Click here to read about the summer's FEATURED ARTISTS!


Visit the site's GUESTS page.


Click here for site NEWS.

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Enter the site's "American Gothic" photo contest. CLICK HERE for details!

2013 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 in the site's Twitter and Facebook postings. 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 22) 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 ONLY

  • SANTA MONICA - Glow Santa Monica. Glow Santa Monica returns to the Santa Monica beach on September 28. The all-night event features original commissions by artists, many involving light of some kind, which re-imagine the beach as a playground for thoughtful and participatory art. Information: www.glowsantamonica.org

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. 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

  • CLAREMONT - Art After Hours at Pomona College Museum of Art. The event takes place most Thursdays at the Pomona College Museum of Art, 330 N. College Avenue, from 5 - 11 p.m. May include entertainment, special exhibits, student presentations, other. Information: (909) 621-8283 or www.collegescalendar.org

  • CORONA - Art Walk at the Shops at Dos Lagos. The Art Walk at Dos Lagos showcases the fine art of local Inland Empire artists and takes place every 3rd Saturday of the month from 4 - 8 p.m. The Shops at Dos Lagos are located off the 15 Freeway at 2760 Cabot Drive. Information: (951) 277-7601, www.shopdoslagos.com or www.riversideartscouncil.org

  • COSTA MESA - SOBECA District Art Walk. The first SOBECA District ArtWalk took place in November 2012. ArtWalks will continue on every last Tuesday of the month from 6 - 10 p.m. The SOBECA District Artwalk will include The Lab and The Artery at The Lab, 2930 Bristol, The Camp, 2937 Bristol, Memphis at 2920 Bristol, and the SOLO Building, 765 Baker. Information: www.thelab.com.

  • COVINA - First Saturday Citrus Art Walk. The new First Saturday Citrus ArtWalk will take place on the first Saturday of each month from 3 - 7 p.m. on Citrus Avenue in downtown Covina. There will be art displays and a variety of dance/music performances. Information: www.covinaca.gov

  • 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

  • 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 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 (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

  • 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. Remaining ArtWalk date for 2013: Nov. 16. 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

  • UPLAND - Artists on "A" Street. Over 20 different types of art for show and sale every last Saturday of the month at the corner of "A" Street and 3rd Avenue. No time listed. Information: (909) 931-4100, (909) 204-4465 or www.ci.upland.ca.us

  • VENICE - Venice Art Crawl. The Venice Art Crawl takes place quarterly on the third Thursday of month from 6 - 10 p.m. at locations north and south of Windward Avenue. Visit site for current locations and upcoming dates. Information: www.veniceartcrawl.com.

CAR SHOWS

  • RIVERSIDE - Fireball Run Finishline. The 2013 Fireball Run Adventurally, "All Stars and Movie Cars," will finish in Riverside on Sept. 28 and include a parade, car show and finishline activities. The Fireball Run is an 8 day, 14 city, 2500 mile life-sized trivia game with America as the game board. Forty racing teams started in Longmont, Colorado, and have moved about the country by solving clues and accomplishing tasks based on host city points of interest. The live event finish and final episode of the series will take place in Riverside (check website for times closer to arrival date). The purpose of the event also is to raise awareness of missing children. Each team is assigned a missing child from their hometown region and distributes posters along the route; the event has aided in 38 child recoveries since 2007. Information: www.fireballrun.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 Tuesdays 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 - 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 - 9 p.m. every Friday night through fall along Myrtle Avenue in Old Town Monrovia (between Olive and Lime). 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 (on State Street) from 6 - 9 p.m. Highlights include a farmers market, food, a variety of vendors, and entertainment for the whole family. Information: (909) 798-7548, www.redlands-events.com or www.ci.redlands.ca.us.

FROM TOTS TO TEENS AND FAMILIES

  • 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.

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.

  • BJS RESTAURANTS - Get a free Pizookie dessert on your birthday at BJs Restaurants when you join their e-club. Information: www.bjsrestaurants.com.

  • BOOMERS PARKS - Get a free unlimited 4-hour play pass good on all attractions when you join the Boomers discount club. The pass is good on any day during your birthday month. Go to the website, pick a location, and enroll online. Information: www.boomersparks.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.

  • CINNABON - Sign up for Cinnabon's e-mail list and get a free Minibon now plus a mocha latte chill on your birthday. Information: www.cinnabon.com.

