Budget Friendly Events Los Angeles

From Nature Walks with Nature Nexus Institute

The Orient Express. . . you heard about it many times. The romance, the mystery, the adventure! Of course - the opulence too! ***While the original Orient Express train is now part of history, our journey revives its spirit—crossing Europe from Paris to Istanbul, echoing the legendary route that once defined luxury rail travel.*** This experience brings back the magic of the rails—without the inflated cost of old-world extravagance. Instead, we focus on service, comfort, and contemporary refinement, blending iconic train travel with thoughtfully curated experiences. We retrace the route of the original Orient Express using a mix of **modern night trains, high-speed day trains, and select short flights**, creating a seamless and unforgettable journey. Our route takes us to: Paris → Venice → Vienna → Prague → Budapest → Istanbul Included: * Train transportation between 4 cities. * 2 nights on an actual night train with sleeping compartment * Air transportation Paris / Venice and Budapest / Istanbul * 11 nights in First Class hotels with best central locations * Daily breakfast + select lunches and dinners * All transfers (hotels, train stations, airports) * Guided tours in every city * Entrances to many museums. * And more thoughtful touches throughout the journey We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you can enjoy complete independence. The trip is designed for curious, like-minded travelers who value both freedom and shared experiences. It is all included in the price! You are free to do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sights and locations in the cities, while still being guided and helped with all the arrangements. A balance of independence when you want it and being included in all group activities when you prefer it. The idea is: come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories . . . without being stuck with the "one size fits all" tour formula. Here is a basic thumbnail: · **Paris – 3 nights** Evening flight to Venice · **Venice – 1 night** Night train to Vienna · **Vienna – 1 night** Evening train to Prague · **Prague – 2 nights** Night train to Budapest · **Budapest – 1 night** Evening flight to Istanbul · **Istanbul – 3 nights**. Sleeper Cabins on the trains and First Class centrally located hotels in each city. ***What was The Orient Express?*** *It was long-distance passenger train service that began in 1883 with the original endpoints being Paris to Istanbul. The original name became synonymous with intrigue and was a showcase of luxury with comfort at a time when traveling was still rough and dangerous.* *In Istanbul the Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1892, was the accommodation at the terminus. And we are staying in it!* ***The original Orient Express ceased operation in 1977 and we are not using the original old train. It no longer exists.*** EVERY aspect of this trip is epic. * Visit picturesque and storied cities. * Enjoy trains and experience the enchantment of the rails. * In the end you will have visited 6 countries: France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey! **The tour starts in Paris on Sep 20 and ends in Istanbul on Oct 03.** ***$5490 total cost per person, double occupancy.*** ***$7090 total cost for solo occupancy.*** PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE. This allows for your flexibility and convenience. We are happy to give you an airfare quote. **To attend: $500 deposit. [CLICK HERE for a Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/FXWZ8KNQ95EFJ)** Your Deposit is Fully refundable to 90 days before the event (less any PayPal fees). Final payment due 60 days before departure. [CLICK HERE](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) To receive detailed itinerary and inclusions. [CLICK HERE ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/281542406/)for the main link for this event RSVP there to get notice on any conversations or discussions. AND/OR if you have questions? [CLICK HERE](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) to Direct Message to Anna [CLICK HERE](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) to Direct Message to Marc AND/OR We do a[ ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/284794370/)**[Zoom Q & A ( CLICK HERE to RSVP on the Q& A zoom)](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/287318466/).** Come to the zoom, ask any questions and meet other attendees. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/)[ ](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/)to see all our other fun and social meetup events. SOT 200318-10 ***Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!***

4 attendees

Chui chow at Seafood Palace

Mon, Sep 14, 1:00 AM

From Yarom & Hedonists

4.8

Been coming for decades, especially for their famous crab,

6 attendees

Ballona Wetlands - family-friendly walk

Sun, Sep 13, 4:00 PM

Los Angeles Audubon Society hosts the *Open Wetlands* event at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve with the collaboration of NNI staff. Binoculars are available to borrow! Volunteers guide visitors in viewing aquatic invertebrates through microscopes, learning about the unique ecosystems found at Ballona, and viewing birds through powerful spotting scopes along Ballona Creek. Enter through the gate in the northeast corner of the parking lot behind the 300 block of Culver Blvd in Playa del Rey (zip code 90293). This block is near the intersection of Culver Blvd and Vista del Mar. No baby strollers, please. Pets are not allowed on the reserve. Need more information? Contact ecobar@naturenexusinstitute.org

From " Ⓒulture, Ⓒuisine, Ⓒocktails, Ⓒoffee & Ⓒonvos = Ⓒommunity "

FREE: The Grammy Museum . . . for Smithsonian Day. (other museums too!!!!)

