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Americana Car Show at the Printing Museum – Sat, July 11th

July 10, 2026 By Leave a Comment
Credit: International Printing Museum

The International Printing Museum in Carson, CA, invites you to an Americana Car Show: A Celebration of Revolutionary Machines on Saturday, July 11, 10 am to 4 pm. 

From the hand-powered presses that spread revolutionary ideas to the automobiles that transformed modern life, Revolutionary Machineshighlights the technologies that helped shape the American experience. 

At this family-friendly event celebrating the American spirit of invention and ingenuity, guests can: 

  • See antique cars from 1912 to the 1970s
  • Print a copy of the Declaration of Independence
  • Write with a quill and ink, like the founding fathers did
  • Create American-themed keepsakes featuring everything from bald eagles to cool cars
  • Screen print an event t-shirt
  • Meet “Thomas Jefferson” — live and in person — at 11am (limited seating) 

It’s a joyful day for all ages filled with chrome and ink.

Tickets & Info:printmuseum.org/americana

Prices: $15 for general Admission; $12 students & seniors; $45 family four-pack

Location: The International Printing Museum, 315 W Torrance Blvd, Carson, CA

Filed Under: Featured Events

Koda, July 10 Pet of the Week

July 10, 2026 By Leave a Comment
AWWWWWWWWW!

Can you look at that big, friendly grin and say that Koda is anything but a happy, upbeat fella? Koda loves spending time with his human friends at Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) and is at least just as thrilled to play with his doggie friends there. When you read his story, though, you’ll wish you had his optimistic attitude. Koda, a 7-year-old German shepherd, was originally at LBACS a few years ago. He came in as a stray and was adopted soon after. Imagine the surprise and dismay on the part of staff and volunteers when Koda was picked up a couple of weeks ago, tied up and abandoned in front of a local animal hospital. He was underweight and ragged compared with how he looked when leaving LBACS four years ago. His former owners cannot be located. But as Koda always says, good people are everywhere, and there’s one out there for me. Maybe it’s you! Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Koda or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Ask for ID#A691783.

Filed Under: Featured Content, Pet Corner

Float into Summer Fun with Cerritos Towne Center’s Bubble Bash Event

July 10, 2026 By Leave a Comment
Photo of previous Bubble Bash event, provided courtesy of Cerritos Towne Center.

Get ready for a bubbly afternoon of family fun at Cerritos Towne Center’s Bubble Bash on Saturday, July 11th, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. This free event features interactive bubble stations, live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, hands-on crafts, and more in a playful outdoor setting designed for guests of all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen and enjoy an afternoon of colorful summer fun. This event is open to the public.  

WHEN:

Saturday, July 11th from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

WHERE: 

The event will be located in Edwards Stadium Courtyard. 

Cerritos Towne Center is located at 12731 Towne Center Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703.

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information and a full store directory, visit cerritostc.com

Credit: Cerritos Towne Center

Filed Under: Featured Events

SOUNDS OF LA COUNTY: 27 PARKS. 108. CONCERTS. ONE COUNTY.

July 10, 2026 By Leave a Comment

A new standalone summer concert series for LA County Parks, produced by NextFest LA.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) is launching its  first official standalone FREE summer concert series in LA County Parks’ history. Sounds of LA County – 27 Parks. 108 Concerts. One County highlights local artists from LA County’s abundant indie music scene, bringing a music festival vibe to your front door. The free concerts, taking place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, are uniquely curated to reflect the culture, diversity, and energy of the communities where they are held.

Sounds of LA County marks a new chapter for free outdoor concerts in the region. Using its platform and resources to create meaningful opportunities for the local indie music community, LA County Parks is reimagining what a public summer concert series can be. To bring that vision to life, the Department entrusted NextFest LA—the independent music festival known for championing local indie talent—with producing a series built around that same mission.

“LA County Parks has always been a place where communities come together. With Sounds of LA County, we’re expanding that tradition by creating new opportunities for local artists while giving residents free access to live music that reflects the unique culture of their own neighborhoods,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. “This series celebrates the incredible talent found across Los Angeles County and reinforces our commitment to making arts and culture accessible to everyone.”

When a County invests in its own artists, it strengthens the local creative economy, gives working musicians a meaningful platform, and reinforces that the arts are essential to community life. Every Sounds of LA County concert is an opportunity for residents to be part of that investment. By showing up, audiences are supporting local musicians and helping strengthen the cultural fabric of their own communities.

