Pop-up memorials in the Big Bear Lake have been one way that Southern Californians have honored the beautiful bird, while donations to nature nonprofits have been another important show of support.

If you’d like to show your Jackie love through what you’re wearing, while also helping out the organizations that helped the eagle in her time of need, you can: Friends of Big Bear Valley is selling Jackie Strong t-shirts, and “100% of the proceeds” from the eye-catching top “will be donated to the organizations that rescued and cared for Jackie.”

Those organizations include CALM Zoo in Bakersfield, the home of Spirit, an eagle that donated blood to Jackie, as well as Ojai Raptor Center, where Jackie received care after being found grounded in Big Bear in July.

The San Bernardino County Firefighters Fund and San Dimas Raptor Rescue are also beneficiaries of the fundraising t-shirt.

There is a backlog on orders, which is no surprise, giving the amount of attention that Jackie’s story has garnered.

You’ll need to wait for around 10 weeks for your order, and if the t-shirt sells out? Friends of Big Bear Valley “… will consider restocking.”

A few different options, including a long-sleeved t-shirt, are on the site.

This is an official fundraising item from Friends of Big Bear Valley. Ojai Raptor Center offered “a word of caution” about unofficial merchandise said to fundraise for the center in the days following the eagle’s death.

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RIP, Jackie. Beloved Big Bear eagle dies after weeks in ICU, care team confirms

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Shadow spent time at the Big Bear bald eagle nest alongside a ‘new visitor'

The nonprofit has been central to sharing Jackie’s world with, well, the world: Friends of Big Bear Valley operates a nest-close camera, one that watches visiting bald eagles and other critters around the clock.

In recent days, an eagle called Kaydee has been frequenting the famous Jeffery pine nest, a sizable aerie Jackie shared with her mate Shadow for a number of years; the pair’s chicks hatched over a few seasons in the much-watched nest, giving viewers far beyond Big Bear an inner look at the hatching and care of eaglets.

The organization shared a few words on its t-shirt post about the much-missed bird: “Thank you all for your kind words and love for Jackie. We miss her and she will remain in our hearts and memories forever.”

The Ojai Raptor Center team has been sharing updates about Jackie’s death and what may have led to it in recent days; a “brief update” was shared on Aug. 28 to let eagle fans know “where things stand” with the medical investigation.

If the center’s diligent work with Jackie has inspired you to join the effort to help wildlife in a hands-on, in-person way, Ojai Raptor Center is seeking volunteers for a variety of roles, including Ambassador Care and Wildlife Transporters.

Are there more seeds in an average pumpkin or more pumpkin patches spookily strewn across Southern California?

Well, more seeds, of course, though there the number of patch-y places sprouting across our region has been popping in recent years.

There are a few major destinations, the glad-hearted gourd-ly go-tos that offer families some sweet activities and nostalgic pursuits before or after they select their pumpkin and depart.

High on that lovely list? It’s Tanaka Farms, in Irvine, which offers an autumn-ready experience so sought-after that an advance ticket, particularly on a Friday afternoon, Saturday, or Sunday, is required.

Parking, too, is limited for the bustling Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch, so purchasing your weekend pass in advance — and yes, Friday afternoon is on that list — is also important.

Tickets are now available for purchase for the 2026 season, which begins Sept. 12.

Once you’re there, you’ve got choices that are full of fall splendor: Wagon rides — they’re “unlimited” — are included in your entry, and getting to admire the animals of the Barnyard Education Exhibit.

The Corn Maze, the play area made for tots, and other diversions are also part of your admission.

Any pumpkins you purchase will be additional, do keep in mind. The star fruits of the popular event are priced at $1.39 per pound.

Also good to keep in focus? Entry is timed, so choose the hour you’d like to arrive when buying your ticket. “The Good Slots Go First” is the word from the farm staff, so if you find an hour you love, don’t wait: Take it.

There are other activities to consider, like the Pumpkin Cannon, which will make weekend appearances. Weekdays have their own pluses, including chances to pick veggies.

It’s totally true that there are more seeds inside an average pumpkin than there are patches around Los Angeles and Orange County.

But patches do proliferate when September dawns, and some of best-known and most-loved, including the classic Tanaka Farms experience, require pre-planning and pre-purchasing.

The fall fun begins in less than two weeks: Book your spot, and weekend pass, ASAP, then don your flannel and jump into the mellowest season with glee.

Okay: Maybe the flannel and jeans can wait a few weeks; go with shorts, sandals, and t-shirts for now, heat-weathering SoCalers.

Eating out or relying on convenience foods are increasingly difficult solutions for many American families, who are facing the biggest jump in grocery prices in a half century. It can also be healthier to cook at home, where it is easier to control things like how much salt or sugar is added to a meal.

But in many cities, there’s another way to break the “what’s for dinner” rut without breaking the bank: shopping at international food markets.

It can be surprisingly simple to incorporate new flavors into home meals by pairing unfamiliar ingredients with pantry staples, says Palina Louangketh, a self-described foodie and the director of the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora. She also teaches cooking classes, partnering with Boise-area refugees who demonstrate dishes and techniques from their home countries.

“Coming here to an international market, you get both a dose of cultural experience but also healthy, fresh exotic ingredients,” Louangketh said on a recent trip to the Idaho Capital Asian Market in Boise, pointing to products from China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea and elsewhere.

“It doesn’t have to be so scary or unique. If you pair your protein with vegetables and with a starch and add savoriness to it — soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce — you’re covered,” she said.

Yes, navigating a grocery store full of new-to-you products with foreign-language labels might feel daunting at first, said Beryl Shereshewsky, a New York video producer whose YouTube channel is dedicated to exploring dishes and cultural connections from around the world.

But there are ways to incorporate international supermarkets into your home cooking routine, she said.

Here are some tips:

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Venture outside your neighborhood

“I think you would be surprised by how many international markets exist even in small towns and cities,” said Shereshewsky. “Everywhere you go in America, you’re going to find immigrants, and those immigrants are still cooking their foods from their countries and cultures.”

Sales at international supermarkets and small grocery stores across the U.S. have been growing steadily for years, according to market research firm IBISWorld.

There are more than 20 international markets in Boise, which has just over 235,000 residents. Several more are located in nearby Meridian, Nampa and Caldwell.

People tend to shop near home, Shereshewsky said, but exploring new territory can reveal hidden gems.

“It allows you to interact with your city or town in a different way,” she said.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Store workers are often happy to assist.

“It’s exciting,” said Bailey Hughes, a cashier at Idaho Capital Asian Market who enjoys following food trends. “People will come in because they saw something viral on the internet, like Chinese Baddie Tea.”

The viral beverage is based on a traditional Chinese tea recipe made with jujube dates and ginger.

And doing a little advance research goes a long way.

Many food bloggers focus on one cuisine, like vegetarian chef Manjula Jain who writes about Indian cuisine, Lola Osinkolu who specializes in Nigerian and indigenous African cooking, and Maangchi, a go-to resource for Korean cooking.

“There are a lot of people out there who are recipe developers who have spent a lot of time perfecting dishes and making them acceptable,” Shereshewsky said. She goes into markets “with a very specific list and recommendations of what I need to buy because going in there with no plan can be like, a little bit too much.”

It’s OK to start small

You can find inspiration in the familiar if you’re not ready to fully venture into the unknown.

“Look at something you really like and see the iterations of it around the world. That way you add a couple of new ingredients and you’re trying something new from something that’s familiar,” said Shereshewsky. “Even though we speak different languages or wear different clothing, or we live in different places, suddenly we’re all connected through a tomato.”

Breakfast lovers might try swapping scrambled eggs and toast for a Ugandan rolex, a thin vegetable omelet wrapped in chapati flatbread. Or a basic side salad can be replaced with Chinese spinach salad, an addictive appetizer made using blanched Taiwanese spinach, vinegary dressing and peanuts. The Taiwanese variety is sweeter and crunchier than the flat-leaf spinach found in most big-box grocery stores.

Soups are another good place to start, says Louangketh. She likes to add bright, tart flavor to broths with fresh lemongrass and kaffir leaf, both pantry staples in Laos, where she was born.

Keep your eyes open for savings

Spices, fresh produce and some specialty sauces are often less expensive in international markets than in mainstream grocery stores. Even proteins like fresh and frozen seafood can be substantially cheaper, in part because these stores are more likely to work with multiple suppliers.

But keep your eyes open, and don’t just assume everything will come at a savings. International markets can also carry very high-end versions of specialty products compared to what you might find elsewhere.

“I think you’ll find some ingredients are much cheaper than in the traditional supermarket and others could be just as expensive — it depends on what you’re looking for,” Shereshewsky said.

You might find a new favorite food

If you see something that intrigues you, don’t be afraid to try it.

“If you just buy some things because you’re vibing with them, you can then reverse-engineer meals out of them by searching that ingredient and recipes,” Shereshewsky said.

Filipino dishes have become part of her regular cooking rotation, in part because they are simple to prepare and often allow for ingredient substitutions that don’t change the overall flavor or integrity of the dish, she said.

“For example, they have calamansi juice, which is a type of citrus, but you can use lemon, no problem,” she said.

Other favorite ingredients for Shereshewsky include pork floss — a Chinese finely shredded dried pork with a texture similar to savory cotton candy — and aji panca, a mild Peruvian chile with a sweet and smoky flavor. Banana sauce, a sweet and tangy cousin to tomato ketchup, is another pantry staple, she said.

Look beyond your plate for a deeper connection

It can be fun to dabble in different cuisines, but real satisfaction comes from appreciating the cultures and people behind the food, says Louangketh.

“Food is about building community,” she said, and creating opportunities “to connect through something that is healthy.”

Consider attending cultural festivals or events or taking classes, like the free online “Kitchen of Exotic Eats” cooking classes offered by the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora.

Viral food trends may offer an easy entry point to exploring a new cuisine, said Shereshewsky, but don’t let that overshadow the history of a dish. “If you take the time to understand where that food is from, you can get a lot out of it and learn a lot from the people who have grown up with these dishes,” she said.

But only a few fanciful offerings are totally free to see, and one of them summons fans from across Orange County, and beyond, to a place that is known for its excellent succulents, flowers, seeds, pots, and gardening tools.

It’s Roger’s Gardens, in Corona del Mar, which is spookily synonymous with a highly creative Halloween Boutique, an annual treat that opens each year near the end of August.

The 2026 shop debuted Aug. 29, with a tantalizing theme that is full of mystery and magic: You’ve been invited to a Moonlight Masquerade, a revelry that is full of masks, butterflies, sparkly webs, moss-covered candelabras, and merry pumpkins.

Peek inside the limited-time attraction now, then make your way to Corona del Mar in the coming weeks before the multi-room Halloween Boutique, like a masquerade, must dance its final dance.

Time is highly flexible, or seemingly so, in the “Star Trek” universe, as any fan of the Gene Roddenberry-created phenomenon well knows.

A Starfleet officer may be at the helm of a galaxy-exploring ship one moment and then on a distant planet, sometime in the future or past, a nanosecond later.

But here on Planet Earth, the progression of hours, minutes, months, and years stays rather orderly, which means this: If you’d like to take part in a celebration paying tribute to the 60th anniversary of the pop culture phenomenon, you will definitely have to buy tickets for very specific dates, times, and locations.

Prepare to beam up at the Alex Theatre in Glendale over the first weekend of September, thanks to a line-up of four “Star Trek” films paired with a quartet of classic episodes from the original series.

“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” leads off the series on Sept. 4, along with a screening of “The Changeling,” an episode from Season 2.