  • DEL TACO - Get two free chicken soft tacos now plus a birthday shake for joining the Del Taco Raving Fan eClub. Information: www.deltaco.com/connect.html.

  • EL TORITO RESTAURANTS - Free guacamole now, free entree on your birthday when you sign up for the El Torito e-mail club. Free birthday meal no longer advertised, so you'll have to wait until your birthday to see if a free entree coupon arrives. Information: www.eltorito.com.

  • FARRELL'S ICE CREAM PARLOR - Sign up for Farrells Fan Club e-mail and receive a free small sundae on your birthday. Information: www.farrellsusa.com.

  • GOLDEN SPOON YOGURT - Get a free frozen yogurt on your birthday when you sign up for Golden Spoon Yogurt's G Club. Information: www.goldenspoon.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 (most recently included on the list; lists may change): South Bay Galleria (Redondo Beach), Promenade Temecula (Temecula) or Victoria Gardens (Rancho Cucamonga). Information: www.mybdayclub.com.

  • PANERA - A "My Panera Rewards" card can be picked up at any location, or sign up online for the program. Free pastry on your birthday. Information: www.panerabread.com.

  • RA SUSHI - Sign up for RA Sushi's "The Hook Up" e-mails and get a certificate worth $20 during your birthday month. Information: www.rasushi.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.

  • RUBIOS - Rubios offers a free taco upon sign-up to their Beach Club e-mail, plus a free birthday meal. Also news on free products testings, other events. Information: www.rubios.com.

  • SAN MANUEL - San Manuel Casino in San Bernardino offers a birthday special valid only on the day of your birthday: $25 in free slot play, a $10 food certificate and a birthday hat. Information: www.sanmanuel.com.

  • SCHLOTZSKY'S DELI - Free small sandwich or 8" pizza on your birthday when you sign up for their e-club. Information: www.schlotzskys.com.

  • SONIC DRIVE IN - Sonic will give you a choice of one of three items for your birthday. Sign up on website for Sonic Cruisers e-club. Information: www.sonicdrivein.com.

  • SPRINKLES CUPCAKES BIRTHDAY CLUB - Sign up online for Sprinkles Birthday Club and get a free cupcake on your birthday. Information: www.ilovesprinkles.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.

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, www.lfla.org or www.aloudla.org.

  • "DISTINCTIVE VOICES AT THE BECKMAN CENTER" AT UC IRVINE - Insights on Science, Technology and Medicine lectures. Series resumes in September. Lectures are at 7 p.m. in the Beckman Center on the UCI campus and open to the public. Programs are by reservation only and fill up quickly. Visit the website listed and join the e-mail list to receive notices for each session and invitations to register online. Seating is limited. Information: (949) 721-2266 or www.voicesatbeckman.org.

  • INSIDE LATIN JAZZ AT THE SHANNON CENTER, WHITTIER - The Inside Latin Jazz series features onstage interviews with leading Latin Jazz artists. The next event will take place on Sept 24 at 8 p.m. with Cuban-born Lazaro Gallaraga. The series takes place at the Shannon Center. Tickets are free and available beginning two weeks prior to the performance at the will-call box office only. Information: www.shannoncenter.org.

  • "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 - The 15th season of the lectures by American Songbook buff Jim Jimirro (founding president of The Disney Channel and current Chairman of the Board of National Lampoon) will begin on September 11 at 7 p.m. in the Beverly Hills City Hall Municipal Gallery, 2nd Floor, Room 220, across the street from the library at 455 N. Rexford Drive. Lectures cover facts, behind-the-scenes anecdotes and music from his collection. Information: (310) 288-2244 or www.bhpl.org.

  • LAMPS PLUS FREE WORKSHOPS - Lamps Plus offers a variety of free 1-hour workshops throughout Southern California (Basic lighting, room makeovers, etc.). Register online by visiting the Lamps Plus website. Scroll to the bottom of the home page and click "Workshops." Information: www.lampsplus.com.

  • MISSION VIEJO - CITIZENS FORUM ON THE ECONOMY - Economist David Dickey will provide a common-sense assessment of economic issues. Lectures will take place on Thursdays from 7 - 8:30 p.m. through October 3 at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way. Reservations recommended. Information: (949) 470-3062 or www.cityofmissionviejo.org.

