2011 Extras

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2011 EXTRAS

As an "extra" for site visitors, this page lists a few other things you can get or do for free this summer. The page also incorporates the same type of information as found on the site's Twitter page. Some events/activities may be open only to residents of certain cities; others are open to the general public. Check with the sponsoring venue if you are unsure. The list below is a dynamic list; it is updated over the course of the summer as information is received. Input from visitors is welcome, too! (Latest Update: September 25) Click on a category below to go directly to the section, or scroll down the page.

ART WALKS/ART OPEN HOUSES
CAR SHOWS
FARMERS MARKETS
FROM TOTS TO TEENS AND FAMILIES
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
LECTURES/LECTURE SERIES
LIBRARIES
MISC. FREE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND WEB OFFERS
MOVIES
MUSEUMS
NATURE CENTERS/PROGRAMS/EVENTS
SENIORS
SHAKESPEARE/THEATER/PERFORMING ARTS/MUSIC
SPECIAL EVENTS/OTHER
SPORTS/RECREATION

ART WALKS/ART OPEN HOUSES

This Month/October Only

LONG BEACH - SoundWalk. The Long Beach SoundWalk is an annual ear-oriented art event produced by the Long Beach artist group FLOOD. This year's event will take place from 5 - 10 p.m. on Oct. 1 in various indoor and outdoor locations in the East Village Arts District. Information: (562) 413-5868 or www.soundwalk.org
LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Brewery Fall ArtWalk. The Brewery Fall ArtWalk will take place on October 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Brewery is located on N. Main Street at the 5 Freeway. Information: (323) 223-6089 or http://breweryartwalk.com