“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” is the Sept. 5 film, and few fans will be surprised to learn that “Space Seed” is the classic episode set to accompany it (that is, of course, when the iconic Khan makes his unforgettable first appearance).

The Sept. 6 flick is “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,” and “Amok Time” will play as well.

And on Labor Day Monday, the 7th of September? “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” sets us up for a whale-y good time, along with a showing of “The City on the Edge of Forever.”

A festival pass is $54, if you plan on spending the entire weekend at the Alex, but there are single tickets, too.

Plenty of revelers sporting Starfleet-style splendor and galactic get-ups will be in attendance, we imagine, as well as the occasional Klingon and Vulcan.

As far as bringing your pet Ceti eel to the theater? That is definitely not recommended.

Alamo Drafthouse in Downtown Los Angeles will also be screening the four films and the episodes listed above over Labor Day Weekend; tickets are available now.

The cinema also has a special “Star Trek” pint glass and popcorn bucket available for pre-order; check out the Spock-tastic design here.

If you’d simply like to “engage” with Star Trek Day in your own way, mark star date Sept. 8 in your captain’s log now.

Street Food Cinema will call upon the Autry Museum of the American West Sept. 8, bringing two episodes hailing from two “Star Trek” eras: “The Man Trap,” the pilot from the original series and “Orders of Magnitude” from “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”

Entry is free for the event, which is presented by CBS Studios and Paramount+, but reservations are required.

Astrologers are extra aware of what’s at work during eclipse season, and we’re in one now. The lunar eclipse in Pisces occurs on Aug. 27 at 9:12 p.m. PT and August 28 at 12:12 a.m. ET, weeks after the total solar eclipse. (Here’s how to watch the lunar eclipse in North America and beyond).

During lunar eclipses, the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, and all three align. As a result, the Earth imperfectly casts a slight shadow on the moon, creating a partial lunar eclipse. The Moon will take on a reddish hue, creating an almost “blood moon” effect.

The lunar eclipse marks the end of summer and the transition into the cooler months. Astrologically, it offers change and reflection.

The moon in Pisces aspects Mercury in Virgo and Uranus in Gemini, causing a fraught tension that stimulates our minds and hearts to make immediate decisions. For those of us who are in a state of limbo, uncertainty will be at the forefront of our thoughts (which isn’t always a great place to be). Unique perspectives will push us toward our comfort zones, where we should use them as a catalyst for growth.

The mutable signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces will feel the impact of the eclipse the most because four planets (the sun in Virgo, moon in Pisces, Mercury in Virgo, and Uranus in Gemini) are in mutable energy. Committing to a choice and accountability is a challenge, since we prefer to double down on the opposing sentiment to evade responsibility.

Read more below:

Gemini

It’s a wonderful time to network and connect with former colleagues. Thinking about asking for a raise? You should go for it. You’ll be surprised by how much you can achieve and attain. Abundance is at your doorstep, and you won’t have to do much to receive your professional desires. The lunar eclipse in Pisces will shake up your chart, as it urges you to move on towards a new professional venture. As you move forward, try to be careful in your decision-making because Mercury in Virgo could put a damper on or slow down your plans if you’re not careful. Conversely, an old endeavor that never came to fruition could come your way then in the sector of your chart that represents hopes and dreams.

Virgo

The sun and Mercury align with your sign, and you may find yourself experiencing a surge of creativity and innovation at work. Your natural curiosity and adaptability will lead you to explore new approaches, due to Uranus’ position. This will bring exciting growth opportunities. Your networking and communication skills are highlighted. You thrive in connecting with others and forming strategic partnerships. The eclipse supports success in collaboration. Brainstorm new ideas where diverse perspectives will be valued. Maintain focus and discipline amid your many interests and ideas. Breakthroughs and advancements are possible if you stay open-minded and proactive. On a personal level, you may feel attacked by close associates, so give each other space to breathe. Sometimes a moment is all it takes to gain clarity.

Sagittarius

If there ever was a celestial event that made you run for cover, this is it. But you’re going to get through it because you are a fighter. The eclipse ensures that you can manifest that. If you are dealing with personal matters, you’ll need to balance your family’s needs with your own. Don’t let external influences sway you from making decisions. Stay true to your values and maintain a sense of equilibrium. You will make significant progress in these relationships and make amends. You will excel in roles that require tact, prudence and the ability to find common ground. It’ll also be a time when you can commit to partnerships that can benefit your future. Just make sure you are aligning with the right people.

Pisces

Things may feel chaotic from the eclipse bringing more havoc, which may make it hard to keep dates on schedule and your wandering mind on what you want. So, focus on taking care of yourself. Sudden changes may occur, shaping and shaking up your romantic life. It’s advisable to go with the flow and see what the eclipse reveals, and then you can make decisions as to how you want to move forward. The rock and roll energy of this cosmic phenomenon will bring transformation and growth to the way you choose to date and partner, but only if you are ready to experience it. The caveat is that unexpected events may commence, so watch out for the unforeseen. Brace yourself!

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• The Astrological Meaning of August’s Full Sturgeon Blood Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Pisces
• What Is a ‘Solar Return’? Why Your Birthday Has a Special Astrological Meaning
• We’re in the ‘Messy Middle’ Between Eclipses, and These 4 Signs Will Feel It the Most

Hankerings and horror thrills are a duo as classic as cheese and bread, wine and grapes, or a sumptuous feast filling a long dining room table inside in a drafty old castle.

Your favorite scary film probably possesses some sort of frightful food element, and, if it doesn’t, you’ve likely chowed popcorn or sweet snacks while enjoying it.

Halloween Horror Nights gets this cuisine-scream connection, and to appetizingly honor it? There is an imaginative assortment of themed eats and drinks to quaff and consume at the seasonal Universal Studios Hollywood event.

The eerie extravaganza arises Sept. 3, haunting guests on select nights with a Nov. 1 conclusion.

Julia Thrash, the Executive Chef of Universal Studios Hollywood, created the wicked vittles, which include pizza, a chickpea curry burrito, and a host of libations, both spirited and non-alcoholic.

Some of the hearty fare you’ll find between shrieks include the “Stranger Things”-themed Hellfire Club Spicy Italian Sandwich, found in the Studio Cafe in the Lower Lot and the Sloppy D’oh, a “Treehouse of Horror” treat, in the Springfield area on the Upper Lot.

The Hello Kitty Chucky Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae, Beef Birria Tacos in the Día de los Muertos section, and a Bark at the Moon Mule, an Ozzy ode, are other eye-catching entries.

If you’re planning on trying a few different dishes and drinks, look into the Halloween Horror Nights Dining Pass, which “… includes two eligible entrée items and four eligible side, snack, dessert or beverage items.”

Dining Pass selections will feature a logo at various spots, so keep a look-out.

Universal Studios and NBC-owned TV stations operate under the same parent company NBCUniversal.

Pictured at top: Ultimate Sin-amon and Bark at the Naan; Surfer Boy Pizza and the Hellfire Club Spicy Italian Sandwich

Echo Park Rising: A mondo music festival, in the street, that is totally free, and at the very end, or nearly, of the summer season? Talk about a perfect way to hear amazing music, discover some new-to-you performers to champion, and be at the avant-garde-y edge of where fresh sounds are burbling and forming, fabulously. The Aug. 29 and 30 has a full (seriously full) roster of acts, art happenings, local business love, engaging things to do, and can’t-miss music moments, so scan the stages before you go.

Olivia Rodrigo Presents Daisy Chain Fields: A sound-filled spectacular that will “support and uplift women and girls” is set to have its ebullient inaugural outing at Great Park in Irvine Aug. 29. Chappel Roan will perform, and Bikini Kill, and a host of other acclaimed artists; special guests include Karen O, Sarah McLachlan, and Stevie Nicks. Need a Park & Ride Pass? Some ware still available as of Aug. 27. Check out some of the nonprofits the starry concert is supporting/shining a light upon.

LA Chinatown Hungry Ghost Festival: Don your most “spirited costume” and head to Chinatown for the third annual outing of this ethereal and energetic experience. Lion dancing, a variety of beautiful altars, and diversions that reach across the veil are part of the merriment. “Through performance, ritual altars, and community celebration, we honor our ancestors and appease hungry ghosts,” writes the fest’s team about the Aug. 29 celebration.

Dino Fest: If you’re fest-forward proclivities lean toward the prehistoric, drag your scaly tail over to the Natural History Museum for this Aug. 30 party. There will be paleontologists there to paleontology-up the proceedings, opportunities to admire the big bones of Dinosaur Hall, and an array of offerings made for the super-obsessed dino devotee. A ticket ahead of time is important, of course, so fly, pterodactyl-style, by the museum site now for yours.

On Aug. 26, Panda Express CEOs and couple Andrew and Peggy Cherng, who have been married 50 years, spoke with Savannah Sellers on TODAY about their successful restaurant chain and responded to its criticisms.

Panda Express is currently the largest Asian restaurant chain in the U.S., with more than 2,500 locations around the country. Despite its popularity, there are some who call out the chain for not serving “traditional” Chinese cuisine. But Andrew Cherng says that he is not bothered by those critics.

“I take no offense at all,” he told Sellers. “You know, I don’t know what authenticity is because there are so many cuisines out there.”

He added, “Whatever sells, we don’t make that decision. Our guests make that decision.”

Peggy Cherng agreed with her husband, pointing out that the chain specifically labels itself as “American Chinese food” to reflect the “marriage” between the two cultures and cuisines.

One of their most-ordered menu items, the orange chicken, is a fusion of the two countries.

Panda Express chef Andy Kao created orange chicken in 1987 as a modern take on a citrus-flavored dish that originated from China’s Hunan province. Last year, Panda Express’ customers ordered about 148 million pounds of the sweet and savory chicken, making it the chain’s No. 1 seller.

Panda Express began with just one sit-down location in Southern California called The Panda Inn. Even though Panda Express has evolved into a successful fast food empire, the Cherngs and their three daughters continue to run the operation like a mom and pop shop, which is one way the chain has been able to maintain its spot in the American Chinese food market.

“We helped really, you know define a new category (of) quick-service, right?” Andrew Cherng pointed out.

“Even with our Chinese immigrants (families), you know, the parents maybe don’t think (of) us as being very authentic, but their kids love it,” he continued. “And they can find us everywhere.”

He’s not exaggerating. Since the first restaurant opened in ’70s, locations have popped up in malls, airports, college campuses and more places as the Cherngs look to keep up with their loyal customers and further their legacy.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

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Pooches have a perfect way of exuding peace, a sweetly serene state that instantly calms a pooch-loving person seeking a few cuddles and furry kisses.

A party with a peace-out theme, and plenty of woofer-inspired Woodstock whimsy, feels like just the right way to raise funds for a venerable Southern California pet rescue.

It’s Dogs Without Borders, a canine-championing organization that is trotting into its first Woodstock-themed party.

The Saturday-sweet celebration is taking its cool cues from the iconic music festival, with a workshop devoted to flower crowns and collars, live tunes, and VW Microbus backdrop made for photo moments.

A colorful line-up of dog-themed vendors will also visit Dog Urban Den Retreat Oct. 10, along with a pet photographer; pet readings will also up the positive vibes.

The vibes will be enhanced by the raffle and auction action, which will support Dogs Without Borders and its countless efforts to place Southern California pups in loving homes.

And will you depart with a dog you feel for, fingers and paws crossed? A pet adoption will be a meaningful centerpiece of the spirited celebration. “Together, We Can Save More Lives” is the heartfelt Dogs Without Borders call to action.

In addition to purchasing your Woofstock ticket, there are several uplifting ways to honor National Dog Day, which is celebrated on Aug. 26.

