Lots of fun stuff this weekend! The Brewery Art Walk, free cocktails and know-how by a Doheny barman, and grooving on the steps of City Hall. Oh, and yet another huge-ass sale. I guess I know where my bonus check is going.

Friday, April 4

Bar Keeper’s 2nd Anniversary Party
The Silver Lake vintage bar supply store celebrates its second year with Doheny’s own mixologist Marcos Tello teaching cocktail fans how to make his tequila specialty, the Medicina Latina cocktail with ginger and Mescal. Enjoy this free class with free drinks and toast to another year of sipping stylishly.

• 7:30-11:30pm. Free. The Barkeeper, 3910 W Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake (map). (323) 669-1675.

Saturday, April 5

Brewery Art Walk
What better way to spend a beautiful weekend than strolling an art walk at an artists’ colony? You can check out art at 300 studios, purchase one-of-a-kind creations, chat with the artists themselves and of course enjoy lunch at Barbara’s. I’m going to hit this on Saturday with Crazy Andy and Shelley. Fun! Remember to stop by Hipcook Monika’s space where you can browse cookware AND fashion and jewelry.

• Saturday and Sunday, 11am-6pm. The Brewery, 2100 North Main Street, Downtown (map).

The Warehouse Sale
Everyone has been emailing me this sale — friends, co-workers, readers. OK, I get it. There’s going to be a two-day premium denim sale at the LA Convention Center this weekend. Well, Saturday is the “VIP” day ($10 through Goldstar) and Sunday is the general public day where you can get in for $5 or for free with an RSVP. Shop 20,000 square feet of sales where you’ll find premium denim, tops, pants, etc. for men and women for up to 80% off.

• Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm. Free-$10 (through Goldstar). Los Angeles Convention Center, Petree Hall, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Downtown (map).

Groove Armada with KCRW’s Jason Bentley at City Hall
Party down at City Hall with British sensation Groove Armada and KCRW’s Jason Bentley. Our city hall is also a live music venue, THAT’s how cool our city is.

• 6pm. $36.50. City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street (1st and Main Sts.), Downtown (map). (310) 450-5183.

Sunday, April 6

The Final Disneyland Tour of Downtown Los Angeles
This is the first time I’ve heard of this tour and unfortunately it’s the last day for it as well. This guy Charles Phoenix turns downtown L.A. into the happiest place on earth with his special six-hour bus and walking tour. Frontierland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland and even the Haunted Mansion are all there. You just have to know where to look and Mr. Phoenix will show you.

• 12-6pm. $75 (includes snacks, souvenirs, fares and fees. Lunch at Clifton’s Cafeteria. Meet in front of Union Station, 800 N. Alameda Street, Downtown.

Ugh, I’m still recovering from last weekend…and why is Valentine’s Day so tiring? Anyway, here are some stuff for you to do.

Friday, February 15

DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist’s Hard Sell Tour
I caught these two at their Hollywood Bowl show last summer and they were pretty darn good and innovative. That’s the first time I’ve seen a turntable strapped on like a guitar. This time you can catch them at the Wiltern on their Hard Sell Tour which will take them all over North America and perhaps on to Europe.

• $35.50. 8pm. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

Saturday, February 16

Luna Park’s $16 Prix-Fixe Lunch in Honor of Broad Opening
Everyone’s talking about the new Broad Contemporary Art Museum opening up at LACMA but did you know that in honor of the occasion Luna Park, around the corner from the museum, will be offering a $16 prix fixe lunch? AND there will be a weekly Monday art competition where you can compete against other diners with crayons and paper to win museum memberships.

• Luna Park, 672 S. La Brea, Los Angeles (map). (323) 934-2110.

Wally’s Annual Tent Sale
Ooh, Wally’s is having another tent sale. This one will save you 30-80% off wines, spirits, and champagne, including Dom Perignon and Patron Tequila Anejo. Even their food stuff is discounted. Check out the cheese, baskets and olive oil.

• 9am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday. Wally’s, 2107 Westwood Boulevard, West L.A. (map). (310) 475-0606.

Wild, Wild West Esotouric Bus Tour
Who knew that West L.A. was so wild? Esotouric Bus Tours knew and they are only more than willing to point out all the bad goings-on that took place west of Robertson Boulevard. “You’ll thrill and shudder to tales of teenage girl gangs, tortured tots, wicked wives, evil spirits, cults, creeps and assorted maniacs on a tour so wild, we had to say it twice,” says the site. Pack some food, BYOB and prepare to be thrilled.

• $55. check-in at 11:30am, tour 12-5pm. Departs from Museum of Jurassic Technology, 9341 Venice Boulevard, Culver City (map).

Sunday, February 17

The 7th Voyage of Sinbad With Live Commentary
I used to LOVE this movie when I was a kid. Those skeletons can’t be killed! But how cool is it that the guys who created the visual effects and stop-motion claymation will be commenting on the movie while it screens? Ray Harryhausen, Dennis Muren, Randy Cook (3 times Oscar winner for visual effects, LORD OF THE RINGS), Phil Tippett (Oscar winning effects designer, STAR WARS, STARSHIP TROOPERS, SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES), Steven C. Smith (Bernard Herrmann biographer), Kathery Grant Crosby, John Philip Law, Joan Taylor and moderator/film historian Arnold Kunert are in the house.

