What’s Happening Highlights: July 28-Aug. 8

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Up, Up And Away

If you want to see some beautiful balloons, fly on over to Santa Paula this weekend, as the annual Citrus Classic Balloon Festival takes off again. While in-air flights aren’t open to the public, you can get a sense of flying by going on tethered balloon rides (weather-permitting, of course), or just enjoy the flotilla of colorful balloons. There will also be a car and motorcycle show, a youth rodeo roping demonstration and a blimp air show as well as kids activities (like a youth soccer clinic). Advance tickets cost $7 for adults and $3 for children 5-14, while they cost $10 for adults and $5 for children at the gate.
When: 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. July 30-31
Where: 18249 E. Telegraph Rd., Santa Paula,
Contact: www.citrusclassicballoons.com

Surf’s Up

Hey dude, it’s time to hang ten again as the International Surf Festival rolls into the South Bay this weekend. The aquatic-centric activities being with Friday’s L.A. County Lifeguard Championships and continue with a bodysurfing championship, a volleyball tournament, sand soccer, a pier-to-pier paddleboard championship, youth swims and paddles, a lifeguard dory race and more. Events will be happening along the beaches of Torrance, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, and admission is free for spectators.
When: 7 p.m. Fri. July 30, 6:45 a.m. Sat. July 31, and 7 a.m. Sun. Aug. 1
Where: Various locations, Torrance, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach
Contact: www.surffestival.org

Be Part Of The Art

Friday marks the opening reception for an intriguing art exhibit entitled “A Cloud Unfurled By Its Ribbons.” A trio of artists (Jim Holyoak, Airom Bleicher and Matt Shane) has teamed up to create a unique art piece that includes public participation. While not gearing specifically for kids, the artists are welcoming everyone to help them transform the gallery space. Children, for example, can place their handprints on pieces of paper that the artists can turn into various creatures as part of the installation. So it might make for an interesting creative experience for budding young conceptual artists. Admission is free.
When: 6-9 p.m. Sat., July 31; normal gallery hours: 1-6 p.m. Sun.-Wed., 1-10 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.
Where: Bleicher/Golightly, 1431 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica.
Contact: 310-237-6423, www.bgartdealings.com

What’s Happening Highlights: July 21-25

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Giddy Up At The Autry

Saddle up and mosey on over to the Autry National Center this Saturday for its first ever National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl Festival. Come see some real, live modern day cowboys and check out the ropin’, gunslingin’ and blacksmithin’. Kids can try their hands at leather braiding, gold panning and other Old West amusements. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, BBQ and more Western activities. Museum admission is $9 for adults and $3 for children 3-12.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. July 24
Where: Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A.
Contact: 323-667-2000, www.theautry.org

Racin’ To A Cinema Near You

Racing Dreams is a terrific documentary that the burgeoning career of three tween race car drivers: 11-year-old Annabeth, 12-year-old Josh and 13-year old Brandon. The film follows the ups and downs of their season in the World Karting Association. Viewers get a fascinating look at these talented youths trying to juggle teenhood with a possible race car driver career. The film, executive produced by actor Dwayne Johnson, is directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Marshall Curry. It’s rated PG and some of the material is a little mature for young children. Ticket prices vary.
When: Variable times, July 23 (opening day)
Where: Sunset 5, 8000 Sunset Blvd., L.A.; Laemmle Town Center 5, 17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino; Laemmle’s Pasadena Playhouse 7, 673 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Contact: www.racingdreams.com

Rockin’ In At The Westfield (Topanga)

The Grammy Museum is wrapping up its first ever traveling show this weekend in a rockin’ way. The 1,000 square foot exhibit, Instrument of Art, displaying a selection of little-seen photographs and state-of-the-art interactive electronic instruments from Roland, has been up at the Westfield Topanga Mall since mid-June. On Sat. at 11a.m., it will host a live performance from Rhythm Child, the highly popular local family band.
When: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sat. July 24, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. July 25
Where: Westfield Topanga, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park
Contact: 818-594-8740, www.westfield.com/Topanga/

We Like To Move It, Move It

Ready to get moving? Busy moms can get some help on getting into shape by checking out the Skechers Shape-up America Tour bus, which is pulling into The Grove today for its Let’s Move Mom event. Christina Elston, L.A. Parent’s Managing Editor (and health editor), will be there to provide tips on how to multitask on your daily fitness walk. Good Day L.A. host Jillian Barberie-Reynolds will host the event, and fitness expert Jill Brown will lead the Shape-Ups Stroller Strut.
When: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., Weds. July 21
Where: The Grove Los Angeles, The Grove Drive, L.A
Contact: 323-900-8080, The Grove

What’s Happening Highlights: July 14-18

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Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages….

