CALÓ Cultura: If it's free, it's for me

With so many cultural happenings going on over the past few weeks, if you’re like me your wallet is most likely taking a bit of a hit. And since it’s the end of the month (and only halfway through Latino/Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month) you're really feeling it now. Bargain hunters, rejoice! In this edition of CALÓ Cultura, we share a bevy of events that come at just the right price … gratis. From literature to street fairs to salsa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at a price that won’t break the bank. Of course, you may want to go through your sofa, drawers or laundry hampers looking for some loose change because, more than likely, there will be something you’ll want to purchase from the local food and craft vendors. ¡Nos vemos!

The Los Angeles Libros Festival taking place at the Central Library in downtown L.A. on Saturday, September 28 from 10 am to 4 pm features a full day of entertainment, including Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, musical performances, authors, workshops, books and community. Presented by the L.A. Public Library, LA Librería and Reforma, the fest will be emceed by Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano. The line-up includes bestselling National Book Award-winning author Elizabeth Acevedo; Pedro Martín, winner of the Newbery Honor Award and the Pura Belpré Award; Susie Jaramillo from Emmy-nominated preschool brand Canticos; and award-winning authors include Jesús Trejo. Activities also include art workshops with Self Help Graphics, LACMA and MOLAA. Click here for more info.

Get ready to groove and celebrate at La Vida Latina Fest on Saturday, September 28 from 10 am to 3 pm., presented by Creative Communal at Runway in Playa Vista. Dive into a vibrant celebration with Latin beats that'll have you dancing all day, amazing entertainment, and a chance to support your local Latino community. Featuring Ballet Folklorico with Mariachi Garibaldi, Latin DJ beats, local makers, food and drink vendors and more. Click here for more info.

The Watts Towers Arts Center Campus presents a multicultural two-day entertainment extravaganza featuring jazz, drum-based music, poetry and dance from around the world: the Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival on Saturday, September 28 and the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival on Sunday, September 29, with both running from 10 am to 6 pm. The Day of the Drum Festival features drum-based music, poetry and dance from around the world with performances by Danza Azteca Xochipilli, the African Peruvian Experience and IGABA , a journey through Brazil and the diaspora. Sunday’s Watts Towers Jazz Festival on Sunday features Alaadun, the Yoruba blessing, and Munyungo’s Jungle Jazz, jungle groove music. Both Festivals feature children’s workshops, universal drum circle, craft stalls, vendors and a food court. Both festivals take place at the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus, 1727 E. 107th Street, Los Angeles 90002. Click here for more info.

Pasadena City College (PCC) kicks off its centennial celebration year with a 100th Community Birthday Party on Saturday, September 28 from 11 am to 3 pm. The event features a slate of musical guests headlined by three-time Grammy-winning salsa/funk/hip-hop band OZOMATLI, including vocalist and PCC alumnus Raul Pacheco. The free event includes food trucks from Kogi BBQ, Fat Boys, Dina’s Dumplings and La Michoacana along with kid-friendly backyard games, including a custom-built piñata along with and demonstrations and information from PCC academic departments and offices. Click here for more info.

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to feel the beat at Metro Art Presents: Salsa Night at Union Station. On Saturday, September 28 from 7 to 10 pm, enjoy a live performance by the dynamic band La Verdad, led by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gabriel Gonzalez. The band will perform a vibrant mix of original and traditional salsa, cha-cha, boogaloo, funk, cumbia and Latin soul, with DJ Tosstones spinning tunes between sets. Start the evening off with dance lessons led by instructors Laroye Aña and Jhesus Aponte. Click here for more info.

La Feria de Los Moles celebrates its seventeenth anniversary of culture and tradition with the best of Mexican gastronomy and succulent varieties of mole at Gloria Molina Grand Park on Saturday, September 28 from 3 to 7 pm and Sunday, September 29 from 10 am to 6 pm. Both days will feature traditional mole vendors from SoCal & Mexico, mole ice cream, traditional food and beverages, art and crafts vendors, Chinelo dancers from Morelos, and Voladores de Papantla, demonstrating the ‘flying men’ tradition. As special guest on this edition is the popular dish of Chiles en Nogada prepared by a traditional chef from Puebla.  In addition, a giant mole ‘ofrenda’ will be presented to celebrate the Día de los Muertos. Click here for more info.

To mark Latinx Heritage Month, Chicanx authors Carribean Fragoza, Estella González, and Daniel Olivas will be in conversation about their latest books at the Plática: Chicanx Book Talk on Sunday, September 29 from 2 to 4 pm. Their latest work touches on various literary traditions, from the gothic to the working-class chingonx. Moderated by Dr. Armando García, assistant professor at UC Riverside, the discussion will address their writing journeys and their literary, family and community influences. After the reading/discussion, there will be an audience Q&A. It will take place at LA Cocina de Gloria Molina, 555 North Spring Street, Los Angeles 90012. Click here for more info.

Join Mujeres de Maiz Book Club for their Mujeres de Maiz Culmination Celebration and Book Signing on Sunday, September 29 from 7 to 9 pm at El Mercado Collective to discuss their latest book. “Mujeres de Maíz en Movimiento: Spiritual Artivism, Healing Justice and Feminist Praxis,” features 40 essays, testimonios, and poems as well as 20 works of art in color by artivists, authors, and academics spanning a variety of topics. Whether you're a bookworm or just looking for a fun way to connect with other mujeres, this club is for you! Bring your thoughts, and questions. Let's dive into the world of literature together! All who register receive 10% off their entire purchase at The Monarca Collective. Click here for more info.