For far too long, the Valley’s been painted in an unideal light. Precisely for that reason, it’s important for us to celebrate our hometown and all of the people who hail from it. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better time to do so than 818 Day—which annually falls on Aug. 18. For the record, more of us are being vocal about our love for the 818, so there’s no shortage of events that celebrate us.
Below, find eight of those events.
8 Things To Do in the San Fernando Valley for 818 Day
1. Topanga Social 818 Day Celebration
With its 818 Day festivities, Topanga Social will offer nostalgic activities, including retro arcade games and pieces from the Valley Relics Museum—like the iconic Delorean from Back to the Future.
You can also expect certain food items to be $8.18 at Topanga Social’s top-notch eateries. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., every menu item at Rock & Reilly’s and Margarita Garden will also be $8.18. These celebrations run Friday, Aug. 18-Saturday, Aug. 20, and are in partnership with My Valley Pass and Valley Relics Museum.
6600 Topanga Canyon, Canoga Park, CA 91303
2. The Midnight Hour 818 Day
Honestly, if I had to visit just one event for 818 Day, it’d have to be this one. There’s going to be merch, vendors, a free photo booth, live bands, DJs (shout out to Eh-Dress!), and even a museum pop-up. The event runs noon-5 p.m. and tickets are required for entrance.
1101 San Fernando Rd., San Fernando, CA 91340
3. San Fernando Brewing Company 8-Year Anniversary
So this technically isn’t an 818 celebration, but it does take place on Friday, Aug. 18, at San Fernando Brewing Company, so that counts to us. The celebration runs Thursday through Sunday and will have different activities. However, there will be giveaways for the first 100 people each day.
425 Park Ave., San Fernando, CA 91340
4. Poppin’ Shops LA
On Friday nights, Louise Park transforms into Poppin’ Shops—which is a collective of locally owned small businesses providing food, jewelry, clothing, drinks, and more. Since 818 Day falls on a Friday this year, Poppin’ Shops will be, well, poppin’. The event runs 4-9 p.m. and Poppin’ Shops will provide free school supplies to the first 50 shoppers.
7140 Louise Ave., Los Angeles, CA 91406
5. 1984 Vintage Shop 818 Day Movie Screening
What used to be Throwback Junction is now 1984 Vintage Shop, a thrift store with a carefully curated retro aesthetic. In honor of 818 Day, 1984 Vintage Shop will be screening Valley Girl, a 1983 movie about a teen love story starring Nicolas Cage and Deborah Foreman. The movie screening is free and will start at 8 p.m. Bringing a chair or pillow for comfort is advised and concessions will be sold.
1001 San Fernando Rd., San Fernando, CA 91340
6. Usual Suspects Magazine Release Event
In case you haven’t heard of Usual Suspects Magazine, it’s a new 8.5-inch by 11-inch zine that highlights all things culture. For their inaugural issue, which drops on Aug. 18, they’re having a launch party at Garage Space in North Hollywood. The party will feature music sets, food, tattoos, and different vendors. The mission of this 818 Day event is shining a light on San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles-based artists. The event runs 7 p.m.-midnight.
5223 1/2 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
(Note: This address is linked to 5223 Lankershim Blvd., which is House of Intuition. The correct address should be nearby.)
7. 818 Night Market x Hand-Brewed Beer 818 Day
In addition to celebrating the San Fernando Valley, this collab is meant to support 818-based small businesses. It’ll take place in Chatsworth and run 5-10 p.m. The first 50 people will get a token for a discount to Hand-Brewed Beer.
9771 Variel Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311
8. Lo Low’s Car Club 818 Valley Cruise Night
For the past three years, Lo Low’s Car Club has been celebrating 818 Day the best way they know how: by cruisin’ the San Fernando Valley. This year, their cruise will feature awards like best bike, best hopper, best lowrider, best bomb, best lowrider bike, and deepest club. The event will take place 5-10 p.m. on Van Nuys between Oxnard Street and Burbank Boulevard.
