Welcome to your weekly San Fernando Valley update: June 5–11, 2025.

In this week’s NoHo Nick:

I was leaving Trader Joe’s when I overheard:

“What the **** even is Toluca Lake?

It’s barely three traffic lights. And you can’t even see the lake.

Just make it Burbank.”

What neighborhood makes you feel this way? You can reply to my email. I won’t snitch. 😉

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Here’s what’s happening this week:

🚌 SFV → Hollywood Bowl Park & Ride: A new Park & Ride location has opened at the Sylmar Metrolink Station for Hollywood Bowl events. The shuttle service offers a convenient way for San Fernando Valley residents to attend shows without the hassle of parking. (San Fernando Sun)

🚆 Free Metro Rides This Weekend: Los Angeles Metro will be free throughout the weekend to celebrate the opening of its new LAX station on Friday, June 6. (LAist)

⚽ LAFC Clinches Club World Cup Spot: LAFC defeated Club América 2-1 in a dramatic match, earning them a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. LAFC becomes the third MLS team to qualify for the Cup and is guaranteed at least $9.55M in prize money. The tournament will kick off on June 14. (ESPN)

🥾 Aliso Canyon Hike (Granada Hills): Join a guided 4-mile hike through Aliso Canyon Park. This hike is ideal for semi-experienced hikers and walkers. Dogs welcome.

Expect hill climbs, scenic views, and water/snack breaks provided. Free. Sunday, June 8, from 9 AM to 11 AM.

These are my favorite events happening this week:

❤️ Speed Dating: Ages 30–44 (North Hollywood): Mingle with other singles at this speed dating night. Your first drink is on the house. This is a fun chance to meet someone new. $40. Thursday, June 5, from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM at Tiki No.

🎧 90s Pride Dance Party (Mission Hills): Rock your Doc Martens and relive the 90s with DJ sets, themed snacks, and nostalgic photo ops while supporting SFV Pride. Expect candy, rainbows, and throwback jams all night long. $20. Saturday, June 7, from 7 PM to 10 PM at Mission Hills Christian Church (LGBTQ+-friendly).

⚽ Morning Fútbol Pickup (11v11) (Sherman Oaks): Bring black or white gear and join this coed pickup soccer game—whole field, 45-minute halves, and rotating subs. No slide tackles or bad vibes. $8. Saturday, June 7, from 6:30 AM to 8 AM.

🐾 Fun Agility Dog Course (Glendale): Agility class for dogs of all breeds and ages. Dogs will navigate obstacles and practice obedience while bonding with their humans. $30. Saturday, June 7 at 3:30 PM near Bette Davis Picnic Area.

🧵 American Indian Arts Festival (Griffith Park): Celebrate Indigenous culture with two days of Native American art, dance, poetry, and interactive workshops. Explore hands-on activities for families like printmaking, spoken word, and Star Wars’ Native American influences. $18. Saturday and Sunday, June 7–8, from 10 AM to 5 PM at the Autry Museum of the West.

🍉 California Watermelon Festival (San Fernando): Celebrate summer with watermelon-inspired dishes, live music, art, carnival rides, and a raffle with 10 chances to win each day. Kids’ activities, a costume contest, photo ops, and more. $18. Saturday and Sunday, June 7–8, from 10 AM to 10 PM.

🚗 Road Kings Car Show (Burbank): The 34th annual classic car show rolls into Johnny Carson Park with hot rods, vendors, food, raffles, and a silent auction. Free. June 8 from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

🎬 Karate Kid Movie Night (San Fernando): Catch the original Karate Kid at San Fernando Brewing Co. with free popcorn and no bar minimum. All ages welcome, and table reservations are available by text. Free. Sunday, June 8, from 4 PM to 7 PM.

😂 Green Tea Comedy Show (North Hollywood): Catch a hilarious lineup of stand-up comics at Lawless Brewing Co. for this free Sunday night show. Free. Sunday, June 8, at 6 PM.

🎢 Universal Studios Hollywood: Buy 1 Day, Get 1 Free (Universal City): Enjoy the thrills of Universal Studios with a special limited-time offer—buy a one-day ticket and get a second day free. $109 per person. Valid until December 17.

🍩 National Donut Day: Celebrated annually, this sweet tradition began in 1938 to honor the “Donut Lassies” who served treats to WWI soldiers. Enjoy free donuts on June 6 at Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’, and local shops!

🥗 Vegan Brunch Social (Burbank): Meet fellow vegans, vegetarians, and veg-curious folks over bowls, burgers, and smoothies at Veggie Grill. This outdoor social aims to build community with chill vibes and good food. Free. Sunday, June 8, from 11 AM to 1 PM.

🍷 Fuil Wines Pop-Up Tasting (Studio City): Sip on curated tasting flights at Vintage Wine + Eats, the new home base for Fuil Wines behind the Studio City Farmer’s Market. Try four local wines. $20. Sunday, June 8 at 1 PM.

🍟 Drive-In Burgers and Fries (Reseda): Daglas is a nostalgic Valley staple with a retro sign and loyal following. Known for mountains of hand-cut fries and classic grilled burgers. Massive portions, pastrami-laced specials, and SoCal charm at budget-friendly prices.

🏳️‍🌈 LA Pride Parade & Pride Village (Hollywood): Celebrate the 55th annual LA Pride Parade on Hollywood Blvd with 110,000+ attendees, a live ABC7/Hulu broadcast, and a massive post-parade street festival featuring music, food trucks, bars, and over 80 vendors. Free. Sunday, June 8, from 11 AM onward.

🍻 Los Angeles Independent Beer Fest (Long Beach): Sample 150+ craft beers poured by 75 independent LA breweries, with live music, food, and lawn games by the waterfront. General admission and VIP tickets are available for a sunny day at Shoreline Aquatic Park. 60 minutes by car. 90 minutes by Metro. From $55. Saturday, June 14, from 1 PM to 5 PM.

🧑‍🎨 Submit your art to be displayed in the Burbank airport. Deadline June 11.

🍔 “The Viral Business of Smashburgers” in Los Angeles. How four local businesses survive and thrive.

🗺 The history of the movie business explained with maps.

🎬 Amazon and MGM Studios openly discussed their use of generative AI in filmmaking at this year's AI on the Lot conference—panels covered clean model development, copyright-safe workflows, and AI’s role in cost-cutting.

❓How many active airports are in LA County?

Hint: It’s more than just LAX and BUR.

Last week’s question: What is the highest point in the city of Los Angeles?

Answer: Mount Lukens is 5,075 feet tall, the highest point within LA city limits.

Thanks for reading, and see you next week!

PS I love Toluca Lake.

PPS This week, I’m watching The Residence on Netflix, a comedic murder-mystery at the White House.

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