Bask in the endless summer that engulfs Southern California. Los Angelenos and Orange County residents looking for a reprieve from the heat will likely head to local beaches, rivers, and campgrounds, if they can find parking before turning as furious red as their skin-blistering sunburns.
From Civil War reenactments to Gatsby-themed cocktail hours to seaside chili cook-offs, there is no shortage of activities this coming Labor Day weekend. Here are some of the more notable events going on between Orange County and L.A.
Shoreline Jam (Long Beach) - Sept. 5 and 6
The Queen Mary hosts its fifth annual Shoreline Jam along the historic ship's waterfront. The two-day event is highlighted by closing performances from Matisyahu and The Green, along with other well-known acts like rapper Shwayze and soulful rock quartet Common Kings.
Tickets start at $45 for one-day passes but can be found on GoldStar for $22 while supplies last.
11th Annual Art Deco Festival (Long Beach) - Sept. 4-7
Hovering above Shoreline Jam is the Art Deco Festival, bringing prohibition-esque themes to the Queen Mary.
A variety of packages are available, some which include strolling tours of Art Deco artworks. Others, like the "Bootlegger's Bash" and "Art Deco Grand Ball," transport newfound flappers to parties Jay Gatsby would be proud of.
Prices vary per event but a special Sept. 4 cocktail hour if free with RSVP.
L.A. County Fair (Pomona) - Sept. 4-27
Everything from Slimfast bars to Oreos will be fried at this year's Los Angeles County Fair, running through Sept. 27.
One of the largest fairs in the country will extended hours for Labor Day weekend by closing midnight from Friday to Sunday and opening Monday until 10 p.m. Luckily, there are multiple ways to get reduced admission.
Five canned goods get you in for free on Friday, and visiting local Ralphs' and Cardenas markets gets you a coupon for $8 off.
The Taste (Paramount Pictures Studios) - Sept. 4-6
Each year, the Los Angeles Times' showcases the city's booming culinary scene with The Taste, a food and wine festival in the Paramount Pictures backlot.
While tickets range from $100-150, guests get their money's worth with chef-led demonstrations and unlimited tastings of L.A. eateries that set up shop. Weekend activities are divided into five sessions: opening night, Dinner with Twist and Field to Fork on Saturday, and Brunch & BBQ and Flavors of L.A. on Sunday.
Fiesta Hermosa (Hermosa Beach) - Sept. 5-7
What better way to spend a family outing than with a picturesque Hermosa Beach backdrop. The city's Chamber of Commerce called on over 300 artists, dozens of food vendors, and at least a couple of well-tuned tribute bands for their annual Labor Day weekend celebration.
A kiddie carnival includes mechanical rides, a 30-foot slide, a petting zoo, and a rock climbing wall for children of all ages. For those who are children at heart, festival organizers made it a point to feature a Charity Beer & Wine Garden bartended by some of the city's councilmembers.
Kiwanis Carnival and Chili Cook-off (Malibu) - Sept. 4-7
Not to be outdone, Malibu is having its own beachside get together.
Their 34th Annual Kiwanis Chili Cook-off features more than some of the best chili in the area, a majority of weekend-long performances highlight local country singers. This year's entertainers will perform on Sept. 5 and 6, according to the event's Facebook page.
L.A. International Short Film Festival (Downtown) - Sept. 3-10
Opening Sept. 3, the Los Angeles Short Film Festival will give filmgoers a look at film school students and first-time directors who may, one day, dominate major motion picture box offices.
Over 265 films from 26 countries will be shown over the course of eight days, all shown at the Regal Cinema at L.A. Live.
General admission prices begin at $14 but increase to $30 for opening night and the Sept. 10 award program.
Orange International Street Fair (Orange) - Sept. 4-6
The historic Orange Circle hosts its 43rd annual International Street Fair this weekend, separating street sections by country and the food and music that makes each country unique.
Visitors can be in Mexico one second and Germany the next, flipping between eating a taco and bratwurst as they shuffle through thousands of revelers who pack the narrow streets every Labor Day weekend.
Admission is free but alcohol wristbands usually run a few bucks. The most expensive thing here may be time wasted finding parking.
Huntington Beach Civil War Days (Huntington Beach) - Sept. 5 and 6
The Huntington Beach Historical Society brings to the southland all the action of the Civil War with none of the violence.
A makeshift town will be set up between Slater and Talbert streets where visitors can learn about daily life in the 19th century. Weapons demonstrations follow each of the day's battles, cultivating with President Lincoln's memorable Gettysburg Address.
Battle times vary by day.
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