Ongoing

ANAHEIM - Downtown Anaheim ArtCrawl Experience. This new event beginning in 2011 will continue quarterly on the second Saturday of the month from 5 - 8 p.m. The progressive art walk will begin at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center, 250 Center Street. See website for maps and details. Next event is in November. Information: (714) 956-3586 or www.downtownanaheim.com, go to "Events" or "ArtCrawl Experience."
CLAREMONT - First Friday Art Walk. Every first Friday of the month from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Claremont Village. Art demos and live entertainment. Information: (909) 624-1681 or www.claremontchamber.org
FULLERTON - First Friday Art Walk. New event as of March 2010. Every first Friday of the month from 6 - 9 p.m. in Downtown Fullerton. Art events and exhibition openings; map available on website. Information: (714) 879-1993 or http://www.fullertonartwalk.com
HOLLYWOOD/LOS ANGELES - Los Feliz Art Walk. Every first Friday of the month. See website for details. Information: (323) 667-1212 or http://www.losfelizartwalk.org
HUNTINGTON BEACH - Third Wednesdays Art Walk. ArtWalk will take place every third Wednesday of the month from 6 - 9 p.m. in downtown Huntington Beach on Main Street, Fifth Street and a number of individual locations. Maps will be available at each art stop. Information: (714) 536-8300 or http://www.hbdowntown.com
LAGUNA BEACH - First Thursdays Art Walk. Every first Thursday of the month from 6 - 9 p.m. in downtown Laguna. Information: (949) 683-6871 or http://www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com
LONG BEACH - Second Saturday Art Walk in the East Village Arts District. Every second Saturday of the month from 4 - 10 p.m. Art, street performances, and music in the East Village Arts District area, Linden Ave., 1st Street, Broadway, Elm. Information: (562) 682-9735 or http://www.artwalklb.com
LONG BEACH (BIXBY KNOLLS) - First Fridays on Atlantic Avenue. Art, a variety of entertainment and other exhibits along Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls on the first Friday of each month. Information: (562) 595-0081 or www.firstfridayslongbeach.com
LONG BEACH - 3rd Thursday Artwalk at Shoreline Village. Shoreline Village, 423 Shoreline Village Drive, holds an artwalk every third Thursday of the month from 5 - 9 p.m. The event includes art, music, and food and drink specials at participating restaurants. Information: (562) 437-3734 or www.shorelinevillage.com
LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN) - Downtown L.A. Artwalk. Every second Thursday of the month from noon - 9 p.m. Information: (213) 624-6212 or www.downtownartwalk.com
LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN) - Chinatown Art Nights. Quarterly art nights in the alleyways and courtyards of Chinatown from 6 - 9 p.m., with more than 30 galleries participating. Check for next date. Information: (213) 680-0243 or www.chinatownla.com
LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN) - Citizen LA Downtown Art Park. Citizen LA Magazine's "Downtown Art Park" is now taking place at The Medallion, 334 S. Main Street in downtown Los Angeles. Artists, performers and vendors participate in the monthly event which runs from 3 - 10 p.m. Check website for current date(s). Information: (213) 626-0039, www.downtownartpark.com or www.themedallionla.com.
LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Leimert Park Village Art Walk. The Leimert Park Village Art Walk takes place every last Sunday of the month along the streets of 43rd Place and Degnan Boulevard from 2 - 8 p.m. Local cultural spaces, art studios and storefronts will host art exhibits, spoken word and music programs, children's activities and more. Information: www.leimertparkbeat.com/events.
LOS ANGELES (EAST) - Summer Arts Fest 2011. Upcoming dates will be August 6 and September 3. Summer Arts Fest events will take place at the East Los Angeles Civic Center/Belvedere Lakeside Amphitheater, 480 East Third Street. ArtWalk is from 4 - 7 p.m. and concerts/interactive dance or drumming sessions start at 7 p.m. Information: (323) 260-2360, www.lacountyparks.org or www.parks.lacounty.gov.
LOS ANGELES (MID-WILSHIRE/MUSEUM DISTRICT) - Miracle Mile Art Walk. More than 40 galleries and museums hold the ArtWalk four times a year. See website for quarterly details. Information: (323) 651-3512, www.miraclemileartwalk.com or www.midcitywest.org
LOS ANGELES (NORTHEAST) - Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) Artwalk. Every second Saturday of the month in the Highland Park area of Northeast Los Angeles from 7 - 10 p.m. Information: www.nelaart.org
LOS ANGELES (WEST) - Annenberg Space For Photography. Not an artwalk, but regular exhibits, lectures and slide shows in a space "dedicated to exhibiting digital and print photography in an intimate environment." Located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Century City. Information: (213) 403-3000 or www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org
MONROVIA - Summer Art Walks. 2011 Summer Art Walks will take place on June 25, July 30 and August 27 from 7 - 10 p.m. on the 400 - 600 blocks of Myrtle Avenue in Old Town Monrovia. Information: (626) 303-6600, www.monroviafinearts.org or www.cityofmonrovia.org.
ONTARIO - Ontario Emporia Arts District ArtWalk and Studio Tour. The ArtWalk and Studio Tour takes place the third Saturday of every other month from 6 - 10 p.m. at 211 - 223 Emporia Street and 119 W. Transit Street in Ontario. Events will take place in February, April, June, August, October and December. Information: (909) 437-6962
POMONA - Metro Pomona Art Walk. Music, food and art every second Saturday of the month in the Pomona Arts Colony off Garey Avenue between Holt and Mission Boulevard. Hours are from 6 - 9 p.m. Also Metro Night Out on the last Saturday of the month from 6 - 9 p.m. with some galleries open, a car show and farmers market. Information: (909) 261-5004 or www.metropomona.com
RIVERSIDE - First Thursdays Arts Walk. Arts Walk is from 6 - 9 p.m. in the downtown Riverside area; includes Riverside Museum. Information: (951) 682-6737, (951) 826-5273, www.riversideculturalconsortium.org or www.riversideca.gov/museum
SAN CLEMENTE - Village Art Fair. First Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. along Avenida Del Mar. Information: (949) 218-5378 or www.villagesanclemente.com.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO - Second Saturday Art Fair. Over 50 juried fine artists, craftsmen and musicians along the sidewalks of downtown SJC from the Mission to Los Rios Street, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Information: (949) 493-4700 or www.sjcartfair.org
SANTA ANA - Downtown Santa Ana Artists Village Open House. Every first Saturday of the month from 7 - 10 p.m., Second and Broadway area. Exhibits and occasional performances vary from month to month. Information: (714) 564-5625, www.aplaceforart.org www.santaanaartsdistrict.com, www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us
SANTA ANA - Santiago Art District ArtWalk. Artwalks are on the third Saturday of the month beginning at 7 p.m. in the Santiago Art District at Santiago Street Lofts, Santa Ana Boulevard between Santiago Street and Poinsettia Street. Parking at Santa Ana Train Depot. Information: www.santiagoartdistrict.com
SAN PEDRO - First Thursday ArtWalk. On the first Thursday of each month, open galleries and studios, street vendors and entertainment in the downtown San Pedro arts district. Event is from 5 - 9 p.m. in downtown San Pedro between 4th and 8th Streets. Information: www.1stthursday.com
TORRANCE - Art in the Park. Art in the Park is presented by the Torrance Artists' Guild, the South Bay Watercolor Society, and the Torrance Craftsmen's Guild. The event takes place every first Sunday of the month (through October) from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Columbia Park, 4045 190th Street. Information: (310) 316-5223, (310) 547-5097 or www.torranceca.gov
VENICE - Venice Art Crawl. New Venice event began August 19 from 6 - 10 p.m. at locations north and south of Windward Avenue. The Art Crawl will continue on third Thursday of month with new "pop-up galleries" and future venues to be added. Information: www.veniceartcrawl.com.

CAR SHOWS

CLAREMONT - Village Grille Cruise Nite. The Cruise Night takes place every second Saturday of the month through October from 5 - 8:30 p.m. The event features a large display of classic cars on the streets of Claremont Village. Information: (909) 626-8813 or www.thevillageclaremont.com.

COVINA - Thunderfest Car Show and Music Festival. The 2011 Thunderfest and Music Festival will take place from 1 - 8 p.m. on Oct. 1 along and around Citrus Avenue in downtown Covina. Thunderfest features over 200 vintage and custom street rods and over 50 NHRA race cars. The Music Festival will include on four outdoor and several indoor stages. There will also be a business expo, food and drink vendors and more. Information: (626) 384-5340 or www.covinaca.gov.

REDONDO BEACH - 8th Annual Rods, Rides and Relics Show. The 8th Annual Rods, Rides and Relics Classic Car Show will take place on the Redondo Pier on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Information: www.redondopier.com.

FARMERS MARKETS

Several area Farmers Markets have weekly entertainment, though not always music. Markets with occasional entertainment or for which no published band schedule has been located will be listed here. If a schedule is forwarded, the concerts will be listed in the regular concert listings portion of the site.

