For the past 37 years, the perfect blend of artsy vibes, beachy breezes, and community spirit has come alive at the Abbot Kinney Festival in Venice, California. This annual event is a must-visit for everyone who loves street festivals, local culture, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you are a seasoned local or visiting for the first time, this iconic festival promises a day filled with live music, a huge variety of delicious foods, unique shopping, and much, much more.
What is the Abbot Kinney Festival?
The Abbot Kinney Festival is an annual street festival that takes place on the legendary Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. Named after the city’s founder who dreamed of creating a “Venice of America” after his travels in Italy, this boulevard is known for its trendy shops, eclectic eateries, and vibrant street art.
The festival started in 1984 as a way to celebrate the local community and has since grown into one of the largest and most anticipated street festivals in Los Angeles. Happening every year, on the last Sunday of September, this is a day where locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the unique spirit of Venice. With a strong focus on supporting local businesses, artists, and musicians, the street comes alive with a myriad of sights, sounds, and flavors, attracting thousands of visitors.
What to Expect: Music, Art, and Munchies
The festival is a family and pet-friendly event, packed with activities and entertainment for everyone. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:
Live Music & Entertainment
Music is the beating heart of the Abbot Kinney Festival, with multiple stages set up along the boulevard, showcasing a diverse lineup of local bands, DJs, and performers. The genres are varied and the stages are spread out so you can walk around and discover new artists. And if your feet feel the beat, don’t hold back and just dance.
Arts & Crafts Vendors
With over 300 booths, one of the highlights of the festival is all the phenomenal arts and crafts vendors. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to one-of-a-kind decor and original artwork. There truly is something here for everyone and their own unique taste.
Food Trucks and Local Eats
What’s a festival without food, right? The AKF features a dynamic selection of mouthwatering food trucks and local eateries, so make sure to bring your appetite and an empty stomach. Come hungry, leave happy.
Beer Gardens & Cocktail Lounges
If having a cold beer during a hot summer sounds good to you, then you are in luck. The festival has several beer gardens and cocktail lounges where you can indulge in your favorite adult beverage.
Why wait in line, when you can get yourself a FastPass to skip ahead of the line and avoid long and crowded wait times. Make sure you get yours as early as possible.
For the Kids
The festival isn’t just for grown-ups, and your young ones can have fun at the KidsQuad. Returning this year, the area will be packed with rides, an entertainment stage, arts and crafts, face painting, and games, all designed for kids. There is a fee for the KidsQuad area, but it’s totally worth it.
Community
One of the greatest things about the festival is its strong focus on community. Organized by the Abbot Kinney Festival Association (AKFA), this event brings over 150,000 attendees and over 350 vendors. There will be no lack of people to forge new friendships, and you’ll be supporting local businesses and artists.
How to Get There and What to Bring
Getting to this festival is no small feat, so you should definitely come prepared. While getting to Venice isn’t that bad, getting close to the festival and parking will be a nightmare. Be prudent in your planning and let us handle the logistics of getting you and your friends and family there, without the stress of looking for parking and road ragers. Let one of our Xpress Shuttle agents help you plan for the event and book your ride with us. From you and a friend to a bus full of family, we can get you there in no time and without the hassle.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
- Comfortable Shoes- You’ll be walking standing a lot, so make sure to wear some comfy shoes with good insoles.
- Sunscreen– Don’t be fooled just because it’s an overcast day. Protect your skin with a good sunscreen with a high SPF, and make sure to re-apply throughout the day.
- Water Bottle- Make sure you are staying hydrated and bring a water bottle. Whether it’s on a tether or in your hand, there are usually water refill stations around the venue.
- Cash– While most vendors nowadays accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have at least a few bucks on you, for small purchases or even an emergency.
- Tote Bag- We guarantee you’re gonna end up with something, so bring some kind of reusable bag or tote with you so you’re not stuck with an armful of stuff at the end of the day!
Some Deets Before You Go
The Abbot Kinney Festival is a free event and typically takes place on the last Sunday of September, running from 10 am to 6 pm. The street between Main and Venice Boulevard will be closed to through traffic and stretches for about a mile. To check out some photos from previous festivals, click here.
This is a huge celebration of all things Venice. Whether you’re there for the music, the unique shopping, the food, the beer, or the atmosphere, you are almost guaranteed to have a blast! So grab your friends, family, and even your furry family members on a leash, and let us get you to Venice for an epic day of fun in the sun. Book now!