LA Animal Services shared a special message on the hound-happy holiday, along with a reminder that thousands of animals need a home, and a chance at a new life, around our region.

“Dogs have an incredible way of bringing happiness and comfort into our lives and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their unconditional love,” said Gabrielle Amster, General Manager for LA Animal Services.

“National Dog Day gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these amazing pets and recognize the special bond we share with them.”

Start your fostering or adoption journey at the LA Animal Services site, which has tips on welcoming a new pal home.

Seeking out spellbound spots rich with cinematic splendor when October arrives is an enchanted errand many Southern Californians happily commit to, especially those locals who love a great movie shown in an atmospheric spot.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is full of atmosphere, and memories, and an enduring importance to the film-loving community; it is the final resting place for so many movie luminaries, including director David Lynch.

Pair such a poignant place with films that feel especially timed to the tenth month and you’ve got an emotion-packed experience, one you can enjoy without casting any spells. However, to join one of Cinespia’s October screenings, you will need to purchase your ticket in advance as the popular nights can sell out.

The long-running film series, which has long made its home at the Tinseltown landmark, revealed its October 2026 line-up Aug. 25.

“Corpse Bride,” “Carrie,” “Jennifer’s Body,” and “The Thing” are the four frightful films set to screen on select nights.

“Our community has made Halloween at Cinespia an annual tradition, and it’s something we look forward to every year,” said Cinespia founder John Wyatt.

“Seeing thousands of people come together in costume, quoting every line, cheering at the screen, and celebrating these iconic films is what makes October so special for us.”

The creatively designed photo booth is still free, and, for sure, it will boast odes to the evening’s movie (so be sure to wear your prom dress for “Carrie” or wedding veil for “Corpse Bride”).

DJ music and the opportunity to arrive with your own picnic are also hallmarks of the haunting happening; parking is additional, and, again, these nights may sell out in advance.

And one of the pumpkin-y places families turn to each September and October happens to be located in a place with a name that is pumpkin-y to the max: It’s Orange, of course, which is the home of the Irvine Park Railroad.

While the kid-focused locomotive is a year-round draw at the adorable attraction, visitors arrive in delighted droves each fall to admire the array of pumpkins; taking part in the variety of activities is also high on many lists.

If this has been a tradition for your own family over the last three decades — the railroad opened in 1996 — you may want to plan ahead, and book ahead, in 2026, for reservations will be required on select weekends. (When we said “droves” earlier, we most definitely meant it.)

A train ride or a wagon ride is included with each reservation, sweet.

And a reservation is most definitely needed for everyone who is 12 months in age or older.

The price? The reservations run $16 to $22, depending upon the date and time you choose.

There is one firm date to keep in mind, though, as fall grows closer: Reservations open Sept. 9 at 10 in the morning, and you’ll want to book through the site.

The patch will be open daily from Sept. 12 through Oct. 31, with the first need-to-reserve weekend popping up on Sept. 26 and 27; others will follow.

As for the caboodle of activities? They’re live on the site: Pumpkin decorating, carnival games, and panning for gold are among the homespun diversions.

And when that tiny thing is DNA found inside a mosquito that has been trapped in amber for eons, and the big result are colossal dinosaurs living in an era that is not their own, well… you’re clearly in “Jurassic Park” territory.

That’s how the ancient beasts are brought back to life in the 1993 blockbuster, making the amber-bound mosquito fossil a highly important prop in the annals of film fandom.

Now “a screen-matched mosquito in amber fossil” from the Steven Spielberg-helmed movie is headed to a Propstore pop culture auction, a treasure that is estimated to fetch $100,000 to $200,000.

Yes, it is resin and not amber, and no, a real Tyrannosaurus cannot be created from the “mosquito” seen within the eye-catching item.

Still, the future owner of the world-famous prop will surely want to display it like they are the proprietor of Isla Nublar. Will a can of shaving cream be placed nearby to complete the cinematic scene? Fingers crossed.

“Constructed from resin textured and painted to resemble amber encased in stone, the production-made fossil features a prehistoric mosquito embedded within the resin,” shared Propstore.

“The piece shows wear consistent with on-set use, handling and age, including cracked resin and minor flaking paint.”

“The fossil is now being offered publicly for the first time, giving collectors the opportunity to acquire a production prop directly connected to one of the most recognizable opening sequences in modern cinema.”

Propstore’s Summer Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction is taking place Aug. 26 through 29, 2026.

Costumes and props from “Back to the Future,” “Alien,” “Labyrinth,” and “Ghostbusters” are among the 1400 items featured in the auction; find the full catalog, and information about estimates and bidding, here.

Eight delicious, cheese-melty, bun-tempting decades along, Irv’s Burgers remains a titan of burgerdom in a city that is synonymous with the savory stalwart.

That is something major to brag about, of course, and fans can expect a major deal from Irv’s when the company’s 80th anniversary arrives.

Arrive, it appetizingly shall, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, and to honor the meaty milestone? All Irv’s Burgers locations, including the original in West Hollywood, will offer the classic Roadside Burger for 80 cents.

And if you happen to be 80 or older? On Aug. 26, your Roadside Burger is completely free of charge.

Maybe you recall eating at Queen’s Burgers back in 1946, where a sign cheekily read “No Lobster, Just Burgers.” The early iteration was a tribute to on-the-road dining and cool culture, two tenants that continue to guide the company today.

And if you decide to purchase a combo on Aug. 26, there’s something kind in the works: Irv’s Burgers will make an “… 80-cent donation to Three Square and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank for every full-size combo sold.”

Surely you’re a Rewards Member — surely — and surely you can guess that other good things are afoot for Irv’s enthusiasts (including those people who sign up for membership on Aug. 26).

Each Irv’s location will have 80 prizes on Aug. 26, from “Free Burgers for a Year” to other goodies.

Merchandise, too, will show that 80th anniversary spirit.

For everything happening at your local Irv’s Burgers, from West Hollywood to Malibu, shine up those Route 66-style fins and taillights and roll over to this site now.

November, especially just after Daylight Saving Time concludes, can feel lovely and low-lit and wholly mysterious.

It’s right around the middle of the eleventh month when a few illuminated events begin to sparkle, those garden-based, park-sparkly celebrations that offer locals some early holiday splendor.

Southern California has some memorable November-into-January illuminated happenings, and a new one is joining the luminous line-up: The Natural History Museum will be the shimmering scene for NightTales, an “illuminated museum experience” debuting Nov. 12.

“Wander through wonder with glowing installations, cinematic projections, and enchanting encounters throughout the Museum’s halls and gardens,” is the tantalizing promise from the NHM team.

“More than a traditional light show, this immersive experience is inspired by the Museum’s diverse collections and the natural world, sparking curiosity and delight at every turn.”

Artist Maggie West’s work will be featured in the indoor/outdoor presentation, with a host of “real specimens from NHM’s collections” turned into “luminous large-scale works of art.”

While parts of the Exposition Park institution will remain closed during the special evenings, other areas, including the garden, will be open to ticket holders.

If the holidays are just too hectic for you to make this serene scene, be cheered: There are a few nights ready to sparkle after Christmas, with some January dates on the 2027 calendar.

And while just-off-the-shelf scares are a pleasure for people who love the inventive form, there are those wicked works that have stood the terrifying test of time, the decades-old movies that boast murky vibes and a variety of monsters that still produce screams.

Finding a century-old monster film or mid-century screamer on the big screen in Southern California is absolutely possible, but if you’d like some Mighty Wurlitzer action in the mix?

You’ll want to look to Old Town Music Hall, in El Segundo, an atmospheric cinema that honors eerie films throughout October.

Make that the later part of September, too: The 2026 fright list is live and tickets are ready for purchase.

Starting on Sept. 26, a caboodle of creepy celluloid treats will grace the screen at the colorful and cozy theater, with “I Married a Witch,” “Frankenstein,” “House on Haunted Hill,” “Psycho,” and “Nosferatu” on the fear-stoking roster.

While several movies are in the way, way back club, including “Nosferatu,” the 1970s and ’80s are represented, too; look for “Carrie” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” to summon the shrieks and spine-tingling moments.

And on Halloween proper, the silent classic “The Phantom of the Opera” will hold spellbinding sway.

A general ticket is $12, but there are a few options to consider.

Be sure to materialize in a timely manner, whatever film you choose: “Every program at Old Town Music Hall begins with music on the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ” is the venue’s long-running vow.

The old-timey pomp sets the tone for the event and gives the screening a splash of razzmatazz. Something else to ponder? Back when several of these horror films reigned, pre-screening entertainment was the norm, not the exception.

Think of it as another way to add to vibrant vintage aura of your cinematic October adventure.

While pumpkin spice may be the fall flavor many crave, it’s not the only seasonal option. With its newest beverage, McDonald’s is rolling out a unique flavor that stays true to its fall roots.

The Chicago-based fast food giant’s newest coffee flavor, Caramel Apple Pie, blends a mix of apple and caramel flavoring with McDonald’s coffee and is topped with salted caramel-flavored whipped cream and crumbled apple pie bits.

“Step aside pumpkin spice, there’s a new flavor in town!” McDonald’s said on its menu spotter webpage.

The beverage lineup features Caramel Apple Pie Frappe, hot and iced lattes and iced coffee.

“Whether you’re grabbing one on your morning coffee run, with lunch or as an afternoon boost – consider this your sign to swap those beach day sips for something a little cozier,” McDonald’s added.

The limited-time beverages are available at restaurants nationwide while supplies last.

Before the pretty pumpkins roll into Underwood Family Farms — and thousands of them soon will, all to add seasonal flair to the destination’s popular Fall Harvest Festival — there is another colorful fruit that occupies the spotlight.

It’s the Roma tomato, that flavorful friend to rich sauces, Caprese sandwiches, zingy salads, and pasta bakes galore.

This oblong icon has its major moment right around the time that temperatures are hitting their zenith, and finding them on the vine is as easy as making your way to the Moorpark agricultural wonderland.

The annual rite arrives at the end of August, as longtime fans know, but perhaps you haven’t heard the tangy news: The pick-your-own Roma tomato event takes place over two weekends, including Labor Day Weekend.

Weekend #1 is Aug. 29 and 30, if you want to be among the first wave of Roma seekers, and arriving with your own containers? You can, but there are some rules to know (they may only hold up to 50 pounds, for starters).

Romas are 45 cents per pound, if you pick your own, while pre-picked tomatoes are 85 cents per pound (be sure to pay in advance).

“Since the PYO Romas fields are outside of our Farm Center, there is no admission required to enter and pick Romas,” shared Underwood Family Farms on its site.

“After the Roma season begins, the fields will be open during the week beginning on Monday, September 7 from 9am-6pm until the crop has been harvested.”

While the pick-your-own Roma window is a summer-ending tradition, there are other seasonal favorites making a showing at the farm.

You can pick bright zinnias, and sunflowers, too, and a host of fruits, legumes, and vegetables; take a tempting look at this week’s zesty line-up.

Free El Segundo Art Walk: Gallery showings, pop-up live painting events, food trucks, and rocking tunes played before your ears and eyes? That sounds like an outing that has plenty of creative spirit and summer flair. El Segundo has become known for its terrific art walks, and the Aug. 22 event has lots of live music, places to stop by to soak in artworks and conversation and other delightful draws. Entry? It’s totally complimentary.

Nisei Week’s beloved Ondo Street Dancing: Little Tokyo’s ebullient August tradition is coming to a celebratory close, with an event beloved by many adding extra joy to the festivity’s final day. It’s Ondo Street Dancing, beginning at 4 o’clock on Aug. 23. Find a spot along 1st Street in the heart of Little Tokyo, but keep in mind other doings will flower all weekend long. A Plaza Festival at the JACCC Plaza on Aug. 22 also has performances, vendors, and family activities.