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Surf City Nights. Event is from 5 - 9 p.m. on Main Street (between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Avenue). There will be street entertainers/live performances, an organic farmers market, food booths, activities for children, sidewalk sales by area merchants and more. Free parking for two hours in the Main Promenade parking structure between 4 and 8:30 p.m. Information: (714) 841-3034 or www.hbdowntown.com.
LA VERNE - Old Town La Verne Family Festival and Farmers Market. The farmer's market and festival takes place Thursday evenings from 5:30 - 9 p.m. The event includes the market, craft booths, musical entertainment, children's rides, food vendors and more. Activities are on "D" and Third Street south of Bonita Avenue. Information: (909) 596-8706 or www.ci.la-verne.ca.us.
MONROVIA - Friday Night Family Festival. The Friday Night Family Festival take place from 5 - 10 p.m. every night through fall along Myrtle Avenue in Old Town Monrovia. There is a farmers market, craft and merchandise booths, food vendors, music and a kids' zone. Information: (626) 932-5550 or www.cityofmonrovia.org.
REDLANDS - Redlands Market Night. Redlands Market Night takes place every Thursday in downtown Redlands dein 6 - 9 p.m. Highlights include a farmers market, food, a variety of vendors, and entertainment for the whole family. Information: (909) 798-7629, www.downtownredlands.com or www.ci.redlands.ca.us.
WHITTIER - Whittier Uptown Sunday Market Place. The Sunday Market Place will be from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Uptown Whittier in the parking lot off Greenleaf Avenue between Hadley and Bailey. There will be a farmers market, music and artisan vendors. Information: (562) 696-2662 or www.whittieruptown.org.

FROM TOTS TO TEENS AND FAMILIES

COVINA - Free Family Game Day. The free family game day is held once a month on Saturdays from noon - 4 p.m. in the Community Room of the Covina Public Library, 234 N. Second Avenue. Next date: September 10. Information: (626) 384-5300 or www.covinaca.gov.
RIVERSIDE - Discovery Days at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum. Discovery Days programs are designed for children ages 10 and under and take place every third Wednesday of the month from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Programs include hands-on activities, live plants and animals and animal experts. The museum is located at 3580 Mission Inn Avenue at Orange. Information: (951) 826-5273 or www.riversideca.gov/museum.

WEST COVINA - "FryDayz" at C3. "FryDayz" at C3 (the Cameron Community Center) are for teens ages 12 - 17 on the second and fourth Friday of each month. Events take place from 6 - 9 p.m. and include movies, snacks, Wii games and more. All activities are free, but teens must have a waiver on file to participate. The Cameron Community Center is located at 1305 Cameron Avenue. Information: (626) 919-6966 or www.westcovina.org.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Having a birthday soon? Why not celebrate? Many organizations offer free food or other goods on your birthday if you give them an e-mail address/join their e-clubs. Examples of some available offers are listed below. Be sure to read all the details/conditions on the company/organization's website before agreeing to any offers.

ACAPULCO RESTAURANTS - Free guacamole now, free entree on your birthday when you sign up for the Acapulco e-mail club. Information: www.acapulcorestaurants.com.
BASKIN ROBBINS - Free ice cream on your birthday at Baskin Robbins when you sign up on their website. Information: www.baskinrobbins.com.
BENIHANA RESTAURANTS - Birthday Dinner Offer. Sign up for Benihana's "Chef's Table" newsletter with an e-mail address, get a certificate for $30 free toward your birthday dinner. Information: www.benihana.com.
CATALINA EXPRESS - Catalina Express is celebrating their 30th anniversary by giving anyone a free pass to anyone who wants to go to Catalina Island on their birthday. You must pre-register online, then make boat reservations online or by the phone number listed for the day of travel. See other details online. Information: (800) 995-4386 (reservations), (800) 481-3470 or www.catalinaexpress.com.
DEL TACO - Get two free chicken soft tacos now plus a birthday treat for joining the Del Taco Raving Fan eClub. Information: www.deltaco.com/coupons.html.
GLEN IVY - In 2011, enjoy complimentary admission on your birthday to historic Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona. Identification with birth date required. Regular fees apply for all spa services. Information: 1-888-GLENIVY or www.glenivy.com.
HOOTERS - Join Hooters Hoot Club, get special e-mail offers and a free entree (up to $7.99 value) on your birthday. Information: www.hooters.com.
MALL GIFT CARD - Register for online news or at birthday club (see website) and get a $10 gift card on your birthday at one of three malls: South Bay Galleria (Redondo Beach), Promenade Temecula (Temecula) or Victoria Gardens (Rancho Cucamonga). Information: www.mybdayclub.com.
RED ROBIN RESTAURANTS - Free burger on your birthday. Stop in any Red Robin and pick up a Red Royalty card, then register the card online. Information: www.redrobin.com/redroyalty.
SAN MANUEL CASINO, SAN BERNARDINO - San Manuel celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year with a birthday treat for all on their birthdays. Sign up for San Manuel's Club Serrano (no fee, can be done online). Members will receive free slot play, a food coupon, 25th birthday cap and a piece of birthday cake when they come in on their birthday. If you can't make it in on your birthday but come in during your birthday month, members will receive ten dollars in free slot play. Information: www.sanmanuel.com.
TGI FRIDAYS - Free dessert or appetizer now plus free line pass; free birthday treat when you join TGI Friday's "Give Me More Stripes." Information: www.tgifridays.com.
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE - Free smoothie on your birthday from Tropical Smoothie Cafe when you join Club Tropical online. Information: www.tropicalsmoothie.com.

