After weeks of extreme weather (er, temps exceeding 75 degrees), the heat's finally giving us a much-needed break from its tyranny. To celebrate, we at Broke Girl's Guide are going to run around the city all weekend, hitting up as many festivals, block parties, and trendy hotel pools as possible. Heck, we might even bring a sweater!
Friday
We've been patiently watching the clock all week because when it hits 5, we're high-tailing it to D-Tox Day Spa in Los Feliz, where they're celebrating their sixth anniversary with a $39 happy hour which includes a 20-minute treatment, wine, and appetizers. Once all toxins are completely and totally purged, it'll be time to load up once again. First, pop over to the nearby, newly-opened third location of Spitz. In addition to their addictive pan-Mediterranean street food, this location also has a carefully selected roster of craft beers.
Then, you'll have some geographic decisions to make: should you head downtown to see the Cults perform at PLAY MOCA? Or to the Beverly Hills Hotel for some vintage debauchery at the Cointreau Poolside Soiree? One thing is for certain: this night is not even in the same zip code as wholesome. Even the Etsy Craft Party, Crafted, is going hard at the Port of Los Angeles. They've got DJs, food, a nail bar and, of course, plenty of stamps and ribbons to get the party started. DIY'ers are the most debaucherous of them all, no?
Saturday
Sleep in Saturday, and then head to the W Westwood's Summer Splash, where your scantily clad attendance aids -- wait for it -- the American Cancer Society. Just, um, please don't forget your sunscreen. If west of La Brea isn't your thing, check out the east side's latest mega-festival, Echo Park Rising, which has performances from local bands you'll want to be the first to know about, shopping events at neighborhood boutiques and, oh yeah, is completely and totally free. More into bleeps and bloops than guitars and shopping deals? Hit up Diplo's Mad Decent Block Party in Downtown for electro dancing and beer (also free). RSVPs are full -- but that's never stopped a crafty little broke girl like you from getting into a party, now has it?
In Hollywood, curated indie designers are what's up. New York's own Hester Street Fair is hosting their last event in town before they take their cooler-than-thou vendors back to the Big Apple for hibernation. Stick around for live performances from Mexican Summer artists and DJ sets from Andrew WK. Around the corner, Space 15 Twenty is hosting a Backlot Block Party with deals on labels like Everlane and Cheap Monday, booze, food, and music, too.
Later, unwind from the day's high-energy activities with a leisurely, outdoor movie screening (these events are BGG faves, can you tell?!). At Hollywood Forever, Cinespia is playing Hitchcock's The Birds, while Eat See Hear is screening the classic '80s rom com Pretty in Pink downtown. There's no way you can't love a movie with lines like: "Money really means nothing to me. Do you think I'd treat my parents' house this way if it did?"
Sunday
After baking in the mid-city sun on Saturday, you may want to make your way west to Brentwood on Sunday to try Tavern's new prix fixe "bubbles and burgers" menu, which features such pairings as triple pork burger sliders with manchego cheese and romesco with extra-dry Prosecco for $30 from 3 p.m. -- 9 p.m. You can also enjoy cooler temps, live music, board games, and handcrafted cocktails at The Viceroy's Social Sunday series from 5 p.m. -8 p.m.
Eastsiders who can't muster up energy for the westward trek should opt instead for a bike ride over to Golden Road Brewery, which is hosting Rider Appreciation Day festivities in partnership with New Belgium Brewery and the Bicycle Kitchen. Take advantage of the free bike valet, a selection of special brews, and the lean, toned muscles of the male bicyclists in attendance. While we can't guarantee that you'll find a guy here who actually has a job, the odds of finding a guy with a decent bod are definitely in your favor. Later, you and your new buff boyfriend can chow down together on the patio at Hollywood Tender Greens, where they're going nose to tail with their monthly Beer Garden and Whole Animal Roast. Just keep an eye on his calorie intake -- remember, you won't be "dating" him for his mind.
Get a preview of the weekend by clicking through the slideshow below:
