Summer Fun in Downtown Arcadia

Patriotic Festival 2019 fireworks show. – Courtesy photo / Scott Gutentag Photography

By The Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association

Happy summer from the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association! Now that evening temperatures are rising, it’s time to get out and enjoy the many great activities, events, and experiences happening this summer in Downtown Arcadia.

For those who missed it, on June 29 the 5th annual Patriotic Festival was held on First Avenue. It was a Downtown Arcadia Independence Day celebration like no other in recent memory. The festival brought together local restaurants, businesses, community groups, entertainment, shopping, music and more. Over 4 hours, an estimated 7,500-10,000 people attended making this the largest recent event in Downtown Arcadia. The festival then culminated with a grand finale fireworks show at First Avenue Middle School. Thanks to all attendees for coming out and celebrating America’s independence. A special thanks as well to all the fabulous volunteers and staff who helped make this year’s event such a great success.

Arcadia Mayor April Verlato and event volunteers do their best Abbey Road impression for the 2019 Downtown Arcadia Patriotic Festival. – Courtesy photo / DAIA

For upcoming summer nightlife and events, check out the Arcadia Blues Club on Huntington Drive for live music every Friday and Saturday night. The restaurant and bar are open 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. with live music from 8 p.m. to close. Matt Denny’s Ale House Restaurant is another great option for live summer music on Friday and Saturday nights on their outdoor patio. Mt. Lowe Brewing Company hosts a rotating selection of evening food trucks and live music throughout the summer, a Wednesday trivia night, Beer & Bingo Sundays, and other fun events. Or stop by Vendome Wine & Spirits for on-tap draft beer, wine, spirits and a huge retail selection to choose from, and weekly tasting events as well.

Looking for no frills nightlife options? First Cabin on Huntington Drive is unapologetically one of L.A.’s finest dive bars and open daily until 2 a.m. with live music on weekends. Miss Molly’s Drinkers Hall of Fame is also open daily until 2 a.m. with karaoke, billiards, a full bar and strong drinks. If you like cigars, Robusto Cigars on First Avenue is another spot to check out this summer. Open Monday through Saturday until 9 p.m., stop in to purchase premium cigars and relax in their state of the art ventilated smoking room. Or if video gaming and esports is your thing, check out Level Gaming at 31 S. First Ave. for a modern, high-end gaming LAN center open daily from noon to 1 a.m.

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Looking for late night eats? The popular Boiling Point restaurant on First Avenue is open daily until 11 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights, check out Hot N Sweet Chicken on Huntington Drive which is open until midnight and serves up Korean inspired American classics along with a selection of beer, wine, and soju drinks. For fine dining and skillfully crafted libations, The Derby restaurant and George Woolf cocktail lounge is a Downtown Arcadia classic. They’re open weeknights until 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturdays until 11 p.m. Downtown Arcadia’s newest restaurant, Shabu Lin at 101 S. First Ave. is open until 10 p.m. daily and serves up all you can eat Korean shabu shabu cuisine. Other great summer food and beverage options in the area include Claro’s Deli, Chengdu Impression, Trendy Thai 2-Go, Outback Steakhouse, Bean Sprouts restaurant, Hyper Coffee, and Denny’s diner located in the famous Van de Kamp’s windmill.

From all of us at the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association, we wish you a great summer of exciting events, fun, great food and drinks, and more. For more information about Downtown Arcadia, contact Donna Choi, DAIA executive director at Donna@DowntownArcadia.org.

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