Free Los Angeles Kids Book Festival: Author readings, storytime sessions, cute characters, and an energetic Foam Party to close the proceedings are the happy hallmarks of this literary gathering, which will up the whimsy at West Hollywood Park on Aug. 23. No ticket is required but do let the event’s organizers know you’ll be there by registering in advance. Over 100 vendors are expected, as are all sorts of memorable moments created for youngsters.

VinylCon! That one album, the record you obsessed over but loaned to a friend or sibling and then whooosh, it vamoosed into the ether? It may still be out there, at a big sale like the one adding spirit and sound to the California Market Center Aug. 22 and 23. Even if you can’t locate the album you’ve had in the back of your brain forever, count on thousands of other vinyl wonders to grace the happening, which will feature all sorts of record buffs, dealers, and vendors. Tickets are available on the site.

There are plenty of beautiful ribbon-like shapes to be found gracing the natural world, with long flowing leaves and willowy grasses sometimes taking on the diaphanous appearance of a lengthy piece of fabric.

But only one piece of actual ribbon will help kick off the public celebration for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the years-in-the-making span that will give animals the opportunity to cross high above the 101 Freeway in a safe and unimpeded manner.

While the bridge is very much a for-animals-only feature, humans are invited to gather at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, which is not too far from the crossing, on Wednesday, Dec. 2 for the public ribbon-cutting festivities.

Tickets are now on sale, with adult admission priced at $10; kids 12 and under can join for $5.

“What a momentous time for all of us who have watched the crossing go from an impossible dream to an actual structure rising over the freeway that will ensure the future of mountain lions and all wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains,” said Beth Pratt, President and CEO of the Wildlife Crossing Fund.

“Ribbon-cutting is going to be an emotional time for so many of our supporters around the globe, and for those who can’t attend our celebrations in person, we’ll be broadcasting it live.”

“Ribbon-cutting for me also represents a beginning, not an ending. Our efforts for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing don’t end after construction is complete — continuing the landmark research and ongoing habitat restoration is key.”

“And as Wallis Annenberg once said to me, ‘we have to do more.’ I am saddened she won’t be with us to cut that ribbon, but we are honoring her legacy not jsut with finishing the crossing, but by continuing to advance connectivity infrastructure worldwide.”

Animals and Wildlife Aug 4

Make your guess: Which animal will cross the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing first?

Big Bear Aug 14

Shadow spent time at the Big Bear bald eagle nest alongside a ‘new visitor'

Moving odes to P-22, the legendary mountain lion that helped further the efforts to help urban wildlife in Southern California, may also be seen at the celebration.

And cutting your own virtual ribbon while there? That, too, is a playful possibility.

Look for more information about the event’s livestream in the weeks to come. Can’t make the Calabasas gathering? You can still support the crossing and regional wildlife by making a donation.

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As twilight makes its entrance earlier with each passing day and cooling temperatures will eventually add an autumn-like note to our evening worlds, a movie fan begins to visualize those films that shimmer with incandescence and mystery.

You don’t have to wait for fall to fall into one of these flicker-filled films, but it is a perfectly serene season to consider a host of light sources beyond lamps, and how atmospheric lighting can impact a story and character development.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will tiptoe into the peaceful and shadow-lovely world of movies that employ candlelight, moonlight, the dawn and the dusk, fireworks, campfires, and other radiant ways to cast shine, including neon.

Glow: A Cinematic Moodscape, an installation filling a space that stretches between the Miracle Mile museum’s second and third floors, opens Aug. 29. It will continue to flicker, bewitchingly, through May 21, summoning all of the fall feels through the autumn, winter, and much of next spring.

Adding to the allure of the installation is a complementary film series: “In the Glow of Candlelight” brings a luminosity to the silver screen on select dates, beginning Sept. 3 and concluding Sept. 14.

“Whether contributing tangentially to the mise-en-scene or providing the only source of light, the sparkle from a candle provides an undeniable warmth to the cinematic image,” shared the museum.

Fans will find that the films, which include “Amadeus” and “The Beguiled,” to be “… bathed in flickering candlelight.”

Other fall-flavored happenings are on the upcoming roster, including a series devoted to filmmaker John Carpenter and the museum’s beloved “Monster Mash” party; follow the flicker-flicker to this site for more illuminated information.

We’re not at the super-tight, up-against-the-end-of-summer conclusion of the hottest season, not even close.

Still, our daydreams and fancies and warmth-loving whimsies are most definitely aswirl, and we’re wondering how to make the most of summer’s last days.

Here’s one pay-nothing pleasure that is all about art and people and strolling and the final rays of a wonderful weekend day: The El Segundo Art Walk, a vibrant tradition that spotlights all sorts of galleries, musicians, chefs, and locals who are creating great things.

The art-tacular’s sunny spirit will sparkle on Saturday, Aug. 22, starting at 3 in the afternoon.

No ticket is required; you’ll simply want to show up — the intersection of Grand and Main serves as the general central point — and soak in the sounds and sights.

Look for two stages, at Grand and Main and another at Richmond and Grand, and a host of participating businesses in the immediate area. Interactive AR mirrors are the theme at Reality Experience Design, while ESMoA will give visitors the chance to “construct a lowrider,” oh yes.

Face painting, a beer garden, the opportunity to enjoy the Mighty Wurlitzer at Old Town Music Hall, and other amazing drop-in diversions are on the roster.

If you fall for a painting or have to take a particularly fetching sculpture home with you, you can: Art will be for sale at the event, which wraps up at 9 p.m.

Mt. Wilson Observatory may be a peak-topping paragon of science fact and astronomical authenticity, but it has also become a beloved go-to for sci-fi wonders and cinematic whimsy.

This is delightfully due to its annual summer movie series, memorably dubbed Matinees on the Mountain.

When the weather grows warmer, the universe-scanning landmark presents a caboodle of cool cultural events, including concerts and films, and fans make the journey up Angeles Crest Highway to enjoy something special shown at the singular venue.

The films on the schedule tend to be space-y in nature — “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” screened in 2025 — and there are a few more to go on the 2026 schedule, including “Solaris” (1972) on Sept. 12.

Then on Oct. 10? It’s a perfect Halloween season treat, and one that has local flair to spare: It’s “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” from 1956, a movie that is very much about visitors from beyond and the weird havoc they wreak once they arrive.

And arrive, they did, at least in part, in the community that sits just below Mt. Wilson Observatory: Several notable parts of the film take place in Sierra Madre, which stands in for the sweet but pod-plagued town of Santa Mira.

Once you leave the Saturday afternoon film, which is shown in the campus’s 256-seat auditorium, pause to look directly south toward Sierra Madre, where the pod people once roamed Kersting Court and other charming locations.

A ticket is $20, and you’ll need to purchase a Forest Adventure Pass (head to the on-site Cosmic Cafe to buy yours). And if you need a treat, food and beverages will be for sale.

You’re also welcome to explore the observatory, with the knowledge that it is free, or so we think, from any pod people, or scary visitors from distant galaxies.

Those are only seen on-screen at Mt. Wilson, which has shown a devotion to celebrating science fiction as it simultaneously honors the pursuit of science-advancing astronomical knowledge.

Tickets to the observatory matinees do sell out, so be sure to buy yours well in advance.

Christmas in July has gone bye-bye and Augtober, with its first frightful promises of fall fun, is in sunny and spooky swing.

But if you search and seek, you can find a few festive suggestions of the holiday season that is soon to come.

This isn’t too surprising, of course, as some of Southern California’s biggest Christmas-inspired events have to put plans in place long before December is at the door.

And riding in on a whimsical wave as we approach the final stretch of August? It’s Dana Point’s venerable Boat Parade of Lights, a merry, multi-night celebration that marked its half-century milestone in 2025.

The 2026 festivities will sail from Dec. 11 through 13, and finding a free spot to watch the splashy proceedings is totally possible: There are vantage points around the harbor.

As for the new theme? That’s what the parade organizers unveiled, officially, on Aug. 19: It’s Harboritaville, which means, oh yes, you may spy plenty of lit-up palm trees and oversized cocktail glasses adorning the decks and bows of the participating boats.

Tinsel-strewn tropicality will be a central vibe, though every boat is free to go in its own design direction.

You can book a ticket on a boat to view the action from up-close — Dana Wharf Sportsfishing & Whale Watching has long been a local go-to — or you can choose to linger in the harbor area, which will be decorated with lights and glittery gewgaws in honor of the season.

If you do choose to go out onto the water, all to savor that delightful Dana Point dazzle from near the decorated boats, reserving your spot well in advance is highly recommended.

The books you loved when you were a youngster are the books you adore your entire life: No matter your age, you can easily recall strong characters, magical moments, and the ensorcelled lands that first helped to expand your imagination.

Southern California is home to several much-loved literary events, and a few of those gatherings put the festive focus on families and growing readers.

The Los Angeles Kids Book Festival, which will soon bring the page party to West Hollywood Park, is one of those happenings, and it will be back for a celebratory fourth outing on Aug. 23.

Admission is free and you can register on the festival site; once you’ve signed up, simply stop by the park starting at 9 a.m. to meet authors, enjoy puppet shows, and take boisterous part in the closing Foam Party.

There are offerings for grown-ups, too, including information on writing books for tots.

“Our goal is to make literacy and multicultural education accessible and joyful for all families,” says Bonnie Hyde, Founder & CEO of the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival.

“With new panels, performances, and sensory-friendly spaces, this year’s festival is our most inclusive yet!”

Visual art is also a focus of the festivity, with calligraphy demonstrations and opportunities to pick up drawing tips.

The American Born Chinese Foundation, the organization behind the book-minded celebration, “… promotes positive AAPI identity from childhood by supporting AAPI children in the U.S.”

“With a focus on inclusion, diversity, bilingual education, cultural preservation, and Asian representation in children’s books.”

Details about who is appearing in the Performance Tent and the array of exhibitors — over 100 are expected — can be found on this site.

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Side 1, side 2, the hidden song at the end of side 2, the quirky font of the liner notes, the band’s heartfelt thank yous and shout-outs printed on the back, the hard-to-find Easter eggs hidden within the inside photo… an album is a feast for the mind, an art-strong experience, and a path for making memories, one riff at a time.

Even if you’ve picked up a record that is outside of your favorite genre, you’re likely on some sort of life-enhancing, mind-growing journey.

But first step of that joyful trip into the soundful soul is immersing yourself in a host of albums, from a lengthy run of decades, with dozens of record-knowing pros on-hand to answer questions and offer creative guidance.

VinylCon! has those pros and an array of albums, all to give record mavens the chance to dip into different aural universes, and musical stories, again and again.

The weekend-long event is back at the California Market Center on Aug. 22 and 23 and tickets are available for purchase.

The sizable venue map tells the expansive tale: There are a bevy of record stores and vinyl outfits set to attend, with dealers hailing from all over. SloLow Records from Albuquerque, Sundae Soul of Oakland, and San Diego’s Strictly Retro will be there, along with a bevy of places from around Los Angeles and neighboring Southern California communities.

It’s a “music collector’s daydream come to life,” an event that will also highlight “music memorabilia and ephemera” beyond traditional vinyl.

But if you are seeking a new-to-you album, or two, or lots more, the genres will be well-covered: New wave will be for sale, and blues, and disco, too, and all sorts of subs and alts and everything-you-can-dream-ofs.

DJs, too, will perform throughout both days, to keep the flow and groove feeling especially robust.