LECTURES/LECTURE SERIES

"ALOUD" AT THE LOS ANGELES CENTRAL LIBRARY - Lecture series. Most programs begin at 7 p.m. in the Central Library's Mark Taper Auditorium. Wide variety of topics. Reservations required. Series continues through July, takes a break in August and returns in September. Information: (213) 228-7025 or www.aloudla.org.
CERRITOS LIBRARY EVENTS. - John Borack. Author John Borack will discuss his book "John Lennon: Life is What Happens," a biography of the legendary singer. The book of music, memories and memorabilia celebrates Lennon's timeless music and enduring legacy. The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27 in the library Skyline Room, and the library is located in the Cerritos Civic Center at 18025 Bloomingdale. Information: (562) 916-1342 or www.cerritos.us.
"IRIS NIGHTS" LECTURE SERIES AND OTHER EVENTS AT THE ANNENBERG SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. - Photography-related lectures and events. Thursday night IRIS Lectures, Slide Shows and other events are at the Annenberg Space for Photography, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City. Reservations recommended. Information: (213) 403-3000 or www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org.
JIM J'S JUKEBOX AT THE BEVERLY HILLS LIBRARY. The monthly series features American Songbook buff Jim Jimirro. Jimirro is the founding president of the Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Video, and current Chairman of the Board of the National Lampoon. He will shares facts, behind-the-scenes anecdotes and music from his collection. This month's event takes place at 7 p.m. on September 14 in the 2nd floor auditorium of the Beverly Hills Public Library, 444 N. Rexford Drive. Other upcoming dates are October 12 and December 7. Information: (310) 288-2220 or www.bhpl.org.
LA OPERA "OPERA TALKS" - Opera Talks are 50-minute interactive presentations led by Los Angeles Opera community educators. Talks take place at various Los Angeles County libraries, and upcoming dates are listed below. Phone numbers included are for the library in which the lecture takes place. Sept 6: Redondo Beach at 6:30 p.m. - Topic: Eugene Onegin, (310) 318-0675; Sept 10: Artesia at 2 p.m. - Topic: Introduction to Opera, (562) 865-6614; Sept 11: Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library at 2 p.m. - Topic: Eugene Onegin, (626) 307-1368; Sept 13: Platt Library Woodland Hills at 6:45 p.m. - Topic: Cosi fan Tutte, (818) 340-9386; Sept 17: Glendale Brand Library at 2 p.m. - Topic: Cosi fan Tutte, (818) 548-2051; Sept 17: Santa Monica Main Library at 3 p.m. - Topic: Eugene Onegin, (310) 458-8600; and Sept 18: San Marino Crowell Library AT 2 p.m. - Topic: Cosi fan Tutte, (626) 300-0777 . Information: www.laopera.com, go to "Community."
USC "VISIONS AND VOICES" PROGRAM SERIES. - "Visions and Voices" events include lectures, performances, films and a variety of other programs both on the USC campus and in a variety of locations throughout Los Angeles. Some programs are open only to USC students, staff and faculty. Others are open to the general public, and many programs require reservations. See website for full schedule and additional information. Information: www.usc.edu/visionsandvoices.
ZOCALO PUBLIC SQUARE LECTURE SERIES - Series of public lectures in a variety of locations throughout the Los Angeles area and on a variety of topics. Information: www.zocalopublicsquare.org.

LIBRARIES

CITY AND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY PERFORMANCES AND PROGRAMS - Libraries throughout Southern California regularly offer patrons a variety of free performances, workshops and other events/activities. It is recommended that you check your local library website often for the best information. Some Southern California library system links include:

Los Angeles County Library System - www.colapublib.org
Los Angeles Public Library - www.lapl.org
Orange County Public Libraries - www.ocpl.org
Riverside County Libraries - www.riverside.lib.ca.us
San Bernardino County Libraries - www.sbcounty.gov/library/home
City Libraries: For individual city libraries which are not part of a library system, check directly with your local library.
YOUTH/TEEN SUMMER READING PROGRAMS - Many libraries offer free summer reading programs for youth and/or teens. Some are limited time programs, and some last the duration of the summer. Check with your local library for availability and details.

MISC. FREE PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND WEB OFFERS

Many local and national companies and organizations provide special free offers during the year. Some are open to all; some are open only to specific audiences. Check for availability. Most, but not all, require some type of online registration or submitting an e-mail address to qualify. Read all details/conditions of offers before accepting. Some of the currently-available offers/products/services include:

