This is one of those great weekends when we’re not completely overwhelmed with the number of events, but each one on the list is unique and interesting, and easily worth your while.
First up, the annual Los Angeles Archives Bazaar, presented by L.A. as Subject and the USC Libraries, will take place on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at USC’s Doheny Memorial Library. While some people might think of archives as dry and dusty, they also hold the vast “diversity of stories that make Southern California such a place of discovery.” So come and explore this awesome array of primary history sources, where “anyone with an interest in the region’s history will find something of value.” In addition to a large number of exhibitors from numerous libraries, museums, and other archival and cultural organizations, there will also be preservation workshops, presentations, and numerous experts on hand to show off their collections and answer questions. See the event link above for the day’s full schedule.
Starting just an hour later, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, is the huge 13th annual Taste of Soul family music and food festival, billed as “Southern California’s largest street fair,” on Crenshaw Boulevard between Stocker and Rodeo Road. In addition to live music by dozens of artists, including Vivian Green, Ready for the World, Macy Gray, Jussie Smollett, Gemaine, Pullman Porter, the KJLH Radio Choir, hosts En Vogue, and more, the free event also includes food for sale, family activities, celebrity appearances and more. See the link above for further details and performance schedules.
For those who just can’t get enough of politics, politically-charged dialogue and political humor, and who would like to immerse themselves even more fully than by reading their Twitter feeds all day, there will be Politicon, billed as “the Unconventional Political Convention,” and running both Saturday and Sunday at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The extravaganza will include appearances by more than 100 of “the biggest names in politics and entertainment,” including speakers on both ends of the political spectrum, from Ann Coulter to Kathy Griffin, and almost every point in between. And, yes, it includes that baby Trump balloon you’ve been seeing pictures of everywhere. The schedule includes “panels, debates, town halls, art, podcasts, comedy, Q&As, book signings and more”…on 10 different stages. See the link above for the full schedule and speaker list.
If you’re in the mood for anything but politics in this all-too-fraught election season, however, then check out the free screening of “Monsters, Inc.,” starting at 2 p.m. at the Wilshire Branch Library, 149 S. St. Andrews Place. It’s free and very family friendly (rated G).
And finally on Saturday evening, starting at 7 p.m., Brookside residents, families and friends are invited to another family-friendly movie opportunity as the Brookside Homeowner’s Association presents its 10th annual movie night at Memorial Library Park. Traditionally, this event has showcased a variety of old silent films, many shot in our local area…but this year, in addition to a few of the old silent shorts, the event blasts into the future – and the past – via the sleek 1980s DeLorean in “Back to the Future.”  The event is officially free, but donations are appreciated…and a grill will be provided for those who would like to cook.
On Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., families with young children should be sure to visit the Eastside LA Preschool and Kinder Fair, sponsored by the Parents’ Education League of Los Angeles and located at the Stratford School, 1200 North Cahuenga Blvd. Tickets are $5 (or $10 with a CityMoms gift bag), and nearly 30 schools will be represented, including Citizens of the World (both Hollywood and Silverlake), City Kids School, Early Childhood Centers of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Le Jardin des Enfants, LAUSD Unified Enrollment, Pilgrim School, Rosewood STEM Magnet of Urban Planning & Urban Design, St. James’ Episcopal School, Stratford School, Temple Israel of Hollywood…and many more.
Later, from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, those who didn’t make it to Saturday’s archive event, or those who did and are still thirsty for more historical tidbits, the Autry Museum of the American West, in Griffith Park, will be hosting the annual Home Movie Day Los Angeles. This fascinating – and free – event invites people to bring their old 8mm, Super 8, and 16mm films for archival inspection and projection. You can watch the movies, get helpful tips of caring for your films, win door prizes and play Home Movie Bingo. In addition, Western-themed home movies, “rounded-up and curated from regional film archives,” will play at the top of each hour, including behind-the-scenes footage of The Painted Desert (1938), Oklahoma! (1955) and more. Finally, advance RSVPs will also get you free museum entry, in addition to the event, and there is ample free parking. Families, friends, and home movie lovers of all kinds are welcome.
And finally on Sunday, and a bit closer to home, LAPD’s Wilshire Division and West Traffic Bureau will host their big annual open house event from noon to 4 p.m. Families are welcome, and there will be food, live music, a bounce house and other kids’ activities, station tours, safety workshops, free tree giveaways, prizes and more. Everyone is welcome.
Have a great weekend!