The programming spans Latin, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Reggae, Country, Americana, Indie, Indigenous, Dance, and Family genres, but is always tied to the specific cultural identity of each park community. With concerts taking place in parks throughout North, East, and South Los Angeles County—including La Puente, Sylmar, Antelope Valley, Carson, Azusa, West Covina, Palmdale, Lancaster, and more—audiences can expect a music festival experience that reflects the unique identity of each community.

Even the name was developed with intentionality. Los Angeles County isn’t one sound, one culture, or one neighborhood. It is cumbia drifting from a backyard in East LA, neo-soul echoing through Rimgrove Park, norteño filling a park in La Puente on a Summer evening. Sounds of LA County reflects that diversity by celebrating the communities, cultures, and artists that define Los Angeles County. 

This summer, Sounds of LA County brings 108 free concerts to 27 parks across the county, July 9 – August 29, inviting residents to experience original live music while supporting the artists shaping Los Angeles County’s creative future.

About the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation 

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation manages 184 parks, 9 natural areas, 15 wildlife sanctuaries, 42 public swimming pools, 25 splash pads, 14 lakes including 3 with swimming beaches, 250 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding; and the largest municipal golf system in the nation with 20 golf courses at 18 facilities. The department maintains four botanical gardens: The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, the South Coast Botanic Garden, Descanso Gardens, and Virginia Robinson Gardens. The department also owns the iconic Hollywood Bowl, and The Ford, providing County residents with valuable entertainment and cultural resources.  Visit: https://parks.lacounty.gov/ 

Visit: Sounds of LA County

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Santa Monica Block Fest Vol. V Returns to Downtown Santa Monica with Music, Food, and a World Cup Watch Party

July 10, 2026 By Leave a Comment
Credit: Santa Monica Block Fest

Santa Monica Block Fest (“SMBF”) returns Saturday, July 11, taking over all three historic blocks of Third Street Promenade for an open-air celebration of music, food, and World Cup watch parties. Building on the momentum of over 20,000 attendees at SMBF Vol. IV in June, Vol. V is expected to draw even larger crowds for another unforgettable summer evening in Downtown Santa Monica. Festivalgoers can reserve their free tickets here.

Produced by YAPPY STUDIOS, Quickserve, and Beat Repeat in partnership with the City of Santa Monica and Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM), the festival turns one of LA’s most iconic pedestrian corridors into multiple stages of live electronic music paired with a food night market on Arizona Avenue. The Vol. V lineup spans house, bass house, and tech house, featuring MOONLIGHT, Distant Matter, Sam Silver, Marzi, and more. The festival will also feature screenings of the World Cup quarterfinal matches.

Returning by popular demand is SMBF’s night market, anchored by fan-favorite vendor Villa’s Tacos. The beloved Highland Park taqueria was recently featured in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show. Attendees can sample from a rotating roster of new and returning food vendors along Arizona Avenue and shop merch from local makers throughout the Entertainment Zone, putting Santa Monica and greater-LA small businesses center stage alongside the music.

Waymo continues its partnership with Santa Monica Block Fest as the official ride-hail partner for Vol. V, helping attendees travel to and from the festival safely and conveniently. Festivalgoers can download the Waymo app and use promo code SMBF26 to receive 30% off their first three rides, making it even easier to enjoy a fully driverless trip to Downtown Santa Monica and a worry-free ride home after the festivities.

“Each edition of Santa Monica Block Fest raises the bar. After welcoming over 20,000 attendees in June, we’re excited to bring an even bigger experience to Downtown Santa Monica with an incredible lineup, immersive activations, and the vibrant atmosphere that has made Block Fest a must-attend summer tradition,” said Peter Trinh, Santa Monica Block Fest Founder.

“Santa Monica Block Fest continues to showcase the best of Downtown Santa Monica, bringing together residents and visitors for unforgettable nights of music, dining, and community. Building on the success of our June event, Vol. V is another opportunity to support our local businesses while showcasing the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that makes Downtown Santa Monica unique,” said Debbie Lee, CEO, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

About Santa Monica Block Fest: Santa Monica Block Fest is a free, all-ages music festival co-founded by YAPPY STUDIOS, QuickServe, and Downtown Santa Monica Inc., in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica. Since launching in October 2025, the community and cultural event has transformed all three blocks of Third Street Promenade into Santa Monica’s biggest free block party, bringing world class DJs, full production, and thousands of music lovers to downtown Santa Monica.

About Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.: DTSM, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with the City of Santa Monica to promote economic stability, planning, development, growth and community life within Downtown Santa Monica through management and coordination of programs, projects and services designed to benefit the community as a whole, which includes downtown businesses, property owners, residents, and visitors.

