As the kids head back to school and all things pumpkin-flavored begin to make their debut, there's no denying that we're in autumn's pre-season. With only a few more Twilight Concerts left at the pier, it's time to get excited for some of the most anticipated annual events around Venice.
To get things started, we have the Venice Beach Music Fest this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Boardwalk and Windward. Hear live bands, see local artwork. Bring the kids. Bring your hula hoop. It's free, and if it's like last year, there will be food trucks waiting with tasty offerings.
If shopping is your deal, or if you're still looking for something sparkly to wear to Burning Man next week, now's the time to score some deep discounts on unique finds at local boutiques. ME & Blue's annual sidewalk sale has $5, $9, and $19 dresses, lingerie and accessories. And over on Abbot Kinney, Buck Mason is hosting a huge end of summer sale party with extra perks like complimentary drinks from Just Chill beverages and complimentary mini facials from nearby M. Steves Beauty Cottage. Arbor is also hosting an end of summer sale at both its Washington Blvd and Rose Ave locations and offering 50% off clothing and 40% off snowboards. (That Mammoth trip will be here before you know it.)
If you notice slower-than-usual traffic on Lincoln Blvd. on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. it may be due to all of the rubbernecking in front of Bartels' Harley-Davidson as the Sons Of Anarchy bikini girls offer complimentary motorcycle washes.
Once you've made it past Lincoln traffic, and if at some point you find yourself heading south on the 405, you may consider a visit to San Pedro (shoutout to our hometown!). We're throwing in this bonus weekend event because there's a six-story-tall Rubber Ducky floating in the Port of LA. Who wouldn't want to see that? It's one of the main attractions at the Tall Ships Festival happening now through Sunday. The event also features ship tours, knot-tying and sail-rigging demonstrations, live music and food trucks. Tickets range from $7 to $350.
As the weekend winds down (perhaps while you're watching the VMAs on Sunday), take a moment to glance ahead at all of the things you'll have going on come September. We mentioned that some of Venice's most anticipated annual events were right around the corner. Save the dates for the Labor Day Muscle Beach Championship (Sept. 1), the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Rally and Pin-Up Girl Contest (Sept. 13), Taste of Venice (Sept. 14), Venice Art Crawl (Sept. 18), Way Over Yonder Folk Fest at the Santa Monica Pier (Sept. 26 and 27), and the biggie, The 30th annual Abbot Kinney Fest (Sept. 28).
Whew... who needs a pumpkin ale?