Thursday, November 3

Movember Cocktail Party at the Spare Room
To celebrate the month of Movember, Hollywood Roosevelt’s Spare Room is throwing a philanthropic party where proceeds from its special “Mo-Cocktail” (Del Maguey mescal, dark cacao, coffee heering, cayenne, smoked salt, chocolate cream float) and photobooth will go to Movember, to support prostate cancer (never thought I’d type those words in my blog) and other male cancer initiatives. Swedish/Canadian beauty Malin Akerman (Watchmen) will be hosting, Warpaint will perform and Tim Nordwin (OK Go) will dj.

• 9pm. Spare Room, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood (map). (323) 769-7296.

Wet Hop Mini-Fest at Library Alehouse
This Santa Monica beer restaurant will be celebrating the unique craft brew trend that is Wet Hops through November 9 or “until we can’t fill the handles anymore.” Wet hops are those that are freshly picked and overnighted to brewers to be used in their pale ales and IPAs. Stop by and check out the five taps (possibly 6 tonight).

• Thru November 9, 6-11:30pm. Library Alehouse, 2911 Main Street, Santa Monica (map). (310) 314-4855.

Saturday, November  5

Free LA Opera Open House
This sounds like it’s going to be an awesome event, well, to opera fans. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, LA Opera is opening its doors to the public. You’ll get behind-the-scene tours (scenery/prop and costume/wig displays!), demos and even a Q&A with Placido Domingo himself! There will also be two concerts where Placido will conduct as well as perform!

• 9:30am-5pm. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (213) 972-8001.

Sunday, November 6

Artisan Bazaar by Costume Designers at Art Directors’ Guild
Peruse handmade jewelry, clothing, artwork, dog coats (ooh! Something for Mya), vintage items and antiques at this artisan bazaar hosted by the Costume Designers Guild. Proceeds go to the Motion Picture Television Fund.

• 8:30am-6pm. $1. Art Directors Guild, 11969 Ventura Boulevard #200, Studio City (map). (818) 762-9995.

Last Red Cup Sundays Rooftop Party of the Year
It’s getting chilly out but don’t let that stop you from fitting in one last rooftop party before it gets all drizzly out. This one, which takes place at ICON Ultra Lounge, has $3 drink specials (til 6pm), guest DJs, and a view. RSVP: chakis [at] rockbotlive.com

• 3-10pm. The Rooftop at ICON Ultra Lounge LA, 1248 Figueroa Street, Downtown (map).

Thursday, September 29

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tasting at Wood & Vine Restaurant
K&L Wines is hosting a Buffalo Trace tasting of delicious proportions at Wood & Vine. For $45 at the door you get to partake of Buffalo Trace White Dog & Straight Bourbon, Elmer T Lee Bourbon, Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon..deep breath…Blanton’s Bourbon, Weller 12 Year Bourbon, E.H. Taylor Bonded 100 Proof, William Larue Weller Cask Strength Bourbon, Sazerac 18 Straight Rye! Pfew! This definitely calls for a designated driver.

• 7-8:30pm. $45 at the door. Wood & Vine, 6280 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood (map). (323) 334-3360.

Friday, September 30

Macallan Open Bar at Exchange LA
For only $5 donation fee, which goes to charity:water, you get to taste one of the best Scotches out there all night at a downtown nightclub. Try some flights or have it in a cocktail. But may I suggest neat or with just a smidge of water? You’ll dance, you’ll drink, you’ll have fun.

• 10pm-1am. $5. Exchange LA, 618 S. Spring Street, Downtown (map).

Saturday, October 1

Food Truck Festival at Santa Anita Park
All your favorite food trucks in one place is always a good thing. Here at the Santa Anita Food Truck Festival, the mobile food court will spread itself out in the middle of the racetrack on the entire Santa Anita infield — 70 gourmet food trucks like the popular Grilled Cheese Truck, Lobsta Truck, Ludo Truck, and Lardon Truck. There will also be carnival games and live music as well as pony rides for the kiddies.

• 11am-5pm. $5. Santa Anita Park, 285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia (map).

LA Burning Man Decompression
Didn’t get to hit up Burning Man this year? Here’s a baby Burning Man, er Burning Baby (?), event for you as well as BM attendees who are still flying high from the event. But this one, you don’t have to trek all the way to the desert, spend a fortune and worry about where to go to the bathroom. The Official Burning Man LA Decompression event showcases art, music and Burning Man culture all in a span of 12 hours. There will be live music, DJs, art, theme camps, puppets, circus and, yes, fire.

• 1pm-2am. $20. Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N Spring Street, Los Angeles (map).

