Multi award-winning artist The Weeknd makes his terrifying return to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood with an all-new experience, “The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy” haunted house and “Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse” invites guests to step into a slate of popular horror films from Blumhouse Productions. “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Legacy of Leatherface,” which celebrates 50 years of the iconic maniacal monster, rounds out this year’s gruesome line up of terrifying haunted houses.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and will continue select nights through Sunday, November 3. With less than a month until the event begins, now is the time to purchase the popular Frequent Fear Pass as they may sell out. The Frequent Fear Pass offers guest the opportunity to experience up to 33 nights of General Admission and revisit the terror over and over and over again.

The Weeknd is one of the 21st century’s most significant artists and the enigmatic superstar has continued to shatter records year after year. In 2022, he joined forces with Halloween Horror Nights to create the popular haunted house, “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare,” inspired by his highly successful “After Hours” album. 

This year, he returns with “The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy,” which provides fans an authentic, one-of-a-kind horror experience with surprises at every turn and music by The Weeknd scored by seminal producer, artist, and seven-time Grammy® award winner Mike Dean.

            Universal Studios Hollywood’s exclusive Terror Tram is back with a vengeance. On “Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse,” horror fans will set off on the Universal Studios backlot and encounter some of the most frightening characters from Blumhouse’s popular franchises, including M3GAN, The Black Phone, Freaky, The Purge and Happy Death Day.

Plus, guests who purchase or opt to upgrade their event tickets to the R.I.P. Tour will encounter themed photo ops along with exclusive access to the Jupiter’s Claim set from the hit film Nope.

Continuing the momentum, Leatherface also makes his horrifying return to Halloween Horror Nights with “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Legacy of Leatherface.” The haunted house will debut an all-new storyline celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of the original 1974 slasher film. Set in an abandoned slaughterhouse, visitors will encounter the many iterations of Leatherface from all nine films in the franchise, dodging his relentless chainsaw at every turn.

Additionally, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” returns to the WaterWorld venue, taking visitors on a fiery, rock-fueled adventure while they fight to survive the night.

            Rounding out the slate, horror fans will encounter multiple scare zones throughout the park. When exiting the “Monstruos 2: The Nightmares of Latin America” haunted house, visitors will encounter “Luchadores Monstruosos,” an all-new scare zone. As they begin their terrifying night at Halloween Horror Nights, fans will first need to escape a troop of chainsaw killers in “Chainsaw Punkz,” then dodge a gothic inspired royal court of the dead in “Skull Lordz.” The menacing “Murder of Crowz” will flock to a new dedicated space, including mama crow debuting at the nest.

These exciting experiences join previously announced haunted houses, including Paramount Pictures’ critically-acclaimed franchise “A Quiet Place,” Sony Pictures’ horror-comedy “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” Universal Pictures’ Classic Monsters in “Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines,” “Insidious: The Further” based on the latest film in Blumhouse’s terrifying film series, “Monstruous 2: The Nightmares of Latin America” a sequel to the hit 2023 haunted house and “Dead Exposure: Death Valley” an original concept house with petrifying radioactive zombies.

            Adding to the scares, guests also can experience select theme park attractions open during the event, including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” highly immersive land featuring “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™.” Those purchasing select tickets will have same day access to the interactive land SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (subject to change).

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood begins on Thursday, September 5 and continues select nights through Sunday, November 3. A variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options for Universal Studios Hollywood are now available, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 PM Day/Night, the Early Access Ticket,which provides access to select haunted houses beginning at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change), in advance of the scheduled 7:00 p.m. event opening time, the premium R.I.P. Tour and popular passes, Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass, which enable guests to experience the scares again and again. Click here to purchase tickets and for Terms and Conditions.

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

The Queen Mary is proud to announce its 90th anniversary celebration on Thursday, September 26, 2024, marking the day when Cunard’s job 534 was officially named The Queen Mary and was christened by Her Majesty Queen Mary, accompanied by His Majesty King George V. 

To commemorate this milestone, The Queen Mary will host intimate celebrations, including the unveiling of the hand-sewn reproduction of the Royal Standard in the Main Hall on the Promenade Deck at 5:30 PM. This ceremonial event symbolizes the return of this iconic emblem to its original place on the legendary ocean liner and is free to the public with an RSVP at https://bit.ly/QM90th.

“Returning a reproduction of the Queen Mary’s Royal Standard is a momentous occasion that reconnects the ship with its royal origins and marks a significant chapter in her storied history,” shared Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary. “We are honored to share this special unveiling with the community as we celebrate The Queen Mary’s 90-year legacy and the return of this iconic symbol to its rightful place on board.”

