Beat the summer doldrums by going Metro this weekend to any number of great events – many of them FREE or DISCOUNTED for Metro riders! Tonight plan a dinner date at California Plaza in downtown L.A. with a Destination Discount at Grand Performances, featuring Africa Caribe and Palenque Soultribe. Tomorrow take a Metro bus down to Venice Beach for Summer Fest or stay land locked and check out BloomfestLA in the Arts District. On Sunday take the Red Line to the Los Feliz Village Street Fair or head out to Highland Park for a refreshing drink at the first ever Summer Soda Tasting at Galco’s Soda Pop Store.

All events are subject to change or may be be sold out, please check with the venue before making plans.  To plan your trip and to check all other transit options, please consult Google Transit or the Metro Trip Planner.

Friday, July 22

DESTINATION DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
Grand Performances: Africa Caribe + Palenque Soultribe
Africa Caribe — New York’s Joaquin “Joe” Claussell and his six-piece band remixing for Fania records — a new vibe for classic recordings by such Latin funk/salsa/merengue greats as Mongo Santamaria, Ray Barretto and Celia Cruz. “Palenque Soultribe” shares the stage with a mix of electronica, pop, rock and Colombian folk sounds, all driven by turntables and looped laptop grooves.
Website: http://www.grandperformances.org/
When: 8pm
Price: FREE
Where: 350 S. Grand Ave
Nearby Metro Rail: Red/Purple Line Pershing Square Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Grand/3rd (14/37, 70, 71, 76, 78/79/378, 96, 442, 485, 487/489, 770, Metro Silver Line)

DESTINATION DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
L.A. Latino International Film Festival
LALIFF will present feature films, documentaries, shorts and special screenings, with opportunities for public interaction with filmmakers in Q and A sessions, workshops, panels and lectures.
Website: http://latinofilm.org/
When: Various times, all weekend
Price: Show your valid Metro pass, Metro Rail ticket or TAP card at the box office and save $1 off individual screening tickets.
Where: Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Nearby Metro Rail: Red Line Hollywood/Highland Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Hollywood/Las Palmas (212/312, 222, 217), Hollywood/Highland (212/312, 222, 217, 780, 156/656)

DESTINATION DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
“Departures” at NoHo Arts Center
In DEPARTURES, fifteen travelers find their life stories entwined in this humorous and touching story.  From a runaway bride in her wedding dress with an extraordinary case of cold feet to a grandfather determined to bring his young grandson home from Iraq; these characters share their dreams, their fears and their secrets with each other as each one takes the defining journey of their life.  At turns comical and moving, hopeful and nostalgic, DEPARTURES blends the voices of an eclectic group of eight writers into a tapestry of lives at their most daring moment – the moment of leaping into thin air, and letting Faith give you wings.
Website: http://www.thenohoartscenter.com/
When: 8pm
Price: $25 (Show your Metro Pass, Metro Rail Ticket or TAP Card at the box office and receive 25% off)
Where: 11136 Magnolia Blvd.
Nearby Metro Rail: Red Line North Hollywood Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Orange Line North Hollywood Station, Magnolia/Lankershim (152/353, 156/656, 183, 224)

DESTINATION DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
Bilingual Foundation of the Arts Performances
Three different classic Spanish language drama and contemporary plays (one each night), in order to bring awareness of Hispanic culture.  All shows in Spanish with supertitles in English.
Website: http://www.bfatheatre.org/
When: All weekend
Price: Show your valid Metro pass or Metro Rail ticket at any event and receive $5 off single-ticket prices for regular performances. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 323.225.4044.
Where: 421 N Avenue 19
Nearby Metro Rail: Gold Line Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: San Fernando/Humboldt (84/68) Avenue 26/Gold Line Station (251, 751)

DESTINATION DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
Ringling Bros./Barnum & Bailey Circus
Catch the megawatts of thrills explode off of the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize Children Of All Ages!
Website: http://www.ringling.com/
When: 7:30pm Friday, 11:30am Sunday
Price: Receive a flat rate of $14 per ticket when you present your Metro pass or Metro Rail ticket at the arena box office,* or call Tickmaster at 800.745.3000 or order online at ticketmaster.com and use promotional code TRAIN.
Where: Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St.
Nearby Metro Rail: Blue Line Pico Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Figueroa/Pico (81, 442, 445, 460, 701, 721, Silver Line), Olympic/Figueroa (28, 728)

