Monday, September 26, 2011

Out on the Town in October


Photo Booth Fun on my mac computer - It's all about EXPRESSION!
Halloween is right around the corner and that means everyone can get out and express different parts of their personality. For one night you can let go of your inhibitions and just have a good time. 

I have to plan my weekly countdown to Halloween with a new outfit each day of the work week up to the big night. Too much fun! I might go with the retro theme again since it is work- appropriate attire. Time to pull out the wigs, get my nails done, put on some heels (practice walking in them) and strut my stuff at the office. Until then, see below for free and cheap fun this October.

For fun in film, check out my other blog: Confessions of a Netflix Addict

A leftover gem from September: Ooh LA L.A. Festival: 3rd Edition  French Music Festival in L.A.
  • Thu, Sep 29 @ 6 PM - Free preview at Amoeba Records & free download: Tinarawen
Some of my favorite free events of the year start first thing this month.
  • October 1 -  Soundwalk 2011 - An Evening of Indoor /Outdoor Sound Installations 
  • October 1  - BONUS: Public Star Party at Griffith Observatory - FREE - 2  to 9:45 PM
Other events to start the month:
On a side note, the singing competition being featured at The Pike in downtown Long Beach finally has a group of semi-finalists. Check them out during live performances at KDB.
  • October 1 & 8  - Sing 2011  | The Pike at Rainbow Harbor - Downtown Long Beach
Another favorite allows you to experience all of the fantastic things happening in the art community in Long Beach this month. Take advantage of this monthly guide to the arts and dive into the fun. 
Head out to LA for a diverse music festival. Many of the events are free and hosted in LA venues with easy access by LA Metro. This might be a great opportunity to carpool as well or take your cycle out for adventure. Post and/or search for carpool options on Zimride and perhaps you can go with some new friends.
Looking for cultural fun in Long Beach? Look no more! Come on out to this 2nd Annual event and enjoy multiple days of Chinese film and culture: music, film, art, fashion, performance and more! Preparing for Halloween? Find an inexpensive option in one of the many thrift or consignment stores in the Long Beach area or your own neighborhood. Here are some of my favorites:
Need alternate shopping options and want to look for non-Halloween items as well?
What's the Halloween event of the year in the LA area?
  • West Hollywood's Halloween Carnival - One of the largest Halloween celebrations and events in the US. Hollywood knows how to party at this event which combines amazing costumes, candy and live music. 
  • Another great idea - host your own intimate party, join in a friends event or go to a large house party with new and/or old friends. 
  • College fun - Join the ISA for their free on-campus pumpkin carving & costume contest event at CSULB.
Other Great Activities
Watch here for more updates. Also, check out the links in the menu on the right side of this blog.

Sneak Peaks for future cultural events coming up in the 2011-12 academic cycle:

February 2011 - Long Beach Scottish Festival at the Queen Mary


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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sublime September




CSULB's Fall 2011 term officially started on August 22 and then the people actually began to emerge on August 29 with the first day of instruction. It is amazing to see the campus roar back to life after a less populated summer. I can't say that summer was peaceful or that there was less work, but it was a bit more quiet and less chaotic and rushed. Welcome back to the norm of the academic year and all the crowds and lines that come with it.
So, what does September have in store for everyone? Below are a few of my picks for this month listed by date and organized by city of Long Beach events, campus events, film-related and other areas.  I'm not always able to attend everything on my own list, but just having it there helps me navigate though a busy week and have something fun, besides work, to look forward to each month.

September is looking to be a great month for big fun on a small budget. I will probably end up updating this posting each week as I discover new events.  Enjoy my picks!

ONGOING EVENTS

Each Friday in September from 12 noon - 2 PM, Promenade & 1st St.
  • Out to Lunch Concert Series - Bring you own lunch and enjoy the free concert or check out lunch specials from nearby participating restaurants downtown.
Wednesdays in September (& beyond)
  • Blue Buddha -  a weekly Long Beach party celebrating the best in 80's & 90's hip hop and variations of soul, breaks and funk.  RSVP at bluebuddhalbc@gmail.com - Free with RSVP all night for 21+, Free with RSVP before 10:30pm for 18+, $5 after
  • Lunch Truck It - hat's for Lunch? Try a fun lunch experience each Wednesday afternoon by trying food from a variety of pupular lunch trucks. Looking for a unique dinner and a movie experience on a Saturday night? Try it LTI After Dark style! Check the website for dates.


