• 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. Policies for the offer have changed recently in that your offer is only good if other paying customers are dining with you; check website for most current information. 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.

• CINNABON - Sign up for Cinnabon's e-mail list and get a free Minibon now plus an iced coffee 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.

• FAMOUS DAVES - Get a free burger or sandwich on your birthday when you sign up for the P.I.G. (Pretty Important Guest) e-mail club. Information: www.famousdaves.com or www.facebook.com/famousdaves.

• 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.

• JERSEY MIKE'S - Join Jersey Mike's e-mail club, get special e-mail offers and a free sub and a 22 oz. drink on your birthday. Information: www.jerseymikes.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 CASINO - Go to San Manuel on your birthday and get a $10 food credit and a chance to spin the wheel for up to $100 in free slot play (but also can be $5). Club Serrano membership required, but membership is free. 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. Fall listings are now available. 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. Events start again this month through June. 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.

• "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.

• LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Platica @ LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 North Main Street. Upcoming lectures will be: August 16 at 7 p.m. - Walkouts in Pasadena. Discussion of walkouts by Mexican American students leading to establishment of Chicano-based curriculum, cultural centers and reforming of hiring policies. Speaker will be writer and historian Roberta H. Martinez. Also, on August 23 at 7 p.m. - The 1968 East LA Chicano Blowouts: 50-Year Report Card on Student Demands. Guest speaker will be David L. Moguel of CSU Northridge. Information: (888) 488-8083 or www.lapca.org.

• LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - USC Visions and Voices Series. The series includes a variety of lectures, films, dance and music performances. Some events are open only to USC students, others to the general public. Most events require advanced reservations. See website for full schedule. Information: www.usc.edu/visionsandvoices.

• LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Seminars at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. These seminars will take place in Spanish only. The title of the series is "The Dispute Over Our Past: When Mexico Became Mexico," and they will be presented by the University of Guadalajara. All lectures take place at 6 p.m. September 18, "Siempre con la Patria: ser Mexicano en el Southwest y en la Frontera Norte," September 21 - "Una historia de la migracion Mexico-Estados Unidos," and September 25 - "La Epoca de oro del cine fronterizo Mexicano (1950-1988)." LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is located at 501 North Main Street. Information: (213) 542-6200 or www.lapca.org.

• LOS ANGELES COUNTY (VARIOUS LOCATIONS) - OPERA TALKS. The LA Opera offers one-hour talks at various Los Angeles public libraries during the year. September programs are listed below in the "Libraries" section. Information: www.laopera.org.

• TORRANCE - ARTFUL DAYS LECTURES. The lectures on a variety of art-related topics take place from 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. at either the Torrance Art Museum, 3320 Civic Center Drive, or the George Nakano Theater, 3330 Civic Center Drive at the Torrance Civic Center. Lectures are presented by art historian Mary Drobny. Upcoming topics/date TBA. Information: (310) 618-2376 or www.torranceca.gov, search "Artful Days."

• WILLIAMS-SONOMA - Williams-Sonoma offers a variety of classes in cooking techniques and junior chef sessions. No set time; check website listed for most current information. Many classes have a fee, but some events are free. Information: http://www.williams-sonoma.com, scroll down to bottom of home page for classes link.

• 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. Reservations are required for most events. Information: www.zocalopublicsquare.org.

LIBRARIES

• CITY AND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY PERFORMANCES AND PROGRAMS - Most libraries throughout Southern California offer patrons a wide variety of free performances, workshops and other events/activities. Some are geared toward adults, and others are special programs for teens or children. This summer many libraries are focusing summer programming around the theme "Read to the Rhythm," so there are many more programs with music-related themes. It is recommended that you check your local library website often for the best and most current information. In addition to individual city libraries, 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 "OPERA TALKS" - The LA Opera offers one-hour talks at various Los Angeles public libraries during the year. September programs will be (phone number listed are library phone numbers): September 6 - Westwood Branch Library at 6:30 p.m. Topic: Don Carlo, (310) 474-1739; September 6 - Hyde Park Branch, LA Public Library, at 2 p.m. Topic: Don Carlo, (323) 750-7241; September 8 - El Dorado Neighborhood Library, Long Beach at 2 p.m. Topic: Don Carlo, (562) 570-3136; September 11 - Platt Library, Woodland Hills, at 6:15 p.m. Topic: Don Carlo, (818) 340-9386; September 15 - Santa Monica Public Library (main) at 3 p.m. Topic: Don Carlo, (310) 458-8600; September 16 - Crowell Library, San Marino at 2 p.m. Topic: Don Carlo, (626) 300-0777; September 17 - Burbank Central Library, at 7 p.m. Topic: Don Carlo, (310) 377-9584 x210. Information: www.laopera.org, "community," and "general."

  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, as offers may change periodically without notice. Some of the recently-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.

  • 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.

  • BUCCA DI BEPPO - The Italian restaurants offer a free pasta on your next visit plus other special offers for joining their e-mail club. Information: www.bucadibeppo.com/eclub.

  • CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN - Enroll in CPK's Pizza Dough Rewards and get a free small plate now, plus a birthday treat. Information: www.cpk.com/pizzadough.

  • 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.

  • 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/pancake-revolution.

  • 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.

  • POLLY'S PIES - Get a free slice of pie plus cup of coffee for joining Polly's e-mail club. Information: www.pollyspies.com.

  • SEA WORLD - Admission to Sea World is free for active military and up to three dependents. 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):

  • BUENA PARK - Friday Night Films at The Source, 6940 Beach Boulevard (at Orangethorpe). Movies are screened at 7 p.m. Films will be: Aug. 31 - Justice League; September is Japanese Cinema month - September 7 - Your Name, September 14 - Shin Godzilla, September 21 - Mameshiba, and September 28 - A Tale of Samurai Cooking (A True Love Story). Information: (714) 521-8858 or www.thesourceoc.com.

  • LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Outside the Box (Office) at USC. The current session of USC School of Cinematic Arts' ongoing weekly showcase of upcoming international, documentary and independent films continues through December. All screenings are free of charge and open to the public (unless otherwise noted), but they also are overbooked to ensure capacity. To subscribe to the mailing list for upcoming free screenings and events, e-mail the word "subscribe" to aago@cinema.usc.edu. To see the current schedule of screenings, visit the website listed. Information: http://cinema.usc.edu/events/event.cfm?id=34833.

    

  • LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Summer Films at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. On September 8 from 6 - 10 p.m., the Los Angeles premiere of "Flavor of Life," including a meet-and-greet with the director and cast. On September 21 from 6 - 9 p.m., "Variedades on Olvera Street," including a live music performance by La Victoria. On September 7 from 7 - 9 p.m., a documentary screening of "Beyond Borders," a look at why millions of Mexican workers have settled in the U.S. and the networks that connect people with their families back home. Also a panel discussion. On September 29 from 6 - 10 p.m., "Born in East LA," including a panel with cast members and music by Voodoo Sindicate. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is located at 501 North Main Street. Information: (213) 542-6200, www.lapca.org or "www.facebook.com/laplazala.

  • LOS ANGELES (VARIOUS LOCATIONS) - LA Film Festival. The Festival will take place September 20 - 28. Most events are paid/ticketed, but the "We the People" series and the VR Experience at The Portal are both free (RSVP/hard tickets required). Information: (866) 345-6337 or www.lafilmfestival.com.

  • LOS ANGELES (WEST) - Cinema Tuesdays at the Skirball Cultural Center. Movies screen on select Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2071 N. Sepulveda Boulevard. Films showcase diverse human stories from around the world, and September films will be: September 4 - Faces Places, and September 11 - The Insult. Series is ongoing and continues in October. Information: (310) 440-4500 or www.skirball.org.

  • VENICE - 40th Anniversary of "Grease:" Screening and Sing-Along. The event will take place on September 28 at the Venice High Waston (Football) Field where Grease was filmed, 13000 Venice Boulevard. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the movie will start at dusk. Festival seating; bring a blanket and/or chair. Information: www.venicehighalumni.com or www.venicechamber.net.

  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.

  

  • BOWERS MUSEUM - First Sunday of the month - family programs are generally from about 12:30 - 3 p.m. (see concert pages). Museum address is 2002 N. Main Street in Santa Ana. Please note: museum admission is no longer free during the first Sunday programs. Information: (714) 567-3100 or www.bowers.org

  • BROAD MUSEUM - The Broad is LA's new contemporary art museum. It is located in downtown Los Angeles on Grand Avenue next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The museum is closed on Monday; hours vary on other days of the week. Advanced tickets may be reserved online, or there is an onsite standby line each day for admission on a first-come basis. See website for additional details. Information: (213) 232-6250 or www.thebroad.org

  • CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM - Target Sundays are every second 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.

  • FIRE STATION/MUSEUM OPEN HOUSES - Two area historical fire stations offer free tours on Saturdays. In San Pedro, Old Fire Station 36 (located at 638 Beacon Street) is open from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. In Hollywood, Old Fire Station 27 is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Both offer a variety of artifacts and exhibits. Information: (323) 464-2727 or www.lafdmuseum.org.

  • THE GETTY CENTER - Free admission; parking is $15, but $10 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 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 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., 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 free admission on Fridays. There also are Target Free Second Saturday programs 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

  • 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. This summer's star parties will be on June 23, July 21, August 18 and September 15. 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 as well 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.letsgooutside.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.

  • 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. Also Audobon Bird Walks every 4th Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m., plus special lectures, classes, habitat restoration opportunities and more. 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. Also, all National Parks will have free admission to the public for National Public Lands Day on September 22. Information: www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm, or go to "Stores" at www.store.usgs.gov.

  SENIORS

  • 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. Call phone number listed for movie schedule; free popcorn served. Also, free weekly open play card games, at La Mirada Activity Center. Information: (562) 902-3160 or http://www.cityoflamirada.org.