• $10. 5pm. The Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica (map).

Monday, February 18

One Scoop Is Two Balls Art Show/Ice Cream Party
Anyone who has been to Scoops speaks highly of the artistry of owner Tai Kim. Taking risks like an avant-garde artiste he creates ice cream flavors that no one has ever considered before — bacon, vodka, wasabi, etc. So it makes sense to throw an art show in his store. The show is free but you’ll have to buy ice cream, not that anyone will complain.

• Free. 7pm. Scoops, 712 N Heliotrope Drive, Los Angeles (map). (323) 906-2649.

Fellas, I hate to tell you this but Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, next Thursday to be exact. But don’t panic, I have some ideas about how you can still save the day. Nope, not restaurant suggestions. You can find those here or here. Rather, treats and stuff. If none of these work…well then your lady is just hard to please.

Art Walk Valentine’s Party
Take your honey on a V-day shopping spree (especially since you forgot to buy her a gift). Check out this arty Valentine party during the art walk where you can shop the fine art, photography, jewelry and even flowers. You might want to stop by jewelry company La Bijou Belle where they will have plenty of pretty bracelets and necklaces, perfect for your sweetie.

• February 14, 12pm-9pm. Dale Youngman Gallery, 446 S. Main Street, Downtown. (213) 458-3735

Bellacures’ Chocolate Love Potion Mani & Pedi
If your girl can’t get enough of your famous backrubs, go the extra mile and spring for this decadent chocolate mani/pedi. She’ll be treated to a warm cocoa soak and an aromatic chocolate sugar scrub. And while she’s enjoying the complimentary chocolate martini a heated cocoa butter mask will be applied to her hands and feet. Afterwards her hands and feet will be treated to a chocolate cream moisturizer and a massage. Nail care and polish are also included. Yummy!

• Monday, February 11-Sunday, February 17. Pedi $65, mani $45. Bellacures, 239 N. Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills (map). (310) 550-5822.

Craftsman’s Special Valentine Beer: Honesty Ale
Dating a beer chick? First off, congrats. Second, this reddish amber ale which tastes of sour cherries will be the perfect, albeit unusual, brew with which to toast the one you love. Originally created for Presidents’ Day — Honesty name and cherries, get it? — this special Craftsman creation proved more popular for the sweethearts’ holiday.

• Served at the Library Bar, 630 W. 6th Street, Downtown (map). (213) 614-0053.

SusieCakes Valentine Treats
For the cutest treat ever, get her a Love Shack ($65) with your names on it. Not only for Christmas anymore, SusieCakes has Valentinized the gingerbread house by decorating it with red and white candies and chocolates. Or you can grab some of the chocolate-covered long-stem strawberries ($3) and serve them to your girl with a nice bottle of champagne. Or conversation heart frosted sugar cookies ($3.50) with a vintage Valentine card would be a cute way to start the Valentine date.

• SusieCakes, 11708 San Vicente Boulevard, Brentwood (map). (310) 442-CAKE.

Sprinkles Cupcakes’ XOX Box
Every stylish girl loves these little designer cupcakes. Sprinkles has created a special XOX Box filled with yummy chocolate marshmallow, red velvet, dark chocolate and vanilla cupcakes adorned with red or pink sugar decorations.

• Thru February 17. Sprinkles, 9635 Little Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills (map).

Audrey Hepburn Double Feature at the New Beverly
Speaking of stylish girls… Nothing says “I love you” like your willingness to sit through Sabrina and Roman Holiday with her. But at least you’ll have something pretty to look at: Audrey!

• February 13-14, 7:30 and 9:45pm. New Beverly Cinema, 7165 West Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (323) 938-4038.

EXTRA Credit:

Albert’s Valentine Cocktail at Fraiche
If you don’t have V-Day reservations at Fraiche, maybe just stop by for this extra romantic cocktail after dinner. Barchef Albert created it for you love birds out there: rose champagne with rose water and a sprinkling of rose petals ($12). Awwww! Hold me!

• Thru February 16. Fraiche, 9411 Culver Boulevard, Culver City (map). (310) 839-6800.

If you notice, I got nuthin for Sunday because after Friday and Saturday you really should rest.

Friday, January 25

Polkadots & Moonbeams Semi-Annual Sale
Cute modern and vintage clothes for 30-75% off. My fave store(s) on fashionable 3rd Street will be having its Semi Annual Sale starting today. Get discounts off the likes of T Bags, Sky and more.

• Polkadots & Moonbeams, 8367 & 8381 W. Third Street, Los Angeles (map).

City Sip LA’s Trader Joe’s Wine 101
You’re fancy but you’re not THAT fancy. You appreciate all that the Trader Joe’s wine aisle has to offer. But if you ever get a teensy bit overwhelmed by the selection then this is the class for you. Enjoy a handful of the best that everyone’s fave grocer has to offer along with some TJ food.

• $40. 7-10pm. Click here to book the Joe’s Nose class.

The So Bad It’s Good Film Fest 1st Anniversary: Plan 9 From Outer Space
In celebration of The So Bad It’s Good Film Fest’s first birthday, they’ll present the mutha of all bad movies and the first one SBIG showed, Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From Outer Space. There’ll be a raffle and fun prizes as well as a tribute to Maila Nurmi (aka Vampira in the movie). Portions of the screening’s profits will go to the Maila Nurmi Memorial Fund to help with her burial. Morbid! Also, you can get a free coffee if you visit Cafe at the Vista and say “Your stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!”

