It's no April Fools Joke, 1st Fridays is on April 1!

Runway Show and Sale at Bohemian Exchange

Celebrate First Friday and April Fool’s Day at BOHEMIAN EXCHANGE! They are throwing a fun and funky, very Venice Celebration and Runway Fashion Show featuring Crow’s Cloth, a local designer that is super inventive and fun! Crows Cloth’s great designs are beautiful, edgy, and super comfortable too! There are have two shows, one at 7:30 or 8pm and the other 9:30 or 10pm, so everyone gets to enjoy. These designs are perfect for Summer, the Beach and Cochella, Lightning in a Bottle, Burning Man….and, of course, for everyday life here in Venice and beyond. Light Refreshments served. 1358 Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Gather in the Back Garden at Zingara with Henna Body Art!

 As you enter Zingara through the red awning and walk into the store, you will find beautiful fair trade fashion clothing and accessories for women and babies. Continue on to the back patio for a family friendly affair, featuring s'mores, snacks, refreshments and Henna Body Art, courtesy of Erynne from Beauty Marks! Get there early, as there will be a line! 1507 Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Sample Sale March 31 and April 1 During the Day

Three Australian fashion labels, WISH, Seafolly, and for the first time ever, Urban Originals handbags will be holding  sample sales  Thursday (3/31), and Friday (4/1) in Zing's Venice Beach showroom!  
Seafolly,a stunning Australian swim collection, just featured in Sports Illustrated’s swim issue, has gorgeous suits to get you ready for summer!  The 2010 collection  includes beautiful one-pieces and flirty bikinis in a plethora of colors and styles.  WISH, an Australian fashion label that features cocktail dresses to casual daywear and more will feature samples. WISH is quickly becoming a celebrity and stylist favorite, and is sold in specialty boutiques throughout the US.  Lastly, Urban Originals will be making its sample sale debut with beautiful handbags, wallets, and overnight carriers perfect for any and every occasion. Thursday: 10-5pm, Friday: 11-4pm. 1021 1/2 Abbot Kinney Boulevard (Enter thru the gate off Broadway, behind Joe's Restaurant)

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There are more shops along the Boulevard that participate  in First Friday from 6-10pm; note some start and end earlier). See our previous postings for other places to check out.

There are still food trucks in The Brig parking lot (closer to Venice Blvd.) plus restaurants that are casual, quick and reasonably priced, such as Lemonade, Casa Linda and Abbot's Pizza.

Free Music at Danny's, Wednesday March 23

Free Blues & Jazz with Kathy Leonardo and Vinnie Caggiano at Danny's Venice Beach Bistro and Bar on Wednesday, March 23rd at 7:00 pm till 10:00 pm. 23 Windward Ave., between Pacific Ave and Venice Beach 90291, 310-566-5610.

Blues Dynamo, Kathy Leonardo will perform her original “strong woman blues” as well as some standards with Vinnie Caggiano, who will also play several solo sets. Take advantage of the extended happy hour till 8:00 pm for this show only! Admission is FREE! Special musical guests! 
www.kathyleonardo.com 
More info on www.ktrpromo.com.

Venice Art Crawl, Thursday March 17, 6-10pm

The Art Crawl is on St. Patricks Day! 

Green Beer Goes well with seeing ART of many colors!

 The art featured to the left is by artist Grant Buckerfield. See more art like this with a bold graphic appeal at Figtree Cafe on the Boardwalk.  They will feature art, music and drink specials. Plus Complimentary Appetizers!... Figtree has an indoor space plus outdoor covered patio. It's at 429 Ocean Front Walk, 2 blocks South of Rose Ave.

Check out the Cadillac Hotel on Dudley Ave. just one block north of Figtree and 1 block South of Rose. They have some good art going on there too.

 If you're in that direction, you should also check out Whole Foods as they participate in Art Crawl too. There's always something exciting going on there.  It's located at Rose and Lincoln and has FREE parking- cool.

I plan on checking these places out.

Grant will also show his art at Hotel Erwin (Pacific/Windward) in this group show. Can someone say over-achiever? The majority of Art Crawl happenings are between Venice blvd. and Westminster along and on the Boardwalk from 6-10pm.

Art Gallery Openings in Venice, Community Events in Venice this Weekend!

Art Openings on Abbot Kinney in Venice, Friday Night, March 11

Gebert Gallery: 7-9pm contemporary  art by Michelle Stuhl & Howard Werner. next to Hal's Bar & Grill (best martinis in Venice!) 1345 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Cave Gallery: 7-10pm group art show with contemporary artists, gets a later crowd here... near Westminster at 1108 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Happy Hour at Figtree in Venice, Friday Night, March 11

Get happy at Figtree Cafe on the Venice Boardwalk, just 2 blocks south of Rose Ave on the nice outdoor patio cafe or indoors... Check this out: Sangria $4 (this rocks!) Wine $4 and Beer $3... 3pm til close! Need I say more? Yes, you can buy me a drink  (preferably sangria) for giving this tip! Also, Breakfast 50% 8-9am 7 days a week except major holidays. Great food! 429 Ocean Front Walk

Venice Library Book Sale, Saturday, March 12, 9am-2pm
This is a great opportunity to get books, cd's, dvd's and even vhs at an economical price and support the library, which does so much to support our community! 501 S. Venice Blvd. (in the median) at Via Venice. Free Parking or walk on over and save your gas money!

Whole Foods Venice, Saturday, March 12, 11:30am-1:30pm
Check out Chef Gabbi Patrick's Cooking Debut at this free event! Join Chef Gabbi & learn to make delicious Mexican Scampi & Ceviche! Please RSVP to kelly.layne@wholefoods.com 225 Lincoln Blvd.at Rose Ave.