Sunday, October 2

Octoberfest Beer Pairing Dinners at LA Market
This Sunday is the launch of LA Market’s beer pairing dinners in celebration of Octoberfest. Each week, Chef Kerry Simon will create a special three-course dinner to complement the beers from featured craft brewers. Starting things off is a dinner with Allagash Brewing Company from Portland, Maine. Upcoming brewers include North Coast, Affligem, Unibroue and more! Three-course menu including beer pairings is just $35.

• 5-10pm. $35. LA Market, 900 W Olympic Boulevard, Downtown (map). (213) 765-8600.

Thursday, August 25

Locals’ Hour at Playa
Learn from one of the best in the cocktail biz, Angeleno Magazine’s “Best New Mixologist” Julian Cox. He’ll teach you some of his trade secrets for you to try at your own cocktail parties. Best part is that the class is free and you can imbibe the lesson plan for $9 with half-priced appetizers.

• 5:30-7pm. Playa, 7360 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (323) 933-5300.

Friday, August 26

Coney Island Gourmet-Style Tasting Event at Vintage Enoteca
Close your summer out under the boardwalk, or rather, enjoying food inspired by Coney Island but fancified — truffled popcorn with Coney Island Albino Python White Lager, lobster corn dogs with a Viognier/Chardonnay blend, beef dogs with a Syrah and lemon-lime swirl cotton candy with Moscato d’Asti.

• Friday-Sunday, 4-11pm. $30. Vintage Enoteca, 7554 W Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood (map). (323) 512-5278.

Sunday, August 28

J Gold’s Pancake Breakfast
I had to ask LA Weekly‘s food writer JGold when I saw him at the craft beer bar crawl, “Now you’re doing a pancake breakfast event? Why?” He seemed really excited about it saying it was his idea and that they won’t just have sweet but savory breakfast items, too, as well as, wait for it, brunch cocktails! OK, that sounds good. Plus for $25 you get to sample from 20 of the man’s favorite pancake places like BLD, Original Pancake House, Fig and Playa. Part of the proceeds will benefit the LA Food Bank. LA Weekly is giving away tickets. Enter to win here, the drawing is tomorrow.

• 11am-2pm. $25. Vibiana, 214 S Main Street, Los Angeles (map).

Serge Gainsbourg Tribute with Beck and Sean Lennon at Hollywood Bowl
Pack a picnic with your favorite French red and snuggle avec votre bebe at what is sure to be a lovely summer concert featuring Beck, Sean Lennon, Ed Droste (Grizzly Bear) and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra celebrating French singer Serge Gainsbourg. Deal alert: Thrillist Rewards is currently offering $31 seats for $20.

• 7pm. $12-$134. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Avenue, Hollywood (map).

Monday, August 29

Creaky Tiki at 320 Main
For this month’s tiki event at Seal Beach’s 320 Main, the bar will explore pre-tiki tropical cocktails like the Singapore Sling, Hurricane and Queens Park Swizzle, to name a few. Guest bartender Marcos Tello will serve up the cocktails along with owner Jason Schiffer and RumDood Matt Robold. Cocktails are $8 each and punch bowls are $6 a glass.

• 7-11pm. 320 Main, 320 Main Street, Seal Beach (map). (562) 799-6246.

Look out weekend cuz here I come…

Thursday, August 18

Napa Valley Grille’s Taste Foursquare Happy Hour
Get a delicious (and wallet-friendly) sneaky peek of Executive Chef Joseph Gillard’s Heritage Pork Belly he created for September 4th’s “Fashion Bites Brunch” during the Westwood restaurant’s happy hour (Monday-Saturday 3-7pm and 9pm-12am, Sunday 3-11pm). This is part of a promotion, which kicks off today, for the LA Times’ Taste event which features happy hours around town. Foursquare users who check-in at five or more participating venues—including Napa Valley Grille—during regular happy hours and post “I’m at THE TASTE Foursquare Happy Hour” in the optional “Shout” message box will receive a 20% discount on TASTE event tickets.   NVG’s happy hour offers specials off beer, wine and cocktails ($4-$8) and small plates ($4-$7).

• August 18-25. Napa Valley Grille, 1100 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (310) 824-3322.

Friday, August 19

Rachel Palley Warehouse Sale
It’s almost autumn. You know what that means: Sales off spring and summer fashion! Fortunately, LA weather is so temperate that we can usually wear those seasons’ styles way into October. At Rachel Pally’s warehouse sale, you can save 55%-85% on her Spring and Summer Collections in women’s dresses, tops and bottoms. Cash and credit cards only.

• August 19-21, Friday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. 2301 E. 7th Street, Suite C100, Los Angeles (map).