• $10. Vista Theatre, 4473 Sunset Drive, Los Angeles (map).

The Bagavagabonds Art Explosion: Pop!
An art show that has free drinks from Newcastle, Kronenbourg, and Tito’s Vodka. ‘Nuff said, right? OK, if you must know more there will also be original art on sale for $50 or less, live music, djs, photo booths and live silk screening. And all for a good cause –a portion of the night’s proceeds will go to the “For the Arts” charity. RSVP to rsvp@bagavagabonds.com

• $10 (Free to artists). 8pm-1am. The Grand Ballroom at Pacific Electric Lofts, 610 S. Main Street, Downtown (map).

Saturday, January 26

Bar Keeper’s Sunset Junction Street Sale
Need to spruce up your wet bar? Shagadelic Bar Keeper in the Sunset Junction will be having a street sale along with neighbors Pull My Daisy and Den of Antiquity. Come check out their discount tables and in-store sales. Hmm, how much is that whiskey decanter in the window?

• 11am to dark. Bar Keeper, 3910 W. Sunset Boulevard, Silverlake (map). (323) 669-1675.

Angel City Derby Girls/Meltdown Comics Art Auction
Party down with the Angel City Derby Girls at Meltdown Comics’ art auction to support the league. Someone has to pay for those fishnets, knee pads and roller skates, people! Drink up and enjoy the works from local artists as well as tunes from Pigeon John.

• 7-11pm. Meltdown Comics, 7522 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

Space Is the Place: Roller Disco
Speaking of skating, why not keep the thrill on wheels going with a bit of roller disco at World on Wheels’ monthly disco party. DJs will spin your fave funk, electro and new wave tunes to get your groove on the real wooden skate floor.

• $10. 10pm. World on Wheels, 4645 1/2 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

**And we’re still taking submissions for the date with Andy contest. Lots of excellent ones so far, keep ‘em coming, ladies!

Did I already tell you how much I love our city? This weekend we have so many different and cool things going on: a neon cruise, swinging ice skating and a taco truck adventure.

Friday, January 18

Xu Xu Fang, Exitmusic and Winter Flowers at Bordello Bar
I’ll be at Bordello before the music starts for a Yelp party but then will stick around to check out Xu Xu Fang, which has been described by Flavorpill as a cross between “Jefferson Airplane with a little Radiohead and maybe a hint of Berlin.” Lovely! Winter Flowers and Exitmusic will open up the show.

• $10. 9pm. Bordello Bar, 901 E 1st Street, Downtown (map). (213) 687-3766.

Guerrilla Gay Bar Takes Over Lola’s
Look out, straight martini drinkers, the gays are taking over your favorite tini bar, Lola’s. Choose from over 50 cocktail options or check out the best seller list and make some fab friends while you’re at it. Since this joint is usually busy on weekend nights you might want to show up earlier than the appointed 10pm. GGB dress code: Wear a tie — bolo, bow tie, neck tie, take your pick. RSVP here.

• 10pm. Lola’s, 945 N Fairfax Avenue, West Hollywood (map).

Saturday, January 19

Eraserhead 30th Anniversary Screening at LACMA
You may know him as L.A.’s much beloved weatherman but before that he actually made movies. To cap off LACMA’s weekend of all things David Lynch where they pay tribute with screenings of his short films and a documentary on the strange genius, the museum will screen a restored 30th-anniversary version of his early film, Eraserhead.

• 9:10pm. $9. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

MONA’s 2008 Poet’s Beat Neon Cruise
Oooh! Shiny! This bus tour sounds like so much fun — neon combined with a booze cruise. Tour the city’s best bright lights while enjoying the spoken-word poetic commentary of Mike the Poet on the neon landscape. And to add that special blurred effect to the lights, there will be three stops at some of your fave bars.

• $25 for MONA members, $35 general. Meet at Olive Street and Pershing Square (map). Reservations: (213) 489-9918.

Sunday, January 20

Shark Run/Walk and Mako Mile
For a lovely morning run, it doesn’t get any better than this 5K along beautiful Zuma Beach. Forget about improving your time, check out that scenery. And if 3 miles is just too much, you can do the Mako Mile.

• 7:15am. $20 before race day, $25 on race day. Malibu High School Track at Malibu High, 30215 Morning View Drive, Malibu (map).

Swingin’ Sundays at Pershing Square
Aww, Downtown on Ice will close its rink on the 21st but you can still enjoy one more go-round during the last Swingin’ Sunday. Latin/Ska band Upground will heat up the ice for your skating pleasure.

• 8pm. $6 for skating, $2 skate rental. Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive Street, Downtown (map).

Yelpers’ Eagle Rock Taco Truck Crawl
Can’t get enough of taco trucks? You’ll find like-minds at the Eagle Rock Taco Truck Crawl organized by Yelpers with strong stomachs. The group will meet at All Star Lanes, where they will also end the night with drinking and karaoke. The truck lineup will include Leo’s, Sonia’s, Rambo’s and Verdugo Taco Stand, to name a few. Don’t forget to bring lots o’ cash for the tacos.

