Ten Things DB Residents Should Do this Summer

To quote a well-known song, if you’re a Disney Channel fan that is, there’s 104 days of summer vacation. And school comes along just to end it.

So let’s make the best of it!

Here’s a list of 10 free or affordable activities and or places to visit before the end of July that might keep you busy until, ahem, school comes along. Each are no more than a 15 minute drive. One leaves the driving to someone else. You’ll see what we mean as you read on. They're numbered but not listed in any particular order.

1. Catch a movie outside. And we don’t mean at the drive-in. Diamond Bar hosts Movies in the Park at Sycamore Canyon Park on Wednesdays starting at 6:30 p.m. The series runs July 11-Aug. 22. The festivities begin with concert followed by a family-friendly movie at dusk. Grills are not permitted, but picnicking is allowed and concessions are available for purchase from community nonprofits. Blankets or chairs are encouraged for lawn-seating. The park is at 22930 Golden Springs Drive.
2. If you enjoy fresh produce, Jack Newe’s Farmers Market might be for you. Sponsored by the Regional Chamber of Commerce, San Gabriel Valley, it features seasonal organic produce, cakes, olive oils, cheeses, fresh-popped kettle corn, grilled food and more. The market runs year-round, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mt. San Antonio College Campus, Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Avenue in Walnut. For information, call (909) 869-0701.
3. For the young skateboarders, or the young at heart who aren’t afraid of bruising, Diamond Bar is one of the few cities that offer a park for skaters. Skate Park is 10,000 square foot facility Peterson Park, 24142 E. Sylvan Glen Road. The park is open every day from 7 a.m. to dusk. Diamond Bar is a member of the Southern California Skate Park Coalition. All users are required to wear the appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads.
4. If you’re looking to take part in an adventure, the city offers a few every year. On July 20, the city is organizing a trip to Laguna Beach’s Pageant of the Masters. The event features live performers posing motionless in life-sized portrayals of famous artworks. The event is held in an outdoor amphitheater, professional orchestra, original score, live narration, intricate sets and sophisticated lighting makes up the displays. The trip is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. This year’s theme is “The Genius.” Bring your binoculars to get a close up view. Excursion includes roundtrip transportation, admission to the show and a snack. You get all of it for $56. For information, call (909) 839-7070. Excursions fill up quickly, city officials said.
5. The Brea Mall is offering children a summer activity that might encourage them to learn about cooking. On July 14, the mall will host Simon Kidgits Club, Super Duper Mini Chefs. The event is a free culinary program that lets youngsters try hands-on cooking. Children will also get to demo the new iCarly Groovy Foodie! game. Participants are also asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a local hunger relief organization. Kidgits Club Members will receive a free Kidgits plate - while supplies last.
6. Here’s something for the ladies. Nordstrom and the Brea Mall is hosting an Anniversary Beauty Bash from 7 – 9 a.m. on July 20. The event takes place before the store opens. Beauty experts will give away free beauty goodies to the first 300 guests. Samples items will come from Balenciaga Paris, BareMinerals, Clarins, Clinique, Kate Somerville, L’Occitane, Philosophy and Xen-Tan. Coffee and treats will be available. Enter through the East Mall EBAR Entrance, Level One. For more information, call (714) 529-0123.
7. Fridays can be musical for the family. Starting July 13, the Shoppes at Chino Hills will host their free Tribute Band Concert Series. Performances are from 6 to 8 p.m. The series kicks off with a Bob Seger tribute Performed by "Turn the Page." On July 20 there will be a Journey tribute performed by "Lights." And on July 27 "Desperado" will perform an Eagles Tribute.
8. The Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens invites you to see the California coast and Mojave Desert in an hour. The gardens offer tram tours. And they’ve launched a new one that explores the northern 55 acres and highlights the beauty and diversity of the California Floristic Province. The tour is held from 10 – 11 a.m. Tickets are $5 and are available the day of the tour. Guests must also pay admission to the gardens. Garden members are free, for $8 adults, $6 Seniors (65 and over), $6 for students with a valid identification, $4 for children aged 3-12 and children under 3. For more information check the Botanic Gardens website.
9. Three words: Food Truck Thursdays. Every Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. popular food trucks roll in to the lower admin parking lot next to the NHRA Museum. People can eat there or grab a bite to take home. Parking and admission are free. The parking lot is on McKinley Avenue, Gate 1.
10. Beat Lofts in Pomona will celebrate their third anniversary with a big event that will include packing a lot of art into an event. The art show at the loft is from 4 to 9 p.m. at 262 W. 2nd St. Unit 4, in Pomona. It will feature the live music of Meta. An after party is planned on the rooftop of the Fox Theater. There is a $5 cover charge. Organizers say they have teamed up with Rufnek Entertainement and have scheduled 9DJs spinning in two areas. AWOL ONE of The ShapeShifters has also been booked to perform. Every paid admission you will receive a free raffle ticket.