Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-29

Activities

July 29. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has free Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week: Artwork Jamal. Food & Beverages for sale (No outside food or beverages; no pets allowed.) Activities for the kids. Downtown Valencia in the street on Town Center Drive at McBean Parkway in Santa Clarita. www.valenciajazzandblues.com (Thanks, Kristi!)

July 29. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. This week: Kathleen Grace.BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

July 30. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Edmar Castaneda in Hancock Park north of the museum.

July 31. 4 p.m. Free event at Levitt Pavilion. Kim Eung Hwa Dance Company. Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, W. 6^th St. and S. Park View St., L.A. www.levittla.org

July 31. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: Pianist Roger Wright. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

July 31. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. FREE weekly concerts in the park. Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills. This week the group is Bruce in the USA – The World’s #1 Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E St. Band.

August 1. 9 a.m. Get tickets for September free day for Huntington Gardens. Call 800-838-3006 or get tickets online at http://www.huntington.org/default.aspx.

August 2. 1:30-3 p.m. Afternoon science club on Tuesdays at Stough Canyon Nature Center in Burbank. $2/child, ages 8-12. (They let me bring my 5 year old, I just stayed with him). 2300 Walnut Avenue, Burbank. (Mapquest: Use 1500 Walnut Ave., 91501).

August 2. The Regency Valley Plaza 6 in North Hollywood offers movies for $1.50 all day on Tuesdays! $3 any other day. 6355 Bellingham Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91606. (818) 760-8400. Cash only, no outside food or drinks (they actually searched my purse!). http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=30

August 2. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening at Kidspace Museum. This museum in Pasadena is a lot of fun for children and normally $10 a person, so this is a great deal! (It offers free admission the first Tuesday of the month from 4-8 p.m.) 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 91103. (626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org.

August 2. 28th Annual National Night Out! National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). Law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and public officials from over 15,000 communities in all 50 states, and Canadian cities and military bases worldwide participate in Night Out events. This is celebrated all over the valley. Listed below are a few locations:

Mason Park. 7 p.m. (Not sure if the food starts earlier. I would call to find out). Save the date for the next “Movies Under the Stars,” our series of free family-friendly movies screened outdoors in local parks, showing “Yogi Bear” on Tuesday, August 2 at Mason Park in Chatsworth. This movie night will feature public safety booths, free hot dogs and sodas (while supplies last) and lots of activities for kids.Mason Park, 10500 Mason Ave., Chatsworth, (1 block north of Devonshire St.) For more information, call (818) 756-8501.

Events in our community will occur from 5 – 9 p.m. at Randal David Simmons Park (West Valley Park) at 6731 Wilbur Ave. in Reseda and 6 – 9 p.m. at Van Nuys Community Police Station at 14410 Sylvan St. (in the Erwin Street Mall) in Van Nuys (free hot dogs and sodas served last year).

August 2. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Summer Family Series at Descanso Gardens. For six Tuesday evenings, enjoy family-friendly music, theater and fairies. Bring a picnic (normally not allowed in the Gardens) and get ready for fun. Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. This week: The Summer Family Series concludes this week with the Elizabethan Festival, performed by Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. Expect an evening of interactive theater performance and family fun, including dance.1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

August 2-3. 10 a.m. $1 summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. PIRATES WHO DON'T DO ANYTHING & SHREK FOREVER AFTER are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. DESPICABLE ME & RAMONA & BEEZUS are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. CLOUDY W/ MEATBALLS & GULLIVERS TRAVEL are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 at 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas. Here’s the link for the full summer schedule: http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx

August 2-3. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO^® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month (and Wednesday as well this month!) One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. (I brought my 5 year old and he was able to complete the build without a problem). 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210. (818) 549-0733. Make sure to get there early (we arrived around 4:30) and bring snacks and things to do while you wait in line.