• 7pm. All Star Lanes, 4459 Eagle Rock Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

How’s this new year working out for you so far? It’s been pretty mellow for me, which I’m just loving. If you’re feeling that, too, may I recommend the following ways to chill this weekend?

Friday, January 11

Sur La Table Winter Sale
I lovvve Sur La Table. My dream is to one day be able to make enough money so that I can furnish my kitchen with Sur La Table everything. If you have the same dream, you’ll be happy to know that we might not have to wait that long since the chef’s store is having a winter sale where you can save 20%-50% on cooking tools, cutlery, bake, cook and kitchen ware.

• Sur La Table, 301 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica (map). (310) 395-0390.

Vanity Room Winter Clearance Sale
One of my fave clothes stores in town is having a winter sale as well. This one, you can save up to 75% off throughout the store. Start off ‘08 with a brand-new you. Choose from their hip clothes, as well as their cute necklaces, perfume and fabulous shoes. The sale ends Sunday, January 20th.

• Vanity Room, 13217 Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (310) 306-3336.

Photo LA 2008
Fans of photography greats Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus, Walker Evans and Brassai have to swing by the Barker this weekend as Photo LA 2008 showcases these and other legendary artists. I’m going! Seventy of the world’s leading galleries and private dealers will have works on display so you can browse or even buy. If you go on Sunday, check out the thought-provoking conversation between exhibition honoree, architectural photog Julius Shulman and Wim DeWitt, curator of Architectural Collections at the Getty Research Institute. Tickets ($11.50 each) are still available for that one.

• $20 for 1-day pass, $30 for 3-day pass. Friday, January 11 and Saturday, January 12, noon to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, January 13, noon to 6:00 p.m. Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Airport, 3021 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica (map).

Saturday, January 12

Free Golden Globes Foreign Film Seminar
The show may not go on but you can still honor the nominees, especially the ones for Best Foreign Language Film. A free-to-the-public in-person seminar featuring the directors of the films in this Golden Globe category will be held at the Egyptian Theatre. Mike Goodridge of Screen International moderates the free roundtable discussion with filmmakers Cristian Mungiu (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days), Julian Schnabel (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) and Marjane Satrapi & Vincent Paronnaud (Persepolis). The movies are also screening at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. Check the calendar for the remaining showtimes.

• 1pm. Free admission and parking. The Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood (map).

Sunday, January 13

De-Stress Detox Pedicure at Bellacures
Finding 2008 stressful even though it’s only been two weeks into the new year? Check into Bellacures in Beverly Hills and try out this fab-sounding detoxing pedicure where you can enjoy elixir tonic or herbal tea while soaking your feet in a eucalyptus bath. Afterward your tootsies are scrubbed down with an invigorating lemongrass and mint scrub and then soothed with a slathering of herbal mask. A 10-minute massage follows. The pedicure also includes the all-important callus treatment and is finished up with polish.

• $65. 11am-5pm. Bellacures, 239 North Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills (map). (310) 550-5822.

Coming down from the holidays? I know, I’m feeling a bit blue, too. No more sparkly lights or Christmas music or wonderful sales. Le sigh. At least this weekend, there are lots of music events to choose from to get your ass grooving again, from a drum-off to a mashup. Take your pick.

Friday, January 4

First Fridays featuring Sea Wolf
Nothing like music and taxidermy to start off a new year right. Enjoy indie fave Sea Wolf at the Natural History Museum’s series First Fridays. Also performing are Afternoons with DJ Hoseh and DJ Allen of dublab.com spinning in the African Mammal Hall. Enjoy drinks at the three bars and the L.A. Weekly lounge.

• $9. 5:30-10pm. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (213) 763-3466.

Saturday, January 5

Tree People’s Mountain Planting
Is making the world a nicer place to live one of your new year’s resolutions? Join the Tree People in restoring woodland by planting oaks, native plants and grasses in one of the ‘Bu’s prettiest parks. Contact Kristina Clark at kclark@treepeople.org or (818) 623-4846 to join in on the fun.

• 9am-12pm. Malibu Creek State Park, Malibu (map).

Hive Gallery’s New Year Group Show Opening
The Hive Gallery is a-buzzing with a fresh crop of artists. Check out the opening reception where live painting, DJs and a full bar await you.

• $7. 8pm-12:30am. The Hive Gallery, 729 S. Spring Street, Downtown (map). (213) 955-9051.

Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Grand Finals
The nation’s best undiscovered drummers compete to be crowned the Drum-Off champion. The night will feature performances by the four Drum-Off finalists as well as Angels & Airwaves, “Go Get A Late Pass!!!” featuring ?uestlove of The Roots, Street Drum Corps with special guests Adrian Young of No Doubt, Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion, Shannon Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars, John Sawicki of Stomp and Byron McMackin of Pennywise.

• $20. 7pm. Music Box at Henry Fonda Theater, 6126 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood (map). (323) 464-0808

Bootie LA Returns to the Echo
L.A.’s mashup party returns to its original home, the Echo. Relish creative mashups from the likes of Foxy Cotton, DJ Paul V of Indie 103.1, and Bootie San Francisco creators Adrian & the Mysterious D.

• $10, $5 before 10:30pm. 9pm-2am. The Echo, 1822 Sunset Boulevard, Echo Park (map).

