Here’s something to be excited about: Westwood LIVE! The fun gathering of musicians, performers, artists, eateries, shops, families and students takes place every third Thursday of each month on Broxton Avenue, between Kinross and Weyburn. Westwood LIVE aims to “celebrate culture, cuisine and community.”

For decades, Westwood has made a name for itself. Not only is it the central shopping location amongst Bel-Air, Century City, Brentwood, Beverly Hills and UCLA, it also hosts numerous movie premieres, theaters, museums, boutiques and restaurants. The problem is that many people no longer see Westwood as a fun scene anymore, and they would rather drive 10 or 20 minutes farther to go to Santa Monica or Culver City to spend their nights out. Westwood LIVE is an attempt to bring people back.

Westwood LIVE is inspired by familiar activities around other parts of Los Angeles such as the Venice Art Crawl or First Fridays and the Downtown Art Walk. The block party atmosphere is definitely what it aims for. In April, Westwood LIVE debuted, and the event was geared more towards working individuals and their families rather than students. However, with each month’s event, more and more businesses have decided to participate and donate. Each month, more people are attending and this fall has been dedicated towards increasing student attendance.

On Westwood LIVE’s official Facebook page, there are already over 700 “likes.” Many students are learning more about this event through Facebook, and once more people are aware of the deals and discounts, attendance will likely soar.

Westwood LIVE is a celebration of diversity and creativity, and all you need for access is a passport that you can buy online or at the event. As you walk along the festive street of lighted trees, you will experience live music as well as song and dance from many performers. Just flip through your passport of coupons to decide on what you want to do and where you want to eat. Specifically, some coupons include: 15-percent off at American Apparel, 10-percent off at American Vintage, discounts for meals at Enzo’s Pizzeria, Bella Pita, Thai House and Fat Sals, discounts at restaurants and bars such as Palamino, the Glendon and Napa Valley Grille, and even deals at the Geffen Playhouse and Regency Theaters.

Westwood LIVE appeals to not only older patrons and their families but also UCLA students. The coupons make a lot of the Westwood businesses more affordable for students. Businesses that tend to cater to more affluent patrons will appeal to students thanks to the efforts of the Westwood Community Council and Undergraduate Student Association Council.

During each Westwood LIVE event, there will be special activities suited for everyone of all ages. At the Oct. 20 event, there was pumpkin carving, face painting and free apple caramels. The schedule of events will commence with the Farmer’s Market from noon to 6 p.m. Students might enjoy the photo booths, dance performances and a show put on by UCLA LIVE at Royce Hall. Several student groups will perform on the stage on Broxton. Later in the night, there are special samplings and happy hours and screenings. Additionally, many restaurants and bars will not close until 2 a.m. while street events will end at around 10 p.m.

Once you have visited six venues and earn six stamps on your passport, you can enter to win prizes, which include a Kindle Fire among many gift cards.

Westwood LIVE is a very interactive and social event that encourages a diverse population to come together. You can learn so much more about the history of Westwood and all its businesses. The goal is to look around and visit places you would usually not go to simply because you just did not have the incentive before now. Mark your calendars for Nov. 17!

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