August 3. 7 p.m. Free children’s evening at Levitt Pavilion. This week: Rhythm Child. 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena. www.levittpavilionpasadena.org

August 4. 5:30 p.m. Music on the Main jazz series at Descanso Gardens.This week: Bob Sheppard, renowned reed player with straight-ahead jazz, http://bobsheppard.net/index.php. Bring a picnic (usually not allowed in the Gardens.) Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

August 4. 6-9 p.m. Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum (across from L.A. Zoo). See top Latin bands in a fun, casual, energetic setting on the Autry plaza. The taco bar opens at 6:00 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Adults: $10 / Students and Seniors: $6 / Children (3–12): $4 / Children under 3: Free. Purchase membership on-site and enjoy all nine Sizzling Summer Nights for free. This week: Ricardo Lemvo.

Upcoming Events

August 27. 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. Sister Act 2: The Musical. Performance at Hope Chapel of the Valley, 7930 Mason Ave., Winnetka. Tickets are on sale now for $10 (adults) and $5 (children under 12). You can purchase them on line at www.cpacstudio.com. My friend Randi and her daughter are part of the production.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-22

Activities

July 22. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has free Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week: Tony Galla Band. Food & Beverages for sale (No outside food or beverages; no pets allowed.) Activities for the kids. Downtown Valencia in the street on Town Center Drive at McBean Parkway in Santa Clarita. www.valenciajazzandblues.com (Thanks, Kristi!)

July 22. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. This week: John Beasley. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

July 23. Neighborhood yard sale in Simi Valley. Olympic Street in Simi Valley - North of Royal, south of Barnes, west of Sequoia.

July 23. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. The kids get goggles and an apron and a kit to build an item. They use hammers their size and get a patch afterward for completing the project.

July 23. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Bobby Matos & his Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

July 24. 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. Free event at Levitt Pavilion. Diavolo Dance Theater Education Company. This group looks amazing! Here’s the website to check them out: http://www.diavolo.org/ Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, W. 6^th St. and S. Park View St., L.A. www.levittla.org

July 24. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: iPalpiti Artists. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

July 26. Borders is closing, so no more toddler story time. There are sales going on, starting July 22.

July 26. 1:30-3 p.m. Afternoon science club on Tuesdays at Stough Canyon Nature Center in Burbank. $2/child, ages 8-12. (They let me bring my 5 year old, I just stayed with him). 2300 Walnut Avenue, Burbank. (Mapquest: Use 1500 Walnut Ave., 91501).

July 26. The Regency Valley Plaza 6 in North Hollywood offers movies for $1.50 all day on Tuesdays! $3 any other day. 6355 Bellingham Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91606. (818) 760-8400. Cash only, no outside food or drinks (they actually searched my purse!) This week, they get Mr. Popper’s Penguins! The boys have wanted to see this one. http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=30

July 26. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Summer Family Series at Descanso Gardens. For six Tuesday evenings, enjoy family-friendly music, theater and fairies. Bring a picnic (normally not allowed in the Gardens) and get ready for fun. Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. This week: The crowd-pleasing “A Faery Hunt” theater group returns to the Gardens on Tuesday, July 26. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 26-27. 10 a.m. $1 summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. DOOGAL & MEGAMIND are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. CHRONICLES OF NARNIA & PIRATES WHO DON'T DO ANYTHING are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. ASTRO BOY & FURRY VENGEANCE are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 at 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas. Here’s the link for the full summer schedule: http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx

July 27. 7 p.m. Free children’s evening at Levitt Pavilion. This week: Steve Songs. 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena. www.levittpavilionpasadena.org

July 28. 5:30 p.m. Music on the Main jazz series at Descanso Gardens.This week: Kristin Korb. Bring a picnic (usually not allowed in the Gardens.) Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 28. 6-9 p.m. Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum (across from L.A. Zoo). See top Latin bands in a fun, casual, energetic setting on the Autry plaza. The taco bar opens at 6:00 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Adults: $10 / Students and Seniors: $6 / Children (3–12): $4 / Children under 3: Free. Purchase membership on-site and enjoy all nine Sizzling Summer Nights for free. This week: Yari Moré y su Orquesta.