The Queen Mary will unveil a meticulously crafted reproduction of the original Queen Mary Standard during a special ceremony in the Main Hall on Thursday evening. While the original was presented to the ship by Queen Mary herself, this faithful reproduction has been painstakingly recreated to match its former glory. The designs were traced by hand onto heavy poly-cotton fabric and painted with Windsor & Newton professional acrylics before being sewn together and hemmed. In 1936, Her Majesty Queen Mary had the Commodore and his officers assembled in The Main Hall under her Medallion by Lady Hilton Young. It was there that Her Majesty the Queen presented her very own Standard to her namesake ship. 

“It would have been a very moving act for those few who witnessed the event. The Standard remained in the Queen Mary throughout her 31 years as an ocean-going vessel,” shared Caloca. The unveiling of the reproduction of the Standard, a symbol of the ship’s royal heritage, marks its homecoming after decades away, making this a significant moment in the Queen Mary’s storied history.

The unveiling ceremony, scheduled for 5:30 PM, will be open to the public, and guests are encouraged to RSVP to secure their place at this momentous occasion. Following the ceremony, visitors can swing by The Observation Bar for live music and a signature libation, as well step back in time with an Art Deco performance by Alex Mendham & His Orchestra in the Queens Salon. Known for their authentic 1930s sound, the orchestra will bring the glamor and elegance of The Queen Mary’s heyday to life. This ticketed event, priced at $45, promises to be a highlight of the evening, offering a unique opportunity to experience the ship as it was in the big band era. 

The Queen Mary, originally known as Cunard’s job 534, was christened on September 26, 1934, marking the start of its illustrious journey. Today, this beloved historical landmark in Long Beach, California, continues to captivate visitors with its rich legacy and timeless elegance. The unveiling of the reproductions of the Queen Mary Standard and the celebration of its 90th anniversary offers a rare glimpse into the ship’s royal past, bringing history to life for both longtime admirers and new visitors. 

Caloca adds, “The Queen Mary’s 90th anniversary is not just a celebration of the naming of this incredible ship, but a tribute to the legacy that continues to define this maritime legend, and a tribute to our wonderful guests; past, present, and future. This marks the beginning of this new chapter into its golden era.” 

For those interested in attending, more information and tickets for the evening’s events are available at www.QueenMary.com or connect with on social @TheQueenMary.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

There’s a new weekly event that’s perfect for all ages—Sounds of Santa Monica: Kids Edition at Santa Monica Place. Every Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., kids, parents and caregivers are invited to dive into a world of rhythm and melody with this lively event that features a variety of immersive musical entertainment, including sing-alongs, dancing and performances by local high school bands and music schools. It’s a wonderful way for little ones to engage in creative play while enjoying both classic and new family-friendly music hits, free and open to all ages.

Credit: Santa Monica Place.

Laguna Art Museum is excited to announce its newest exhibition, Latest and Greatest: New Artworks at Laguna Art Museum, on view beginning August 17, 2024. This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the museum’s history, showcasing nearly 50 newly acquired works that reflect its unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting California’s rich artistic legacy.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome these new works of art into our collection, thanks to the generosity of our donors,” said Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director of Laguna Art Museum. “These acquisitions allow us to expand our educational efforts, offering fresh perspectives and interpretations that will engage visitors of all ages, for years to come. The ongoing work of collecting is not just about preserving art; it’s about making cultural treasures accessible to all and enriching the lives of those who experience them.”

This dynamic collection, which spans over a century of artistic achievement, serves as both a tribute to the museum’s benefactors and a celebration of California’s vibrant art scene. The exhibition includes works by renowned artists such as Millard Owen Sheets, Woods Davy, Roger Kuntz and Astrid Preston, alongside mid-career talents like Jennifer Gunlock and Robert Standish.

Among the highlights of the exhibition is John Humble’s SUNDAY MORNING series, a captivating set of seven photographs that form a mini-exhibition within the larger show. The exhibition also marks the first-time inclusion of works by artists such as John Frost, Grace Carpenter Hudson, Malerie Marder, Patrick Wilson, Rosson Crow and many others into the museum’s collection.

In alignment with Laguna Art Museum’s mission to enlighten and engage people of all ages through art that embodies and preserves the California experience, this exhibition underscores the museum’s commitment to acquiring works by artists who have made significant contributions to California’s art history. The museum is also dedicated to ensuring gender equity within its collection, actively increasing the representation of women artists.

The exhibition showcases a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, mixed media, film and large-format color photography. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tender beauty of Fannie Eliza Duvall’s late 19th-century depiction of roses and the surreal, contemporary vision of Heidi Schwegler’s 2024 tamarisk and bronze wood sculpture.

Latest and Greatest is a testament to the museum’s ongoing efforts to enrich its collection, made possible through deepened relationships with artists and collectors who share a passion for making art accessible to the public. These generous contributions have transitioned from private collections into the museum’s galleries, where they can be appreciated by all.

