This Weekend! LA County Fair, Lobsterfest, Oktoberfest, and More!
I'm all out of whack this week because summer is officially over — yeah. thanks, Labor Day! — but it feels like it never really got started. At the same time, fall traditions are taking place right on schedule. What's a foodies to do? Here are a few events to consider while we figure that out!
LA County Fair – Fried Foods and Wine
Ah yes, the County Fair; Home to all things fried! Of course if you're not interested in fried Snickers or funnel cakes, you can always check out the beverages at the Wine & Spirits Marketplace.
Along with tasting award-winning wines, spirits and olive oils from the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits and Extra Virgin Olive Oil competitions, you can also attend classes led by leading authorities in the wine biz. Check out this list (PDF) of classes, each offered at just $17 in addition to fair admission.
If you do some shopping around, you'll be able to find discounts on fair admission, dining, and rides! "Food Drive Fridays" is an ongoing deal: Fair guests who bring five cans of food on Fridays receive free admission.
- September 4 – October 3, 2010
http://www.lacountyfair.com
Long Beach Lobsterfest
September is wine month for the entire state of California. In Southern Cali, it also means Lobsterfest time! Three weekends of lobster festivals get kicked off this Friday with "the original lobsterfest" in Long Beach's Rainbow Lagoon. (The following weekends are in San Pedro and Redondo Beach; details to come!).
For just $25, you can join hundreds of crustacean cravers as they cheer on local and national bands while dining on 1.25 pounds of lobster and trimmings. Upgrading to a 2.25 pound lobster will cost you $25 more. Tickets for admission without the lobster are just $13.
If a lobster bib is in your plans for this weekend, swim fast! Online ticket sales end this Friday (9/10) at Noon.
- Friday, September 10 – Sunday, September 12
http://www.originallobsterfestival.com
Oktoberfest at Alpine Village
For one day a year — St. Patrick's Day — the Irish give the world permission to celebrate their traditions. Not to be out done, the Germans increase their allowance to a whole month! They call it Oktoberfest.
Alpine Village will be starting their 43rd consecutive observance of Oktoberfest this Friday in Torrance. From their website:
Alpine Village is the home of the oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California! This year's Oktoberfest will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between September 10 and October 23 in our massive 32,000 square foot tent.
Sounds like party to me!
- Weekends in September and
OktoberOctober beginning Friday, September 10
http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/oktoberfest.html
California Wine Month Happy Hour with South Bay Foodies and Friends
If you read this far, you just might be a true fan! You're invited to join the South Bay Foodies and friends on Friday, September 10 for a happy hour at Friends of the Vine in Redondo Beach.
For more information and to RSVP, send an email to info@southbayfoodies.com or submit a note from our contact page. Cheers!
Photo Credit Joe Shlabotnik
Sep 11th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
I gotta admit, I’m holding out for lobsters next weekend at the Port of LA fest. GA tix are only $9 and parking is free!
Sep 12th, 2010 at 10:50 am
yeah! that’s a good deal! And don’t forget about the Redondo Beach Lobster Fest the weekend after that. More on that to come!