BEN AND JERRYS - Free scoop of ice cream when you join Ben and Jerry's "Chunk Mail" online. See site for store locations. Also, follow Ben and Jerrys on Twitter to find our where their Scoop Truck will be dishing up free ice cream treats. Information: www.benjerry.com.
CHICK-FIL-A - Chick-Fil-A offers free food for a year (one meal a week for 52 weeks) to the first 100 people at their restaurants at 6 a.m. on the morning a new store opens. If there are fewer than 100 people in line, each person gets the free meals for a year. If there are more than 100 people in line, a raffle is held. See details on website. Upcoming local store openings include Hollywood on Sunset at a date TBA. Information: www.chick-fil-a.com, go to locations, 1st 100.
CHILIS RESTAURANTS - Join Chilis e-mail, get a free order of chips and queso. Information: www.chilis.com.
DAVE AND BUSTERS - Free $10 of game play for joining Dave and Busters Rewards Club. Submit e-mail address. Check for details. Information: www.daveandbusters.com.
DENTAL CARE - Dentistry from the Heart provides free dental care for those in need at specific locations on specific days. See website for upcoming dates, locations and other information. Information: www.dentistryfromtheheart.org.
DER WIENERSCHNITZEL - Get a free original chili dog from Der Wienerschnitzel when you sign up for their Wiener Lover's Club. Information: www.wienerschnitzel.com.
FREECYCLE.ORG - The Freecycle Network is a grassroots/nonprofit movement of people in local communities giving/getting stuff for free. Information: www.freecycle.org.
GODIVA CHOCOLATES - Get a free piece of Godiva Chocolate every month when you sign up for their Rewards Club. Information: www.godiva.com.
IHOP - Get a free meal now, plus one on your birthday, plus another on your first anniversary of joining IHOP's Pancake Revolution. Sign up online. Information: www.ihop.com.
LA COUNTY FAIR - The L.A. County Fair runs through October 2. This year the fair is holding special college days. Students, faculty and staff will be given free admission on their respective college days, and dressing in school colors is encouraged. For a list of schools and days, visit the "Promotion" section of the website. There is also free admission on Thursdays from noon - 6 p.m. with the donation of one new or gently used book. Information: www.lacountyfair.com.
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (MIT) - Take MIT courses from home. Over 1900 courses are offered through the web in their open university program. No registration is required. Information: www.ocw.mit.edu.
OLIN MILLS - Free new baby portrait offer (one 8x10, 2 5x7's, 8 wallet-sized pictures). See details and print coupon from website. Information: www.olinmills.com/coupons/11freecoupon.asp.
OPERATION SAUCE DROP - Free gift box of specialty sauces to U.S. military with an APO or FPO address. See details at "Operation Sauce Drop" on website. Information: www.carolinasauce.com.
SEA WORLD - Admission to Sea World is free for active military and up to three dependents. Offer is valid through December 31. Registration is required; see details on website. Information: www.herosalute.com or www.seaworld.com.

MOVIES

Some of the most popular free summer programs are the free outdoor summer movies offered by many cities or organizations. Most of the city-sponsored movies are "G" or "PG" rated family films. Some of this summer's movies include (with many more to come):

ARCADIA - Foreign films are screened every second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Arcadia Public Library (18 and over only). Information: (626) 574-5113 (recreation), (626) 821-5569 (library) or www.ci.arcadia.ca.us
HOLLYWOOD - Contemporary Documentaries. This season's films are feature-length and short documentaries drawn from the 2010 Academy Award nominees, plus other innovative and important films from the year. Screenings are Wednesdays at 7 p.m. beginning September 21 at the Linwood Dunn Theater, 1313 Vine Avenue. Seating is limited and on a first-come basis; doors open at 6 p.m. Information: (310) 247-3000 or www.oscars.org, go to "Events and Exhibits."
LAGUNA NIGUEL - Next film will be on September 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Crown Valley Community Park amphitheater. Call for film information. Bring a blanket or low chair. Information: (949) 425-5100 or www.ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us.
LONG BEACH - "Pajama Party" Movie Nights. Pajama Party Movie Nights (ages 10 and under) take place every third Wednesday of the month from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Long Beach Towne Center, 7575 Carson Boulevard. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Information: www.longbeachtownecenter.net.

LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Friday Night Flicks at Pershing Square. Movies are Fridays at dusk in Pershing Square, Olive/5th Street. Films for September will be Sept. 9 - Hair Spray, Sept. 16 - Saturday Night Fever, Sept. 23 - Inception, and Sept. 30 - Xanadu. Films continue through October. Information: (213) 847-4970 or www.laparks.org/pershingsquare.

LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Outside the Box [Office] at USC. Outside the Box [Office] is the Cinema School's ongoing weekly showcase for upcoming international, documentary and independent cinema. All screenings are free of charge and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. All screenings will be overbooked to ensure capacity. To subscribe to the mailing list for upcoming events, e-mail the word "Subscribe" to aago@cinema.usc.edu. You can also find a list of films with reservation links by going to the Outside the Box [Office] link at the website listed. Information: (213) 740-2330 or http://cinema.usc.edu/events/index.cfm.

MISSION VIEJO - Movies of Character. Monthly "Movies of Character" are screened at Mission Viejo City Hall at 2 p.m. September movie TBA. Mission Viejo City Hall is located at Marguerite/La Paz. Information: (949) 470-3094 or www.cityofmissionviejo.org.

SANTA MONICA - Movies on the Deck at Santa Monica Place. "Classic Favorites Under the Stars" will be screened Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on the Level 3 Dining Deck at Santa Monica Place. September films include Sept 14 - Goldfinger, Sept 21 - American Graffiti and Sept 28 - Viva Las Vegas. Films continue through October 26. Information: (310) 260-8333 or www.santamonicaplace.com.

SANTA MONICA - Movies at the Santa Monica Public Libraries. Regular film series include Monthly Movie Classics, Film Noir Classics, the "Maybe You Missed It" Movie Series and others. Information: (310) 458-8600 or www.smpl.org.