Sunday, January 6

Last Day of Dali: Painting & Film at LACMA
I find Dali’s films disturbing but if you love that crazy surrealist (said affectionately, of course) and still haven’t visited his paintings and films at LACMA better check it out while you still can. Sunday is the exhibit’s last day at the museum.

• $12-$20. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (323) 857-6000.

I wanna go to KROQ’s Acoustic Christmas this weekend! Hopefully I’ll be able to score tickets this evening but if not at least there are these things to do. May I note, LOTS of holiday parties.

Friday, December 7

Abbot Kinney Holiday Extravaganza
Venice is throwing its own holiday street party on Abbot Kinney with Xmas carolers, a toy drive, and the big guy himself, Santa. Stores will stay open late to facilitate drinking and shopping (see the Brig, the Otherroom and Roosterfish).

• 5pm-10pm. Abbot Kinney between Brooks and Venice Boulevard, Venice (map).

Harmonie’s 3rd Anniversary Holiday Party
Since you’re in the vicinity of Abbot Kinney’s street party, check out hip boutique Harmonie’s holiday party where they will have Hobo accessories giveaways and complimentary holiday cocktails sponsored by Silk Vodka. Guest djs keep you swaying and shopping.

• 7pm-11pm. Harmonie, 2800 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice (map). (310) 306-5059.

Holla Back Merle’s 3rd Annual Christmas Party
My friend Holla Back Merle is throwing a very special Christmas party over at Chinatown’s Mountain Bar. Come and dance all night long to every type of music you can think of…if you are thinking dance music, house, hip hop, ’80s and disco. And the kicker is for all that mistletoe lovin’, it’ll cost you nothing at all. Well, no cover charge to dance to over 3,000 songs in one night.

• 9pm-2am. Mountain Bar, 473 Gin Ling Way, Los Angeles (map).

Saturday, December 8

Sunset Junction Holiday Block Party
Art, cocktails, holiday treats and many sales. Over a dozen Sunset Junction galleries and cute stores will keep their doors open late for this hip holiday block party and lubricating shoppers with lots of cocktails. Find one-of-a-kind gifts at these unique stores. And now’s the time to shop at Bar Keeper because not only will they have a sale on their swank barware…but cocktails in store! Huzzah!

• 7pm-10pm. Sunset Junction on Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (213) 814-2640.

Westside Scooter Club’s Holiday Soulside Party and Ride
Get your scooter gang together for this holiday party and ride. Meet at Tommy’s Burgers on Lincoln at 7pm sharp and you’ll ride en masse to the Cock N Bull down the street for some holiday cheer, a free dinner and a raffle. Sigh, times like this I wish I had a Vespa.

• 7pm meet, 8:30pm ride at Tommy’s Burgers, 1900 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica (map).

An NC-17 double feature, Swayze’s mullet and chocolate Kahlua bread pudding. You gotta love L.A.

Friday, November 30

So Bad It’s Good Film Festival: Road House
I’ve never seen this movie but people at work were saying it’s one of the greatest films ever. I don’t know if I believe that but I guess now’s my chance to find out. The So Bad It’s Good Festival will be screening Patrick Swayze’s classic, Road House, at the Vista. And in honor of the man, the mullet, there will be a mullet competition where the winner with the sweetest do will receive a free dinner for two (gift certificate valued at $50) at Saddle Ranch Chop House. And as a special promotion from Thursday through Saturday, anyone who visits the Cafe at the Vista and shouts “Road House rocks!” gets a free cuppa joe. How badly do you want that cup of coffee?

• $10. 12am. Vista Theatre, 4473 Sunset Drive, Los Angeles (map).

Saturday, December 1

Ang Lee Q&A and Sexy Double Feature at ArcLight Sherman Oaks
Prepare for an afternoon of seat squirming at this lustful double feature of Ang Lee’s NC17-rated Lust, Caution and Bernardo Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris, a film rated X upon its initial release. Director Lee will be in the house for a Q&A on “Sexuality in Cinema” as a special event for AFI at ArcLight.

• 12pm. ArcLight Sherman Oaks, 15301 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks (map).

Holiday Cooking Class at Border Grill Santa Monica
Want to spice up your holiday meals? Sign up for Border Grill’s demonstration-style cooking class where the “Too Hot Tamales” Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger will teach you how to make festive cocktails, appetizers, and more. Mmm, spicy sangrias, cotija cheese and yam quesadillas and chocolate Kahlua bread puddiing. Students will also enjoy a multi-course lunch and cocktails and get to take home a recipe booklet. Make your reservations asap before the classes fill.

• $75. 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. Border Grill, 1445 4th Street, Santa Monica (map). (310) 451-1655.

Create:Fixate Six-Year Anniversary: Reunion
For its 6th anniversary, the artsy fartsy party Create:Fixate will celebrate in an even posher downtown location. With over 60 artists in the house, including live painting and performances, there will be lots to see. To do, you’ve got music by KCRW djs to dance to and fashion and jewelry shopping.

• $15. 7pm-2am. Gallery preview ($5) 4pm-7pm. 613 Imperial Street, Los Angeles (map).

Flip Cup Tournament at El Guapo
That previous event too high brow for you? I’ve got just the thing: a flip cup tournament at El Guapo. You can either enter to drink lots of beer and try for your chance at the trophy or spectate this frat-reminiscent sport.

