Get Out: Five Ideas for Your Weekend

It's Friday time and the weekend is calling. Check out our picks for the fun activities to hit and places to explore.

Our goal is to make the Get Out planner as reliable as possible, but keep in mind, some events change at the last minute. We advise calling ahead just in case.

This weekend you can check out race cars zipping along our city streets, cheers with White Russians and maybe even win some cash with your superb spelling skills. Read on.

When/Where: Race times vary this Friday through Sunday; see for race circuit location

Why Go: This special weekend of exciting race cars and fun features professional races on city streets, celebrity drivers, drift demos, a huge lifestyle expo, concerts and parties galore. Keep an eye out for your favorite celebs and feel a tiny bit like you are in The Fast and the Furious.

Pricing: Varies based on race and event

When/Where: 6:30 p.m. this Sunday at

Why Go: This donations-welcome concert will help raise funds for the people of Japan. The event will feature the 3.11 Japan Relief Strong Orchestra, a 19 musician group that performs with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and will be conducted by Los Angeles Philharmonic violinist, Richard M. Elegino, a Cerritos resident who was born in Japan.

Pricing: Free, individuals may request up to four tickets each, donations definitely welcome

When/Where: 11 p.m. this Saturday at Art Theatre of Long Beach, 2025 E 4th St., Long Beach 

Why Go: See the classic film The Big Lebowski and enjoy a quote-a-long, costume contest, Wii bowling, White Russians and more. The spirit of The Dude will pervade each moment.

Pricing: Please call for pricing details

When/Where: Doors open at 1:15 p.m. this Sunday at

Why Go: Anyone 16 or older, and also a United States resident or student, is welcome to compete in this classic spelling bee. The winner takes home $500 dollars and an additional $500 for their favorite charity. Spectators are welcome. Contestants are invited to Polly’s at 12:30 p.m. for a pre-bee mingle. Uber-generous bee founder Justin Rudd will be buying them each a coffee drink.

Pricing: $40 registration fee for competitors by bee weekend, $5 at the door for spectators

When/Where: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday

Why Go: The above event reminded us that Polly’s is awesome. They roast their own coffee (and peanuts) and the coffee is rich, smooth and made with love. They usually have a spread of flaky, sweet, fresh pastries as well. Yum.  

Pricing: $

If you are still looking for fun ways to enjoy yourself this week, check out our events calendar for more ideas.

We know you have your favorites that we missed. So share your best ideas and tips for next weekend in our comment box below.