MUSEUMS

BOWERS MUSEUM - Target Sundays are every first Sunday of the month. General admission to the museum is also free, and family programs are generally from about 12:30 - 3 p.m. (see concert pages). Museum address is 2002 N. Main Street in Santa Ana. Information: (714) 567-3100 or www.bowers.org

CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM - Target Sundays are every first Sunday of the month. Hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Live programs generally begin about 1 p.m. General admission to the museum is also free. Museum address is 600 State Drive in Exposition Park (Los Angeles Coliseum area). Information: (213) 744-2132, (213) 744-7432 or www.caamuseum.org
CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER - Free exhibit through December 31: 1001 Inventions - Discover the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization. 1001 Inventions is a global educational initiative that promotes awareness of scientific and cultural achievements from the "Golden Age" of Muslim civilization and how those contributions helped build the modern world. The California Science Center is located in Exposition Park next to the Coliseum. Information: www.californiasciencecenter.org or www.1001inventions.com/exhibition.
CHINO YOUTH MUSEUM - The Chino Youth Museum offers Free First Friday programs from 3 - 5 p.m. Programs include art projects, snacks, time to explore the museum, exhibits and entertainment. Also for July, first 1000 people at Museum get in free. The museum is located at 13191 6th Street in Chino, one block north of the Chino Transit Center. Information: (909) 464-0499.
THE GETTY CENTER - Free admission; parking is $15, but free after 5 p.m. The museum does not require parking reservations. Off the 405 Freeway at Getty Center Drive. There are a variety of art-related and storytelling activities for children and families, free programs, lectures and movies, and more. See the museum's calendar for listing of events and programs. Information: (310) 440-7300 or www.getty.edu
HOMESTEAD MUSEUM - Free admissions and programs like behind-the-Scenes tours and children's storytelling hours. Some programs require reservations. The museum is at 15415 East Don Julian Road in the City of Industry. Information: (626) 968-8492 or www.homesteadmuseum.org.
HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS AND BOTANICAL GARDENS - Free admission the first Thursday of every month. Tickets are required and reservations become available on the first date of the month prior to the visit (i.e. reservations for the first Thursday in August become available starting July 1). Reservations for free days fill up quickly. Also, check monthly schedules for free lectures and other presentations. Information: (626) 405-2100 or www.huntington.org
THE IRVINE MUSEUM OF ART - The Irvine Museum of Art is a small OC museum dedicated to the preservation and display of California art of the Impressionist period (1890 - 1930). 18881 Von Karman Street, Irvine, Ground Level. Admission policy changed this year. Admission free now only for seniors, students and children. Information: (714) 476-2565 or http://www.irvinemuseum.org/
LA HABRA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - The Children's Museum at La Habra offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month for the Target Free Saturdays program. Upcoming Target Free Saturdays programs are July 2 - July is Just for Fun! and August 6 - August Animal Adventures. Information: (562) 905-9793 or www.lhcm.org/
LONG BEACH MUSEUM OF ART - Admission to the Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday. Museum address is 2300 East Ocean Boulevard. Information: (562) 439-2119 or www.lbma.org
LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART (LACMA) - Admission to the museum's regular exhibits is free every second Tuesday of the month and on a pay-as-you-wish basis after 5 p.m., 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles. A schedule of Target Free Holiday Mondays can also be found on the museum website, as well as information on other free lectures and performances. Information: (323) 857-6000 or www.lacma.org
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS - BANK OF AMERICA "MUSEUMS ON US" PROGRAM - Over 70 museums nationwide are now offering free admission on the first weekend of every month for anyone showing a Bank of America check, ATM or credit card. Visit website for list of museums. Information: www.bankofamerica.com/museums.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MOCA). Admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Thursdays from 5 - 8 p.m., 250 S. Grand Avenue. Information: www.moca.org.
THE MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART - LONG BEACH Free Target Sundays programs include special activities each month with a variety of family-oriented art workshops and/or music. Address is 628 Alamitos Avenue. Information: (562) 437-1689 or www.molaa.org/
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - The Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Boulevard at Exposition Park in the downtown Los Angeles/USC campus vicinity, offers free museum admission every first Tuesday of the month. Information: (213) 763-3466 or www.nhm.org
ONTARIO MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART - The Museum is located in the Historic Old City Hall Building, 225 South Euclid. Hours are noon - 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and admission is free. Also a variety of art and public programs. Information: (909) 983-3198 or www.ci.ontario.ca.us
ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART - The Orange County Museum of Art offers Target Free Second Saturdays with free admission and family-friendly activities. The Museum is located at 850 San Clemente Drive near the Fashion Island shopping center. Information: (949) 759-1122 or www.ocma.net
SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER - The Skirball Cultural Center is open with free admission every Thursday, and also a variety of both free and fee performances and activities. Includes Passport Screenings of films one Saturday per month. The Center is located off the 405 Freeway at the Skirball Drive exit. Information: (310) 440-4500 or www.skirball.org
UCLA FOWLER MUSEUM - The museum regularly offers free admission and a variety of free music, film and art-related programs. The Fowler Museum is located on the UCLA campus. Information: (310) 825-4361 or http://www.fowler.ucla.edu
UCLA HAMMER MUSEUM The museum offers a wide selection of lectures, poetry readings, music and other programs and performances. See the event calendar on museum website for a full schedule of events. 10899 Wilshire Boulevard at Westwood. Information: (310) 443-7000 or http://www.hammer.ucla.edu

