📚 Book Fair, Video Game Club, and a Free Market

Welcome to your weekly San Fernando Valley update: September 11–September 17, 2025.

In this week’s NoHo Nick:

• 📚️ “Scholastic” book fair for adults

• 🛍️ Free local market

• 🏃 5k charity run

• 🎞️ Film festival

We’ve got a condiment problem.

It’s systemic.

When I order fries at a restaurant, they don’t bring enough ketchup.

When I order garlic knots? There’s not enough marinara sauce.

And don’t get me started on the pita bread to hummus ratio.

If I ever run for mayor, I’m banning these cups.

Bring the bottle or tub to the table.

🩸 Community Blood Drive (North Hollywood): Community blood drive hosted by Stuart Rogers' Acting Studios.

All donors receive a $10 In-N-Out or Amazon gift card from Cedars-Sinai.

This blood drive honors the memory of Johnny Wactor, a local actor and artist who was killed last year during a catalytic converter theft.

RSVP encouraged. Walk-ups welcome.

Saturday, September 13, from 9 AM to 3 PM at Stuart Rogers' Studios.

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Here’s what’s happening:

🥞 The “Original Pantry Cafe” Returns. After a surprise shutdown earlier this year, the century-old DTLA diner is reopening this Thursday with its longtime staff. First opened in 1924, the Pantry built a loyal following with its no-frills breakfasts and late-night plates. The workers’ union struck a deal with the new owner. (LAist)

🚢 Cargo Containers Spill in Long Beach. 67 containers fell into the harbor waters this week. It slowed operations at the port. No injuries or pollution initially reported. (NBC4)

🇯🇵 Japanese Neighbors Fight Gentrification. Little Tokyo locals are fighting gentrification by buying commercial properties and subsidizing rent for ramen shops and cultural shops. They’re seeking investors.

These are my favorite upcoming events:

Ongoing

🧘 Tai Chi Mondays (Woodland Hills): Gentle Yang-style movements in the park every Monday morning. Beginner-friendly group. All ages, skill levels, and physical abilities are encouraged. Donation-based. Every Monday from 10 AM to 11 AM at Warner Center Park.

🧘 Beer + Yoga (North Hollywood): Flow through all-levels yoga sessions in the loft at Brews Brothers Brewery. Unwind with beer and food. Monthly wellness meetup with mindful movement at a brewery. $15. 2nd Wednesdays of each month at 6:45 PM.

🎶 September Live Music (Studio City): The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge hosts outdoor live music every Saturday this month. Unwind with local performances while you shop and dine in the open-air center. Free. Saturdays in September, from 5 PM to 7 PM at The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge.

Thursday, September 11

🎵 Local Composer Benefit Concert (Topanga): Support local composers and musicians displaced by the Palisades and Eaton fires. New music from local composers and musicians behind Futurama, The Good Place, Chef's Table, The People Before, and Mission Impossible II. $27. Thursday, September 11, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum.

Friday, September 12

🎬 "Silent" Cinema Night: Mean Girls (Studio City): Watch the iconic teen comedy with headphones. Seating and popcorn provided for this unique "silent" screening that brings all the North Shore High drama and laughs to the Valley. $15. Friday, September 12, at 6:30 PM at The Shops at Sportsmen's Lodge.

Saturday, September 13

📚 Adult Scholastic Book Fair (North Hollywood): Idle Hour and The Last Bookstore team up for a Scholastic Book Fair for Adults with drink specials, door prizes, nostalgic school supplies, and author meet-and-greets. Free. Saturday, September 13, from 1 PM to 5 PM at Idle Hour. 21+ only.

🤝 SFV Really Free Market (Van Nuys): Community sharing event where neighbors give what they can and take what they need. Free meals, clothing, and household items. Connect with mutual aid and build solidarity. Bring shopping bags, clothing hangers, coolers, and ice to help with distribution. Free. Saturday, September 13, from 3 PM to 7 PM at 6262 Van Nuys Blvd.

🎵 Music & Movies Fall Festival (Burbank): Evening of live bands, vendor booths, and community vibes under the Burbank sky. Part of the city's signature “Starlight” outdoor entertainment series. Free. Saturday, September 13, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Johnny Carson Park, 400 Bob Hope Dr. RSVP required.

⚡ SFV Roller Derby (North Hollywood): Cheer on the Sepulveda Hot Damns as they face off against the Balboa Constrictors: speed, strategy, and fierce roller derby. Hear every hit and pivot. Bring your own chairs. $15. Free for kids under 12. Saturday, September 13, doors at 4:30 PM, whistle at 5:30 PM at The Cage, 11455 Magnolia Blvd.