  • LA VERNE - Senior Seminar Series - Every 4th Wednesday of the month at the La Verne Community Center. Classes are open to all and generally last 30 - 60 minutes. RSVP requested to phone number listed. Upcoming seminars will be: July 25 - Medicare Education by HealthNet at 9:30 a.m., August 22 - Long Term Care Insurance by Bankers Life at 9:30 a.m., and September 26 - Medicare 101 at 2 p.m. Information: (909) 596-8776 or http://www.ci.la-verne.ca.us.

  • LAKE FOREST - Clubhouse for Seniors - The Clubhouse is a place for card games, board games, exercise classes, craft classes and more. There is BINGO and a free hot lunch provided every Thursday. Programs take place Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Lake Forest Community Center, 25550 Commercentre Drive. On Thursdays BINGO is at 10:30 a.m. and lunch is at noon. Information: (949) 461-3450 or http://www.lakeforestca.gov.

  

  SHAKESPEARE/THEATER/PERFORMING ARTS/MUSIC

  • LONG BEACH - KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND (TURN)TABLE. Knights of the Round (Turn)Table is a new monthly event modeled after a book club. Each month a different historically significant album is chosen, and participants listen to both sides and discuss it. Back in the day, people used to listen to the records while staring at the album artwork and liner notes. The programs seek to recreate this experience in the company of other music lovers. September album will be The Doors by The Doors on September 27. The event will take place from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Long Beach Petroleum Club, 3636 Linden Avenue. Leading the discussion will be Chris Schlarb of Big Ego records. Information: (562) 595-0081 or www.bixbyknollsinfo.com.

  • LONG BEACH - SHAKESPEARE ALOUD. "Shakespeare Aloud." Each month Shakespeare Aloud hosts readings of Shakespeare's plays. Community members are invited to participate as readers or audience members. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. and readings begin at 11 a.m. in the CSULB Theatre Arts Department Arts Building, corner of 7th Street and East Campus Drive. Though some copies of the materials will be available, readers are encouraged to bring their own copies of the plays. Upcoming reading will be: September 8 - Hamlet Acts I, II, and III, September 22 - Hamlet Acts IV, V, October 6 - Henry IV, Part I (first half), and October 20 - Henry IV, Part I (Second Half). Information: (562) 985-7000 or www.carpenterarts.org/artsforlife.

  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.

  • LA MIRADA SYMPHONY (ADVANCED RESERVATIONS) - Season Opening Concert - November 18. The La Mirada Symphony will begin its season with a concert titled "Storytelling" on November 18. Tickets are free, but they must be reserved in advance, with a limit of two tickets per person. According to the La Mirada Theatre website, online ticket reservations for the concert will open on September 24. Information: www.lamiradasymphony.com or www.lamiradatheatre.com/current_events/concerts/storytelling.

  • LOS ANGELES (VARIOUS LOCATIONS) - Latino Heritage Month/Hispanic Heritage Month. The month-long celebration takes place from mid-September through mid-October (though some events continue on into November). A list of programs in the Los Angeles Area is now available at the website listed. Information: www.culturela.org, click the link for City of Los Angeles Heritage Month Celebrations.

  • 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. Most events required ticket or reservation. Check for current schedules and parking fees. Information: (310) 458-4904 or http://beachhouse.smgov.net.

  SPORTS/RECREATION/DANCE

  • ANAHEIM - Yoga at the Farmers Market. The Sunday farmers market at the Packing District offers a free yoga class from 10 - 11 a.m. The market is located at Farmers Park, 400 S. Anaheim Boulevard. Information: (714) 956-3586, www.downtownanaheim.com or www.anaheimpackingdistrict.com.

  • BREA - 21st Annual Wellness Festival. The Wellness Festival will take place from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on September 29 at the Brea Community Center, 695 E. Madison Way. There will be free medical screenings, fitness demonstrations, 100+ interactive booths, a kids' corner, healthy food tastings and more. Information: (714) 990-7740 or www.breawellnessfestival.com.

  • BUENA PARK - Dance Classes at The Source. Dance classes by RICA are every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6 - 6:30 p.m. in the first floor step plaza. Classes through Aug. 30 are Kids' Dance Fitness, and beginning September 4 will be Dance and Freestyle. The Source OC is located at Beach Boulevard and Orangethorpe in Buena Park. Information: www.thesourceoc.com or www.facebook.com/thesourceoc.

  • GLENDALE - Yoga on the Green. Lululemon Athletica presents free yoga classes every Thursday from 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. on the Green at Americana at Brand (Brand/Harvard). There is also a yoga class for kids (3 - 6 years old) on Wednesdays from 11 - 11:45 a.m. Information: (818) 637-8982 or www.americanatbrand.com.

  • LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICNITY) - Boot Camp Classes at Grand Park. Grand Park will be hosting a free boot camp class on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. through September. The class is open to everyone and all fitness levels, and it will be held on the event lawn between Spring Street and Broadway. Information: www.grandparkla.org.

  • LOS ANGELES (SOUTH) - 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.baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com.

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

  • REDONDO BEACH - Yoga at the Pier. The Redondo Beach Pier offers a free yoga class every second Saturday of the month from 10 - 11 a.m. at the Octagon. Information: www.redondopier.com.

  

  

       

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