Filed Under: Featured Events

Festival of Arts Celebrates Young Artists with Junior Art Awards and Family Art Day on Sunday, July 12

July 10, 2026 By Leave a Comment

Circus-Themed Family Event Features Aerial Performances, Student Art Recognition, Hands-on Activities, and More

Credit: Festival of Arts

The Festival of Arts will celebrate the next generation of Orange County artists during its annual Junior Art Awards and Family Art Day this Sunday, July 12th. A colorful, circus-themed event, this year’s Family Art Day will feature hands-on art activities, live entertainment, aerial performances, carnival games, face painting, and family-friendly fun.

DETAILS:

The day begins with the Junior Art Awards from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., recognizing talented Orange County student artists whose work is featured in the 2026 Festival of Arts Junior Art Exhibit. The awards ceremony and exhibition are sponsored by California First Leasing Corporation, Mark Porterfield, and the Festival of Arts Foundation.

From 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Family Art Day transforms the Festival grounds into a lively circus-inspired celebration where families can enjoy free hands-on art projects in the Festival Art Center, sponsored by Bank of America, along with face painting, carnival games, and a spectacular aerial performance by Orange County Aerial Arts.

JUNIOR ART EXHIBIT:

Presented in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, the Festival of Arts Junior Art Exhibit has been a beloved tradition since 1947. This year’s exhibition features more than 330 works of art created by Orange County students, on display July 7 through September 3, providing young artists the unique opportunity to exhibit alongside the professional artists of the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show.

WHEN:
Sunday, July 12, 2026

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. is Junior Art Awards Ceremony
  • 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. is Family Art Day

WHERE:
Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

TICKETS:

Admission to the Junior Art Awards and Family Art Day is included with admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show. Tickets are $15 on Sunday, July 12, with free admission for children ages 5 and under, active-duty military and veterans, and Laguna Beach residents.

he Festival of Arts Fine Art Show runs July 7 – September 3, 2026, in Laguna Beach. To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com. 

Filed Under: Featured Events

California Wine Festival Returns to Santa Barbara July 17–18, 2026

July 10, 2026 By Leave a Comment
Festival attendees savoring the vibrant atmosphere. Image courtesy of California Wine Festival.

California Wine Festival returns to its coastal hometown of Santa Barbara for two unforgettable days of wine, gourmet bites and oceanfront celebration on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, 2026. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the beloved summer tradition brings together wine lovers, culinary enthusiasts and weekend travelers for elevated tastings, live music and quintessential California coastal experiences. Guests can enjoy wines from acclaimed producers including Alma Rosa, Aperture Cellars, Brick Barn Wine Estate, Caymus Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Trefethen Family Vineyards, Williams Selyem and dozens more from California’s premier wine regions.

“Santa Barbara will always hold a special place in our hearts because it’s where the California Wine Festival began,” said Emily Kaufmann. “There’s nothing quite like enjoying California wines just steps from the ocean surrounded by incredible food, music and community.”

Festival Events

Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting

Friday, July 17 | 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Plaza Del Sol, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

633 E. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA

The weekend begins with the elegant Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting hosted at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort’s breathtaking Plaza Del Sol. Guests will be welcomed with a sparkling wine reception under the stars before sampling rare and reserve-level wines from premier California wine regions including Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County.

Guests enjoy gourmet appetizers from top local chefs, artisan cheeses, fresh fruits, olive oils and more while live music creates a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere throughout the evening.

Beachside Wine Festival 

Saturday, July 18 | 1 – 4:15 p.m. (VIP Entry at 12 p.m.)

Chase Palm Park 

236 E. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA

The signature Beachside Wine Festival transforms Santa Barbara’s scenic waterfront into a vibrant tasting experience featuring hundreds of California wines, regional craft brews and gourmet food offerings from celebrated chefs and food artisans.

Festivalgoers can sample gourmet appetizers, chocolates, breads, olive oils, seafood specialties and more while enjoying live music overlooking the ocean. Guests can also experience the fan-favorite “Best Tri-Tip in the 805” BBQ Competition, where attendees vote for their favorite local BBQ team throughout the afternoon.

VIP ticket holders receive early entry and access to the exclusive VIP Pavilion featuring elevated food and wine pairings, premium seating and curated tasting experiences.

