parades

Santa. Candy Canes. Presents. Pine trees. Parades!!!!!!! You have the Mummer’s Day Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Thanksgiving Day Parade, but most importantly there’s the Christmas Parade!

The Hollywood Christmas Parade is November 28th at 6pm. Larry King is Grand Marshall, but the most important celeb, Old Saint Nick, will be making a cameo.

Treat yourself to Grandstand seating for $35 or find a nice spot along a curb, bring one of those nifty fold out chairs with a cup holder and enjoy the parade for free. Traffic wise the route is a U shape, starting at Graumans Theatre, marching to Vine, then heading back to Orange via Sunset. Parking – H&H is your best bet, that or the metro.

He’s making a list, checking it twice…

freebies : movies

AFI Fest is back in town starting this Thursday and it’s better than ever.

Not only did it snag hit movie premieres, such as Black Swan; amazing panels, LA Times Young Adult Panel but they’re all FREE!!!! That’s right you don’t need to spend a dime. Downfall – free means everyone and their brother are interested and unfortunately a lot of the screenings are already sold out.

But don’t fret because additional tickets will be released the day of the show, and you can always wait in the standby line just in case people with tickets don’t show up.

I’ve been a part of this festival in the past, and truth be told it’s one of the best film festivals LA offers, shorts, documentaries, thrillers, love stories, you name it.

Be sure to head on over to their Hollywood & Highland box office to get your free tickets.

west coast’s times square

Hollywood Blvd. The place dreams come true. You might think of the most prestigious award ceremony, the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Celebrities everywhere. Well, that sentence is somewhat true. I’m not going to hide the fact that I was a little upset when I saw that the Kodak Theatre was in a shopping area. Celebrities include Batman, Charlie Chaplin, and any movie character that’s popular right now.

I realize I might’ve burst your bubble and you may be thinking what’s the point. But trust me. I would visit for the following reasons.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre – Not only is it a beautiful historical theatre that offers tours, but in front is where you’ll be able to see footprints and handprints from Hollywood’s Top Celebrities from Meryl Streep to the Cast of Harry Potter. It’s also the central hub of all the celebrity impersonators.

Star Tours – If you’re visiting (or maybe a local) you want to do a Star Tour. There are too many to list (this one or that one ) but choose the one you’re most interested in. what’s really nice is that the stops have signs by each location so if you’re walking around Hollywood you can get some brief information on Hollywood’s History,

Hollywood Walk of Fame – Picture taking galore! Look down and you’ll see everyone from music, movies, tv with their own star. So get ready to hunt for your new facebook picture!

Jimmy Kimmel Show – The studio is right there, and a lot of times with out door concerts on the other end of the street you’ll be able to enjoy free concerts by some of your favorite artists. I would suggest clicking HERE to get tickets!

Hollywood Sign – When I first moved here my mom and I drove around side streets trying to get to the Hollywood sign. Don’t do that. You’ll waste gas, have heart attacks going around tight curves, and for the most part they don’t end anywhere near the sign. At the H and H complex there are perfect shots of the iconic sign. But an FYI – it doesn’t light up at night anymore so if you come after the sun sets, you’re out of luck.

Hollywood and Highland – Shops, restaurants, and the Kodak Theatre. Oh my! The Hollywood and Highland complex offers $2 parking with validation for 4 hours. That means while shopping, catching a movie, or just plain sight seeing you are covered.

Kodak Theatre – Oscars. Oscars. Oscars. The Kodak Theatre also gives a tour of the legendary theatre, and what’s really great is there’s another facebook picture opportunity when you walk up the stairs to the doors of the Kodak. Columns surround the hall with every movie that has ever won Best Picture. So take a walk through memory lane…

Hotel Roosevelt – This is my favorite hotel for many reason. First off it’s home to some great night clubs – Tropicana. And it has one of my favorite burger joints that’s open 24/7 – 25 Degrees.

El Capitan – Disney’s Theatre where there’s a soda-fountain shop next door, premiere’s are held, and a movie is much more than just a movie.
Madamme Tussauds Wax Museum – New York has one. LA has one.

Got any more? Let me know and I’ll add it in. It might not have been what I was originally expecting, but honestly Hollywood Blvd is unique, and a staple in the community