Shopping Deals

July 28. Target’s bi-annual 75% off toy clearance should be starting today! I’ll be there, checking it out. Look carefully through the toy section, as the deals are often spread out.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-15

Activities

July 15. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has free Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week: Jim Gibson. Food & Beverages for sale (No outside food or beverages; no pets allowed.) Activities for the kids. Downtown Valencia in the street on Town Center Drive at McBean Parkway in Santa Clarita. www.valenciajazzandblues.com (Thanks, Kristi!)

July 15. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. This week: Luther Hughes & Cannonball/Coltrane Project. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

July 16. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Katia Moraes at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

July 17. 4 p.m. Free event at Levitt Pavilion. Teacher Davis of the FUNdamentals Music and Movement. Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, W. 6^th St. and S. Park View St., L.A. www.levittla.org

July 17. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: iPalpiti Artists. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

July 19. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

July 19. 1:30-3 p.m. Afternoon science club on Tuesdays at Stough Canyon Nature Center in Burbank. $2/child, ages 8-12. (They let me bring my 5 year old, I just stayed with him). 2300 Walnut Avenue, Burbank. (Mapquest: Use 1500 Walnut Ave., 91501).

July 19. The Regency Valley Plaza 6 in North Hollywood offers movies for $1.50 all day on Tuesdays! $3 any other day. 6355 Bellingham Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91606. (818) 760-8400. Cash only, no outside food or drinks (they actually searched my purse!) http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=30

July 19. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Summer Family Series at Descanso Gardens. For six Tuesday evenings, enjoy family-friendly music, theater and fairies. Bring a picnic (normally not allowed in the Gardens) and get ready for fun. Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. This week:.Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum makes its second Descanso appearance of the summer when it performs "The Merry Wives of Windsor Wives,” Shakespeare's comedy about love and deception, and features the Bard’s beloved chunky schemer Sir John Falstaff. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 19-20. 10 a.m. $1 summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. CHARLOTTE'S WEB & MONSTERS VS. ALIENS are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON & NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. CATS AND DOGS: REVENGE & SHREK FOREVER AFTER are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 at 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas. Here’s the link for the full summer schedule: http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx

July 20. 7 p.m. at Levitt Pavilion. Putumayo Kids Presents: Kids World Party with Asheba! 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena. www.levittpavilionpasadena.org

July 21. 5:30 p.m. Music on the Main jazz series at Descanso Gardens.This week: Mitchell Long and Café Atlantico will perform a concert of Brazilian jazz. Bring a picnic (usually not allowed in the Gardens.) Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 21. 6-9 p.m. Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum (across from L.A. Zoo). See top Latin bands in a fun, casual, energetic setting on the Autry plaza. The taco bar opens at 6:00 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Adults: $10 / Students and Seniors: $6 / Children (3–12): $4 / Children under 3: Free. Purchase membership on-site and enjoy all nine Sizzling Summer Nights for free. This week: Orquesta Son Mayor

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-8

Activities

July 8. 5-10 p.m. Burbank’s Birthday. Free event. The city turns 100 and is celebrating with an air parade, a Mascot parade, live performances, children’s entertainment, fireworks and a huge cupcake display. Downtown Burbank. www.downtown-burbank.org

July 8. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has free Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week: Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps. Food & Beverages for sale (No outside food or beverages; no pets allowed.) Activities for the kids. Downtown Valencia in the street on Town Center Drive at McBean Parkway in Santa Clarita. www.valenciajazzandblues.com (Thanks, Kristi!)

July 8. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. This week: Clayton Cameron Sextet. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

July 9. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. The kids get goggles and an apron and a kit to build an item. They use hammers their size and get a patch afterward for completing the project.

