BIKES, ART, AND KIDS: Los Angeles is getting to be quite the center of mega community bike rides -- CicLAvia is back in a week -- so it is a good thing for our young riders to get some skills, build confidence, and love the roll. Kidical Mass is set to spin pedals for the first time in Santa Monica on Saturday, April 13. Also on April 13? The Getty Center throws an art-filled family fest. Fun fact: The 20 millionth visitor is set to walk into the Getty that day. Meaning? A free cookie for everyone. (Note: Organizers for Kidical Mass say the ride is pretty full now, but, due to its popularity, more rides will be scheduled, perhaps even quarterly.)
FORMULA DRIFT: If you can't wait for the Toyota Grand Prix, which is just a week out, you can get your fill of fast cars zooming around the streets of Long Beach on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13. "Zooming" is maybe not the right word but "drifting" is. It's the drift-fast spectacular's eighth year in Long Beach, and open pits, autograph opportunities, and more are highlights.
DOWNTOWN BURBANK ARTS FESTIVAL: The numbers: Some 12,000 people show to stroll four blocks of San Fernando Boulevard and take in the works of close to a hundred artists. The fun, local bit? Several artists have ties to animation and effects, two of the city's best-known artistic exports. Will you meet your favorite cartoon guy? Fingers crossed. Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14
TIME LORD'S COSTUME BALL: A serious fandom is a fandom that's into the fashion and look of their favorite series. It isn't merely enough to watch the film or the show; one wants to be a part, even for a night. "Doctor Who" buffs will get that chance at Whimsic Alley on Saturday, April 13. The only question is this: Do you arrive in a bow tie, a scarf, or perhaps in a full-scale TARDIS outfit? Trust that other fans will be bringing the sartorial splendor.
COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL: Perhaps you've heard that thousands upon thousands of music lovers are making for the desert for weekend #1 of one of the planet's most famous tune-taculars? Perhaps you're there now? Perhaps you're staying for next weekend, too? And surely you know that Stone Roses, Blur, Phoenix, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are headliners? Good. Excellent. Carry on, then.
