SOCAL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
Huntington Beach Public Library 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach
(714) 960-8839; www.socalfilmfest.com
See over 70 independent film screenings in various genres. This event also features industry speakers, discussion panels, workshops, and talent Q & As. Starts at noon. Also runs Sunday. FREE - $8.

HOLLYWOOD’S CELEBRITY GANGSTER
Book Soup 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
Brad Lewis presents and signs Hollywood’s Celebrity Gangster: The Incredible Life and Times of Mickey Cohen, a biography of the mobster who controlled Los Angeles for the Mafia, from Bugsy Siegel to Carlo Gambino and the John F. Kennedy assassination. 5 p.m. FREE.

6TH ANNUAL BAJA SPLASH CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
(562) 590-3100; www.aquariumofpacific.org
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day with environmental educational programs, as well as traditional dance, music, arts and crafts, food, and more. Also Sunday. 9a.m.-5p.m. Free with aquarium admission.

WRITERS FAIRE PRESENTED BY UCLA EXTENSION
405 Hilgard Ave., Westwood (310) 825-9415; www.uclaextension.edu/writersfaire
Over 70 creative writers and screenwriters share their expertise and tips in 24 unique mini-classes. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. FREE.

LATINO HERITAGE CELEBRATION
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles
(323) 644-4200; www.lazoo.org
This festive celebration focuses on Latino heritage and cultural traditions with music, dance groups, educational activities and colorful crafts. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free with zoo admission.

BLUE MONDAYS
Boardner’s 1652 N. Cherokee Ave., Los Angeles
(323) 462-9621; www.evilclubempire.com
A weekly ’80s-themed dance party! 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

CHI CHI’S WORD PARLOR
Atwater Playhouse 3191 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles
(310) 403-4928
A singles mixer that includes poetry readings, improv word games and acoustic performances. 8 p.m. $5.

VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
El Portal Theatre 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood
(818) 508-0281; www.elportaltheatre.com
The Valley Film Festival is designed to bring together established filmmakers, emerging talent, and their audiences. Runs through Sunday. Check website for details and times.

COLLEGE NIGHT
Laugh Factory 8001 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
(323) 656-1336; www.laughfactory.com
Come on down to The World Famous Laugh Factory and watch all-star comedians entertain the crowd with raunchy, uncensored comedy. This show is aimed to please even the crudest college audiences and for the forty year olds who think they're in college. Every Thursday at 10 p.m. $10 to $18.