Sunday, August 21

Bacon Brunch at Royal/T Cafe
Bacon is definitely a foodie buzz word so no doubt they’ll flock to this bacon-focused brunch which will feature bacon and Nutella panini and a special Bacon High Tea. While you’re indulging in everyone’s favorite meat product, check out the bacon-inspired jewelry in OnchMovement’s Meat-cessories line in the OnchMovement’s “Perfectasy” pop-up shop, which is around through August 31. Wonder if that bacon bracelet smells as good as it looks. There will also be drink specials: $12 bottomless mimosas and $28 bottles of Veuve du Vernay Champagne to quench your bacon-induced thirst.

• 10am-1pm. Royal/T Cafe, 8910 Washington Boulevard, Culver City (map).

Gourmet Music Carnival
I know, “Another food truck fest?” you’re probably saying. But this inaugural event is a cross between a food truck fest, flea market and concert series. That’s right, indulge in 40-60 food trucks, browse 200 local vendors and rock out to 9 bands. Currently there’s a Thrillist Rewards special where, for $36, you get an open vodka and moonshine bar tended by Joel Black (formerly of Cana), VIP tent for the concerts and food from 25 food trucks.

• 11am-7pm. $12-$50. LA Historic Park, 1245 N Spring Street, Los Angeles (map).

Bay Cities and Italian Wine With Silverlake Wine
West meets East as the beloved Santa Monica deli treks to Silverlake for a very special wine tasting. Enjoy wines like Caravaglio Salina Vino Da Tavola Bianco 2010, Macarico Macari Aglianico Del Vulture 2007 and Germano Angelo Nebbiolo Langhe 2007…yeah, I’m not sure what these are either but you know they probably go well with the meatballs, charcuterie and, yes, godmothers that the deli will be bringing.

• 3pm. $20. Silverlake Wine, 2395 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). Reservations required: (323) 662-9024.

Finally, it really feels like summer what with this warmer weather. And what better way to enjoy it than with outdoor events that involve grilling and craft beer? Funnn!

Thursday, July 7

Havaianas Pop-Up Store in Hollywood
Show off your cute pedicure while sporting your special brand of Havaianas that you custom-made yourself! The flip-flop pop-up store at Space 15Twenty on Cahuenga will blanket the 1,000-square-foot space with men’s and women’s collections as well as offer a fruit stand where you can customize your own sandal with soles, straps and embellishments of your choice.

• Through July 24. Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11am-9pm. 1520 Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood (map).

Nick & Stef’s Girl and A Grill Event + indie tribute band Black Crystal Wolf Kids Perform
Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse celebrates the summer with a new grilling event where Executive Chef Megan Logan grills up food, taking them from the flames to your plate. Take your pick of ribs, tri tip, BBQ shrimp, etc. for $8-$14. Sides like spicy coleslaw and corn on the cob are also available for $5 each. AND there’s also a sausage and beer pairing menu! Launching the party is none other than kickass indie-rock tribute band Black Crystal Wolf Kids at 7pm! Shout-out to frontman Jeff Miller!

• Thursdays 5-9pm. Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse, 330 S Hope Street, Downtown (map). (213) 680-0330.

Saturday, July 9

ColLAboration #3 Craft Beer Garden
Traveling beer garden ColLAboration takes over Sunset Strip this month, kicking things off with Craft Beer Garden #1. 24 taps of crafted goodness curated by the guys behind 38 Degrees, Blue Palms Brewhouse, Tony’s Darts Away and Verdugo Bar, plus food and games. Cost is only $10.69 (includes membership fee + tasting glass). Each pour is $5-$6. Save yourself the hassle and buy your membership glass in advance (online or at the above bars) since they might sell out at the beer garden.

• 12-9pm. 8950 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood (map).

Beer & Cheese Tasting With Sunset Beer Co’s Alex Macy
To get a tasty preview of the Echo Park beer store that’s opening “soon-ish” swing by Eagle Rock’s Colorado Wine Company for the beer and cheese tasting of your dreams. Alex Macy, Sunset Beer Co’s manager, will go over a flight of five beers, each paired with cheeses from Alex Brown of Gourmet Imports. I’m looking forward to Liefmans Cuvee Brut with a Bavarian Limberger and the Port Brewing Old Viscosity with Caveman Oregon Blue.

• 3-5pm. $18. Colorado Wine Company, 2114 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock (map). RSVP: info@cowineco.com or (323) 478-1985.

Sunday, July 10

Free Yogaworks Yoga at SLS Hotel Beverly Hills
You don’t have to be a hotel guest at SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills to partake of this free YogaWorks yoga class! The new series starts this Sunday to promote the hotel’s Ciel Spa. Sign up by calling (310) 246-5560 and just dress up in your exercise gear and bring your own yoga mat.

• 9-10am. Free. SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, 465 S La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills (map). Reservation: (310) 246-5560.