Page 119 - 2019 Travel Guide to California

SPECIAL
»
EVENTS 2019
»
MUST
SEE,
DO
THE HOLLYWOOD REEL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Screens new feature
films, documentaries, shorts and videos by emerging filmmakers. Feb. 1-20 at multiple
venues and locations in Los Angeles. hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com
LOS ANGELES COMEDY FESTIVAL The nation’s largest comedy festival features film,
live comedy acts and a screenplay competition. Held twice a year at Let Live Theatre in
Los Angeles. April 4-14, Nov. 7-17. lacomedyfest.com
FESTIVAL OF BOOKS Meet hundreds of literary lights and browse the booths at one of
the largest book festivals in the country. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books cele-
brates its 24th year. April 13-14 at USC. events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks
LA FOOD FEST Follow your nose to this annual festival celebrating more than 100 of
LA’s food vendors, from top chefs and renowned restaurants to gourmet food trucks and
street food stalls. Sample libations too, including craft cocktails and tequila. See website
for date, location and other details. lafoodfest.com
LOTUS FESTIVAL This 39th annual celebration at Echo Park Lake celebrates the Asian
American community in Los Angeles. Enjoy live music, food, dance and dragon boat races
set against a backdrop of blooming lotus flowerbeds. Typically in July at Echo Park Lake in
Los Angeles. See website for details. facebook.com/lotusfestivalla
626 NIGHT MARKET Inspired by the bustling Asian night markets, this evening bazaar
will spice up your senses with more than 200 food vendors (tempting your taste buds
with skewers of beef, spiraled fried potatoes, stinky tofu and mango shave ice), per-
formers and retail booths. Entering its eighth year, this Asian-food festival is usually held
on four weekends in the summer at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. 626nightmarket.com
THE ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL Founded in 1984, this eco-conscious artisan and food
festival attracts many to this bohemian-chic area in Venice. Located on a one-mile stretch
on Abbot Kinney Blvd. from Venice Blvd. to Main Street. Sept. 29 in Venice.
abbotkinney.org
WEST HOLLYWOOD CARNAVAL Every Oct. 31 along Santa Monica Boulevard in West
Hollywood, more than 500,000 people attend the world’s largest Halloween street party.
Dress up in your favorite costume and prepare to dance the night away. visitwestholly-
wood.com/halloween-carnaval
CATCHING SUN ON A ROOFTOP in downtown Los Angeles, below; fun at the beach in
Santa Monica, opposite.
» Hollywood Walk Of Fame Launched on
Hollywood Boulevard at Vine Street in 1958, this
constellation of coral-pink terrazzo and brass sidewalk
stars honors film legends past and present. Among the
first honorees were Burt Lancaster and Joanne
Woodward—in 1994, Sophia Loren became the
2,000th star. Today there are more than 2,600 stars,
with typically two added monthly to the 15-block
stretch of the boulevard. Millions of visitors come
every year to find their favorite actors, directors,
musicians and other entertainment luminaries.
› walkoffame.com
» Santa Monica Pier Savor a Will Rogers Hot
Fudge Brownie Sundae, ride a vintage carousel, view
the area from the Ferris wheel (a movie celebrity in its
own right) and explore the theme park on this
century-old pier. Snap a selfie by the End of the Trail
sign on the pier for the legendary Route 66, which
ends its 2,450-mile journey here.
› santamonicapier.org
» Olvera Street Known as the birthplace of Los
Angeles, this section of LA was the town center during
the colonial era under Spanish and Mexican rule
through most of the 19th century. Some vendors are the
descendants of the original merchants in this
marketplace, established in 1930 to preserve and bring
back “old Los Angeles” and its customs. Absorb the scent
of tacos and sounds of mariachi music amid the street
stalls and old structures. Browse lucha libre (Mexican
wrestling) masks, Day of the Dead figurines, piñatas and
other souvenirs in this block-long Mexican marketplace
located in Los Angeles Plaza Historic District.
› olvera-street.com
» Venice Beach Boardwalk This 1.5-mile
pathway parallels the Pacific Ocean and is like a never-
ending carnival of LA’s most outrageous characters.
Stroll past vendors, and street performers trying to
impress you with their breakdancing or juggling.
Others may dress up as if every day is Halloween.
When you’re ready for a break, visit a restaurant or
juice bar, or simply walk down to the beach and soak
up some sun. And if you need souvenir T-shirts or
trinkets, or an affordable painting or photograph,
you’re bound to find it here.
› venicebeach.com/the-venice-beach-boardwalk
» See Improv, Sketch or Stand-up Comedy
So many great comedians came out of the clubs of Los
Angeles, and you can still catch rising stars honing their
craft or legendary veterans trying out new material.
Notable clubs and improv troupes include The
Groundlings, Hollywood Improv Comedy Club, Laugh
Factory, Upright Citizens Brigade and Comedy Store.
› thecomedybureau.com/los-angeles-comedy-show-
calendars
›discoverlosangeles.com/blog/comedy-clubs-los-angeles
2019 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA 117