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Joshua Tree: HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours Returns OCT 5-6, 12-13, 19-20

September 30, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Images courtesy of the artists, l-r:
Margeaux Walter, Reflections, 2023. RAP Artpostate, Atomic Dream Home, 2024. Rachel Rust and “The Folly,” 2019.

Artists Throughout Joshua Tree Region Open Their Studios

for Nature-Meets-Culture Experience;

“Art Tours After Dark” Live Music Component Added

This October, immerse yourself in the vibrant artistic community of the high desert surrounding Joshua Tree National Park as over 180 artists open their studios for the annual HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours. Now in its 24th year, HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours is Southern California’s largest open studio event, and it will take place over three weekends: October 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20. This year’s tour introduces “Art Tours After Dark,” featuring live music performances by local bands and musicians. The event is free and open to everyone.

Explore the unique fusion of nature and creativity on a self-guided tour through more than 130 studios nestled in the high-desert landscapes of the Joshua Tree region. Engage with local artists, discover diverse mediums and styles, and purchase art directly from the creators. The influx of artists to the Joshua Tree region promises a rich and varied artistic experience.

“HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the incredible synergy between our natural environment and creative community. This year, we’re thrilled to enhance this experience with live music, deepening the connection between art and the rich cultural tapestry of the high desert.” said Art Tours Coordinator John Henson.

New This Year: Art Tours After Dark

As part of this year’s expanded offerings, “Art Tours After Dark” will feature live music from the thriving local music scene. Over 15 venues will host more than 70 showcases of bands and musicians throughout the three weekends. This allows visitors to enjoy art studios during the day and live music by night, with all events being free.

Companion Collective Show

A preview of the Tour’s art will be available at the new Hi-Desert Artists Center, hosting a Collective Show featuring works from over 100 participating artists. The exhibition runs from September 28 through October 27, 2024 with an artist reception on September 28 at 5 pm, providing an excellent opportunity to get a sneak peek at the art featured on the tour.

Plan Your Visit

Visitors are encouraged to plan their itinerary before arrival, given the size and scope of the event.  For information on the free event app, locations to pick up a tour catalog, or to request a mailed catalog, visit hwy62arttours.org.

Creating Community

HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours is presented by the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council. The event is instrumental in fostering a sense of community among high desert artists, spotlighting their work, and celebrating their creativity in the region’s stunning natural setting. This event truly embodies the intersection of nature and culture.

Credit:  MBCAC.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group’s Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns Returns to Whittier Narrows Park This Fall

September 30, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids

 Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the world’s largest Halloween-themed entertainment company, today announced the return of their family-friendly event, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns, to Los Angeles this fall with some enchanting additions for 2024. From September 20th through November 2nd, on select nights, Whittier Narrows Park will be transformed into an immersive pumpkin experience featuring a glowing array of thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns, mesmerizing light displays, and a variety of activities for all ages. 

Follow the illuminated trail and check out the newly added pumpkin scenes, inflatables, and bouncy pads. You’ll find magic around every corner! From pirate ships to dinosaurs and dragons, guests will also be entertained by the all-new pumpkin light show programmed to music across the entire event every 30 minutes. These pumpkin masterpieces bring to life various spooky and whimsical characters, from classic ghouls and goblins to beloved pop culture icons.

We had the opportunity to visit and we had a blast! I loved seeing all the pumpkins!

Great family fun!

Tickets start at $29.99 for adults at $24.99 (including fees) for kids on select nights. Visit www.magicofthejackolanterns.com to secure your tickets while supplies last. You can view the 2024 trailer here. 

“We are thrilled to introduce some exciting new elements to Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns this year and do something that’s never been done before at our event,” Said Greg Salyers, Vice President of Operations at Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. “We know you’re going to love it!”

In addition to the breathtaking visual spectacle, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns offers many activities for attendees of all ages. Visitors can Indulge in various delicious food and beverages on-site as they explore the glowing pumpkin wonderland.