Late August is always a portal to a new stretch of time, with fall, the start of school, and (sort of) cooler temps ahead. Perhaps a new album, or artist, will suit the mood of this particular era, giving you a novel soundtrack that will always remind you of this specific corner of your life.

We’re ready to fall into some lively liner notes, some clever interior photos, and a hidden track on side 2. VinylCon!, one of the biggest album-ramas of the calendar, can help us revel in all sorts of records, both known and new.

While the nights have been growing longer since June, the aura of eveningtime seems to deepen right when we’re at the doorway to autumn.

That’s an ideal time for some of Southern California’s most fabled haunted happenings to begin their scary reign, and it is the exact moment when Six Flags Magic Mountain embraces fall’s wicked spirit.

The long-running fan favorite extravaganza is known as Fright Fest, as Snickers will again present the haunted high jinks.

Mazes will be at the fearsome front-and-center of the spectacular, which opens Sept. 18 and runs over several nights, though not every night, through Nov. 1.

On the adrenaline-raising 2026 line-up?

Embrace all of your tremulous emotions: Guests will roam “… pitch-black corridors” and “elaborate, movie-quality practical set” inside the event’s famous mazes, which will include odes to the worlds of “The Conjuring,” “Final Destination,” and “Trick ‘r Treat,” oh eek.

A new lycanthrope experience called “Wolves’ Blood” will also raise a howl, giving those people who like frightful times with some furry mayhem plenty to bay over.

Other step-inside destinations of dread will feature places packed with oddities, an old mansion teeming with terrors, and Carnage, the “original villain” of Fright Fest.

Beyond the mazes, there are the lively and startle-filled Scare Zones, including one that possesses a plunge into ocean-themed eeriness. That eerie atmosphere also extends to the dining possibilities, with themed eats, creepy cocktails, and murky mocktail deliciousness keeping park goers well-fueled.

Live entertainment takes on an undead vibe with dance performances, slider shows, and other diversions brimming with music and monstrous glee.

Southern Californians do encounter cinema-ready locations from time to time, with backlots, temporary sets, and easy-up, easy-down structures adding movie-inspired atmosphere to our region.

But there is a storied spot that boasts buildings that regally rose in another era, the Victorian homes, and occasional church, that feel stately and solid and, yes, a bit spooky.

It’s Heritage Square Museum, just off the Arroyo Parkway, the historical park that has a way of whisking a person back to an earlier century, at least for an afternoon.

But it if is a Friday or Saturday evening around Halloween, a different and haunting side of Heritage Square emerges, all to give film fans some cinematic thrills.

In 2026, those thrills will rise over four October nights when Street Food Cinema’s 4th Annual Boo-ze, Bites & Frights brings new and classic horror movies to the park for outdoor screenings and other peculiar pursuits.

The four nights are made for the 21-and-up set, so, for sure, adult beverages themed to the movies, and the season, will be for sale.

But it isn’t all grown-up in spirit: Trick-or-treating, an activity typically reserved for the youngsters, will also take place, giving revelers the opportunity to go house-to-house in search of treats.

A marketplace brimming with Halloween-themed goods, tours of the Victorian homes, street food for sale, characters in costume, themed backdrops, and “haunted pathways” will add to the otherworldly aura.

As will the movies: Each night will offer a double feature, with “Obsession” and “Companion” up first on Oct. 16.

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Wes Craven’s New Nightmare” — Bloody Disgusting, the horror-smart outfit, will present — are the Oct. 17 films.

“Sinners” and “Blades” summon vampiric vibes on Oct. 23, and “Jennifer’s Body” and “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies” rounds out the series Oct. 24.

Creative, movie-cool costumes will most definitely be worn by many in attendance, and prizes are at stake for those donning their dastardly best.

Keep in mind that parking is separate from your ticket, and there is a VIP option, if that tempts.

But how to send off the condiment-heavy stretch in savory style? Spending some of the final days of summer feasting on burgers, those condiment-tastic icons, all while saving a few bucks sounds like a grand and filling plan.

Some of Long Beach’s best-known burgeries get us on the summer-wind-down front, and to honor the season’s big and burger-y goodbye? There is Long Beach Burger Week, which will sizzle, melt, and bun it up, with meaty and non-meaty moxie, from Sept. 13 through 20 in 2026.

This is the sixth go-around for the gourmand-beckoning bash, which has well over a dozen participants on board and a few different price points.

The costs start at $5, with $10, $15, and $20 also in the mix; if you want to go with a combo, you might encounter a multi-part meal for $25, if the burger-making place you’re visiting has gone that route.

Perusing the participants before you go, to see what will be offered during the patty-perfect week? You can, at the event site: Jimmy E’s Bar and Grill, Altar Society Brewing, The Kroft, and Parkers’ Lighthouse are all in the stack-’em-high swing.

Burger Hand Pies will be one tempting goodie, and Pupusa Burgers, too; there may be burgers for your best pal (your pup) depending on where you head. Past Long Beach Burger Weeks have made a poochly point of involving dogs in the dine-out fun.

Axiom Productions is behind the burger-tacular and Noahs’s Arc Foundation is the nonprofit partner.

Taking out is a-okay as is dining at your chosen restaurant (because of course); the week is all about sharing some of the most luscious LBC burgers with fans across the region, and giving some attention and love to the restaurants that are sending summer off in a big and flavorful way.

A Monarch spied hovering near a bright flower or a Mourning Cloak alighting atop a fence post is a sight to be enjoyed in the moment, for neither insect is going to hang around for too long.

The same thing might be said, of course, for the Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park. It’s true that the airy enclosure does boast a pretty presence outside the science institution over several months, starting in the spring, but, eventually, way must be made for new tenants.

A colorful caboodle of eight-legged visitors is on wonderful web-spinning approach: It’s Spider Pavilion, the fall-themed follow-up to the butterfly-centered splendor.

You do have a little more time to “(c)ount up to 30 different species” in the Butterfly Pavilion, which will remain open through Aug. 23, 2026.

But starting a month or so later, on Sept. 20, hundreds of busy orbweavers will be in fascinating focus.

And if you’re a museum member? You’ll get a chance to behold the Bold Jumping Spider, Green Lynx Spider, and Spinybacked orbweaver on Sept. 18 and 19.

An adult ticket to Spider Pavilion is $10 and do keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase museum admission, too.

Once you’ve roamed the snug and spider-packed space, make your way to the spider den for a closer look at some spider habitats; tarantulas have been past stars of this part of the pavilion, and a docent or staff member is always on hand to answer questions.

Spider Pavilion will be spinning through Dec. 6, 2026, so if your Halloween commitments are multiplying, look to the week of Thanksgiving, when relatives will be visiting.

Shouldn’t you show family members something memorable, full of mystery, and highly hairy but not scary?

It’s a trip they’ll talk about for years.

Do note that Thanksgiving Day is closed at the pavilion, but tickets are available on Halloween, which is a Saturday. The full calendar, with a few other closed dates and details, can be viewed by following the Buy Tickets link.

As for the number of spiders due to be on view at Spider Pavilion? Talk about inspiring a shiver of delight: Visitors can expect “approximately 300 spiders” to hold web-creating court inside the educational attraction.

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That quirky combination, the meeting of today and what’s next, is exactly what happened at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim on Saturday, Aug. 15.

The huge everything-and-beyond expo, which covers all aspects of the Disneyverse from movies to music, always includes a caboodle of colorful surprises, and one of the biggest involved a sizable area of the original Disney theme park: Tomorrowland.

Big changes are ahead for the land, which unfurls over a sizable stretch of The Happiest Place on Earth’s eastern flank.

“The transformation will honor the legacy of the original land while reimagining its future with new attractions, more open spaces and new places for you to dream about the future,” shared the Disney team.

Long the home of Space Mountain and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Tomorrowland was part of the original vision for the theme park, an innovative place meant to change, and move forward, over the decades.

“The plans for Tomorrowland will restore the spirit of optimism, innovation and possibility that inspired Walt Disney to create ‘a vista into a world of wondrous ideas’ in 1955 and defined this land for decades” is the uplifting outlook for what is soon to come.

The “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” presentation, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, included more rollicking reveals centered around the Anaheim destination.

A “refreshed” take on “Remember… Dreams Come True” nighttime spectacular will be back at Disneyland Park in 2027, while the “Magic Happens” parade will festoon the park’s summer 2027 schedule.

Look also for an “updated” take on “World of Color,” the nighttime water extravaganza at Disney California Adventure Park.

Renderings for the “Coco” ride, also headed to Disney California Adventure Park, were shared at D23, along with a look at the impressive expansion of the park’s Avengers Campus; Avengers Infinity Defense and the Stark Flight Lab are the new offerings set to debut on the 2028 docket.

For more updates from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, visit the official Disney Parks Blog for announcements, photos, and a variety of future visions about the parks, rides, spectaculars, and more.

Digital media and the people who star in it have been cultural mainstays for teens’ entire lives, so creating social media, video or podcast content seems a natural, albeit nontraditional, career path. And now they can earn a college degree in that very field.

Arizona State University recently launched a new bachelor’s degree in content creation, offered through its Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The curriculum overlaps with that of ASU’s mass communication and media studies degree, with the major departure being a slate of specialized electives on podcasting, studio production and on-camera presence.

ASU’s announcement was met with swift criticism from many sides — from people who feel content creation is not a legitimate profession to those who question the value of a college degree in launching a social media career.

But the ASU program is not the first of its kind.

And the university, which declined an interview request about the new program, is not the first to offer content creation courses.

Universities, eager to compete for a shrinking student population, are rolling out new majors intended to prepare students for today’s careers. Whether they lead to jobs can be up for debate.

Lifestyle Aug 12

‘No Influencers' sign at Nantucket craft shop sparks massive internet debate

Colleges & Universities Jul 28

Want to be an influencer when you grow up? University offers major in content creation

College courses in content creation have riled critics

Many higher education institutions have started offering classes focused on the burgeoning content creation industry over the past couple years, and several have certificate or minor programs. Syracuse University, Quinnipiac University and Colorado State University offer minors, and St. Bonaventure University announced a content creation major last winter.

To Brooke Erin Duffy, a communication professor at Cornell University, these college programs represent an inflection point. During the past year, Duffy said, institutions in education and beyond have been acknowledging content creation as a viable career path — even if the term “influencer” itself hits a nerve.

On social media, influencers are everywhere, sharing shopping recommendations and lifestyle content or promoting beliefs about health or politics. Because even influencers with relatively small followings have loyal audiences, brands also often pay them to talk about products.

The image of a prototypical influencer, Duffy said, is usually a “young girl who is snapping selfies and just reaping in tremendous rewards for seemingly not doing anything.”

But that’s not the reality for many content creators, who are working on media production, audience retention strategies, brand partnerships and business relationships associated with their online presence.

“It is a time-consuming, labor-intensive job that often doesn’t pay well — at least in the beginning,” Duffy said. “But a lot of that gets concealed behind … this assumption that it’s a dream job.”

The creator economy is booming, but not everyone reaps the riches

Even if someone has the skills to make it in content creation, it isn’t easy to break in.

Social media is already a crowded field, and it’s going to get even more competitive in the coming years, said Max Willens, a principal analyst at Emarketer who covers the creator economy.

Emarketer forecasts that social media creator revenue in the U.S. will climb above $20 billion this year, but Willens said it’s important to contextualize what that means for individual creators.

“The overwhelming majority of that money is not going into creators’ pockets,” he said, even though their content and their followers form the foundation of the lucrative field.