The opening reception for Latest and Greatest will be held at the museum on October 19 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

For more information about Latest and Greatest, visit lagunaartmuseum.org. To stay connected and learn about upcoming events, follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Credit: Laguna Art Museum.

The Festival of Arts’ annual Festival Runway Fashion Show took place on Sunday, August 18, showcasing an extraordinary fusion of creativity, sustainability, and innovation. This year, the event also featured a charitable aspect, with visitors bringing gently-used professional attire to donate to Working Wardrobes in exchange for free admission. The overwhelming response led to overflowing bins and racks at the donation table.

A panel of three judges selected winners in four categories, while nearly 400 attendees cast their votes for the “People’s Choice Award.” The event, hosted by film production designer Nelson Coates, featured judges Shelley Komarov, Gerard Stripling, and Pat Kollenda.

“We want to thank all the extraordinary artists who took part in the runway competition this weekend. The original, one-of-a-kind ensembles showcased by the Festival artists are truly incredible,” said Sharbie Higuchi, Director of Marketing/PR and Merchandising at the Festival of Arts. “We are also deeply grateful to everyone who donated clothing to support Working Wardrobes, helping make this event not just a celebration of art, but also of community spirit.”

The 2024 Festival Runway Fashion Show winners include:

• Printmaker Anne Moore was awarded for “Most Creative Concept” for her design, “Breakfast at Tea-fany’s,” a gown adorned with 312 tea bag covers, combining high tea elegance with artistic flair.
• Glass artist Cody Nicely received the award for “Most Exciting Ensemble Inspired by a Fashion Designer” for his mermaid-shaped skirt, crafted from hand-dyed CDs, beach trash, and fishing line, reflecting environmental awareness.
• Painter Elizabeth McGhee won “Most Innovative Use of Materials” with her whimsical dress made entirely of recycled socks, a playful nod to ’80s and ’90s prom dresses.
• Painter Nancy Swan was honored with “Most Glamorous and Elegant Red Carpet Worthy Creation” and the “People’s Choice Award” for her tribute to Edith Head, featuring a dress constructed from newspapers, trash bags, and bubble wrap, representing fashion silhouettes from the 1800s to 2020s.

In addition to the winning artists, several others showcased their creative couture. Linda Potichke, a fine art jeweler at the Festival, designed a breathable summer outfit made from fiberglass screen, luggage strapping, and repurposed trim, ensuring comfort in the summer heat. Rowan Foley, a drawing artist, translated her vision into a traditional Japanese jūnihitoe, blending historical tradition with modern artistry using tissue and origami paper. Jeweler Luciano Bortone addressed plastic waste by crafting a skirt from over 100 recycled plastic bags, transforming discarded items into a striking fashion statement.

The Festival also commemorated the 15th anniversary of the Runway Fashion Show with a retrospective of recycled couture by W. Bradley Elsberry, including his denim collection crafted from 50 pairs of thrift store jeans. In alignment with this year’s Pageant of the Masters theme, “A La Mode: The Art of Fashion,” Director Diane Challis Davy presented three costumes from this summer’s production: a re-creation of the iconic Dior dress worn by model Dovima, a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel motifs, and a nod to the British design label Ossie Clark, all reflecting the rich history and artistry of fashion. 

This year’s Festival Runway Fashion Show was a tailor-made celebration of style, stitching together history, creativity, and sustainability in every look. The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show is open daily through August 30, 2024. Weekday general admission tickets to the Festival’s Fine Art Show are $10 per person, and $15 per person the weekends. Senior and student discounts are available. To stay up to date on all things Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.

Credit: Festival of Arts.

 Slice House by Tony Gemignani, the highly successful fast-casual pizza franchise by world renowned pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani, is proud to announce the August 24^th, 2024 opening of its new Burbank location. Located at 108 East Palm Avenue along Downtown Burbank’s Palm Plaza and across from the famed bronze statue of Batman, the pizzeria will soon welcome guests to experience award-winning pizza by the 13-time world champion in a fast casual setting. A grand opening celebration is slated for this fall and will include a special appearance by Tony and a Slice House t-shirt giveaway for the first 50 guests. Additional details to follow.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to open another Slice House location with our seasoned and experienced partner, Vinny Margott,” said Founder Tony Gemignani. “It’s an honor to further expand our footprint in Southern California, especially in the vibrant city of Burbank, and I look forward to welcoming the local community through the doors soon to experience our artisan pizzas, fresh pastas, and other Italian staples.”