• $40 to register, free to watch. El Guapo Mexican Cantina, 7250 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 297-0471.

This weekend I’ll be busy with a Scary Movie night at my place and then the ’80s Prom at Cooper Studios on Saturday, but here are some things you can put in your weekend calendar. Celebrate dudes, the Dude, derby girls and Dengue Fever!

Friday, October 12

Point Break Live!
OMG, this is genius and also sounds hilarious. A stage adaptation of my man Keanu’s 1991 masterpiece, Point Break. The high point of every evening is when a member of the audience is selected to play the starring role of Keanu. Their bewilderment will only enhance their performance after all. The lucky Keanu du noir will get a VHS tape of his/her compelling performance at the end of the night. Practice this line: “You’re sayin’ the FBI’s gonna pay me to learn to surf?”

• October 12 thru whenever. Tickets: $20. Charlie O’s at The Alexandria Hotel, 501 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles. (map)

Pasadena Art Ride
Enjoy a nice evening biking and taking in art in celebration of Art Night Pasadena. I wish I could do this. It’s open to all skill levels, just make sure to bring a bike that’s in working condition as well as a bike lock. You’ll take a tour of the city’s art galleries and museums and it’s all for free!

• 6-10pm. Free. Patagonia Pasadena Store (in the rear of store), 47 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena. (map)

Saturday, October 13

Lebowski Fest LA Bowling Party
The Dude is everywhere but this weekend you’ll find him at Cal Bowl. In celebration of the Lebowski Fest and all things The Big Lebowski, Dude fans are treated to all-you-can-bowl, costumes, contests, and prizes. Be sure to get there early though as general admission doesn’t guarantee bowling. Rent shoes or bring your own non-dark soled shoe.

• 8pm. $25. Cal Bowl, 2500 E Carson St. Lakewood. (map)

OCTOBERFIST! Angel City Derby Girls v. Bay Area Derby Girls!
Girl on girl action on wheels! Thought that might get your attention. Our Angel City Derby Girls versus those Bay Area biatches, the Bay Area Derby Girls. Usually tickets run $12 to $17 but for you for tonight it’s only $5. Watch girl meet elbow meet rollerrink. If you really want to get in on the fun, sit in the track’s safety zone corners and you may find yourself fighting off the girls…as they crash into you.

• 4pm. $5. YMCA David Potell Memorial roller hockey rink, 11431 Magnolia Boulevard, North Hollywood. (map)

Sunday, October 14

Los Angeles Magazine’s The Food Event: Home Grown
Los Angeles Magazine’s food event at the Kitchen Academy features celebrity chefs from the likes of Providence and Saddle Peak Lodge to name a few as well as cooking demonstrations and of course, gourmet food tastings. But the best part? A portion of each ticket sale will go to the Los Angeles Mission.

• 2-5pm. $40. Kitchen Academy, 6370 W. Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood. (map) To purchase tickets, call (323) 993-7211.

Nunchux VII: The Wine Toast
This monthly speakeasy hosted by a Silver Lake Wine/AOC employee named Santos celebrates Oktoberfest with not only German wines and beers ($4-$12) but high-quality German sausages and sauerkraut ($5). I Make This Sound will be providing lovely tunes. Remember that this is a cash-only event so…bring lots o’ cash. Also, it’s an outdoor space so bundle up, buttercup.

• 7:30pm. $4 ($2 by RSVPing Nunchux@mail.com). 2000 N. Figueroa, Los Angeles. (map)

ARTPerformance for the PasadenArt Weekend
The Art Ride not your thing? How about a bunch of live musical stylings from up and coming talent spanning different genres? As part of the PasadenArt Weekend, the first annual ARTPerformance will feature music acts on stages around Old Pasadena. Look for Dengue Fever (man, this band is everywhere), Culver City Dub Collective and Jessie Baylin, to name a few.

• 11am-6pm. Free. Main Stage One Colorado Courtyard, Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue, Old Pasadena. (map)

If you love music, you’ll love this weekend what with a rock n’ roll photo exhibit, a dance block party and a music festival. And there is a wine and a food festival thrown in there for good measure.

Friday, October 5

Rock ‘n Roll Photo Exhibit by Jim Marshall at John Varvatos Store
Legendary rock n’ roll photographer Jim Marshall has lived every music fan’s dream, capturing grand and not-so-grand moments in rock n’ roll history like the Beatles’ last concert in 1966 to Johnny Cash flipping off the camera during his San Quentin concert. Now, you can enjoy an exhibition of Marshall’s work at the John Varvatos store. And if you love it, you can buy it as all prints are available for purchase and cost anywhere from $1,300 to $10,000.

• Thru October 16. 8800 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. (map) (310) 859-2970.

3rd Annual Loose Goose Wine Festival
Get as loose as a goose at SoCal’s largest wine fest where you can sample wine from 100 wineries and enjoy gourmet goodies, 50 luxury-related vendors and live music. The price of admission includes a wine tasting glass to take home, five wine tasting tickets, four food tickets and one gold ticket for Peter’s Privates wine tasting. I’m sure that’s not what you think.