July 9. 10 a.m. Big!Fun!World! Family Series: AXIS Dance Company. This dance troupe is known for integrating the audience into the dance experience. Reservations required. Tickets $5 for adults, free for children. Ford Theatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood. www.fordtheatres.org.

July 9. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Target Free Family Saturday: Once Upon a Time. Do crafts, watch vintage anime, listen to We Tell Stories and take part in a “storytelling tea party.” Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., L.A. 213-625-0414.

July 9. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Bobby Rodriguez Latin Jazz at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

July 10. 4 p.m. Free event at Levitt Pavilion. Hudson Vagabond Puppets. The troupe uses over-size puppets and maskes to tell the story on Jemima Puddle Duck. Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, W. 6^th St. and S. Park View St., L.A. www.levittla.org

July 10. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: Pianist Bernadene Blaha and violinist Livia Sohn. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

July 11. Get a free 7.11 oz slurpee at 7-11 (Thanks, Janice!)

July 12. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

July 12. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Summer Family Series at Descanso Gardens. For six Tuesday evenings, enjoy family-friendly music, theater and fairies. Bring a picnic (normally not allowed in the Gardens) and get ready for fun. Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. This week: Aaron Nigel Trio, reggae-flavored music. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 12-13. 10 a.m. $1 summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. TALE OF DESPEREAUX & YOGI BEAR are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. CLOUDY W/ MEATBALLS & GULLIVERS TRAVEL are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. MARMADUKE & MEGAMIND are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 at 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas. Here’s the link for the full summer schedule: http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx

July 13. 11 a.m. Puppet Show at Porter Ranch Library. 11371 Tampa Avenue
Porter Ranch, 91326. (Thanks, Janice!)

July 13. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Kids Club: Reptilian Adventures. The Reptile Family will let you look at snakes and lizards! Free event. The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-497-9861.

July 13. 7 p.m. Theatre 360 at Levitt Pavilion. Enjoy a free evening of family-friendly theater from this award-winning local children’s theater company. 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena. www.levittpavilionpasadena.org

July 14. 5:30 p.m. Music on the Main jazz series at Descanso Gardens.This week: Drummer Sammy Miller, a rising star on the jazz scene, headlines a concert of smooth jazz. Bring a picnic (usually not allowed in the Gardens.) Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 14. 6-9 p.m. Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum (across from L.A. Zoo). See top Latin bands in a fun, casual, energetic setting on the Autry plaza. The taco bar opens at 6:00 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Adults: $10 / Students and Seniors: $6 / Children (3–12): $4 / Children under 3: Free. Purchase membership on-site and enjoy all nine Sizzling Summer Nights for free. This week: Johnny Planceo y su Conjunto Amistad

Back to School Supplies

Stores already have back to school sales! Here’s one for school supplies from Staples, good until 7-9-11. (Thanks, Nikki!)

· Staples Paper Clips, 50 ct – $0.50

· Staples 12″ Ruler – $0.50

· Avery Insertable 5 Tab Dividers – $0.50

· Staples Steel 1 Hole Punch – $0.50

· Staples Magnetic Bulldog Clip, 3 pk – $0.50

· Staples Main Composition Book, 80 sheets, 2 pk – $0.50

· Staples Pencil Box – $0.50

· Staples Pencil Sharpener – $0.50

· Staples Clipboard, 5.5″ x 9″ – $0.50

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-1

Activities

July 1-4. Brunswick is giving away a FREE game of bowling to every person in America, every day of the July 4th weekend! July 1st - July 4th. No coupon necessary, just come in for your FREE game each day of the weekend! (I’m guessing shoe rental is not included, but still a good deal!)