Sunday, September 14

🎤 Free Comedy Show (North Hollywood): Kick back with craft beer and belly laughs. Weekly comedy showcase featuring local stand-ups. Fresh faces and seasoned performers bring their best material. Free. Sunday, September 14, at 6 PM at Lawless Brewing Co.

👟 Van Nuys 5K Run (Sherman Oaks): Lace up for the 3rd annual community 5K at the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Recreation Center. Proceeds benefit Van Nuys youth programs. $35. Sunday, September 14, at 8 AM.

🏐 Volleyball Sundays (North Hollywood): Casual, all-skill-level volleyball games hosted by Burbank Rec Club. Bring water, sunscreen, and athletic wear. Free. Sunday, September 14, from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM at North Hollywood Park.

Happening Soon

☕ Valley Coffee Rave (Sun Valley): Dance, sip, and swap clothes. Bring up to 10 women's or unisex clothing items to trade, enjoy local food vendors, and groove to a live DJ. $2 if you bring clothes to swap, $5 if you don't. Friday, September 20, from 10 AM to 2 PM at 10860 Vinedale.

🌙 Harvest Moon Movie Night (Encino): Screening of Steven Spielberg's beloved E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Face painting, free ice cream, and popcorn. Big outdoor screen. Free. Friday, September 20, from 5:30 PM to 9 PM at Encino Park, 16953 Ventura Blvd. Bring your blankets and low chairs.

🎬 Burbank International Film Festival (Burbank): 17 years of championing independent cinema. Unique films from emerging and established filmmakers. Q&As, panels, mixers, and networking events during the week-long celebration. September 23 to 28, at AMC 16 Burbank.

🎮 Video Game “Book Club” (Sherman Oaks): Join local gamers and play new releases. Meet up to chat about the game with the community. Games are usually multi-platform and under $20. Thursday, September 25, from 7 PM to 9 PM at GeekyGlamorous, 13634 Ventura Blvd.

🦔 Neighborhood Wildlife Program (Encino): Learn to coexist with coyotes, possums, and other critters sharing your backyard—wildlife educator Dana Stangel of Teranga Ranch. Discover what attracts animals to your property and humane alternatives to traps and poisons. Thursday, September 25, from 7 PM to 8:15 PM at Encino Community Center Auditorium.

☕ House Roots Coffee 9th Anniversary (Granada Hills): Celebrate nearly a decade of Valley coffee culture. 800-square-foot neighborhood gem that just finished a major remodel. New merch, a secret bagel project, and prizes. Free. Saturday, September 13, at House Roots Coffee, 16155 San Fernando Mission Blvd.

🎤 R&B Sing-A-Long Brunch (Westlake Village): Belt out your favorite R&B classics. Brunch with friends at a four-hour musical celebration. An interactive experience of food and ‘90s hits. $23. Sunday, September 14, from 11 AM to 3 PM at 14 Cannons.

☕ Latte Art Printer (Toluca Lake): Red Maple Café has a machine that prints photos, text, or custom images directly onto your latte. Upload your design or pick a celebrity face for a personalized coffee.

🇺🇸 Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Ceremony (Beverly Hills): Honor the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, at this solemn annual remembrance.

🛍️ Echo Park Block Party (Echo Park): Browse vintage finds and discounted indie brands. Treats from Here! Here! Pizza, Tipsy Tacos, and Charlie’s Sweet Eats. Photobooth, flash tattoos, permanent jewelry, and light drinks. Free. Saturday, September 20, from 1 PM to 6 PM at 1298-1262 Sunset Blvd.

🌵 L.A. Cactus and Succulent Society (Reseda)

Connect with fellow plant enthusiasts.

Guest speakers, workshops, and expert advice on growing desert plants. Plus, plant sales and raffles.

Next meeting: October 2nd.

Free. First Thursday of each month.

Doors at 6:15 PM. Meeting at 7 PM. At ONEgeneration Senior Enrichment Center.

🍳 Cracker Barrel backtracked on its new logo and remodeling plans after backlash.

🏆 FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets are now on sale to Visa cardholders until September 19. Then, tickets will be made public. Starts at $60.

❓️ What is the lowest point in the city of Los Angeles?

Hint: It’s at sea level.

Last week’s question: This British-American comedian lived most of his life in the same Toluca Lake home until he died in 2003. Who is it?

Answer: Bob Hope.

Thank you for reading. See you next week!

PS Have you ever eaten salad with a spoon? My friend swears by it.

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