LA County Fair opens: The event that's often billed as the country's largest county fair is rolling at a good clip in the direction of its centennial, but that's still a couple of years off. Still, "rolling" is the 2018 vibe, as Route 66 is the theme, so look for treats priced at $6.60, displays celebrating the Mother Road, and other nostalgic peeks at the famous thoroughfare. Also ruling the Pomona bash, which baas and bleats from Aug. 31 through Sept. 23 (on select dates)? Fried foods (hello, deep-fried filet mignon), a mega midway, major concerts, cute farm animals, and all of the craft-tastic competitions. Tickets, special deals, and more? So much here.
LA Fleet Week: Hop on the tour of a ship, take in a concert, catch a film, and learn a bunch at an equipment demonstration? There are so many to-dos at this truly out-sized, oh-so-eventful happening at the Port of LA Waterfront. Sail your own ship, or, er, wheels for San Pedro from Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 for the annual "... multi-day celebration of our nation's Sea Services." One of the thrills of the Labor Day festivity? The up-in-the-sky aerial shows, but there's lots to do on terra firma, too. You're bound to find an interesting pursuit, but best check the schedule, and date, before you go Pedro.
Orange International Street Fair: So you have heard of the long-running festival that's focused on the foods of the world? And you know that this street scene groups the delish grub by country or global region, so if you want to dine in Mexico, or Australia, all you need to do is glance at a map, grab your cash, and stroll in that direction? This is it, it is in Orange, it happens on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, and it has been a tummy-pleasing community staple since 1973. Plot out all the plates you'd like to try by glancing at a map before you go. Or, simply show and surprise yourself with a few new-to-you tastes.
Broad Fest: A spirited Sunday afternoon spent at The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica, soaking up live tunes and cultural good times, all for free? That's the ever-beloved Broad Fest, and it will run for five festive hours on Sunday, Sept. 2. The get-up-and-move tunes at the family-nice happening include "contemporary Armenian groove" as well as Afro-Caribbean funk, jazz, R&B, and lots more. There's DJ grooves, too, to keep the holiday weekend flow strong. Arrive at 2 p.m., shake it through to 7, and know that, oh yeah, parking is free in addition to the free admission.
Final Week: Communing with the Count? Splashing down Jurassic Park — The Ride one last time? Playing at Pixar Fest? When Labor Day Weekend arrives, a number of summery pursuits begin to wrap. So best check out your favorite pop up or event to make sure it is continuing into September, or make for the Skirball Cultural Center, where the Jim Henson exhibit is shuttering, or Universal Studios Hollywood, where Jurassic Park — The Ride is closing to make way for a "Jurassic World" ride, or Disneyland Resort, where Pixar Fest is somersaulting away.
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