NATURE CENTERS/PROGRAMS/EVENTS

BOLSA CHICA WETLANDS TOURS (HUNTINGTON BEACH) - Free Bolsa Chica Wetlands tours every first Saturday of the month. Tours depart every 15 minutes from 9 - 10:30 a.m. No reservations required. Meet at the south lot of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, across the street from the main entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach. Information: (714) 840-1575 or www.amigosdebolsachica.org/
IRVINE RANCH CONSERVANCY ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS - The Irvine Ranch Conservatory and the City of Irvine offer a variety of free hiking, mountain biking, and interpretive programs aw will as wilderness access days in Bommer Canyon, Hicks Canyon, Quail Hill Trail Head and other areas. Though many are free, advance registration is required. Register at website listed. Information: (949) 724-6610 or www.irlandmarks.org.
RANCHO LOS CERRITOS, LONG BEACH - Free garden tours of Rancho Los Cerritos are offered every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Living history tours are offered the first, third and fifth Sunday of the month from 1 - 4 p.m. Rancho Los Cerritos is located at 4600 Virginia Road. Information: (562) 570-1755 or www.rancholoscerritos.org.
ROGERS GARDENS, COSTA MESA - Free weekend gardening lectures most months. Ongoing; variety of topics. Information: (949) 640-5800 or www.rogersgardens.com.
SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA - Quarterly publication "OUTDOORS" listing all available programs (both free and fee) is available by writing to the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, 401 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360. Also order online at web address. Information: www.samofund.org/
TORRANCE/MADRONA MARSH PROGRAMS - Nature Walks are every fourth weekend of the month on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. - noon. Explore the preserve with a trained docent. Birds of Madrona - a walk with Bob Shanman programs are every second Wednesday of the month from 8 - 10 a.m. The Madrona Marsh Nature Center is located at 3201 Plaza Del Amo. Information: (310) 782-3989, www.torraceca.gov or www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com

SENIORS

BUENA PARK - Legal Aid for Seniors - A paralegal from the Legal Aid Society is available to seniors over 60 to provide free legal advice regarding Social Security, housing, health care and consumer matters. The service is available every 3rd Thursday of the month, and appointments are necessary. Information: (714) 236-3860 or www.buenapark.com.
DIAMOND BAR - Game Afternoons - Seniors can enjoy an afternoon of card games, board games, bridge, mahjong and other games on Wednesdays from noon - 4 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Center, 1600 Grand Avenue. Information: (909) 839-7070 or www.cityofdiamondbar.com.
DOWNEY - At the Movies - Movies are screened in the TV Room at the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center, 7810 Quill Drive, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. Also Chess and Checkers 1 - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; board games, cards and puzzles 8:30 - 11 a.m. Mondays (except 1st Monday) and 1 - 4 p.m. Tuesday. Legal assistance days are July 12 and August 9. Information: (562) 904-7223 or www.downeyca.org.
GLENDORA - Movies at the La Fetra Center - A program for older adults with movie screenings at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays at the La Fetra Center living room, 333 E. Foothill Boulevard. Information: (626) 914-0560 or www.ci.glendora.ca.us.
LA MIRADA - At The Movies - A program for older adults with movie screenings at 12:30 on Thursdays in the La Mirada Activity Center, 13810 La Mirada Boulevard. Free popcorn and punch served. Also, free weekly open play card games. Mondays - Bridge from 12:15 - 3:30, Tuesdays - Pinochle from 12:15 - 3:30, Wednesdays - Canasta from 12:15 - 3:30. Other games as well. Also at La Mirada Activity Center. Information: (562) 902-3160 or http://www.cityoflamirada.org.
MONTEBELLO - Senior Movie Day - Senior Movie Day will take place every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. beginning June 22. Movies will be screened at the Montebello Senior Citizen Center, 115 S. Taylor. Ask staff for movie schedule. Information: (323) 887-4575 or www.cityofmontebello.com.
UPLAND - Summer Movie Nights - Summer Movie Nights take place at 6 p.m. at the Gibson Senior Center, 250 N. 3rd Avenue. Upcoming classic films will be "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" on Aug. 17 and "An Affair to Remember" on Aug. 31. Information: (909) 981-4501 or www.ci.upland.ca.us.
WHITTIER - Favorite Flicks - Movies are on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Parnell Park, 15390 Lambert Road, and Thursdays and Fridays at the Uptown Senior Center, 13225 Walnut Street. All movies are at 1 p.m. Call for schedules. Information: (562) 567-9450 (Parnell), (562) 567-9470 (Uptown) or www.cityofwhittier.org.
YORBA LINDA - Movie Matinees - Recent blockbuster hits are screened at the Yorba Linda Community/Senior Center, 4501 Casa Loma Ave. (at Imperial Highway) on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at 12:30 p.m. Light refreshments and snacks are provided. Information: (714) 961-7181 or www.ci.yorba-linda.ca.us.

SHAKESPEARE/THEATER/PERFORMING ARTS/MUSIC

EAGLE ROCK - soundShoppe. soundShoppe @ the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, is a monthly unstructured sound workshop/noise jam for experimental musicians and sound artists presented by SASSAS and the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock. soundShoppe offers a means by which sound artists can hangout on a regular basis and informally explore their medium together. soundShoppe offers experienced sound musicians an opportunity experiment with different instrumentations and approaches and play outside of their comfort zone. soundShoppe also presents the opportunity for novice sound artists to interact with more experienced ones. Tables and chairs are provided. Bring your own audio cables, power cords, multiple boxes, and amplification, and there will be a small PA. Upcoming dates and times are September 25 and October 23 from 1 - 4 p.m. (with load in at 12:30 p.m.) The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, is located at 2225 Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock. Information: (323) 960-5723, (323) 226-1617 or www.sassas.org.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS - World Festival of Sacred Music. The World Festival of Sacred Music takes place once every three years in the Los Angeles area. This year's festival will take place at a variety of locations between October 1 - 16. Some events are ticketed, others are free. Reservations for some of the free events are now open. To see a full listings of events, visit the Festival website. Individual event information will be included with the October listings. Information: www.festivalofsacredmusic.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS/OTHER

COSTA MESA - Orange County Children's Book Festival. The Orange County Children's Book Festival will take place on October 2 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview (at Arlington). There will be presentations from children's authors and illustrators, animal exhibits, a variety of entertainment, hands-on activities and food and beverage vendors. Information: (714) 838-4528 or www.kidsbookfestival.com.