  • SCRIPPS COLLEGE HUMANITIES INSTITUTE, CLAREMONT - September Lecture Series: "Re-Visioning Food Sovereignty - U.S. Supply and Consumption." Lectures will take place on Sept. 10 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Garrison Theater on the Scripps College campus, and on Sept. 25 at noon in the Hampton Room. See website for details; events are open to the public. Information: www.scrippscollege.edu/hi.

  • USC VISIONS AND VOICES 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: (213) 740-0483 or 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. The number of movie screenings for both children and adults at local libraries has also continued to grow. 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.

  • LA OPERA'S "OPERA TALKS" - The LA Opera presents monthly "Opera Talks" at a number of Los Angeles/LA County Libraries. The talks are 50-minute interactive presentations led by LA Opera's Community Educators. Upcoming programs (and the subject of the talks) will be: Aug. 22 - Burbank Central Library at 7 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (818) 238-5600; Sept. 3 - Redondo Beach Library at 6:30 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (310) 318-0675; Sept. 5 - Westwood Branch Library at 6:30 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (310) 474-1739; Sept. 7 - El Monte Library at 2 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (626) 444-9506; Sept. 8 - The Last Bookstore (Downtown LA, 453 S. Spring) at 1 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (213) 488-0599; Sept. 10 - Platt Branch Library, Woodland Hills at 6:45 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (818) 340-9386; Sept. 12 - Arcadia Public Library at 7 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (626) 574-5400; Sept. 14 - El Dorado Neighborhood Library at 2 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (562) 570-3136; Sept. 15 - Crowell Library San Marino at 2 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (626) 300-0777; Sept. 19 - Burbank Central Library at 7 p.m., Topic - Falstaff, (818) 238-5600; Sept. 21 - Duarte Library at 1 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (626) 358-1865; Sept. 21 - Glendale Main Library at 2 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (818) 548-2020; Sept. 21 - Upland Public Library at 2 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (909) 931-4100; Sept. 21 - Santa Monica Public Library at 3 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (310) 458-8600; and Sept. 26 - Atwater Village Branch Library at 3:30 p.m., Topic - Carmen, (323) 664-1353. Info: Call libraries directly at phone number listed; see calendar also at www.laopera.com.

  • 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.

  • BIRDIES FOR THE BRAVE - Birdies for the Brave is an organization started by golfer Phil Mickelson and his wife. Birdies for the Brave offers complimentary admission for active, reserve and military retirees along with dependents to select PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Web.com tour events. Find a map with events/locations and further information on the site listed. Information: www.birdiesforthebrave.org/TournamentTickets.aspx.

  • BRUEGGERS BAGELS - Get a free bagel with cream cheese, plus a birthday treat, when you sign up for the e-mail newsletter at Brueggers Bagels. Information: www.brueggers.com.

  • DENTAL CARE - Dentistry from the Heart provides free dental care for those in need at specific locations on specific days. Some events take place locally. See website for location 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.

  • EUROPEAN WAX CENTER - Free waxing for first-time guests. For women, free bikini line, eyebrow or underarm waxing, and for men, free eyebrow, ear or nose waxing. Locations in Brea, Irvine and Newport Beach. Information: www.waxcenter.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.facebook.com/IHOP/app_329770517090218.

  • 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.

  • 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 remaining movies include:

  • ALTADENA - LACMA Art + Film Lab. The Art + Film lab includes free film workshops, an oral history project, outdoor film screenings, plus a free day at LACMA. The event is presented by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in collaboration with the city of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation and the Arts Council, and events will take place from September 13 - October 13 at Charles White Park, 77 Mountain View Street. See website for full schedule of events. Information: www.lacma.org/series/altadena-art-film-lab.

  • LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Friday Night Flicks at Pershing Square. Movies are Fridays at 8 in Pershing Square, Olive/5th Streets. September films are "Back to School" films: Sept. 6 - Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Sept. 13 - Election, Sept. 20 - Remember the Titans, and Sept. 27 - Clueless. Information: (213) 847-4970 or www.laparks.org/pershingsquare.

  • LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - South African Arts Fest. The South African Arts Fest will take place from Oct. 4 - 6 and will include performances and film screenings. Reservations will open on Sept. 16 for film screenings which will take place at the Regal Cinemas at LA Live. Information: www.sa-artsfest.org or www.facebook.com/southafricanarts.