Influencers can earn money from social media platforms, which reward high engagement, and some earn commission if people buy a product they’re promoting. But the largest share of influencers’ earnings comes from sponsored content — getting paid to talk about a brand or product. Willens said he expects the amount brands spend distributing and amplifying creator content will eventually surpass the amount creators earn making it.

The idea that a specialized college degree will “suddenly turn people into viral content machines deserves a bit of a reality check,” Willens said.

Duffy noted that becoming an influencer often is perceived, incorrectly, as a path to get rich quick. Colleges that introduce content creation degrees may be hoping to attract new students — and their parents — who are looking for “a job that will pay off,” Duffy said. “Whether or not it does is another story.”

A degree’s price is also a factor: At ASU, base tuition for Arizona residents is about $12,000 per academic year, excluding scholarships, but the total cost of attendance can exceed $37,000 after factoring in room, board and other fees. For students from outside of Arizona, tuition is more than $35,000 and the total cost of attendance is around $60,000 before scholarships.

Creators see value and transferable skills in these programs

While many content creation students may be hoping to become viral sensations, Phoenix-based creator Aiesha Beasley said she could see programs like ASU’s being valuable even to those without that dream.

“Having a digital presence and a personal brand is very important nowadays,” Beasley said. Building a platform and sharing that personal brand online can help a person network and gain entry to settings they may not have had access to otherwise, she said.

Beasley, who has been a full-time content creator for three years after more than a decade posting online, works with small businesses to help optimize their social media presence. She noted that ASU’s courses would teach several transferable skills in fields such as communications and marketing.

Content creator and actor Sammy Cristerna graduated from Arizona State University this spring with a degree in sociology and political science, but said he “absolutely” would have taken classes in the content creation program and considered the major if it had been available.

The courses, Cristerna said, would have been useful in learning how to negotiate brand deals, maximize monetization opportunities and cultivate and keep an audience. Some of those skills can be self-taught through experience, he added. Still, “it’s nice to have that formal education.”

The one thing Cristerna said he isn’t sure will translate in the classroom is personality.

To connect on camera, a person needs to have “good energy,” he said. “That’s hard to teach.”

___

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

The bird attracting all of the much-deserved intrigue is KD1, a “banded sub adult” that may be female.

Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nature nonprofit that oversees the camera that has watched the lake-close nest frequented by bald eagles Jackie and Shadow for several years, made the observation due to KD1’s larger size, which can suggest a bald eagle is female.

Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, passed on Aug. 10 at the Ojai Raptor Center following weeks of intensive medical observations and treatments. She was discovered grounded in Big Bear in mid-July and was quickly transported to the care center where a team of specialists could care for and comfort her.

Shadow, Jackie’s longtime mate, has been seen in the area of the lake and nest in recent days, though his last visit to the well-known aerie, a substantial bowl of sticks high in a Jeffrey pine, was July 23. That’s when Sandy and Luna, the most recent chicks born to Jackie and Shadow, were last observed in the area.

Now he has recently returned to the nest and with “a new visitor” per the FOBBV team: KD1.

KD1 “… has started to perch near Shadow in several of his favorite trees,” shared the organization.

KD1 was “… hatched in March of 2022 in Southern California, making it 4 1/2 years old,” continued Friends of Big Bear Valley.

“KD1 first visited the nest on 8/10, just hours after it was announced Jackie had passed and has stopped by a couple of times since then.”

Given the worldwide interest in the nest and the outpouring following Jackie’s death, this interesting new entrant is inspiring conversation online, and, of course, among the supporters who help run the camera and oversaw the successful Save Moon Camp effort, which will prevent development in the nest’s habitat.

Big Bear Aug 13

Warning about “Jackie” merchandise being sold by people and businesses

Big Bear Aug 13

Ojai Raptor Center shares a word of caution about Jackie the eagle merch

“Is this a new bond forming between these 2?” asked FOBBV in a Aug. 13 social media post.

“Well, it could be and it may not be, only time will tell. We can only observe and see what takes place once breeding season is upon us, which will not be until later this fall/winter season.”

“In the meantime, we are happy to see Shadow has some company out there in the habitat.”

Your best bet is to keep an eye on the nest camera, as well as camera 2, which often finds Shadow, and other local birds, spending time in the nearby trees.

As for when “Stick Season,” the time when Shadow begins to bring sticks to the nest, could possibly begin, if it will this year?

The eagle was seen in late September 2025 doing a nest survey of sorts. This may indicate the general time of year when stick-gathering is set to commence, an important step in readying the nest for any possible eggs.

Still, fans of the nest and the team behind the camera are taking a moment to reflect. “It’s been a tough month, together we will get through this, and Shadow will, too,” movingly concluded the Aug. 13 post.

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People who are new to Los Angeles, or visiting for a few days, might quickly press you to share some of your favorites, can’t-misses, and gotta-see-thats.

The most ornate historic movie palace, the liveliest theme park, a fish taco that rocks the perfect pico de gallo and tenderest tortillas: You’ve likely got some sort of handy list lined up for the moment you are inevitably queried.

And surely, and without a doubt, you also know the murals you moon over, the large-of-scale, large-of-spirit artworks that are open to all, night and day, outside businesses, in alleyways, and just about everywhere on the Southern California map.

A free party in Los Feliz is pausing to celebrate this marvelous muraldom on Aug. 15 with a street party, one that will include music performances, food for sale, and summer-y sights that uplift and intrigue.

The Los Feliz Art & Music Block Party & Mural Festival will spotlight “… live painting, performances, local artisan booths, original artwork, community displays, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.”

The music schedule is live, with the Hollywood Highsteppers kicking off the program.

Taking Metro to the ebullient action is a super-wise idea: There’s a station just a bit south of the revelries, at Vermont Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.

The event is presented by the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District.

On Aug. 12, the chicken chain announced that its new Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches will be launching in restaurants nationwide on Aug. 24.

Customers can enjoy two versions of the dish, depending on the time of day: a Chicken & Waffles Sandwich during breakfast hours (6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.), and a larger Chicken & Waffles Sandwich throughout the rest of the day.

There are also two campfire-inspired treats arriving for a limited time.

Here are all the fall offerings:

• Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches feature chicken, applewood-smoked bacon and honey butter spread, sandwiched inside maple-flavored waffles, with a side of syrup. It comes in both breakfast and entrée portions, with the choice of an Original, Spicy or Grilled filet.
• S’mores Milkshake features the flavors of toasted marshmallow, graham cracker and chocolate, hand-spun with Chick-fil-A’s vanilla Icedream soft serve.
• S’mores Frosted Coffee features the flavors of toasted marshmallow, graham cracker and chocolate, hand-spun with cold-brewed coffee and vanilla Icedream.

Over a decade ago, in August 2014, Chick-fil-A tested chicken and waffles as part of a potential expansion of its breakfast menu. While not a sandwich, the menu item featured boneless chicken and a Belgian-style waffle baked with maple-flavored batter.

The chain only tested it in four markets — Memphis, Philadelphia, Middle Georgia and California’s Inland Empire — and it never launched nationwide.

Before this drop, Chick-fil-A tested Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches in Baltimore and San Antonio from December 1, 2025, through January 24, 2026.

At the time, fans demanded that the item go nationwide, with one Instagram user writing, “Testing?? Why does THIS need testing? Full send already!!”

Thankfully, the chicken chain decided to oblige, and folks celebrated the news on social media.

“Like the weight I just lost over summer was for nothing 😂,” joked one Threads user.

“If you thought those lines were long before, ohhhhh just you wait,” wrote another.

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It’s Dine LA Restaurant Week, that sizable stalwart of sup-ready savings.

And we aren’t kidding when we say “sizable”: As always, an absolutely huge group of restaurants join the two-week event, serving all types of cuisine, or just about, over a large line-up of regional cities.

The dates? Try a new place or support a longtime favorite from Aug. 14 through 28.

Let’s talk prices: Not every eatery offers lunch during Dine LA, but many do, and the cost for the earlier-in-the-day meal, which is often two courses, starts at $15.

Dinners at a few spots can also kick off at $15, but you’ll find range of prices, heading up to $65 and upwards, for multi-course meals that can lean toward the fancier or rarer or you-gotta-try-this-now-er.

The Dine LA menus are pre-chosen by the restaurant, of course, so do go in knowing that.

You can count on the dishes to reflect the best of the business or something especially seasonal and of the moment; the restauranteurs always make a point of making prix fixe picks the showiest and yummiest.

Thai, Korean, barbecue, Italian, and seafood are all making strong showings this time around; this roster reveals the theme of each restaurant, if you want a quick and breezy look.

The Derby in Arcadia, Sushi by Scratch in Beverly Hills and Encino, and Amor y Tacos in Cerritos are just a few of the August 2026 eateries on the lengthy list.

Though reservations aren’t required for most spots, walking in and requesting a table may be tricky during the popular foodie fortnight; your best bet is to plan ahead or at least check and see what the policy is, especially on a weekend evening.

KCON LA 2026 with Olive Young Festa: Follow the Korean Wave to the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena for three days of energetic K-Pop performances, so much art, and the huge Olive Young Festa, a “K-Beauty Playground Festival” with dozens of brands set to appear. The dates are Aug. 14 through 16 and tickets are available via the site.

D23: The Ultimate Fan Event 2026: The magical convention unfurls from Aug. 14 through 16, with major announcements, star appearances, and fan-focused gatherings in tow. The schedule includes a celebration of “Enchanted” in honor of its 20th anniversary, a milestone ode to “Zootopia” (it is turning 10), and Spider-Man celebration, a tribute to the icon’s big 65th. Cosplay is always a central part, so don your “Toy Story” togs or Marvel wear and fly for the Anaheim Convention Center.

Free Day at the Academy Museum: Perhaps you’ve cinema’d-out this summer, stopping by your local theater each weekend to savor the latest blockbuster or indie fare. Or maybe you’ve been meaning to love upon the movies more. Here’s a cinematic start: Stop by the mid-city museum on Aug. 16, no ticket required, to soak up exhibits like “Ponyo” and sweet activities, no admission required.

Free KCRW Summer Nights with Metro Art: More pay-nothing revelries are shimmering on the weekend schedule, including this DJ-filled night at Union Station. The evening is Aug. 15, food will be for sale, and the magnificent Ticket Concourse space will up the glamour. And if you’re downtown on Aug. 14, near the Music Center? Dance DTLA is coming to a seasonal close, with a night devoted to vibrant Bollywood moves. This is also so free, with dance lessons included.

Pooches in the Pool: The splashiest season is quickly drawing to a drenching close — you might even say it is drying up — but the team at the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation has some fun for your Fido on Aug. 15. Five pools in the system will open up to dogs who want to take a cooling dip before the draining and cleaning begins. You’ll need to fill out and arrive with a form about your pup’s vaccinations and such; also, do note that little dogs will paddle before the big dogs get their chance.

2026 Wings Over Camarillo Air Show: The long-running on-the-wing spectacular is honoring an icon of the skies during its Aug. 15 and 16. “Celebrating 90 Years of the DC-3 Mainliner — A Legend That Changed the Skies” is the flight-festive focus of the weekend-long happening, which will also feature a Classic Car Show and Veterans Hangar. Patrick Warburton is the Grand Marshal of the event, which has become famous for its up-high “thrilling performances” by both vintage and contemporary planes.

The fast-food chain is launching a new Hello Kitty & Friends x Godzilla Happy Meal, which combines characters from the Sanrio universe with monsters from the iconic “Godzilla” film franchise.

The meals will be available at participating McDonald’s locations nationwide for a limited time starting Aug. 18.

Everyone knows the most important part of a Happy Meal is the toy, and McDonald’s has created eight exclusive collectible toys as part of the collab.

