Each year on the last Sunday of September, Venice hosts the largest free community festival in California. The Abbot Kinney Festival is truly a part of Los Angeles history. This year, the 33rd annual festival’s events kick off on September 24th from 10 am to 6 pm, so plan ahead!
The day’s events take place on a mile-long stretch of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, widely known as the “coolest block in America”. This SoCal festival celebrates local Venice beach culture, and brings together more than 300 of the area’s best vendors. Shop amongst eclectic boutiques, artisan eats with local flavor, and paraphernalia while simultaneously supporting the local community. There are dozens of food trucks scheduled to serve up their best grub, and for visitors who are 21+, there are three lively beer gardens serving up local brewery beverages.
The Abbot Kinney Festival is also a celebration of local arts. Dozens of artists set up booths to sell their fine arts, so you can take some of Venice Beach home with you. There are also four music stages with performances throughout the day, including the KidsQuad stage. There are also children’s rides, games, and activities to keep your loved ones entertained throughout the day.
This unique festival is truly not to be missed. And it gets better – the entire event is free and only a short shuttle ride away from all Los Angeles hotels, so there’s no excuse why you shouldn’t plan your trip around the Abbot Kinney Festival. Check out the official site for previous years’ pictures, this year’s lineup and information on how to get there.