Festival Highlights & Features

  • Festival Sponsors Include:
    • Andy Gump, BMW, Brick Barn Wine Estate, High Flyer Wines & Priest Ranch, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Lifetime Remodeling, Lloyd Cellars, Pacific Surfliner, Renewal by Andersen, System Pavers, The Point Market, Traeger and WDT Wealth Partners, UBS Financial Services Inc.
  • Food & Beverage Partners Include:
    • aficio22, Aquamar, The Knock, Buena Onda Empanadas, Butterfly Brittles, CHZ GUY/Coastal Specialty Foods, Costa Kitchen & Bar, Crepería El Chisme, Doms Taverna, Finch & Fork, Gino Angelini Foods, Goufrais Southern California – Cocoa Confection, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Marisella, Montecito Gourmet Wine & Coffee, p.o.p. candy co., Rhino’s Glazed Almonds, Santa Barbara WoodFire Catering, SB Craft Jerky, SiSi Cakes and The Blue Owl.
  • Participating Wineries Include:
    • Adobe Road Winery, Akash Winery & Vineyards, Alma Rosa Winery, Aperture Cellars, Bernadus Winery, Bezel from the Cakebread Family, Brick Barn Wine Estate, Burtech Family Vineyard, Cakebread Cellars, Caymus Vineyards, Cuvaison, Double Bond Wines, EHRET Winery, Foley Family Wines & Spirits, High Flyer Wines, Kiler Canyon Vineyard, La Lieff Wines, Lloyd Cellars, Macchia, Malibu Wine Company, Michael Pozzan Winery, Mizel Estate Wines, Prescription Vineyards, Priest Ranch, Rombauer Vineyards, Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance, Shale Oak Winery, Terra Amata Vineyards, The Vinho, Trefethen Family Vineyards, Turning Tide Wines, Vincent Vineyards, Williams Selyem and Ysidro Sake Spritz.
  • VIP Pavilion Featured Purveyors: 
    • The Blue Owl, Buena Onda Empanadas, Doms Taverna, Finch & Fork and Vibe Caviar.
  • Best Tri-Tip in the 805 BBQ Competition:
    • Sponsored by Traeger, the fan-favorite BBQ competition invites guests to sample tri-tip from some of the Central Coast’s top pitmasters and vote for their favorite throughout the afternoon. Participating competitors include Convivo, Costa Kitchen & Bar, Craft Wood Fired Catering, Mac’s Tip Smokehouse, Meraz Catering, Oak and Fire and Santa Barbara WoodFire Catering.
  • Special Features:
    • The 2026 California Wine Festival Santa Barbara benefits the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, helping support its mission of providing nutritious food and resources to individuals and families throughout the region.

California Wine Festival is a 21+ event. Tickets include all wine and food samples plus an 18 oz keepsake wine glass. For tickets and additional information, please visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com. 

About California Wine Festival

California Wine Festival celebrates the fine wines and culinary offerings of California. Founded in 2004 in Santa Barbara, the nationally recognized event series has grown into one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state, showcasing California’s wineries, chefs, coastal destinations and lifestyle experiences. Committed to sustainability, 90% of festival waste was diverted from landfills in 2025. California Wine Festival has also helped raise awareness and funds for charitable organizations throughout the state including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, Surfrider Foundation, Golden Rule Charity and more.

For more information, visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com and follow us on social media: 

Filed Under: Featured Events

Minions & Monsters * This film is a laugh-a-minute; making it feel like the movie is over in a flash

July 10, 2026 By Leave a Comment

Minions & Monsters follows the Minions in 1920s Hollywood as they search for frightening creatures for their monster movie, partner with a green creature, and must save the planet after unleashing monsters.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryker N. comments, “I am BANAAANAS about Minions & Monsters! This film is a laugh-a-minute; making it feel like the movie is over in a flash. Even though this is the seventh Minions movie, it still feels fresh and funny.” Julie O. adds, “I enjoy Minions & Monsters because it has an entertaining comedic style and a fun story line. I love the use of humor and references to old Hollywood movies and actors.” Leo G. wraps it up with, “I liked watching this movie with its funny moments that had me laughing the whole time. For example, the Minions lose their initial Big Boss when he steps on a Minion-made LEGO brick, triggering a destructive chain reaction that results in his entire house breaking down and the Big Boss falling off a cliff.” See their full reviews below.

Minions & Monsters
By Ryker N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I am BANAAANAS about Minions & Monsters! This film is a laugh-a-minute; making it feel like the movie is over in a flash. Even though this is the seventh Minions movie, it still feels fresh and funny.