Thu, Sep 17, 6:01 PM

4.6

Museum Free Day from the Smithsonian is a nationwide thing. [Smithsonian Day](https://nationaltoday.com/smithsonian-day/) is always September 17th Here is the expected full list: * Japanese American National Museum * The Grammy Museum * LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes * California African American Museum * Autry Museum of the American West * The Wende Museum * USC Pacific Asia Museum * Descanso Gardens * The International Printing Museum in Carson * Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach * Los Angeles Maritime Museum * Point Fermin Lighthouse Historic Site and Museum * Photo: @sfwineblog * Latino Art Museum in Pomona * Heritage Museum of Orange County * Dr. Willella Howe Waffle House and Medical Museum in Santa Ana * The Santa Ana Fire Museum * Yanks Air Museum in Chino * Laguna Art Museum * Fillmore Historical Museum Some of these museums are normally free. And others may be closer to you. BUT . . . for the moment . . . the plan is The Grammy Museum. . . FOR FREE!!!! On Wed the 17th. What a win. To attend this event #1 **RSVP on this event with the red RSVP button** *AND THEN* #2 **[Fill out the event form](https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6)**[ https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6](https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6) This way you get the reminder as they update the new list with the 2026 info (spoiler alert: ***if you do not fill out the form you will not get accurate or updated event info)(Meetup messages is not reliable or efficient at getting out info. Too many have notifications turned off)*** **Got questions?** **[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881)**[ to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) (be sure to mention the what event you are talking about) NOTICE: For our events we do not discriminate by Age, Gender, Gender Preference, Ethnicity, National Origin, Race, Color, Religion, or even Belly Button Lint. **[CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/join)**[ To see all our other events and join in on them.](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/join) Art makes for great social fun. Over the course of the year we a bunch of arty events. If you have any suggestions or if you wish to post an event the group or lead an event: **[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881)**[ to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881)

167 attendees

CARSON JAZZ FESTIVAL🎼🎵🍷🥰 OCT 3RD 11AM-6PM - FREE!!! A FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT

Sat, Oct 3, 6:00 PM

From EmpowerThem Collective - 50+ Men & Women - New in Town?🥰

**Hi Everyone!! ✨** **I’m excited to share that this year we’ll be attending the Carson Jazz Festival! 👋🏽🎶 This is always a vibrant, feel-good, family-friendly event—and the best part… admission is completely FREE!** **Bring your lawn chairs, your favorite bites, or enjoy the delicious options from the many on-site food vendors. Either way, come ready for great music, good vibes, and even better company!** **If you’d like to sit with our group, please be sure to RSVP on the Meetup website so we can plan accordingly.** **This year’s featured artists include:** **🎤 Headliner: Sheila E. 🥁** **🎶 Jazz N Pink** **🎶 The Family** **🎶 B.I.G.** **🎶 Cal State Dominguez Hills Band** **✨ …and many more!** **VIP Seating: $100** **Full Table (Seats 8): $800** **Canopy: $200** **Let’s come together for an unforgettable day of music, connection, and fun. We’d love to see you there! 🎼🥰**

From FRIENDSHIP & FABULOUS PLACES Females 40+

Bad Roman: The Craziest Over-the-Top Italian Restaurant in Beverly Hills!!

Mon, Sep 14, 1:15 AM

From " ¡ ᗯᗩᑎTEᗪ TO ᗪO TᕼᗩT . . . ᒍᑌᔕT ᑎOT ᗩᒪOᑎE ! ! ! ℠ "