Yes, the world famous Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey’s Circus is setting up its tents in Southern California again. The Circus will be at the Staples Center from July 14-18, and later it will be at Ontario’s Citizens Business Bank Arena (July 21-25) and Anaheim’s Honda Center (July 28-Aug. 8). This year’s show, entitled “Barnum’s FUNundrum,” will celebrate P.T. Barnum’s 200th anniversary with an entertaining array of acrobatics, animals, clowns and more. Tickets run from $12-$100.
When: various times, Wed. July 14-Sun. July 18
Where: Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., L.A.
Contact: www.ringling.com, www.ticketmaster.com

Sleeping Beauty Awakens The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

The heralded American Ballet Theatre will be performing the classic ballet work, Sleeping Ballet at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion July 15-17. Utilizing Tchaikovsky’s renowned score, the ABT will have a different pair of lead dancers for each of its five performances. But, undoubtedly, beautiful ballet will be experience at each performance. Tickets range from $30-$120.
When: 7:30 Thur.-Fri., July 15-16, 2 p.m and Sat. 7:30 p.m. July 17 and 2 p.m. July 18.
Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Ave., L.A.
Contact: 213-972-7211, www.ticketmaster.com

A Wonderful Weekend of Free Arts

As part of the Target Arts & Wonder Free Family Festival, there will be free events around Southern California at places like LACMA, California African American Museum, Japanese American National Museum, the Museum of Latin American Art. Perhaps the biggest event is the two-day festival taking place at San Pedro’s Peck Park. This free festival features live music (from Afro-Cuban to Zydeco), arts & crafts, food and other multi-cultural entertainment.

When: 2-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun, July 17-18.
Where: Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro.
Contact: www.grandvision.org, www.target.com/arts

What’s Up Doc

One of the most fun times for families at the Hollywood Bowl is its Bugs Bunny At the Symphony show. This year marks the 20th year of Bugs at the Bowl and this all-new show features the orchestra accompanying classic and new Bugs Bunny cartoons along with some ‘toons features his animated pals, Tom & Jerry, the Flintstones and Scooby-Doo. Tickets are $30-$120.
When: 8:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., July 16-17
Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A.
Contact: 323-850-2000, www.hollywoodbowl.com

What’s Happening Highlights: July 7-11

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Those Dashing Dachshunds

Los Alamitos Race Course will be hosting a unique type of dog racing on Saturday. The 15th Annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals pits nearly 100 dachshunds in a race for canine glory. The top dogs from a dozen 50-yard trial sprints will compete against each other in a grand finale. The winning weiner dog will receive $1,000 for its owner, a crystal trophy and a red doghouse as well as a trip to participate in the National Grand Finale in San Diego. Los Alamitos admission is $3 for adults with children 17 and younger getting in free. Proceeds will benefit the Seal Beach Animal Care Center.
When: 4 p.m. (gates open), Sat. July 10
Where: Los Alamitos Race Course, 4961 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos
Contact: 714-820-2800, www.losalamitos.com

Pop Over To LACMA For Pop Art

The L.A. County Museum of Art currently is showcasing the work of one of Southern California’s top Pop artists, John Baldessari. The exhibition, entitled “Pure Beauty,” serves as a marvelous retrospective of his conceptual art pieces from the ’50s to the present. There are a lot of playful, fun qualities to his work that children can relate to. Appropriately, this month’s Andell Family Sundays art programs will be inspired by Baldessari’s artwork. The workshop is free but museum admission is $12 for adults, and children 17 and younger are free.
When: 12:30-3:30 p.m., Sun., July 11, 17 and 25
Where: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A.
Contact: 323-857-6000, www.lacma.org

The Twilight Dance Series Rises Again

Since 1983, the sound of music has been filling the air at Santa Monica Pier every summer. This year’s season begins this Thursday night with a performance of exotic “Congolese Trance Dance-Tronica” by Konono No.1. The series, which runs through Sept. 1, offers music from around the world: India, Italy, England, Australia, New Orleans and right here in Southern California. Rickie Lee Jones (Aug. 5) might be the biggest name, but you don’t need much of a reason to picnic on the beach and listen to the free music.
When: 7 p.m. Thurs., July 8-Sept. 1
Where: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Contact: 310-458-8900, www.santamonicapier.org

You Can Feel the Love Friday Night

Lion King lovers will want to flock to the Grove Friday night for a special free performance from the majestic Disney musical, featuring the show’s cast from Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay, including several of the lead actors (Kissy Simmons, Buyi Zama and Jelani Remy). Los Angeles’ FAME Church Choir will be singing as well. Also, you can create your own Lion King-related mask, out of recycled material at a crafts workshop led by Ann Closs-Farley Designs between 3-7 p.m.
When: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Fri., July 9
Where: The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., L.A.
Contact: 323-900-8080, www.thegrovela.com