The chain teased its newest Happy Meal on Instagram Aug. 10 by sharing a short clip of Hello Kitty eyeing a Happy Meal in the ocean. But she didn’t look quite like herself and had what appeared to be a monster suit on, complete with a fierce head and tail.

McDonald’s captioned the post, “cute meets kaiju 08.18.”

On Aug. 12, the fast-food chain made things official by sharing a photo of the toys customers can look forward to when they open up their Hello Kitty & Friends x Godzilla Happy Meal.

McDonald’s captioned the post, “cosplaying right into our hearts. Hello Kitty and Friends x Godzilla Happy Meal out 8.18.”

The @snackwire Instagram account gave social media users a closer look at the Happy Meal toys, which include the following characters:

• Cinnamoroll x Destoroyah
• Badtz-Maru x Rodan
• My Melody x Mothra
• Keroppi x King Ghidorah
• Chococat x SpaceGodzilla
• Pompompurin x Gigan
• Hello Kitty x Godzilla
• Kuromi x Mechagodzilla

After seeing the new toys on the McDonald’s Instagram page, social media users quickly weighed in to express their excitement.

“Who put cinnamaroll i(n) that costume he is not destroying anything 😭😭😭😭😭,” one joked.

“Pompom Gigan is speaking to me,” another wrote.

“YALL BETTER GIMMIE CINNA FIRST TRY,” one commented.

One social media user called it “the cutest crossover” and another commented, “I guess I know my dinner august 18th.”

This is hardly the first time Hello Kitty has been featured in a Happy Meal. In 2025, McDonald’s released 12 toys as part of its Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Hello Kitty and Friends Happy Meal.

The Hello Kitty & Friends x Godzilla Happy Meal is the latest in a continuation of global partnerships, specifically in East Asia.

In July, the chain announced its latest BTS collab, the BT21 Happy Meal, which hit restaurants nationwide on July 14 for a limited time. McDonald’s previously partnered with the band in 2025 to release Happy Meals with TinyTAN toys inspired by each of the group’s seven members, and in

Fans of “KPop Demon Hunters” were treated to dueling adult meals inspired by the movie and a Derpy McFlurry in April 2026.

In 2025, McDonald’s also re-created one of its Japanese dipping sauces for U.S. restaurants in a collab with anime series “Jujutsu Kaisen.” The Special Grade Garlic Sauce was inspired by McDonald’s Japan’s Black Garlic Sauce.

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And unlike traditional college admissions, there’s no application, essay or prerequisites required.

As of Aug. 11, eligible students graduating in 2030 can “enroll” by joining Insomnia Rewards, or updating an existing Rewards account with their university and expected graduation year.

The first 30,000 eligible students in the U.S. will automatically receive a reward for a free freshman 6-Pack in their Insomnia Rewards account.

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Once accepted, students can head to a participating Insomnia Cookies location with a valid student ID to claim their six cookies through Sept. 14. The offer is available for in-store redemption only and cannot be used for pickup or delivery orders.

“I started Insomnia as a college student looking for a better late-night option, and college has been core to our brand ever since,” Seth Berkowitz, founder and CEO of Insomnia Cookies, said in a statement. “We’re excited to welcome the Class of 2030 with six warm, delicious cookies on us.”

How to enroll in Insomnia University

1. Join Rewards: Sign up for Insomnia Rewards or update an existing profile with your university and expected graduation year of 2030.

2. Get your acceptance letter: If you’re among the first 30,000 eligible students, the free Freshman 6-Pack reward will automatically appear in your Rewards account.

3. Attend “orientation”: Bring your valid student ID to a participating Insomnia Cookies bakery through Sept. 14 to redeem your six cookies. The offer expires at 3 a.m. PT on Sept. 15.

And if you miss the freshman freebie, Insomnia Cookies has plenty of experience keeping college students fueled. The company was founded in 2003 by then-University of Pennsylvania student Seth Berkowitz and now has more than 350 locations across the country.

The unofficial-but-widely-observed summer season comes to a definitive conclusion either at the end of August or around Labor Day, depending on your general preference.

Either way, you know that you have to totally, and we do mean totally, get some of the biggest fun in before the carefree stretch wraps its yearly run.

And you can’t get much bigger, at least when it comes to former earthlings with a powerful presence, than a Tyrannosaurus, or Mr. Rex, if you prefer.

The big and bold king of olden Earth is one of the bony stars, along with other incredible icons of the Mesozoic era, of Dino Fest at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Of course, the animals that the daylong Jurassic jamboree is scientifically saluting won’t actually be in attendance, but paleontologists will be there, talking about the ancient critters, what they ate, how they tussled, and everything dino-centric that’s under the sun.

Speaking of which… do you ever think how you exist under the same star that once shown up on the Pterodactyl and Triceratops? That feels like a lively topic to introduce on the way to the Aug. 30 event, so feel free to bring it up to your crew.

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Other happenings on the busy schedule include opportunities to goggle rare specimens (the kind housed in the museum’s prized collections), join in dino-themed activities of the hands-on variety, get to know PBS’s Buddy the Dinosaur, and roam the world-famous Dinosaur Hall.

A screening of NBC’s “Surviving Earth” is also on the roster, along with a LEGO Build the Change activity.

While dinosaurs are always in vogue at the Exposition Park museum, they are definitely having a month. On Aug. 21, Prehistoric Fight Night returns to the institution, and while actual dinos can’t battle at the bash, of course, experts will consider which mega Mesozoic superstars would have triumphed in claw-to-claw combat.

Pink’s confirmed the expansion to City News Service on Wednesday.

“Pink’s Hollywood location has welcomed many Japanese guests over the years, and their enthusiasm gives us confidence that the brand will resonate strongly in Japan,” the company said in a statement to CNS.

The family-run hot dog business is partnering with Japanese restaurant management company Sunpark to open a flagship location in Tokyo. An exact location and opening date have not been announced.

“Our Japanese partner, Sunpark, operates more than 100 restaurants throughout Japan and brings extensive experience in restaurant operations. We are confident in Sunpark’s ability to maintain the high standards of food quality, atmosphere, and service that have defined Pink’s for generations,” the company said.

The Tokyo restaurant is expected to offer about 15 varieties of hot dogs, along with hamburgers, side dishes, desserts and drinks. Japan-exclusive items tailored to local tastes are also planned.

Pink’s is known for oversized hot dogs featuring toppings including chili, cheese, bacon, jalapeños and onion rings.

The company and Sunpark plan to expand beyond the Tokyo location.

Pink’s traces its history to 1939, when Paul and Betty Pink began selling hot dogs from a pushcart they purchased for $50 near the corner of La Brea and Melrose avenues.

The couple opened a permanent location on La Brea Avenue in 1946. The restaurant became known for its celebrity clientele and long lines and developed into a Los Angeles landmark.

Pink’s remains family-operated and has expanded beyond its original Los Angeles location, with restaurants elsewhere in Southern California and Nevada.

The planned Tokyo restaurant follows another Los Angeles food institution into Japan. Randy’s Donuts opened its first Japanese location in Tokyo in 2025.

Got you, and for free, too, which is another glorious staple of the stately Griffith Park gem and its many public programs.

Nope, we aren’t talking about a solar eclipse this time around. Rather, a partial lunar eclipse that is observable from Los Angeles will add some moon magic to late August.

Thursday, Aug. 27, to be specific. That’s when the partial lunar eclipse will occur, and Griffith Observatory is offering both an online look at the sky action and the opportunity to gaze up from outside the building.

“If skies are clear, the eclipse should be visible to the unaided eye from anywhere” in the general region, shared the Griffith Observatory Foundation.

“It is safe to view a lunar eclipse without any eye protection,” the foundation continued. “You do not need a telescope to see a lunar eclipse. Everyone is encouraged to go outside and look up to the southeast.”

“The appearance of the Moon changes dramatically during the course of an eclipse, and it is worth viewing on multiple occasions during the evening. Key moments to watch for will be when the Moon rises, the moment of greatest eclipse, and the end of the umbral eclipse.”

If you’d like to join other moon mavens on the grounds of the observatory on Aug. 27, you are invited: The outdoor area will be open to eclipse watchers from 7:25 to 11 p.m., while the observatory itself will be open through 10 o’clock.

There are restrooms on the grounds, and those will be available through 11 p.m., when the program concludes.

Crowds are expected to be sizable and parking will be limited. And, for sure: This is very much a “weather permitting” event, so check the forecast before you head up the hill.

Four Winds Craft Guild, a store that sells handmade arts and crafts, recently installed a sign that reads “No Influencers,” inspiring a heated debate when they shared a photo of the sign on Instagram. Fans of the sign say it’s a cheeky reaction to the rise of influencer culture, while critics say it’s dismissive of social media content creators, many of whom are women.

John Sylvia, the owner of the store, told The New York Times that the sign was meant to be “tongue-in-cheek” and a reference to the rising popularity of influencer culture.

“I feel sometimes my store is used as someone’s background, a stage,” he said.

When Sylvia’s partner, Jessica Jenkins, initially shared a photo of the sign on Instagram, many influencers had strong feelings about the post. The social media platform later removed it.

How are fans and critics of the sign reacting? NBC’s Kaylee Hartung explored the brewing controversy in a segment for TODAY. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why did the shop put up a ‘No Influencers’ sign?

In an interview with The New York Times, Sylvia said the sign wasn’t intended to be an attack on influencers.

“I don’t have this hatred toward influencers,” he said. “It was more of a joke. It is a problem we should look at as a society.”

The shop owner went on to say that many visitors come into the store to take photos and videos for social media and don’t speak to him or make purchases.

After Instagram removed the shop’s post, Jenkins shared a second post on July 27 with the following cheeky caption: “TAKE TWO 🎬.”

While speaking with The New York Times, Jenkins, a year-round resident on the island, described how influencers have impacted the culture on Nantucket. For starters, she said she notices an influx of “people creating videos on corners of themselves sipping an iced coffee and looking over their shoulder and doing a shoe kick or whatever.”

“I feel that whenever I open Instagram, I see someone show me a guide of what to wear, a guide of where to eat, a guide of what to buy, a guide of how to pack for Nantucket,” she said.

Nantucket has faced increased tourism over the years, with long lines at businesses. Former “Real Housewives of New York City” star and influencer Bethenny Frankel said in a social media video Aug. 1 the island has become an “absolute zoo.”

According to Nantucket’s government website, the island has a year-round population of around 11,000 but peaks in July and August to more than 50,000.

Why is the ‘No Influencers’ sign so controversial?

The shop’s post instantly drew criticism from many influencers.

“How stupid can you be to put a sign in a store that prohibits basically free marketing?” TikTok user @kristinacanale asked in a recent video.

TikTok user @ivyynielsen shared a similar sentiment, saying, “It sent the message that creators aren’t welcome, and I don’t think that’s fair.”

Instagram user @levicoralynn offered the following take in a video, saying, “I think hating influencers has become a socially acceptable way to hate women.”

Though Four Winds Craft Guild made no mention of women in its sign, women make up a large percentage of lifestyle influencers, leading some critics to interpret the sign as an attack on women.

Lifestyle creator Paige Lorenze, who opened a boutique in Nantucket earlier this summer, commented on the original Instagram post, saying the sign was an attempt to “delegitimize” and “mock” women.

“It’s just a strange message coming from a store that celebrates a craft with such a rich history of women shaping the island and its economy,” she wrote.

But despite the backlash, some social media users saw the humor in the sign.

“This sign is funny!” Instagram user @lawyerlimor said in a video. “It’s funny!”

TikTok user @thedanahaffner shared the following reaction: “What happened to humor?? It’s just a little bit of like local humor.”