**Parking tip:** Enter parking garage after 6 PM for the cheapest $5 rate. See parking info below. **BRINGING YOU THE MOST BEAUTIFUL & UNIQUE N-E-W “HOT SPOTS” IN L.A. WHY DO ORDINARY WHEN YOU CAN DO EXTRAORDINARY? \~ Lorena** **L.A.’s Most Beautiful Italian Restaurant** Take a look 👁️ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DY7oS9HPpIr/?igsi=cHkydmRoeWtic3R5 https://youtube.com/shorts/EkwmMfSFnCo?si=ltgmwQ892lc27CKH https://youtube.com/shorts/pZxMlCjsAp0?si=ktJzWPCRWglynbDQ **Please kindly confirm your commitment to attend by making your $5 RSVP within 12-hours. You will be replaced otherwise. See payment info below. Thank you!** **⚠️EVENT DISCLAIMER⚠️** **Bad Roman is a bustling upscale restaurant filled with beautiful people dressed up.** **Think Mariah Carey (one of the first celebrities spotted dining there after their opening), Sophia Vergara…** A few of us checked it out after dining at Azur just up the block. It was a Wednesday night at 10 PM and it was absolutely PACKED. It has a high energy vibe and very noisy. Be prepared!! **Dress appropriately!! You’ll feel out of place if you don’t. It’s a celebrity “hotspot”.** **Sophia Vergara in a blue gorgeous dress entering Bad Roman. Anyone recognize her friend?** https://youtu.be/UHLMPZfneM8?si=JkxGfHfhycr-AyVP **WHAT’S MAXIMALIST DINING?** At Bad Roman think Liberace-influenced Buca di Beppo!! **KEY TRAITS** **Environment as Entertainment:** Dining has shifted from a quiet meal to an all-encompassing night out where the decor acts as the main attraction. **Sensory Overload:** Expect rich jewel tones, eclectic art collections, neon lighting, custom print wallpapers, and whimsical dishware. **Playful Menus:** The food matches the room with oversized portions, unexpected flavor mashups, and high-drama plating. **B A D R O M A N (EATER LA)** [Bad Roman](https://la.eater.com/venue/965517/bad-roman), an [absurdist modern Italian restaurant](https://www.eater.com/23896397/muffin-top-dining-food-trend-bad-roman) by way of New York City (its first location), has arrived with a B A N G in Beverly Hills. The restaurant, which **opened in late May**, comes from a prolific New York–based group that also runs Quality Italian, Don Angie, and the original Smith & Wollensky steakhouse, marking its [first expansion to the West Coast](https://la.eater.com/restaurant-openings/303308/bad-roman-new-york-italian-restaurant-opening-beverly-hills). The [long-unoccupied Palm steakhouse space](https://la.eater.com/2023/10/19/23924006/the-palm-beverly-hills-italian-steakhouse-power-lunch-restaurant-closing-am-intel-los-angeles) on Canon Drive has given way to Bad Roman’s over-the-top take on [Italian American classics](https://la.eater.com/maps/best-old-school-italian-red-sauce-restaurants-los-angeles), some very well-executed and some a little head-scratching. But most diners here seem more on board for the escapism, which the restaurant and its ambiance — sleek Greyhound statues and all — provide in scores. **MENU** https://www.badromanrestaurants.com/menus-beverly-hills/#dinner-beverly-hills ## What to order * **Spicy Caesar salad ($22)** doesn’t feel spicy at all except for a light dusting of chile powder breadcrumbs covering the top of the little gem lettuce. It’s a terrific light start to a meal that will quickly get heavier. * **Garlic babka ($12)** employs comforting roasted garlic woven into a classic babka loaf. Eat it quickly before it cools off. * **‘Roni cups & ranch ($14)** is another Instagram-friendly appetizer that recalls childhood days of picking off pepperoni with curled, blackened edges from pizza slices. Except these are huge, each almost the size of drink coasters. Eat these quickly before the edges get too soft. * **Eggplant pull-a-parm ($35)** offers an ingenious take on the Bloomin’ Onion, except with encrusted finger-sized pieces of fried eggplant. Dip into the generous bowl of marinara for something that Olive Garden wishes it invented. * **Shrimp cocktail ($24 for three)** comes with enormous U7 shrimp, almost the size of half a lobster tail each. Laid out on gorgeous pebble ice, they’re the ideal balance of firm and bouncy, especially dipped into the almost chunky cocktail sauce. * **Spicy lobster pasta ($58)** arrives as a show-stopping main dish finished tableside with a boozy fire show. The lobster the night I went ended up more rubbery than tender, though thankfully, the saucy, spicy Calabrian chile sauce made up for it. ## Insider tip There are three off-menu dishes available every night, two of which you should order on your first visit: “baked-and-burnt” paccheri Amatriciana and a mercilessly cheesy “side order” of chicken Parmesan no bigger than a compact disc (remember those?). ## Other popular items The [sticky, sweet porchetta ribs](https://eatthisny.com/2025/02/10/dish-of-the-week/dish-of-the-week-in-new-york-porchetta-ribs-at-bad-roman/) are also worth ordering. A seafood tower loaded with Maine lobster, oysters, tuna crudo, and caviar; Pastas, made at the restaurant daily, feature kale mafaldine dotted with sun-dried tomatoes, agnolotti bistecca, and Osetra caviar gnocchi. Faroe Island salmon, roasted branzino, and chicken al limone make up the options for larger mains, which can be paired with vegetables such as charred broccoli rabe or spicy Brussels sprouts. **RESERVE YOUR DINING SPOT** $5 RSVP PayPal, Venmo or Zelle (NOT if waitlisted). NOTE: Fee is NOT refundable or transferable. If you need to cancel immediately update to “not going.” **Payment contact provided at time of RSVP made immediately (12-hour max grace-period) or spot will be released so someone else can join the fun.** **AT TIME OF PAYMENT INDICATE:** Bad Roman **NOTIFICATIONS-ON ARE REQUIRED** It is YOUR responsibility to know if you were moved-up from the waitlist. **PARKING** * Public parking garage $5 after 6 PM 241 N. Canon Drive Beverly Hills * Limited street metered. Check all signs. * Valet fee? MEETUP POLICY 🔺 No drop-ins. RSVP Meetup members only 🔺 3 under 24-hr cancellations/3-months out 🔺 3 failures to pay (fee events)/6-months out 🔺 2 no-shows/perm. removed 🔺 Excessive cancellations perm. removed