  • SANTA MONICA - Front Porch Cinema at the Santa Monica Pier. Friday night movies begin Sept. 27 and continue through October. Doors open at 6 p.m., with screenings at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 film is Los Wild Ones, an award-winning documentary about LA's Wild Records, where Latino artists play with a rockabilly beat. The evening also will include a performance by the Rhythm Shakers. Information: (310) 458-8901, www.frontporchcinema.com or www.santamonicapier.org.

MUSEUMS

The following is a partial listing of free museum days. It is recommended that you confirm the availability of all events/open days prior to visiting the museum since free entry days and times may change periodically.

THIS MONTH ONLY

  • LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Free Tuesdays at the Natural History Museum. In addition to the regular first Tuesday free admission, the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park is offering free admission every Tuesday in September. Hours are 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Information: (213) 763-DINO or www.nhm.org

  • LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Grammy Museum Free Admission. The Grammy Museum will be offering free admission on Wednesdays after 5 p.m. in September. The Grammy Museum is located at LA Live across the street from the Staples Center. Information: www.grammymuseum.org

  • MULTIPLE LOCATIONS - Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day is September 28. Select a location from the list of participating museums and you will receive a ticket for two people for free. Information: www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ticket

ONGOING

  • 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 - There is free admission to all permanent exhibition galleries at the California Science Center (excludes IMAX and special exhibits). The museum address is 700 Exposition Park Drive (Los Angeles Colisum area). Information: (323) 724-3623 or www.californiasciencecenter.org

  • 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

  • GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY - There is no admission charge to enter the observatory, but a fee for planetarium shows. Monthly public star parties offer the public a chance to try out telescopes and talk with amateur astronomers from 2 - 9:45 p.m. Check for upcoming star party dates. Information: (213) 473-0800 or www.griffithobservatory.org

  • 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 had changed; admission is 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. Check website for upcoming dates. Information: (562) 905-9793 or www.lahabracity.com/section.cfm?id=41.

  • LONG BEACH MUSEUM OF ART - Admission to the Long Beach Museum of Art is free Thursday evenings from 3 - 8 p.m. and on Fridays. 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 to LA County residents with ID 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

  • NORTON SIMON MUSEUM - The Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, offers free admission from 6 - 9 p.m. on every first Friday of the month. Information: (626) 449-6840 or www.nortonsimon.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., Thursday through Sunday, and admission is free. Also a variety of art and public programs. Exhibit from July 11 - August 25 is called "Singing the Golden State" and celebrates popular songs about California. 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

  • PAGE MUSEUM AT THE LA BREA TAR PITS - The Page Museum allows visitors to watch fossil excavation and assembly and has interactive displays of the Tar Pits and Southern California during the Ice Age. Free admission day is the first Tuesday of the month (except July and August). The museum is located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd. Information: (323) 934-7243 or www.tarpits.org

  • 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

  • SOUTHWEST MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN - The Southwest Museum of the American Indian, part of the Autry Museum system, is open to the public from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m on Saturdays. The Museum is located in the Mt. Washington area at 234 Museum Drive. Information: (323) 667-2000 or www.theautry.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 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/

  • GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY STAR PARTIES (LOS ANGELES) - Look through a large variety of telescopes to view stars, moon and planets, and talk to amateur astronomers. Monthly free star party events take place from 2 - 9:45 p.m. Remaining summer date is Sept. 14. Admission to the Observatory grounds and building is also always free (with a fee for shows in the Planetarium). Information: (213) 473-0800 or www.griffithobservatory.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.

  • LOS ANGELES ARBORETUM - The Los Angeles Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Avenue in Arcadia, offers free admission every third Tuesday of the month. Trams are not available on this day. See website for details. Information: (626) 821-3222 or www.arboretum.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. Also Senior Strolls every 2nd Tuesday of the month. The Madrona Marsh Nature Center is located at 3201 Plaza Del Amo. Information: (310) 782-3989, www.torraceca.gov or www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com

  • VARIOUS LOCATIONS - NATIONAL PARKS - A free annual pass is available from the National Parks System to all active duty military personnel with proper identification (CAC Card or DD Form 1173). The pass admits owners and accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas, or the pass owner and up to three additional adults at sites that charge per person. Information: www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm, or go to "Stores" at www.store.usgs.gov.

