The GUIDE's Guide to FESTIVALS this Weekend

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Brace yourself. It's rather astonishing.
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First, not a festival, but festive:
ALL WEEKEND, the L.A. County Fair, the nation's largest, completes its 2012 run, and closes Sunday. If you go, be sure to read the Guide's Guide to the Fair in the opening section of our "Spotlight Events" edition of Sep 14.
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ALL WEEKEND, the annual "LOS ANGELES IRISH FILM FESTIVAL" (Wed+Sun, Sep 26-30) includes screenings, Irish music and entertainment, and special events. Info, www.lairishfilm.com.
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ALL WEEKEND, the annual "ST. BRIDGET SCHOOL - FALL FESTIVAL" (Sep 28-30) is at St. Bridget of Sweden School, 7120 Whitakel Av, Van Nuys; 818-785-4422. Family oriented, live music, carnival rides, games, raffle prizes, food. Runs Fri 6-11 pm, Sat & Sun 4-11 pm. Free.
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SATURDAY, it's the 27th annual "ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL "the (Sep 29, 11 am-9 pm) in Venice, with live music and dance, over 300 vendors, kids activities, rides, and art. This event pays homage to the roots of jazz in blues and gospel. Info, www.abbotkinney.org.
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ALL WEEKEND, the 20th annual "ST. AMBROSE FEIS" Irish celebration happens all day, both days (Sep 29-30) with a Saturday evening benefit show of Irish music and dance at the Burbank Airport Marriot. Details at www.clearyirishdance.com.
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SATURDAY, the "RESEDA CENTENNIAL ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL" (Sep 29, 10 am-10 pm) has lots of live music, including MURPHY'S FLAW with bluegrass at 12:55 pm, and SLIGO RAGS with Celtic music at 1:35 pm, both on the main stage. ORCHESTRA CHARANGOA plays at 6:05 pm. Schedule and info, www.reseda100.com.
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ALL WEEKEND, the "PIRATE INVASION" (Sep 29-30, 10 am-5 pm) brings live music, belly and fire dancers, a Parade of Pirates, sword fights, and a treasure hunt, at Marina Green Park in Long Beach. Info, www.alfredosbeachclub.com.
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ALL WEEKEND, the 57th annual "POLISH FESTIVAL L.A." (Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm) brings lots of Polish edible delicacies, traditional Polish folk music and dance, and contemporary Polish music and artists. These include VIOLA BRZEZINSKA (Sat evening) and one we know and appreciate, beautiful singer EWA ANGELI with her band (Sun at 3:30 pm). It's at Our Lady of the Bright Mount Church, 3424 W Adams Bl, L.A. 90018. Info, www.polishfestla.com.
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ALL WEEKEND, the 75th annual "HARVEST FESTIVAL" (Sep 28-30) is in Arroyo Grande. Saturday includes performances by HISTORY OF PAINTERS, a young acoustic band who was mighty impressive at this year's LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL. They play twice, 11:30 am -noon, and 1-1:45 pm. Also performing are DAVID CORREA & CASCADA (Latin guitar and world fusion), and an Abraham Lincoln re-enactor. There's a pie-eating contest, antique engines display, a spelling bee, and two parades. Schedule www.agharvestfestival.com.
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ALL WEEKEND, the 11th annual "BAJA SPLASH CULTURAL FESTIVAL" (Sep 29-30, 9 am-5 pm) is at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach; www.aquariumofpacific.org. It celebrates "Latino Heritage Month" with ancient Aztec dance and folk dances from Mexico and Central America. Tix, $24.95 adults, $13.95 children ages 3-11, free for children under age 3 and for Aquarium members.
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SATURDAY, the 131st annual "WATTS TOWERS DAY OF THE DRUM FESTIVAL" (Sep 29, 11 am-6 pm) is a day-long celebration at the Watts Towers Campus, 1727 E 107th St, Watts; 213-847-4646. How many things in L.A. have been happening for a hundred and thirty-one years? Wow! Free event.
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SUNDAY, the 10th annual "RODS, RIDES, & RELICS CLASSIC CAR SHOW" (Sep 30, 10 am-3 pm)in includes live music on Redondo Beach Pier. Info, www.redondopier.com/events/page/5/.
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SUNDAY, the "LEIMART PARK ART WALK" (Sep 30, noon-8 pm)in includes free concerts and free movies. Info, www.leimartparkbeat.com/events/leimart-park-art-walk-last-1.
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MORE coming soon. The most recent long-range edition of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide's "Spotlight Events" section was published September 14 and is available below or in the sidebar at left, depending on where you are reading this.
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