12 attendees

🌕 Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Dinner @ Newport Seafood — San Gabriel

Sat, Sep 26, 1:45 AM

From BollyX - The Bollywood Workout Classes in Southern CA

Join me for a special **Mid-Autumn Festival Food Celebration** **Dinner** at **Newport Seafood Restaurant in San Gabriel!** 🥮🌕🍽️ Let's celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with great food, good conversation, and a fun evening with a small group of fellow Meetup members. 📍 Newport Seafood Restaurant 518 W Las Tunas Dr San Gabriel, CA 91776 💰 Cost: $60 per person 👥 Limited to 12 people total 🦞 What's for Dinner? We'll be ordering a variety of popular Chinese seafood and dinner dishes to share, including: 🦞 Lobster 🐟 Live steamed fish 🍤 Walnut shrimp 🥩 Filet mignon cubes 🥢 And more! We'll plan and budget the food order so that there is approximately $60 worth of food per person, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy a variety of dishes family-style. 🍽️ Family-Style Dinner This will be a shared family-style meal, so we'll order multiple dishes for the table rather than having individual entrees. The goal is to have a great variety of food for everyone to sample and enjoy. Because we're limiting the group to 12 people, please RSVP only if you are committed to attending. This will allow us to plan the food order and make sure we have enough for everyone. 🌕 Why Mid-Autumn Festival? The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional celebrations in Chinese culture. It is traditionally a time for family, friends, reunion, gratitude, and enjoying good food together under the full moon. What better way to celebrate than gathering around a table and sharing a delicious Chinese feast? 🥮🌕🥢 Come hungry, bring your appetite, and let's enjoy a festive evening together! 🎟️ 12 spots only — $60 per person Please RSVP only if you are able to attend. Payment Options: Zelle: 626-986-8593 Venmo: @Darren-Van-1 CashApp: $Darren515 PayPal: darrenvan515@gmail.com

8 attendees

BollyX w/Lailah

Tue, Sep 22, 12:30 AM

4.6

Join me live for a fun workout doing both BollyX and Zumba fitnes! Class registration can be done directly through the City of Redondo Beach: https://t.ly/woXR. No drop ins. $60 for 6-week series.

