It's not too tricky to score an invite to the Magic Castle, Hollywood's members-only magician clubhouse; befriend a member or stay at the adjacent hotel to get in, then buy your group photo after dinner for a never-ending network of guest passes. But here's the thing: We're cheap. We don't want to have to pay for dinner and drinks, we just want to peek inside that Victorian mansion and feel around for hallways hidden behind bookshelves.
Thank Houdini for the Magic Castle Swap Meet. This upcoming Saturday (and twice a year) non-members can step inside the castle for only $8 at the door. Peruse new and used books, illusions, antiques and collectibles between the Terrace and the Peller Theatre. You won't see any formal magic shows, but we're almost sure some of the vendors won't be able to resist showing off a card trick or two.
This Saturday's swap meet is open from 9am until 3pm. In the meantime, brush up on your magic tricks. Oops, we mean...