• October 6, After Dark Festival 5-10pm. October 7, 1-5pm. $55. Bridgeport Park, 23520 Bridgeport Lane, Santa Clarita. (map)

Firecracker’s 9-Year Anniversary Outdoor Block Party
Wanna take out your work week frustrations on the dance floor? Firecracker, your favorite bi-monthly par-tay and mine, is celebrating its 9th anniversary with a block party, three blocks in Chinatown to be exact. There will be $2 Coronas and art if you want to take a breather between the beats.

• 9:30pm-2am. $15 ($10 with RSVP at Going.com). Grand Star, 943 N. Broadway, Chinatown. (map)

Saturday, October 6

Brewery Art Walk Fall ‘07
Explore the world’s largest art colony as its 100 resident artists open their studio doors to the public in this biannual event. Get some culture, speak with the artists and support the arts by purchasing their pieces. Great way to meet other artsy-fartsy Angelenos, that’s fer sure.

• October 6-7, 11am-6pm. Free. 2100 North Main Street, Lincoln Heights. (map)

9th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival
This free community music festival hosts an eclectic mix of live multi-ethnic acts for the ultimate music lover over six blocks of Colorado Boulevard. Forty bands, including Dengue Fever, The Pity Party and Under the Influence of Giants, will take the main stages. Sounds so good!

• October 6, 5pm-12am. Free. Colorado at Eagle Rock Boulevard, Eagle Rock.

Sunday, October 7

Great Tastes in Brentwood
Katsuya, San Gennaro, Chocolate Restaurant and Bar and SusieCakes are the highlights of this 20-year-old food fest in Brentwood. Proceeds from the event will benefit local public schools.

• 12-5pm. $2 or Free with canned good. 11611 San Vicente Boulevard between Darlington and Bringham Avenue, Brentwood. (map)

Frick! Summer is almost over and I feel like it hadn’t even really got started. What is up with this gloomy weather today?! Anyhoo, enjoy the barbecues, pool parties, summer sales, etc. while you still can…before temps drop 10 degrees.

Saturday, August 25

Modular Pool Party at the Standard on Sunset
Have you done a pool party at the Standard yet? Well you better get on it. Now’s your chance at Modular Records’ pool party at the WeHo Standard. Take a dip while enjoying the musical stylings of the Bang Gang Deejays, L.A. Riots, Mid-City West and DJ Jasepi, and DJ Daisy O.

• 12-6pm. Free with RSVP. The Standard, 8300 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood. (map)

Jack Daniels’ Neighborhood BBQ Final Showdown in Venice
All summer the barbecue experts at Jack Daniels’ put on this neighborhood cook-off between local professional chefs and amateur bbq enthusiasts. And this Saturday is the final showdown and the crowning of the Jack Daniels’ Barbecue King of Venice. Mmm, barbecuuuuue.

• 2-6pm. Free, RSVP. The QuikSilverEdition Mission, 1621 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice Beach. (map)

LF Stores Annual Summer Sale
I ducked into the Santa Monica location last weekend and despite the original triple-digit prices I was able to find lots of cool stuff made affordable by the 60% discount off…EVERYTHING. Shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry, frilly underwear, dresses, jeans and blouses — all 60% off. Sale ends September 30.

Fuck Yeah Fest IV
Who knew there was a Fuck Yeah Fest I, II and III? But then again, with five different venues for an artsy fartsy crawl with a comedy show (Bob Odenkirk of Mr. Show will be there!), art galleries, and over 50 bands (including Midnight Movies, Lavender Diamond and Deerhunter) performing over the course of two nights, it’s no wonder we’re on #5. Fuck, yeah! Look for the $3 Dewars drinks at the Echo, Echoplex and the Rec Center.

• August 25-26, 5pm-12am. $13 per day (Saturday, Sunday), $24 for two-day pass. The Echo, 1822 Sunset Boulevard, Echo Park. (map)

Sunday, August 26

Citizen Smith Indie Film Lounge
Indie films, cocktails, and mingling in a glamorous salon-style setting. What a nice, chill way to spend a Sunday! You can order small plates from the lounge menu all night. Get there early at 8:30 for the mingling, and the movie starts at 9pm.

• 8:30-11pm. $8. Citizen Smith, 1600 N. Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood. For reservations, call (323) 461-5001. (map)

Celebrate this weekend with extremes by staying up late, blowing your paycheck on couture, gorging yourself on chili and spectating some Xtreme sports.

Friday, August 3

Spider After Dark LA’s only Friday Night After Hours
It’s 1:30am and you still feel like partying, gosh bless you. The Spider Club at Avalon offers an after-hours dance club that goes off from 2am to 7am just for your nocturnal kind. This Friday night/Saturday morning’s After Dark show will feature the musical stylings of DJs Jaime Narvaez and Mikie Smithers. I can’t even think of staying up that late but I understand if you must. Sometimes you just gotta keep dancing.

• 2am-7am. $20. Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine Street, Hollywood. (323) 462-8900.

Saturday, August 4

Sunset Plaza Tent Sale
This oh-so-chic sample sale will feature the high-end designer likes of Betsey Johnson, Isabella Fiore, Jean Paul Gaultier, Nicole Miller, Roberto Cavalli, True Religion, Trunk tees and Vera Wang. I probably won’t be able to afford one sock from this sale but could be fun to do some wishful shopping. Some of the proceeds of this event will be donated to the Los Angeles Firemans Relief Association.