Minions & Monsters is the backstory of the Minions (Pierre Coffin) before Despicable Me (2010). It follows the Minions through all of their previous leaders and then into Hollywood in the 1920s as they make a monster movie. Of course, things don’t go as planned and they end up having to save the planet after creating monsters from an old spellbook. The plot fluctuates between two storylines involving the Minion protagonists, James, Henry and Ed, as they create the monsters for their movie vs. the rest of the Minion gang who eventually hook up with their new leader Dort (Jesse Eisenberg), an alien robot, and Debbie (Zoey Deutch), a women’s activist, to create a small love story with a twist that brings it all together in the end.

The comedy in Minions & Monsters is exactly what you’d expect from a Minion’s movie. The Minions’ random made-up language mixed with real words from different languages is still one of the funniest parts.  Something that really stands out is how much the animation keeps getting better with each Minions movie. The characters look smoother; the colors brighter; and the action scenes are immersive. I especially like the scenes with the biggest monster, Irene, because the special effects make her incredibly life-like and unforgettable. I also like how the Minions’ outfits match the time period. From the 1920s’ sweaters to the classic overalls, it’s a small detail but it makes the movie feel even more creative. My most favorite part is how the directors (Pierre Coffin, Patrick Delage) and writers (Pierre Coffin, Bryan Lynch) incorporate small surprise details at the beginning of the movie and throughout the credits. Be sure to stay until the very end to avoid missing out on these comical surprises!

This film’s message is about loyalty. The Minions may be goofy and accident-prone but they never give up on each other. No matter how impossible things seem, they stick together, proving that real friendship means standing by the people you care about – even when everything goes completely bananas. 

Minions & Monsters gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film releases to theaters on July 1, 2026.

Minions & Monsters

By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I enjoy Minions & Monsters because it has an entertaining comedic style and a fun story line. I love the use of humor and references to old Hollywood movies and actors.

Minions & Monsters is the third Minion’s spin off, and the storyline holds its own and can be enjoyed without seeing the other films. In this animated, fictional, autobiography of the Minions, one Minion, James (Pierre Coffin) has chronicled the journey of the Minions on their search to find the perfect villain to serve. James has always been a dreamer and is continuously wanting to create art. Ultimately landing in Los Angeles in the 1920s, James becomes enthralled with Hollywood and his life ambition is to create the perfect movie.

The voice talents bring each character to life and enhance the quality of the story telling. For example, Trey Parker voices Goomi and his voice creates the perfect unsuspecting monster, who you want to trust, but at the same time has a hint of devious energy. I like how in-depth the animation goes with its attention to detail and bold colors.  Each part of the Minions’ journey is brought to life with beautiful scenes that James creates with details of adventure, humor, and friendship. My favorite part is when the Minions get to 1920s Hollywood – the historical references to the time period and the references to early Hollywood and films are fun to watch. There are references to several classic films such as The Trip to the Moon and Citizen Kane that help bring the story to life. I love that the film includes lots of content and humor for older audiences to enjoy.

I give Minions & Monsters4 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Minions & Monsters releases in theaters July 1, 2026.

Minions & Monsters

By Leo G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I like Minions & Monsters because it has funny moments and good animation.

The movie Minions & Monsters is the third prequel to the Minions series of movies which are a spin-off of the Despicable Me movies. Minions & Monsters takes place in 1920s Hollywood and follows a new group of Minions:  James, Henry, and Ed (all voiced by Pierre Coffin) who are trying to make a movie about monsters while the rest of their Minion clan searches for their next “Big Boss” to serve.

I liked watching this movie with its funny moments that had me laughing the whole time. For example, the Minions lose their initial Big Boss when he steps on a Minion-made LEGO brick, triggering a destructive chain reaction that results in his entire house breaking down and the Big Boss falling off a cliff.  Another example is when James, Henry and Ed summon a monster from a magical book hoping it will be the star of their monster movie.  The picture of the monster in the book shows a huge scary monster, but when the monster arrives, it is just a small little thing. While James, Henry, and Ed are busy conjuring and then battling monsters, the rest of their Minion clan find their next Big Boss, a robot alien named Dort (Jesse Eisenburg) who is determined to destroy Earth.  In a funny twist, Dort surprises the Minions by putting off Earth domination so that he can go on dates with a human girl instead.  Best of all, this movie has some really good animation that is very nice to look at and kept me invested. 

The film’s message is that you do not have to be the same as everyone else to be successful.

Minions & Monsters gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theaters on July 1, 2026. 

Filed Under: Media Reviews