From Fine Art Classes at Kline Academy

Art Beyond Boundaries: An Exploration in Mixed Media with Thadius Taylor

Sun, Sep 20, 5:00 PM

**Art Beyond Boundaries: An Exploration in Mixed Media with Thadius Taylor** ***Payment required before class to guarantee and reserve your spot! RSVP will not be accepted. Please enroll online at*** [https://app.enrollsy.com/enroll/kline-academy-of-fine-art?lId=cjyj9d4s50jmt0128ovx9cmsv&pId=clscnna91ocrr0822tddkc1dj](https://app.enrollsy.com/enroll/kline-academy-of-fine-art?lId=cjyj9d4s50jmt0128ovx9cmsv&pId=clscnna91ocrr0822tddkc1dj) ***or call the office at (310)-837-7194!*** | One Day - Pay Per Class | $90.00 USD | | ----------------------- | ---------- | | 4 week course | $290.00 USD ($74.54 per class) | | 8 week course | $550.00 USD ($70.68 per class) | | 12 week course | $820.00 USD ($70.25 per class) | | 18 week course | $1,175.00 USD ($67.10 per class) | | 24 week course | $1,500.00 USD ($64.25 per class) | **To Register**, call (310) 927-2436 or online ([https://app.enrollsy.com/enroll/kline-academy-of-fine-art?lId=cjyj9d4s50jmt0128ovx9cmsv&pId=clscnna91ocrr0822tddkc1dj](https://app.enrollsy.com/enroll/kline-academy-of-fine-art?lId=cjyj9d4s50jmt0128ovx9cmsv&pId=clscnna91ocrr0822tddkc1dj)) Learn the basics of oil painting through step by step projects. We use non-toxic materials, help you to develop your painting skills in color, light and form that will leave you ready to paint your own masterpiece. All ages & levels welcome. **You must bring your own materials.** Get the supply list here ([https://www.klineacademy.com/supply-lists](https://www.klineacademy.com/supply-lists)) **KLINE ACADEMY of FINE ART** **3264 Motor Ave, LA 90034 (near National)** **[www.klineacademy.com](https://www.klineacademy.com/)** **Contact Information:** Artist@Klineacademy.com Staff@Klineacademy.com Office Phone: (310) 837-7194

LAST time to dine at Joss Cuisine!

Sun, Sep 27, 1:00 AM

From Fans of Top Chefs

From " ¡ ᗯᗩᑎTEᗪ TO ᗪO TᕼᗩT . . . ᒍᑌᔕT ᑎOT ᗩᒪOᑎE ! ! ! ℠ "

Sad to hear that Joss cuisine is closing...we are going back to one of my (and many members) favorite Chinese restaurant for the last time!! Joss Cuisine draws on the traditional Chinese recipes, many with herbal elixir ingredients valued for hundreds of years, and present them to the smart sensible diners of today. Owner plans to retire so let's gather together at this wonderful venue this month, during Mid Autumn Moon Festival! Special menu only, since Joss does not keep produce supplies anymore.

12 attendees

Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration @ Huntington Library (San Marino)

Sun, Sep 27, 1:00 AM

From Nature Walks with Nature Nexus Institute

Join me for a beautiful evening at **The Huntington's spectacular Chinese Garden (Liu Fang Yuan)** as we celebrate the **Mid-Autumn Moon Festival**, one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese culture! 🌕🏮 We'll **meet at 6 PM** before heading into the special evening celebration at 6:30 PM. 🌕 What is the Mid-Autumn Festival? The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is traditionally celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. The festival has a long history dating back more than 2,000 years and is centered around themes of family reunion, togetherness, gratitude, and wishing for happiness and prosperity. One of the most beloved traditions is sharing mooncakes, a round pastry symbolizing completeness and family unity. Families traditionally gather together, admire the full moon, enjoy food and tea, and spend time with loved ones. 🏮 What makes this event special? The Huntington transforms its stunning Chinese Garden into a magical nighttime setting for the celebration. We'll have the opportunity to stroll through the moonlit garden, enjoy the beautiful scenery and atmosphere, and experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in a unique cultural setting. The combination of Chinese architecture, ponds, gardens, lanterns, the evening moon, and the festival atmosphere makes this a particularly beautiful experience—and a great opportunity for photos! 📸🌕 This should be a fun and relaxed evening whether you're familiar with Chinese culture or experiencing the Moon Festival for the first time. 🎟️ Tickets **Everyone is responsible for purchasing their own ticket.** Tickets are expected to be released by The Huntington in early September and may be limited, so please keep an eye on the official event page. Once tickets become available, we'll update the Meetup event with the ticket information. Please do not wait until the last minute if you want to attend. 📍 **Meeting Location** The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108 We'll meet at 6 PM and enter together for the 6:30 PM event. Come join me for a unique cultural experience, beautiful gardens, moonlight, lanterns, and a little taste of one of the most celebrated traditions of East Asia! 🌕🏮🥮 Hope to see you there!

17 attendees

Been coming for decades, especially for their famous crab,

6 attendees

Ballona Wetlands - family-friendly walk

Sun, Sep 13, 4:00 PM

From " Ⓒulture, Ⓒuisine, Ⓒocktails, Ⓒoffee & Ⓒonvos = Ⓒommunity "

FREE: The Grammy Museum . . . for Smithsonian Day. (other museums too!!!!)

Thu, Sep 17, 6:01 PM

4.6

167 attendees

CARSON JAZZ FESTIVAL🎼🎵🍷🥰 OCT 3RD 11AM-6PM - FREE!!! A FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT

Sat, Oct 3, 6:00 PM

From EmpowerThem Collective - 50+ Men & Women - New in Town?🥰

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