, calculators, etc. (no batteries, please). Open to the public. May 4, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 5353 Kester Avenue, Sherman Oaks.
Theatricum Botanicum 40th Anniversary Open House: If you’ve never been to this outdoor theatrical treasure in Topanga Canyon, it should be a must on your list. Take a free peek on Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. help celebrate Theatricum’s 40th Anniversary with a full day of food, games, theater and fun for the whole family. Activities include guided tours with costumed characters that include the gardens, archival photo gallery, stories of Theatricum’s history, and an inside look at a company rehearsal with theater games such as stage combat, Elizabethan dance, fencing, juggling and more; showcases and theatrical presentations from Theatricum’s Academy teachers and students; a “Sneak Peek’ preview of the 2013 five-play Summer Repertory Season on the main stage at 3 p.m., followed by comedy improv from Off The Grid; food and beverage vendors; music and fun for the whole family to enjoy; and special one day only ticket offers. Some background: In 1973, Will Geer and his family established a theater company in the heart of Topanga Canyon. Forty years later, they continue to offer an annual season of live entertainment and a variety of arts education programs for children, teens and adults. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. (midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura Freeway) .
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Good Life 2013: Get down to the Westfield Sherman Oaks Fashion Square this Saturday and Sunday for a fashion show, fitness demonstrations, complementary beauty sessions and more. Get all the details here.
SUNDAY
Cinco De Mayo: Make sure to check out the My Daily Find restaurant list for the San Fernando Valley. Unless you’re lucky, you won’t bump into George Clooney, but you can drink his tequila at one of these restaurants!
29th Annual Topanga Blues Festival: It’s the annual fundraising festival for the Southern California Blues Society (SCBS) under the trees. It promises to be a great day of blues featuring Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, John Long, The Andy Walo Band, and The Other Mules. Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga Canyon. . For tickets and more information, go to scbsevents.org.
OVER THE HILL AND NOT TOO FAR AWAY FROM THE 818
Dance Downtown: It’s the first event of the year outside at the Music Center downtown on Friday, May 3 from 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. . Learn salsa and merengue for FREE. Beginner lessons are available and no partner or experience is necessary.
4th Annual LA Vegan Beer & Food Festival: This festival on Saturday, May 4 features Southern California’s best vegan food and beers. With unlimited pours, you can sample beers from over 40 participating breweries with your ticket and receive your very own LAVBF glass. There’s also over 30 food vendors, and music. 8950 W. Sunset Blvd. A portion of the ticket sales benefits K9 Connection.
First Annual Angel City Heritage, Music & Arts Festival: This original craft, small batch brewery in the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District is opening up their brewery and parking lots to the public for a big day of music, art, beer and food on Saturday, May 4. It starts at 11 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and goes until 6 p.m.
Santa Monica Spring Jubilee Celebrates BritWeek: All things British will take over three blocks on the Third Street Promenade and center plaza of Santa Monica Place on Saturday and Sunday. The festival will include the best in spring flowers, plants and accessories, and feature a wide variety of activities with a distinctly British flavor. Visitors will enjoy performances by British artists along with a multitude of children’s activities, hands-on demonstrations, street dance exhibitions, concerts, retail events and much more.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND? TELL US IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
About Karen Young
