OC Bargainista: Health services for free
Freebie of the Week: No medical insurance? No problem. Just stop by the free annual Brookhurst Community Center health fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim. The totally-free event allows anyone — no proof of citizenship or residency required — to get seen for a variety of medical services by doctors and other professionals (with immediate results using portable equipment). Tests and services for adults and children include blood pressure, blood sugar and bone density tests; dental, eye and well woman exams; and on-the-spot EKGs. Show up early; the line can be … intimidating. Information: (714) 765-3373.
40-cent cookies and more
Calling all SusieCakes fans! The trendy bakery at 2043 Westcliff Drive No. 104, Newport Beach, is celebrating its fourth anniversary from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday with a retro price list and birthday party. The party will include classic oldies, kid-friendly activities and retro pricing like 40-cent cookies. Plus, the first 100 customers will receive a free box of four mini cupcakes. Seriously sweet. Information: (949) 646-6881 or susiecakesla.com.
Marketplace, beer garden
We’re super excited about the Unique OC event next weekend at the LAB Anti-Mall, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. Unique LA is pulling back the Orange Curtain to bring its popular outdoor marketplace featuring more than 80 designers and artists to town from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 14 to 15. Amenities include a beer garden, free drinks, a photo booth, pop-up cafes and more. Products range from clothing to housewares to artwork. Admission is $5. Information: (714) 966-6660 or uniquela.com.
‘Mad Hot Ballroom’
Monday will be the final night of the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Free Movie Mondays series, when it projects the PG-rated “Mad Hot Ballroom†in its community plaza. The show begins at dusk (around 8 p.m.), and guests are welcome to bring portable seating and a picnic supper or snacks. Information: (714) 556-2121 ocpac.org.
Salsa for beginners
For a new activity on Tuesday nights, consider the salsa group class at Club One Studio, 3195-J Red Hill Ave., Costa Mesa. Beginners are welcome at 7:30 p.m., where they can learn combos, timing and basic shines. The intermediate class begins at 8:30 p.m., and includes intermediate shines, leading, following and more. Walk-ins are $15, or a four-week progressive class is $48. Information: salsera.com.
Follow the deals on Twitter
Love food? Love free stuff? Combine the two and eat like a king with a Twitter account. Following local restaurants, bakeries and bars can result in a bounty of specials just for followers. For example, Sprinkles bakery in Newport Beach offered a free red velvet cupcake for the first 25 people to walk into its store on Thursday and whisper “aces up†— that day’s Twitter code. And Twitter fans of the Chick-Fil-A location in South Coast Metro walked in between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday and enjoyed a free chicken sandwich with purchase of fries and a drink.
Have a hot sale tip, or know about a great local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact the O.C. Bargainista at [email protected]. And remember — never pay retail!