Hankering for some food and fun

Hordes of Angelenos from near and far will invade the streets of Pasadena attempting to enter the Rose Bowl for this year’s highly anticipated L.A. Street Food Fest Summer Tasting Event. Have a light lunch as you’re going to want to leave room for bites from over 60 food vendors (including gourmet food trucks and celebrity chefs); cold delights from the open bars and beer gardens – we hear there’s even going to be a tequila tasting – an Ice Cream Social; and more! Why? Live out your dream of being a “Top Judge” and vote for your favorite dish during the Street Food Cook-Off.  Need more inspiration, check out our video from the last street food fest.

Location: Rose Bowl Stadium Pasadena, California 91103 (Directions) Date/Time: Saturday, July 24. VIP Preview from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. General Admission from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Cost: $65 for VIP and $45 for General Admission. Purchase your tickets online Web: http://lastreetfoodfest.com/.

If you find yourself spending hours sitting at your computer searching Etsy, then this weekend’s Renegade Craft Fair is just for you. Purchase handmade goods from over 250 vendors, nibble on eats from local restaurants and food trucks, and listen to musical performances while spinning your yarn at some of Urban Crafts “Craft Crash Courses.” Why? Let go of the mouse and step away from the computer – the fair is calling!

Location: Los Angeles State Historic Park (aka The Cornfield) 1245 N Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012  Date/Time: Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost: Free-to-attend. Web: http://www.renegadecraft.com/los-angeles.

Known for preparing (and delivering!) some of the best wood-fired pizzas made with fresh, locally grown ingredients, Mozza2Go has added winery to its repertoire. During its Italian Wine 101 course you will learn all about (and sample) vini d’Italia’ while enjoying dishes prepared by Chef Chad Colby (the Executive Chef at Mozza2Go) under the direction of Chef Matt Molina. Why? If wine isn’t your thing, there are also weekly pasta and pizza making classes. Delizioso!

Location: Scuola di Pizza at Mozza2go, 6610 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map) Date/Time: Saturday, July 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $75  Registration: please call the Mozza2Go Event Line at 323.297.1133  Web: . http://www.mozza2go.com/home.cfm.

Stop into The Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA) to view its fourth California Design Biennial, Action/Reaction exhibition.  See how some of California’s most “established and emerging” fashion, architectural and graphic designers have adapted their work to the political, economic and environmental issues of our time, as well as how their designs influence society. Why? Change can be a good thing.

Location: Pasadena Museum of California Art, 490 East Union Street, Pasadena, CA 91101(map)  Date/Time: The exhibition runs from July 18 to October 31, 2010. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Cost: $7 for Adults, $5 for Seniors (65+) and Students with valid ID; free to PMCA Members and children under 12 Web: http://www.pmcaonline.org/index.html.

Bike Tube Blow-Out

Going for a bike ride at the beach sounds like the ideal Sunday morning activity. Unfortunately, you haven’t replaced your bicycle inner tubes since Lindsay Lohan’s first trip to the slammer. Trade in up to three used or blown-out inner tubes to Performance Bicycle’s new Woodland Hills location, or its totally remodeled Santa Monica store, anytime this weekend for $15 in store credit. Why? Old, flat or blown-out bike tubes that are turned in will be recycled into mulch for playgrounds, athletic fields and more.

Location: Woodland Hills, 6400 Owensmouth Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (map) and Santa Monica, 501 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)  Date/Time: Friday, July 23 to Sunday, July 25. Please see website for store hours Web: http://www.performancebike.com.

Images via LA Street Food Fest, Renegade Craft Fair, PMCA, Mozza2Go,  Performance Bicycles