July 2. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Every first Saturday of the month). Home Depot's Free Kids Workshop. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

July 2. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Freddie Ravel at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

July 3. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: The Encore Saxophone Quartet with pianist Bryan Pezzone

These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

July 4. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Annual San Fernando Valley Independence Day Celebration at Hansen Dam. This 4th of July Celebration at Hansen Dam is in its 17th year and celebrates “hometown heroes.” Check out gourmet food trucks, music, raffles and prizes, free water slide, kid zone and other entertainment. Take a swim in the 1.5-acre swim lake which is available for use during the day (there may be a small charge for the swimming).The fireworks show is orchestrated with patriotic music.Hansen Dam Recreation Area, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace.

July 4. 4:30 pm – 10 pm. The FREE festival and fireworks show at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch includes moon bounces and face painting for the children, an outdoor stage show as well as optional food purchases from over a dozen local food vendors; all capped off with a twenty-one minute aerial fireworks display. Shepherd of the Hills Church , 19700 Rinaldi Street, Porter Ranch, CA 91326. www.theshepherd.org/events/4th-of-july-spectacular

July 4. Concert begins at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:08 p.m. Councilman Dennis P. Zine’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at Warner Park. Music by Los Angeles Pierce Symphonic Winds and Taylor Made, the James Taylor Tribute Band. 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills. Free event.

July 5. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

July 5. Free day for La Brea Tar Pits and the Natural History Museum.

July 5. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening at Kidspace Museum. This museum in Pasadena is a lot of fun for children and normally $10 a person, so this is a great deal! (It offers free admission the first Tuesday of the month from 4-8 p.m.) 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 91103. (626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org.

July 5. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO^® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. (I brought my 5 year old and he was able to complete the build without a problem). 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210. (818) 549-0733. Make sure to get there early (we arrived around 4:30) and bring snacks and things to do while you wait in line.

July 5. 5:30 p.m. Summer Family Series at Descanso Gardens. For six Tuesday evenings, enjoy family-friendly music, theater and fairies. Bring a picnic (normally not allowed in the Gardens) and get ready for fun. Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. This week: “A Midsummer Night's Eve," presented by Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 5-6. 10 a.m. $1 summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. KIT KITTREDGE & SPY NEXT DOOR are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. CATS AND DOGS: REVENGE & SHREK FOREVER AFTER are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. CHARLOTTE'S WEB &YOGI BEAR are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 at 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas. Here’s the link for the full summer schedule: http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx

July 7. 10:30 a.m. Free Kid's Club at the Northridge Fashion Center in the Food Court. Comedy Magic Show! Jersey Jim brings some of the funniest magic you will ever see. Entertainment the young and old will enjoy. (Thanks to Janice for the deal!)

July 7. 5:30 p.m. Music on the Main jazz series at Descanso Gardens.Gonzalo Bergara headlines a concert of jazz with Gypsy and tango influences. Bring a picnic (usually not allowed in the Gardens.) Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 7. 6-9 p.m. Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum (across from L.A. Zoo). See top Latin bands in a fun, casual, energetic setting on the Autry plaza. The taco bar opens at 6:00 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Adults: $10 / Students and Seniors: $6 / Children (3–12): $4 / Children under 3: Free. Purchase membership on-site and enjoy all nine Sizzling Summer Nights for free. This week: Octavio Figueroa and La Combinacion Salsa Band. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. 323.667.2000.

Coffee Deal

Sonoma Coffee Cafe on Tampa has a free coffee coupon on their website that is good through 7/6. Their coffee is really good, locally roasted and much fresher than average. They also have live music on Friday and Saturday nights and of course free Wifi. (Thanks Rick for the deal!) Here’s a link to the coupon: http://www.sonomacoffeeshop.com/promo/Free%20coffee%20coupon.pdf

Upcoming Events

July 8. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has free Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week: Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps. Food & Beverages for sale (No outside food or beverages; no pets allowed.) Activities for the kids. Downtown Valencia in the street on Town Center Drive at McBean Parkway in Santa Clarita. www.valenciajazzandblues.com (Thanks, Kristi!)