Slice House Burbank, franchised and operated by Vinny Margott, features an expansive menu of Gemignani’s famous New York, Sicilian, Grandma, and Detroit style pizzas with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, as well as fresh pastas, wings, and salads. The drink menu includes local craft beers and premium wines in addition to a selection of sodas. Slice House Burbank will offer an exclusive pizza called The Angeleno, which Tony developed solely for the Margott family and has become a guest favorite at their Slice House locations in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, where it first debuted. The Grandma style pizza, topped with vodka sauce, Avorio mozzarella, applewood smoked bacon, thick and thin cut pepperoni and sausage, ricotta, house-made hot honey and basil, will be available in-store only, by the slice.

In addition to the specialty pizza, Slice House Burbank is introducing daily happy hour and lunch specials where locals and visitors alike can grab a mid-day slice, catch up with friends over delicious pizza, and enjoy a crisp craft brew in the summer heat. The lunch special, which will be offered from 11am-4pm, includes a slice of New York-style cheese or pepperoni pizza with a small side salad and a drink, as well as a complimentary upgrade to a Detroit, Sicilian or Grandma style slice if interested. Happy hour will run every day from 2pm-5pm and includes a $2 slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza with the purchase of any craft beer from the menu. The pizza destination has indoor seating for 60 people and outdoor seating for 20 people within its private patio at the front of the restaurant; in addition, it offers takeout, online ordering, and delivery. Slice House Burbank will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and later for select movie premieres and events.     

“I’m so proud to open our third Slice House by Tony Gemignani location and bring the award-winning pizzas and expansive menu to the Burbank community,” said Margott. “Through operating our two outposts in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley, it’s clear that Tony’s touch on fast-casual dining, combined with his craveable pizzas, draws a loyal crowd, and I’m excited to bring that to Burbank. Having our location right in the heart of Palm Plaza makes Slice House the ideal stop for locals to grab a lunchtime bite, visit for happy hour or enjoy a slice after the latest movie premiere. We are confident Slice House Burbank will become a staple for the community and look forward to being a reliable option for takeout, delivery and dining.”

Slice House Burbank is located within Palm Plaza, a pedestrian-only walking district in Downtown Burbank that is also home to local favorites like Finney’s Crafthouse as well as national chains such as Yard House, Buffalo Wild Wings, Pinkberry, and more. Located between N 1^st Street and N San Fernando Blvd, the new Slice House by Tony Gemignani is within steps of one of the highest-producing AMC theaters and the iconic Batman statue, and a short drive from many of Hollywood’s major studios, including The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Studios, the CW Network, and others. The restaurant caters to the high-density neighborhood of residents, families, schools, and professionals, and will soon serve as a go-to dining option for tenants of The Burbank Collection Condos, a set of luxury apartments within the same complex. The restaurant’s central location allows for easy access and an adjoining parking garage is available for all patrons. 

Slice House is a convenient way for diners to experience pizza and more by a world-champion, celebrity chef. Originally opened in San Francisco’s historic Italian neighborhood of North Beach in 2010, Slice House by Tony Gemignani has since expanded to include 13 locations – Slice House in Burbank will be its 14th location. 

For more information, visit www.slicehouse.com and follow along on Instagram @slicehouse_vc_la and Facebook at Slice House VC&LA.

ABOUT SLICE HOUSE BY TONY GEMIGNANI

Slice House by Tony Gemignani, founded by the globally acclaimed 13-time world pizza champion, offers an unparalleled pizza experience, blending artisan craftsmanship with fast-casual dining. Originating from San Francisco’s iconic North Beach neighborhood, Slice House has expanded with over 140 units open or under development, providing a diverse menu from signature New York to Detroit style pizzas, including health-conscious options, complemented by a hand-picked selection of local craft brews and natural wines. Recognized as the #1 Brand in Pizza Marketplace’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers, Slice House’s nationwide franchise program extends Tony’s legendary expertise and authentic original recipes to entrepreneurs, embodying a legacy of excellence with a versatile business model suited for a range of dining and delivery services.

Credit: Slice House Burbank.

Rubio’s Coastal Grill, the #1 fish taco brand, just opened its new prototype restaurant in the heart of Oceanside. Located at 4201 Oceanside Blvd., this site had been temporarily closed due to a 2021 fire. This custom-designed location represents the wave of the future for Rubio’s. The Oceanside design was inspired by the Baja taco stands where Rubio’s Co-Founder Ralph Rubio first ate fish tacos as a college student 41 years ago. It features Instagram-worthy wall décor and art, showcasing Ralph’s historic trips to San Felipe. The location also has a dedicated mobile ordering pickup area and new patio seating. 
 
Headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., Rubio’s operates 87 restaurants across Southern California, Arizona and Nevada.

Credit: Rubio’s Coastal Grill. Self Disclosure: Some form of compensation was received to post.