Free Fun in Los Angeles: 2016

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Long Beach Mardi Gras Parade

Long Beach Mardi Gras

February 6, 2016

I went to check out the Mardi Gras parade being held at Shoreline Village in Long Beach which was benefiting Ronald McDonald House. Ronald McDonald was the Mardi Gras King, and the Ronald McDonald House charity was selling special beads for $2 each with the proceeds going to their charity. There was also a vendor selling event t-shirts in which a portion of the sales were also benefiting Ronald McDonald House. The shirts were very reasonably priced and screenprinted on site.

Pirates heading to the parade starting point

It looked like anyone could sign up to participate in the parade, but there were specific local groups (most were local Shoreline Village businesses) at the head of the procession. There was a mask-making activity for the kids, and live music followed the parade.

Front of the parade

The parade route began near the Aquarium of the Pacific and proceeded towards Shoreline Village (turning right at the Yard House restaurant) curving around the shore. There was a small set of bleachers set up near the Yard House restaurant which is where I sat.

Parade Queen and King

The parade is a fun family-friendly event, but it’s really short lasting about 10 minutes. I hope the parade will grow as word gets out about this event.

Mrs. Long Beach

Rocky Horror Picture Show

This was amazing to see in person. The detail was incredible.

Spectators catching beads

There are a few more free events coming up at Shoreline Village so be sure to check their website and Facebook pages for details.

Have Fun Los Angeles!

Veronica

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Recap: Night on Broadway 2016

Night On Broadway

January 30, 2016

Los Angeles Theatre

I went to the Night on Broadway event this past Saturday in downtown Los Angeles. This was the 8th Annual Night on Broadway, but it was the first time I had heard of it. The reason for this event is to bring awareness and support for the revitalization of the Broadway district. (Check out BringingBackBroadway.com for more information.)

The Spazmatics

Several blocks of Broadway are closed to traffic, and there are free shows in the various historic theaters. The shows are brief, about 30 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to check them all out and still have time to catch some live music at the Festival Stage.

Art Installation

I managed to catch The Spazmatics at the Festival stage, and I highly recommend seeing them if you like 80s cover bands. There were many food trucks along the street so there is something for everyone. There were several art displays as well as artists creating art of various types along the way. The ferris wheel was $5, and children under 13 years of age were free with an adult.

Ferris Wheel

I was able to see 3 shows and my favorite had to be at the Zen Arts at the Orpheum Theatre and the Million Dollar Caberet at the Million Dollar Theatre.

Cabaret at Million Dollar Theatre

Closing Bow @ Million Dollar Theatre

Zen Arts @ Orpheum Theatre

Closing Bow @ Orpheum Theatre

Star Education also had students performing, and I really loved these kids' cover of Guns n Roses' "Sweet Child 'o Mine."

There were photobooths, hula hoops, and robots to play with as well. I highly recommend going to this event, and next year's Night on Broadway is already scheduled for January 28, 2017.