2024 Add-Ons will include:

  • 3-D Jack O’Lantern Glasses: Experience the enchantment of “Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns” like never before with our 3-D glasses! These holographic lenses effortlessly turn light into magical pumpkin images, giving you an optical experience like never before!
  • S’mores Package:  New This Year! Indulge in the ultimate autumn experience with our exclusive S’mores Package at Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns! With this golden ticket in hand, you’re granted the delightful opportunity to craft your own mouth-watering s’mores surrounded by a twinkling pumpkin-lit night.
  • Preferred Parking: Sold online only. Located at Whittier Narrows Area D Parking Lot. Follow directions to Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns, and our team will direct you to the correct lot. Be sure to have your parking ticket ready to be scanned as soon as you enter the park. Free parking is available nearby but will require a longer walk to the event.
And, you KNOW that I loved seeing Linus!

For additional information, including event specifics, ticket pricing, and more, please visit www.magicofthejackolanterns.com or connect with us on Instagram.

Filed Under: Archived Content

Fall Time Outside Fun Just Got Better with TOSY’s Flying Disc & Ring!

September 30, 2024 By Leave a Comment
So much fun!

TOSY’s Flying Disc and Flying Ring are the perfect additions to any outside fun! Easy for kids to catch and toss, making playtime even more exciting. Tough enough to handle all kinds of outdoor fun and splash-proof for water play. They even light up for fun in the evening or on cloudy days. Now, how cool is that?!

TOSY Flying Disc//$34.99 on Amazon 

The ultimate fusion of technology and outdoor fun! This patent-pending flying disc takes traditional disc play to new heights with its innovative design and advanced features. Engineered for optimal performance, the TOSY 360 boasts precision flight control and aerodynamic stability, allowing you to unleash exhilarating throws and impressive catches with ease. Its durable construction ensures long-lasting enjoyment, while the built-in LED lights illuminate the disc for exciting nighttime play. 

TOSY Flying Ring//$19.99 on Amazon  

Engineered for performance and durability, this waterproof flying ring is designed to withstand hours of play in any weather condition. Its lightweight construction and aerodynamic design ensure smooth and precise flights, allowing you to master impressive throws and catches with ease. Whether you’re enjoying a day at the beach, park, or backyard, the TOSY Flying Ring guarantees hours of entertainment for the whole family. Plus, with its built-in LED lights, the fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down.  Kids and even adults will have so much fun with these!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Returns to Long Beach for 2024 Halloween Season

September 30, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Photo Credit: The Queen Mary

Named one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America by Time Magazine, The Queen Mary has become synonymous with ghost sightings, scares, and paranormal activity in Southern California. From 2010-2019, the legendary Dark Harbor Halloween event captivated the residents of Long Beach and beyond until the COVID-19 pandemic and ship renovations caused the event to come to a pause. Now, for the first time in nearly four years, The Spirits Rise once again at The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor!

“After a four-year hiatus, we’re thrilled to resurrect Dark Harbor and summon the spirits back to The Queen Mary for this coming Halloween season,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary. “We’re grateful to be working with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, as well as the unwavering support of the City of Long Beach. This event holds a special place in the community’s heart, and has long been a cornerstone of Long Beach’s Halloween traditions.”

Dark Harbor is a massive Halloween festival that takes place on The Queen Mary and surrounding harbor offering hair-raising-fun entertainment and special ghoulish events throughout the frightful season. This year’s event will feature haunted mazes, live entertainment, themed bars and lounges, experiences on-board the ship, festive eats and treats and, of course, the return of well-known icons like the Captain, Ringmaster, and Scary Mary. 2024 attraction details will be released in the coming months and will include both fan favorites from the past, as well as many new surprises.

Southern California’s most haunted Halloween event opened on Friday, September 20th and will run select nights through Saturday, November 2nd.

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is located at 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90802. For more information, visit www.darkharborhalloween.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook. All media requests can be sent to press@darkharborhalloween.com and all sponsorship inquiries can be directed to sponsorships@darkharborhalloween.com. 

Credit: The Queen Mary.

Filed Under: Archived Content