TikTok user @tiesyn supported the shop owner in a video, saying, “Don’t come in here acting entitled. More stores need to have a sign like that.”

Other areas have attempted to restrict influencers

The rise of influencer tourism has led some vacation destinations to place restrictions on visitors in recent years.

In 2023, neighbors living near Sleepy Hollow Farm in Vermont created a petition to close nearby roads and prevent influencers from inundating the streets to snap photos of fall foliage.

One island in Finland also declared itself phone-free and started giving tourists stickers to cover their screens in an effort to help them enjoy nature.

Portofino on the Italian Riviera established “no-waiting zones” in 2023, with potential fines up to €275 to curb what the town’s mayor called “anarchic chaos” — tourists stopping to take selfies, per the BBC.

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Halloween fans take an atmospheric assortment of avenues into their favorite fall events each year, with monster-filled mazes, eerie exhibitions, and dastardly dining opportunities frightfully festooning the Southern California calendar.

Then there is a Delusion, which has its own character-packed category, or just about: It’s an experience that invites guests to step into the swirl of the story, an on-the-move happening that involves a caboodle of quirky characters, terrifying twists, and an electricity that belongs to live theater.

Writer-director Jon Braver’s unique spin on the spookiest season began in 2011, and fresh stories have been served up, delectably and deviously, over the years.

In 2026, the experience is returning to its first home, the Beckett Mansion, for a trip inside the Den of the Mosquito.

“Set inside a brothel in 1920s New Orleans, Den of the Mosquito unfolds as a supernatural tale of crime, family, mobsters and monsters, with vampire courtesans lurking at the center of its mystery,” revealed the Delusion team.

“Guests become agents of Anomaly, a clandestine organization investigating supernatural threats, and must move through the story as active participants whose encounters help propel the night forward.”

Where those encounters will lead — “split paths” are a goosebumpily possibility as you follow the tale — is not known as you step inside the West Adams manse, a storied landmark that regally rose in the early 20th century.

“Returning to the Beckett Mansion feels like coming home,” said Jon Braver, creator, writer, and director of Delusion.

“Longtime fans will immediately recognize the intimate, character-driven storytelling that shaped Delusion from the beginning.”

“In a world increasingly shaped by screens, shared live experiences like this feel more necessary than ever.”

Delusion is open to guests who are 18 and older; ticket start at $143 and are available for purchase now.

The joyful call to action — “All Things K in One Place!” — is sounded each August when KCON LA returns to Southern California with major K-Pop music stars, acclaimed Korean beauty brands, and a huge caboodle of shopping, cultural, and foodie offerings.

And “huge” we do definitely mean: The three-day expo will festively fill out the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena from Aug. 14 through 16, with vibrant live shows serving as major and majorly energetic draws.

Some of the performers on the 2026 line-up include Rescene, Yeonjun, Anderson .Paak, and Modyssey; find the full roster of artists set to take the stage on this page.

But a host of Hallyu hallmarks, from music to art to fashion and beyond, will provide fans a dynamic immersive experience, bringing some of the celebrated sights and sounds of the Korean Wave to Downtown Los Angeles.

“Through KCON, we invite you to explore K-POP, K-Beauty, K-Food band and beyond,” is the organizers’ enticing promise on the event site.

The offerings include big concerts as well as several other events, including “… engaging panels, contents/programs overflowing with innovative products.”

“KCON-exclusive programs” are on the bustling schedule, and “… of course our artist engagements — your chance to meet and even hi-wave with your favorite K-Pop stars!”

Pasadena May 29

K-Beauty giant Olive Young opens first U.S. store in Pasadena

Museums Aug 10

The Academy Museum celebrates 5 years with a festive, free-for-all day

Olive Young, the iconic South Korean beauty brand, will also have a powerful presence at the celebration, and many of the fans who’ve been thrilled about the two recent openings of Olive Young stores in Southern California will be in attendance.

“Designed as ‘The K-Beauty Playground Festival,’ the immersive event brings together 55 Korean beauty and lifestyle brands, interactive activations, personalized beauty services, and the latest K-beauty innovations — all in one destination,” shared the company.

For everything cool and K, as well as how to enjoy the live shows and the large vendor area, stop by the KCON LA site now before heading downtown over the middle weekend of August.

Now an elegant new outpost, one that “… draws inspiration from the welcoming spirit of George Lucas’ legendary Skywalker Ranch,” will debut at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art when the highly anticipated cultural institution opens on Sept. 22.

Serving “classic American fare,” Skywalker Grill will sit “atop” the Exposition Park museum, which means diners will enjoy scenic sweeps of Los Angeles, views can be savored as diners sup upon Lobster Corn Dogs and the Skywalker Ranch Wagyu Burger.

Pastas will also grace the menu, along with starters made for sharing and salads, too.

Reservations are now open, and bookings can be made through Resy.

The restaurant will remain open even after the museum closes for the day, making it a nighttime hub for celebratory dining or meeting a friend for a drink.

Museums May 4

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art just shared a cosmic look at ‘Star Wars in Motion'

Museums Apr 30

Lucas into the future: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art shared an early art peek

“Skywalker Grill is a natural complement to the Lucas Museum experience, offering an inviting space for guests to connect over great food and conversation before or after visiting our galleries,” said Tracey Bates, CEO of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

“We are equally excited for it to serve as a destination for Angelenos from across the city to enjoy exceptional hospitality and beautiful surroundings.”

Design in the Lucas universe has always leaned fantastical, with locations lavishly setting the stage for plot twists, high drama, and delightful developments.

The theme of Skywalker Grill, a space conceived by the Rockwell Group, is a modern throwback to midcentury moxie, with cherry wood adding a cozy cool and organic curves, while a “sculptural bar” will serve as a focal point at the heart of the restaurant.

Peruse the menu here, and book early if you hope to visit Skywalker Grill when it opens or in the months immediately to follow.

Levain Bakery lovers have shown that devotion, touting the famous treat’s hefty six-ounce presence, toothsome character, and quality ingredients.

Founded in New York City over three decades ago, the decadent confection has made its way to other states, including Maryland, Florida, and a trio of Southern California locations (hello, Beverly Hills, Larchmont Village, and Venice).

Now a fourth Golden State spot is joining the luscious line-up: Fashion Island in Newport Beach will welcome the next Levain Bakery, starting in September. And you won’t have to wait for too long: The earlier part of the month is when the dessert-y destination is expected to make its OC hello.

“We have always felt that Levain brings people together, and our LA Bakeries have shown us that Southern California agrees,” commented co-founders and best friends Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald.

“Levain in Newport Beach feels like the next natural step,” the pair shared, adding “… we can’t wait to open our doors at Fashion Island.”

The bakery’s signature breads are also big draws for longtime regulars, as are non-cookie pastries.

In fact, artisanal breads were some of the first offerings that fans began to return to the first NYC location for, before cookies made Levain Bakery a major name in the space of stand-out sweets.

On the cookie side of the appetizing equation, though, the choices are tempting and plentiful: Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Walnut, and non-chocolate-y choices are on the mmm-menu.

One quality of a Levain Bakery cookie that sets it apart? It’s a cookie that presents a mouthwatering cross-section when broken in half.

Peruse the pictures on the company’s site for a better idea as the heft and interior presence of these sought-after sweets.

This big, boisterous, blockbuster-it-up summer has offering movie fans several sweet surprises, including the news that the Cinerama Dome will return in 2028.

Mondo movies, like “The Odyssey” and a host of indie offerings, have done well, which has a way of putting the film fan in a celebratory frame of mind.

And while celebrating at your local theater with a huge bucket of buttery popcorn is always a tempting idea, there’s another way to revel in the magic of moviedom.

Oh yes, and do so for free: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is coming up on its half-decade-versary, and to honor its first five years? There’s a free day on the calendar, one that is a real come-one-come-all, no-ticket-needed kind of event.

The Academy Museum Free Day 2026 is happening Sunday, Aug. 16, all day long, and you can simply drop in to take in the prop- and photo-packed exhibitions — “Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo” and “Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho” were recently extended — or take part in a free activity like line dancing.

And “Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon” has several of the legendary performer’s glittery gowns on display.

“Munich” is screening for free in the David Geffen Theater at 2 in the afternoon.

And if you’re seeking snacks?

Those will be available for purchase; tacos, esquites and agua fresca are some of the delicious delights that will be for sale during the celebration.

Those announcements arose most monstrously at Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, on Aug. 9. John Murdy, Creative Director for the Universal Studios Hollywood fright fest, appeared at the Long Beach Convention Center expo to pull back the curtain on more scary surprises soon headed to the Universal City theme park.

Freaky Nikki from “Obsession,” the breakout hit film from Focus Features and writer-director Curry Barker, will roam “the darkened streets of Universal Studios Hollywood, where guests may find themselves face-to-face with the latest victim of the One Wish Willow’s terrifying curse.”

The Terror Tram will wickedly roll through the shadowy backlot, with a famously fearsome figure in the spotlight: Art the Clown.

More clown energy will ripple through the event, if you’re feeling confident, or perhaps we mean “konfident”: Killer Klowns From Outer Space will be back, which is good and ghastly news for those fans who enjoyed past experiences inside the colorful and creepy haunted house.

Universal Studios May 21

First Halloween Horror Nights reveal: Enter a cinematic ‘Sinners' experience

Universal Studios Jul 29

A haunted house inspired by Ozzy Osbourne to rock Halloween Horror Nights

“KILLceñeara: Music by SLASH” “… centers on the quinceañera of Lola, who turns this rite of passage for fifteen-year-old girls into a festival of death to take revenge on everyone who wronged her.”

“Grammy Award-winning guitarist and songwriter SLASH composes an original score for the house featuring Spanish guitar and an exclusive song titled ‘Fifteen Candles,'” shared the Halloween Horror Nights team.

Another new and original haunted house, “Dead, Deader, Deadest,” will sweep guests into “an abandoned funeral home,” a place that may not be entirely peaceful.

And in the WaterWorld area? “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” will make a spooky splash.

Halloween Horror Nights opens Sept. 3; the scare-tacular will run on select nights through Nov. 3. For all of the haunted houses, including a metal-tastic tribute to Ozzy Osbourne’s solo work and “Sinners,” haunt this site pronto for tickets and information.

Universal Studios and NBC-owned TV stations operate under the same parent company NBCUniversal.

A restaurant in Hollywood, Florida, is offering patrons a new way to wine and dine, and the only thing that’s not required is clothes.

And the goal is simple: keep the business going in a tough economy.

“C.L.A.S.S. is an acronym for culinary, luxury and superb service,” Murad Ali said.

Ali is the owner and chef at C.L.A.S.S. and said that they’ve been running for about eight years, and while patrons can enjoy a meal any day of the week, there is one night a month where things look a little different.

“The first Monday of every month, we have our nude dinner, when guests can take their clothes off and enjoy a great dinner,” he said.

Ali said that when the blinds go down, the clothes come off

“It’s legal because the windows are completely blacked out,” he said. “No one can see from outside. Our staff are fully clothed, so there’s no entertainment from us. It’s just dinner. That’s what makes it legal.”

“Once the event was finished, my idea said, ‘Let’s do it ourselves,’” he said.

Now, the experience is open to adults, with a five-course meal and a few extra layers of cleanliness.

“We have a robe that everyone is offered, we have a leather seat cushion, which is sanitized, and we also have a lap towel,” he said.

The concept may not be for everyone, and Ali said that’s exactly the point.

“This is not your grandpa’s steakhouse, this is chef Ali’s experience for people who want to do something different,” he said. “The goal is to survive in this economy.”

The next nude dining experience is set for Sept. 7.