DESTINATION DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
Long Beach Roller Derby
Bixby Rollerettes vs. Belmont Hot Broads
Website:http://www.longbeachrollerderby.com/
When: 8:30pm
Price: $15 advance/$20 at door, Metro riders save $5 on advance tickets. Visit longbeachrollerderby.com and use the promotional code METRO.
Where: The Derby Dome, 1126 Queensway
Nearby Metro Rail: Blue Line Long Beach Transit Mall Station then take Long Beach Passport C to The Dome

Friday Night Sing-a-longs at the Music Center
70’s funk
Website: http://www.musiccenter.org/
When: 6:30-8pm
Price: FREE
Where: W.M. Keck Amphitheatre, Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 South Grand Avenue
Nearby Rail: Red/Purple Line Civic Center Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Temple/Grand (2/302, 4, 10/48, 92, 445)

Daniel Johnston at El Rey
Daniel Dale Johnston (born January 22, 1961) is a singer, songwriter, musician, and artist. Johnston was the subject of the 2005 documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston.
Website: http://www.theelrey.com/
When: 9pm
Price: $22
Where: El Rey, 5515 Wilshire Blvd.
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Wilshire/La Brea (20, 212/312, 720)

Friday Night Flicks at Pershing Square
Watch “Young Sherlock Holmes” on a 40 foot wide by 20 foot high screen with a full sound system. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to place on the lawn. Picnic baskets and snacks are welcome.
Website: http://laparks.org/pershingsquare/
When: 8pm
Price: FREE
Where: Pershing Square
Nearby Metro Rail: Red/Purple Line Pershing Square Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Olive/5th (14/37, 70, 71, 76, 78/79/378, 714, 770, Silver Streak) Hill/5th (2/302, 4, 10/48, 68/84, 81, 83, 90/91, 94, 794, 728)

More weekend events, after the jump.

Saturday, July 23

BloomfestLA 2011
Enjoy indie music on the KCRW Stage, great brews by Wurstküche and Angel City Brewing, arts & crafts, good food, and eco-friendly fun at the 2011 BloomfestLA in the Los Angeles Downtown Arts District … where art in the streets happens every day!
Website: http://www.bloomfestla.com/
When: 2-10pm
Price: FREE
Where: Arts District, E. 3rd Street and Traction Ave.
Nearby Metro Rail: Gold Line Little Tokyo/Arts District Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Judge John Aiso/1st (30, 40, 42)

Summer Fest in Venice Beach
Over the years, the Summer Festival has grown to become one of largest community event of its kind in the region. Attendees and participants are best described as adults who are environmentally conscious, focused on health, love animals, enjoy bicycling, family-oriented, unpretentiously hip, and arts-minded.
Website: http://www.fx3events.com/
When: 11am-5pm Saturday, Sunday
Price: FREE
Where: Venice Boardwalk, 1800 Ocean Front Walk
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Venice/Main (33, 733)

Hollywood Book Festival at Space 15 Twenty
Authors, bands, readings, signings – buy a book and get a free drink from nearby Umami Burgers.
Website: http://www.space15twenty.com/
When: 2-8pm
Price: FREE
Where: Space 15 Twenty, 1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd
Nearby Metro Rail: Red Line Hollywood/Vine Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Hollywood/Cahuenga (212/312, 217, 222) Sunset/Ivar (2/302)

MOCA Film Screening: Wholetrain
In conjunction with Art in the Streets, join us for a screening of Wholetrain (2006), a film written and directed by Florian Gaag, which tells the story of a crew of four graffiti writers who observe the hierarchies, values, rules and codes of the graffiti scene.
Website: http://www.moca.org/
When: 6:30-8pm
Price: Free with museum entry ($10)
Where: MOCA Geffen Contemporary, 152 North Central Ave.
Nearby Metro Rail: Gold Line Little Tokyo/Arts District Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Judge John Aiso/1st (30, 40, 42)

Mexican Dubwiser at MacArthur Park
Open lawn seating and music from around the world reflecting the diversity of Los Angeles.
Website: http://www.levittla.org/
When: 7pm
Price: FREE
Where: MacArthur Park
Nearby Metro  Rail: Red/Purple Line Westlake/MacArthur Park Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Alvarado/6th (18, 200, 603) Alvarado/7th (26/51/52/352, 200, 603) Alvarado/Wilshire (20, 200, 720)