IRVINE - Activities at the Orange County Great Park. - The Orange County Great Park offers a free balloon ride on the largest tethered helium balloon in the U.S. There will also be movies, garden workshops, lectures, concerts and a variety of other activities on an ongoing basis. Movies will be listed above; see website calendar for other information. The OCGP is located off the 5 Freeway at the Sand Canyon exit. Information: (949) 724-7404 or www.ocgp.org.

LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - "Get Your Hands Dirty With The Arts!" at USC. Each semester the USC arts schools come together to present a day-long festival that offers a variety of hands-on workshops in art, architecture, cinematic arts, interactive media, music, theatre and dance. This semester's event will take place on October 9 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and workshops are open to the public. Non-USC participants must be over 18 years of age. Reservations are required and opened on Sept. 14. See USC's "Visions and Voices" website for workshop/reservation information. Information: (213) 740-6786 or www.usc.edu/visionsandvoices.

MISSION VIEJO - Mission Viejo Readers Festival. The Mission Viejo Readers Festival will include author readings, book signings, and a variety of other events and activities. The Festival will take place from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. at Oso Viejo Park and at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way. Information: (949) 470-3000, www.mvreadersfestival.org or www.cityofmissionviejo.org.

SANTA MONICA - Alt Car Expo and Conference. The 2011 Alt Car Expo and Conference will take place September 30 and October 1 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. There will be exhibitors, speaker sessions, a ride and drive area and more. Information: (310) 390-2930 x3 or www.altcarexpo.com.

SANTA MONICA - Beach=Culture Events/Performances at the Annenberg Community Beach House. The Annenberg Community Beach House is located at 415 Pacific Coast Highway at Beach Coast Way. The Beach=Culture programs take place on varying nights and reservations are required. Events with music will be included in the listings; there are also poetry readings, docent tours, photography exhibits and more. Check fee for parking. Information: (310) 458-4904 or http://beachhouse.smgov.net.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS, LA COUNTY - Latino Heritage Month. September 15 - October 15 is Latino Heritage Month. The month includes a variety of special events and performances throughout Los Angeles County. A full schedule of events should be available soon by clicking the "Heritage Month Celebrations" link at the website listed. Information: (213) 202-5500 or www.culturela.org.

WEST HOLLYWOOD - West Hollywood Library Dedication and 10th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair. The new West Hollywood Library dedication will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on October 1. Special guest speaker will be Jackie Collins. The library address is 625 N. San Vincente. The 10th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair will take place on October 2 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vincente, and at the library. There will be 12 stages of authors/entertainmet, The Writing Room, and more than 125 exhibitors. Information: (323) 848-6423 and www.weho.org (Library Dedication) or (323) 848-6515 and www.westhollywoodbookfair.org (Book Fair).

SPORTS/RECREATION

GLENDALE - Yoga on the Green. Lululemon Athletica presents free yoga classes every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 on the Green at Americana at Brand (Brand/Harvard). Information: (818) 637-8982 or www.americanatbrand.com.

POMONA - Lawn Bowling. The public is welcome to participate in free lawn bowling sessions at the Pomona Lawn Bowling Club. Early season hours are 10 a.m. Wednesday and 6 p.m. Friday. Call for summer session schedule. Information: (909) 625-5532.

There are in America today individuals and companies who do nothing but apply their ingenuity to the construction and invention of games with which to amuse the public and thereby derive their sustenance. Yet, despite this concentration of effort, the dice-and-board games of today do not differ in principle from those of the Aztecs and the Hindus."
Charles John Erasmus, Southwestern Journal of Anthropology

Domino Games

    Dominoes in China date back centuries, and scholars believe they were invented by the Chinese "after adopting cubic dice from India." [Wilkins] Chinese dominoes were designed to represent all possible throws of two cubic dice, and so they have no blank faces. European dominoes are thought to have arisen independently from the Chinese and were first found in Europe in 18th century Italy. Western sets of dominoes are slightly different than those of the Chinese in that they also contain tiles with blank spaces.

    Today a variety of domino games are played throughout the world. Although the origins of most game names are well known, the origin of the term "domino" is not clear. Some speculate that "the name [was] derived from the domino, a hooded cape, black with white lining, which was worn by priests." [Botermans, et al] Early sets of dominoes were made from black or white bone or ebony and ivory.

    The phrase "domino effect," meaning the toppling of a series of dominoes placed short distances apart by tipping over only the first one, has been turned into a popular hobby. Since the late 1970s, a group in the Netherlands has hosted an annual "Domino Day" featuring huge domino-toppling displays built specifically for the event. The current world record for one of these displays is over four million dominoes, and you can see a video of one of the Domino Day builds at www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeF7yLkEECs. The phrase "domino theory" also came into popular usage during the Vietnam War era meaning that if one Southeast Asia nation were to become Communist-controlled that it would be likely that other neighboring nations would also become Communist-controlled (just as dominoes toppling one another).

Reference Sources:

Botermans, Jack, Burrett, Tony, Van Delft, Pieter and Van Splunteren, Carla, The World of Games: Their Origins and History, How to Play Them and How to Make Them. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 1989.
Compton's Encyclopedia, 1969 Edition.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1953 Edition.
Parlett, David. The Oxford History of Board Games, Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.
Wilkins, Sally. Sports and Games of Medieval Cultures, Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 2002.
Wikipedia. Domino Show entry. Viewed online July 5, 2011.

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