• August 4-5, 10am-6pm. Sunset Plaza, 8600 Block of Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood.

The AdDress Boutique Summer Sale
A $1,500 Givenchy little black dress on sale for $249, $1,250 Richard Tyler Couture for $59! Find new and re-sale dresses, jeans, jewelry, handbags, and even shoes from celebrities’ closets and marked up to 90% off at this summer sale.

• August 4-12. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. AdDress Boutique, 1116 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica. (310) 394-1406.

MoCA Night Vision feat. Small Town Talk
It’s the second to the last NightVision event in MoCA’s summer late-night series and this one sounds pretty cool what with Small Town Talk, a DJ collective, and screenings of Los Angeles Film Festival music videos. Get there early and get treated to an artmaking workshop with artist Jamie Sweetman; come a bit later and catch the exhibition walk-through with a MoCA educator and a screening of Underplayed: A Mix-Tape of Music-Based Videos.

• 6pm-12am. $8 (museum admission). Museum of Contemporary Art, 250 S Grand Avenue, Downtown. (213) 626-6222.

Long Beach Crawfish Festival
Celebrate all that is good and great about N’Awlins at the Long Beach Crawfish Festival. But if you aren’t really a fan of that crustacean, you have many other eats to choose from at this festival where there are also savories from all corners of the world. And then work off your belly full of eats by shaking it to some Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans jazz tunes.

• August 4-5; Saturday 12pm-12am, Sunday 12pm-11pm. $13 presale admission only, $15 at the gate, $25 presale including crawfish dinner, $33 at the gate. Rainbow Lagoon at Pine Avenue and Shoreline Drive in Long Beach

Sunday, August 5

2007 ESPN X Games 13 - Skateboard Vert/Rally Car Racing
Last year, motocrosser Travis Pastrana pulled an amazing double win in both freestyle motocross (for his record-breaking double backflip) AND his new passion, rally car racing. Tickets are still available if you wanna catch the Wunderkind in action and see if he can pull another gold medal-winning performance. Should be exciting stuff.

• 12pm. $15. The Home Depot Center, 18400 Avalon Boulevard, Carson.

Farmers Market 13th Anniversary Celebration and Chili Cook-Off
Mmmm, chili. What better way to celebrate the summer heat with some nice and spicy chili? Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market will be featuring its annual chili cook-off. Judging starts at 11am as does something called the corn shucking contest. And yes, I did say this is in Beverly Hills. Chili cook-off winners are announced at noon so get there early so you can weigh in your vote as well.

• 9am-1pm. Free. Beverly Hills Farmers Market, 9300 block of Civic Center Drive.

Look into Bowie’s eyes, you want to have funnn this weekendddd. Lots to do and all of it on the odd and unusual side what with a scavenger hunt with dinosaurs, a Hollywood pool party and a not-so-Hollywood pool party, photo exhibit and djs, and did you see David Bowie in that wig? Ah, only in L.A.

Friday, July 27

Labyrinth at the Nuart
Who needs Homer when you’ve got David Bowie as a goblin king and a young Jennifer Connelly in a Muppet-populated fantasy land? Check out the 35mm reissue of this ’80s classic which was created by the eclectic triad of writer Terry Jones (Monty Python), producer George Lucas (Star Wars) and director Jim Henson (The Dark Crystal).

• Tickets: $9.50. Landmark’s Nuart Theatre, 11272 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Los Angeles. (310) 281-8223.

Saturday, July 28

The Museum of Natural Hysteria Scavenger Hunt
For an unusual way to spend your Saturday afternoon, go for a scavenger hunt amid the dinosaurs and lions at The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The entire museum is yours for the hunt. Sharks and Zunis and penguins! Oh my!

• 2pm. $28. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, Los Angeles. (map)

Create:Fixate: Backscatter All-Photography Show
Artsy hipsters, techno beats and fashion, and what’s a party without an avant-garde live photo booth? Enjoy the visual goodies of over 30 visual artists via their art installations, video designs and photographs at this reoccurring art show. Just remember to bring a flask. Those $7 well drinks tend to be a bit unsatisfying. DJs Wolfie and Dream Electric, John Tejada, and KCRW’s Raul Campos keep the scene moving.

• 7pm-2am. $15 (gallery preview 4-7pm, $5). 1530 Ivar Avenue, Hollywood.

White Party 2007 for Heal the Bay
This sounds uber-fancy what with red carpet arrivals, press check-in and the mandatory all-white attire request but it’s all for a good cause: Heal the Bay. Party With a Cause will be throwing its 2nd annual event poolside at the Backyard of the W in Westwood. Krol Vodka, Red Bull, Tequila 33 and Heineken will host an open bar. General admission tickets are $40 advance/$50 at the door. But if you want to rub elbows with VIPs and swish the red carpet it’ll cost you $100. However, VIPs get a gift bag valued at over $600!

• 7-11pm. Tickets: $40-$100. The Backyard of the W Hotel, 930 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles.

Sunday, July 29

Sunday Pool Party Blue Velvet
Enjoy the scorcher this Sunday by lazing about the pool and sipping on $5 cocktails. Obviously, I’m not talking about the Roof at the Standard, but that other downtown pool at hip restaurant/lounge/pool party Blue Velvet.

• 1-5pm. 750 Garland Avenue, Downtown. (213) 239-0061.