AROUND TOWN - LONG BEACH


Thursday, September 1 - Monday, September 5, 2011 - 5 PM to 9 PM, $12.95

Saturday, Sunday, Monday: September 3, 4, & 5, 2011 - Noon to 9 PM each day, FREE - $3
Wednesday, September 7 - 8 PM to 12/1 AM, Only $5, free parking, 18+
Saturday, September 10 from 3 PM to 9:30 PM [Parade starts at 3 PM] - FREE!

Saturday, September 10 from 12 pm to 6 pm - FREE!
Sunday, September 11 from 9 AM to 3 PM - FREE!

  • 22nd Annual Belmont Shore Care Show - Up to 700 of the coolest classic American cars on display. Even if you are not a car buff, you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of these cars as you walk down 2nd St in Belmont Shore. Over 50,000 guests visit this event each year.
Wednesday, September 14 from 5 PM to 7 PM - FREE! (Multiple lectures, films, events....)

  • Visiting Artist Lecture Series: 'Censorship of Political Art' with Daniel J. Martinez and Carol Wells (Part of the B-Word Project). 

    • Banned, Blacklisted and Boycotted: Censorship and the Response to It (The B-Word Project) is an 18-month campus-wide initiative, running from September 2011 through December 2012, at California State University, Long Beach and some off-site venues.

Thursday, September 15 from 6 PM to 10 PM - $10
  • En La Noche - Enjoy a lowrider car showcase by Antiques Car Club in anticipation of the upcoming exhibition MEX/LA: Mexican Modernism(s) in Los Angeles 1930-1985.
    • 6:30 – 8:00pm - Live music by DJ Cornejo and Mariachi Fina Estampa.
    • 7:00pm - Join Councilmember Dr. Robert Garcia in a tour given by Associate VP of Education, Gabriela Martinez, curator of The Good, The Bad, The Ugly?: Selections from the MOLAA Permanent Collection.
    • 8:00pm - Nortec Collective Presents: Clorofila
    • 6:00 – 9:00pm - Enjoy Café Viva’s $3.00 bar menu or a prix-fixe dinner accompanied by live music.
September 21 - 22 from  6 PM to 9 PM [ Final Downtown tasting event in 2011] - $10
  • A Taste of Downtown -  Try sample-sized portions of popular menu items from various local restaurants. A fun way to dine out! Tickets are $1 each or you can get a booklet of 12 for only $10. Buy two booklets and you can get a free ticket to the LB Aquarium of the Pacific, while supplies last. 
Saturday, September 24 - Get outdoors or indoors for a days and nights of fun!

Additional Event Dates in Progress....


ON CAMPUS @ CSULB

Save money at many of the USU businesses - Coupons typically available at the Information Desk

Thursday, September 1, 2011 - 4 PM - 11 PM - FREE!
Friday, September 2, 2011 - 8:30 PM - FREE!
Sunday, September 4 from 4 PM to 8PM - FREE!

  • The GLAMFA exhibition runs from August 29 - September 8, 2011. General gallery hours are Monday through Friday 12 - 5 p.m. and Wednesday 12 - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 6  - Friday, September 8 - FREE!

Wednesday, September 14  from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm - FREE!
  • Have a bike?  Need to get it checked out? Visit the Bike Check In the Quad. Every 2nd Wednesday of each month 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in the Quad - Bicycle mechanics from JAX BIKES on site. 
Links of the week for CSULB students:

ALL THINGS FILM-RELATED

For film-related events, please visit my other blog: Confessions of a Netflix Addict
  • Featured in my other blog:  4 the Camera Outdoor Film Festival, Pop Fresh Flicks (free popcorn, movie and fun by the pool at CSULB SRWC),  Long Beach Q Film Festival, Movies in the Park (final film viewing of the summer), plus more. 
  • TV: I'm watching my favorite TV shows with Hulu Plus and thought you'd enjoy it. Sign up & get 2 weeks free! 

Deals & Discounts:
  • Join the email club for Robeks and Get a FREE 12oz Tropical or Berry Smoothie with the purchase of a 24oz drink coupon in your inbox in minutes.  Click on the link to join their email club. http://www.thatsbiz.com/573
  • Catalina Express is celebrating their 30th Anniversary by giving a Free Pass to anyone who wants to go to Catalina on their birthday. Travel to Catalina Island for free on your birthday! Must register in advance.  http://www.catalinaexpress.com/birthday_promo.php
  • Check out this site I found called Goldstar. They have half-price tickets and member reviews of concerts, sports, theater and more. Comp tickets too! I'm already a member! https://www.goldstar.com/join?p=F1243705RB
  • Zipcar - Get $25 credit.
  • Join Zipcar and get $25 in free driving!
SPLURGES OF THE MONTH
(yes, they are food-related)
Friday - Sunday, September 9 - 11
Saturday, September 24

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