Happy Earth Day weekend, people! What good deed are you going to do this weekend to help save the planet? You can do something easy like purchase special Earth Day cupcakes from Magnolia and Sprinkles or be a bit more giving and volunteer; you can find find a volunteer opportunity here.
Thursday, April 21
3rd Annual IPA Festival at Naja’s Place
You likes da hoppy beer? At what is officially the biggest IPA festival in SoCal, you can choose from 70 of the best West Coast IPAs — Alesmith IPA, Stone Ruination, Ladyface Alehouse IPA and Pliny the Elder, to name but a few. See partial list here. There will be exclusive festival beers and casks, too.
- 2pm. Naja’s Place, 154 International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach (map). (310) 376-9951
Friday, April 22 Earth Day!
Free Tacos by Border Grill Truck
Border Grill Truck will be giving out free Black Thai Grilled Alaska Cod Tacos to the first 100 customers to give them the password “Alaska Seafood.”
- 11:30am-2pm. California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park, Los Angeles (map).
The Nature Conservancy’s Earth Day Picnic Los Angeles
You love food, you love our planet. Celebrate both with a picnic! Either pick a picnic in LA via the Nature Conservancy meetup or organize your own! The green organization will be giving out free reusable shopping bags at the Original Farmer’s Market where you can then score Earth Day special by flashing your bag.
Saturday, April 23
Grilled Cheese Invitational 2011
The judging tickets may be sold out but that doesn’t mean you can’t still join in the fun. Taste free samples, vote on your favorite grilled cheese at the event, witness something called the “Cheese calling event” and enjoy all the cheese-focused entertainment and demos. My friends and cocktailers Alie & Georgia will be demo’ing their Bloody Bacon & Cheese cocktail which includes a grilled cheese sandwich garnish!
- 11am-6pm. $12 online, $15 door. Los Angeles Center Studios, 1201 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles (map).
Free Tequila at Spaphile’s Relax After Taxes at Pink Taco
Yup, free tequila at this pamper-yourself event, but it’s only the first two hours so get there early and then partake of the free mini spa treatments, snacks and drinks. Admission is $5 but it goes toward charity Livestrong.
- 3-7pm. $5. Pink Taco, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). RSVP: events [at] spaphile.com.
Thirsty Crow’s 1st Anniversary Featuring $5 Cocktail
The Silver Lake bar is celebrating its first birthday with $5 Thirsty Crow cocktails — rye, bitters, ginger beer — (from 7-10pm) along with pie from All Jarred Up. Food truck Willoughby Road will be on hand selling its Southern-inspired cuisine.
- 7pm. Thirsty Crow, 2939 W Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake (map). (323) 661-6007.
Monday, April 25
2nd Annual Belgian Beer Fest at Library Alehouse
For 10 days, this Santa Monica pub will go through 40-plus Belgian beers with 12 rotating handles. The $15 taster glass will get you discounts off refills. Monday is the kickoff party featuring Duvel beers including the special release collaboration by Ommegang and La Chouffe. Don’t forget to buy your spot at the Belgian beer dinner on May 6th which will have five courses paired with Belgian beers.
- April 25 to May 5. Library Alehouse, 2911 Main Street, Santa Monica (map). (310) 314-4855.