Bobby Matos & his Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble at LACMA
LifeForce Jazz recording artists Bobby Matos & his Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble are known for tradition and innovation coexisting in their new arrangements of classic Latin jazz and originals, as heard in their recordings and festival and concert appearances.
Website: http://www.lacma.org/
When: 5pm
Price: FREE
Where: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Wilshire/Fairfax (20, 217, 720, 780)

Tonalism at Eagle Rock Center for Arts
Tonalism is a dusk-to-dawn event inspired by La Monte Young’s “Dream House” as well as the work of musicians and composers such as Terry Riley. Yoko Ono and John Cage. Tonalism combines harmonious textures in a surround sound system with visual elements to create an atmosphere where the audience is encouraged to bring pillows, cushions, and sleeping bags to lay down, lsiten and watch for an extended period of time. DJ’s, live musicians and video artists play and perform throughout the night; starting at sunset and ending at sunrise.
Website: http://www.centerartseaglerock.org/
When: 6pm-6am
Price:FREE
Where: Eagle Rock Center for Arts, 2225 Colorado Blvd.
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Colorado/Eagle Rock (68/84, 83, 81, 780, 180/181)

Mishka at The Grammy Museum
Bermudan reggae artist Mishka performs his feel-good songs for children and adults alike.
Website: http://www.grammymuseum.org/
When: 11am-12pm
Price: $10
Where: 800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Nearby Rail: Blue Line Pico Station, Red/Purple Line 7th Street Metro Center Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Figueroa/Pico (81, 442, 445, 460, 701, 721, Silver Line), Olympic/Figueroa (28, 728)

Cinespia – “It Happened One Night”
Watch “It Happened One Night” in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Website: http://www.cinespia.org/
When: 7pm
Price: $10
Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd.
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Santa Monica/Gower (4, 156/656)

Outdoor Cinema Food Fest at Exposition Park
Watch “Reservoir Dogs” on a massive outdoor movie screen with food trucks!
Website: http://www.outdoorcinemafoodfest.com/
When: 5:30pm
Price: $10
Where: Exposition Park
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Martin Luther King Jr/Hoover (40, 42), Martin Luther King Jr/Figueroa (81, 200), Martin Luther King Jr/Vermont (204, 740, 754), Vermont/Exposition (102, 204, 550, 754), Figueroa/Exposition (1o2, 442, 445, Silver Line)

Silent and Classic Movie Nights at Heritage Square Museum
Picnic on the lawn while viewing classic and silent movies. This Saturday night: “Beyond the Rocks” a classic Rudolph Valentino silent movie.
Website: http://www.heritagesquare.org/
When: 7:30-10pm
Price: $10
Where: Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer Street
Nearby Metro Rail: Gold Line Heritage Square/Arroyo Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Avenue 43/Mosher (252)

Sunday, July 24

Summer Soda Tasting at Galco’s Soda Pop Store
Hosted by Galco’s owner, John Nese, aka the “King of Pop,” the event will feature a myriad of soda samples, live music, a silent auction, and an appearance by retro humorist Charles Phoenix who will be sharing a new culinary creation, “Poptails.”
Website: http://www.friendsofthesouthwestmuseum.com/
When: 5-8pm
Price: $12-$15
Where: Galco’s Soda Pop Store, 5702 York Blvd.
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: York/Avenue 57 (83)

Miranda July: Eleven Heavy Things at Pacific Design Center
Presnted for the first time in Los Angeles, this new exhibition from artist, filmmaker, and writer Miranda July features an outdoor installation of eleven sculptures that encourage viewer interaction.
Website: http://www.moca.org/
When: 11am-6pm
Price: FREE
Where: MOCA Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Avenue
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: San Vicente/Melrose (10/48, 305, 550) Santa Monica/San Vicente (2/302, 4, 105, 550, 704, 705)

Los Feliz Village Street Fair
Featuring: Live Entertainment, Dancing, Scrumptious Village Food, Beer & Wine Gardens, Eclectic Exhibits, ‘Green Scene’ Eco pavilion, Carnival Rides, Moon Bounces, and more for kids.
Website: http://www.losfelizstreetfair.com/
When: 11am-10pm
Price: FREE
Where: Los Feliz Village, Hollywood Blvd. (Between Vermont and Hillhurst Aves.)
Nearby Metro Rail: Red Line Vermont/Sunset Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Hollywood/Edgemont (180/181, 206, 217) Prospect/Vermont (180/181, 780) Vermont/Hollywood (754, 26/51/52/352)