SENIORS

  • GLENDORA - Programs 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. Also legal clinics for seniors (primarily Estate Planning and Elder Law issues) on the first Monday of the month. Pre-registration required for clinics; consultations only. 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.

  • 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

  • LONG BEACH - International City Theater Free Tickets for High School Students. International City Theater in Long Beach is offering free tickets to preview performances for high school students. One show remains; no indication whether or not show is sold out. Remaining show is called "Don't Dress For Dinner," and it will take place at 8 p.m. on October 9 and 10. For information/reservations, call Erik Garcia at the phone number listed or send him an e-mail to erik@ictlongbeach.org. Information: (562) 495-4595 x13 or www.ictlongbeach.org.

  • LONG BEACH - "A Lot" Long Beach. A LOT is a community-wide initiative presented by the Arts Council for Long Beach in collaboration with partners throughout the city. A LOT seeks to broaden audience and artist engagement, linking arts and culture with local neighborhoods. Through music, dance, theatre and numerous other art forms, A LOT presents free arts experiences on vacant lots in traditionally underserved areas of the city through the end of August 2014. See website for calendar/schedules of events. Information: http://alotlongbeach.org.

  • LOS ANGELES - LA Opera 90012. Students from grades 9 - 12 are invited to enter a competition for the chance to win a mini-subscription for themselves and a chaperone to see four operas in the 2013-2014 season. Students must be able to attend an orientation and all four opera performances. Applications are available online and all entries must be received by October 22. Information: (213) 972-7258, www.laopera.com/community/students, go to LA Opera 90012, or www.laopera.com/DocumentsLAO/education/apps/13-14_90012%20Application.pdf.

SPECIAL EVENTS/OTHER

  • IRVINE - Activities at the Orange County Great Park. - The Orange County Great Park offers movies, garden workshops, lectures, concerts and a variety of 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.

  • POMONA - L.A. County Fair. The LA County fair runs from Aug. 30 - Sept. 29. The fair offers college days with free admission to that college's students, staff and faculty. Coupons for free admission must be obtained from the school directly, not the fair. Find a list of colleges/days at the first website listed. Also on Sept. 5 and 12 from noon - 5 p.m. there will be school supply drives with free admission for a donation of three school supply items. Information: www.lacountyfair.com/2013/educationcommunity/collegedays.asp or www.lacountyfair.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 (next one is Sept. 9), docent tours, photography exhibits and more. Check for current parking fee. Information: (310) 458-4904 or http://beachhouse.smgov.net.

  • VARIOUS LOCATIONS - Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month. Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month celebrations/events begin in September. Schedule of events should be available soon by clicking the "Heritage Month" link at the website listed. Information: www.culturela.org.

  • WEST HOLLYWOOD. The West Hollywood Book Fair. The West Hollywood Book Fair will take place on September 29 at West Hollywood Library and Park, 625 N. San Vincente. There will be more than 300 authors, book signings, workshops, exhibits and a chilren's area. Full schedule/times will be available on website. Information: (323) 848-6460, www.westhollywoodbookfair.org or www.weho.org.

SPORTS/RECREATION

  • GLENDALE - Yoga on the Green. Lululemon Athletica presents free yoga classes every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 and Thursday from 11 a.m. - noon on the Green at Americana at Brand (Brand/Harvard). Information: (818) 637-8982 or www.americanatbrand.com.

  • LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Zumba and Cardio Kick Classes. Free Zumba and Cardio Kick classes are offered at Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Classes have size limits; check website for current schedules. Information: (323) 290-6636 or www.crenshawplaza.com.

  • MULTIPLE LOCATIONS - Free week of yoga. Get a coupon for one week of free yoga at participating yoga studios for National Yoga Month (valid during Sept/Oct for new students only). More than 2000 participating yoga studios. Sign up at website listed. Information: http://yogahealthfoundation.org/one_week_free_yoga.

  • RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Yoga on the Green. Free yoga classes are held every Thursday morning from 9 - 10:30 a.m. in the Chaffey Town Square area of Victoria Gardens, 12505 North Mainstreet. Information: (909) 463-2830 or www.victoriagardensie.com.

  • SANTA MONICA - Zumba at Santa Monica Place. Classes are Saturday morning from 9 - 10 a.m. in Center Plaza. It is recommended that participants bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Santa Monica Place is located at 395 Santa Monica Place at Main. Information: (310) 260-8333 or www.santamonicaplace.com.

     

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