the BEAT of the week: LA Street Food Fest.

It's back! Just as its website says, this is the first and the original of the numerous amounts of street food fests that now populate L.A.'s calendars. And the LA Street Food Fest isn't slacking on its game. This year, the truck lineup includes: Border Grill, Nonna's Kitchenette, Gravy Train Poutinerie, Waffles de Liege, Kogi BBQ, Frysmith and more. Restaurants like Haven Gastropub, Short Order, Lazy Ox Canteen, Starry Kitchen and Playa are even getting into the action. And of course, for dessert -- look out for Longboards Ice Cream, Mother Moo Creamery, Short Cake, Coolhaus, Beachy Cream and other icy delights. There'll also be Singha beer and wine and tequila tastings on site as well.

Suffice it to say, the LA Street Food Fest knows what it's doing. It's all taking place this weekend at the Rose Bowl, so get your all-inclusive tickets for $45 here. (or go VIP for just $65) Check out all the detail here, and happy eating!

LA Street Food Fest takes place this Saturday, July 21st from 5pm-9pm at the Rose Bowl, located at 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. in Pasadena.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. LA Street Food Fest.

L.A.'s food truck boom seems to have calmed down a bit now, but all that really means is that the best have stuck around. And many will surely be showing up for the grand L.A. food event: this year's LA Street Food Fest.

It's only the second year for this big foodie extravaganza, but last year's fest was an astounding success, so be prepared for a huge step up. The participants haven't even been announced yet, but they're already boasting more than 80 different street food vendors among celebrity chefs and L.A.'s own best restaurants. And what will be special this year are the different sessions, limited to 1,500 attendees each, so there won't be overcrowding, and participants will be able to enjoy their food and experience on a much more comfortable level. Two of the sessions are family-friendly, while the night one is 21+ only. But no matter what session you attend, the $60 price is all-inclusive, which means, yes: food, beers, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, parking, music -- everything you'll need for the event. So all you've got to do is show and eat! Hooray!

Considering its popularity last year, and the limitations set for this year, tickets are sure to sell out fast. Pick your session now and get ready to grub.

The LA Street Food Fest is taking place July 16 at Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl, located at 360 N. Arroyo Blvd. in Pasadena.

-- Chau Tu

The monthly BEAT: Pasadena. Rose Bowl Flea Market.

Starting this weekend, the BEAT will focus on a specific area around Los Angeles for end-of-week posts through the month.

We're starting the series with Pasadena for May, and recommending the Rose Bowl Flea Market as a Sunday morning activity tomorrow. Bring your mother, or pick up a last-minute one-of-a-kind thoughtful gift for her there (tomorrow is Mother's Day!).

Tips:

Start your morning with great coffee

Arrive early (before 8:oo a.m.) General admission begins at 9:00, but for just $2 more ($10 vs. $8), there is express admission from 8:00 a.m. till 9:00 a.m.--well worth it when 15,000 to 20,000 people are involved.

Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes

Bring cash (not only for the $10 express admission, but for the goods!)

Be selective (so you don't end up with a house full of junk)

Have fun!

Sunday May 8 from 5:30 a.m. (special preview VIP admission for $20) till 4:30 p.m.

Info: www.rgcshows.com/RoseBowl

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: craftstylish.com

Advance Notice. L.A. Street Food Fest.

A sure-to-be-streamlined L.A. street food fest/extravaganza is in the works to take place on the evening of Saturday July 24 at the Rose Bowl. Participants will include favorites of the Los Angeles streets like Louks, the Border Grill Truck, The Grilled Cheese Truck, and many more (Coolhaus and other dessert trucks too). Rather than in the actual trucks, vendors will be in booths, for better ease of serving and less time waiting in lines.

The ticket price is all-inclusive, so once you're in, all you have to think about is which food you'd like to eat--not bad. Also included are drinks. There will be mixologists on-site, as well as tequila tastings. Picnic areas, live music, and of course plenty of food. A (hopefully) warm summer night in Pasadena, Calif. Sounds perfect.

Tickets are only available online, there won't be tickets at the door, so order soon if you want to go, or they may sell out. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to charities.

5:30 p.m. July 24; 4:00 p.m. early entrance with VIP ticket.

Tickets $45 general admission, $65 VIP available online only. More info: lastreetfoodfest.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: lastreetfoodfest.com

Advance Notice. OC Mud Run.

For those a bit reluctant to race, climb, and run through mud this may be best as a spectator's sport. In a test of strength, balance, and I'd say tolerance, contestants are asked to run through a series of obstacles on either a 5K or 10K course April 24 as part of the Eco Mud Run Tour.

Spots are still open for those wishing to take part in the run, but for those who just wish to watch thousands of grown ups racing through mud the event will be held at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.

There will also be tons of earth-friendly merch at the Mud Run expo.

If OC is too far, another run is scheduled for Aug. 21 in LA at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.

The OC Mud Run will be held at between 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.

-- Lauren Williams