¡Hola Boyle Heights! Andrew Lopez here. I’m a community reporter at Boyle Heights Beat and taking over our Happening in the Heights newsletter. If you’re looking for things to do this weekend, look no further.
While the familiar Nikkei Celebration honoring the Japanese history of Boyle Heights will not be held this year, you can still enjoy the Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Little Tokyo, which kicks off Saturday.
Here’s what’s going on across the Eastside this weekend.
Happenings in the Heights:
Friday, August 8
Endless summer at Costello Recreation Center: Carnival fair, free food and good vibes- what more can you ask for to wrap up the summer? Bring the whole family. Carnival 4 – 10 p.m. Summer Night Lights 6 – 10 p.m. at 3141 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023.
Summer of Salsa: Dance the night away with the Arsenio Rodriguez Project featuring DJ Robby at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. Free with RSVP. 6 – 11 p.m. at 501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Back-to-school event:Enjoy food, games, a live DJ and a backpack giveaway at the Wabash Recreation Center. 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, August 9
National Book Lovers Day: Come to Espacio 1839 to share new and long-loved books at this book drop event by Locotora Radio and I Read Vintage. 12- 2 p.m.; 1839 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033.
Back-to-school giveaway: CD 14 and CD 1 offices are joining forces to provide school supplies to students ahead of the school year. Come early for a car show, a resource fair and activities for the family from 1 – 6 p.m. at 2700 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031.
Nisei week kicks off: Make your way across the L.A. River to Little Tokyo to celebrate the start of Nisei week and explore bonsai and calligraphy exhibits and a karate tournament. 11 – 4:00 p.m. at 244 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
LOMA Film Festival: Catch a series of films put on by the The Latinas & Latinos of Mixed Ancestry at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. Free with RSVP. 12pm- 10pm.
Sunday, August 10
Las Fiestas De Agosto: A Central American Celebration: Enjoy DJs, brews, pupusas and shop small from local vendors at this Benny Boy event and fundraiser. 6 p.m.- midnight at 1821 Daly St. Los Angeles, CA 90031.