KCON LA 2017: The mondo concerts at this mondo convention? They're huge, and bring out the fans by the thousands. But they're just one part of a energetic three-day convention devoted to KPOP, Korean television and movies, major celebrities, a host of cool merchandise, a line-up of workshops, and more. The groups on stage include Cosmic Girls, Astro, Girl's Day, and GOT7, but finding more merriment around the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Staples Center should be a snap. Join the festival devoted to "All Things Hallyu" from Friday, Aug. 18 through Sunday, Aug. 20.
Nisei Week Japanese Festival opens: Starting out a week-plus party with a Rubik's Cube-themed showdown? It's a memorable kick-off to a memorable, historic, and beautiful happening. A Grand Parade on Sunday, Aug. 20 in Little Tokyo is one highlight of many, but there are other must-dos still to come throughout the week, with the lovely Ondo event rounding it all out ahead of the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 27. The dates for the dinners, dances, and other hallowed happenings? Be in the downtown neighborhood from Aug. 19 through 27.
California Hot Sauce Expo: Do you happily habañero? Then you'll want to find your way to the City National Grove of Anaheim on Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20. A Guinness Book of World Records Reaper Pepper Eating Contest is one hot-hot-hot highlight, but if you just want to shop the spicy merch and see the latest in caliente condiments, you can do that, too. Still, though, checking out the craft cocktail competition, and the burrito competition, too, might be high on your heat-it-up must-do list.
Art Deco Festival: What's the art-deco-iest place in all of Southern California? There are some major contenders for that title, but the Queen Mary, in Long Beach, is definitely one of the top spots, without argument. The fabled ocean-liner is undergoing some fixes right now, including a paint job, but this Aug. 19 and 20 party will celebrate its architecture and the style of the ship's first forays across the Atlantic (that was the 1930s). Some events are ticketed, so don your bowtie and fascinator and eye the roster now.
National Aviation Day: You don't need to purchase a plane ticket for Saturday, Aug. 19 to explore the wonders and marvels of flight. Just make wing for The Proud Bird, the recently refurbished restaurant that's just a hop/skip from LAX, and take a tour of the property, which includes 16 planes. There's a plane-themed cocktail, too, and a Make Your Own Plane craft for kids. The restaurant itself? It's now got a food bazaar vibe, if that further tempts you.
