What Los Angeles lacks in snow, it makes up for in spirit. Case in point: Venice Festival, which started as an intimate block party in Mar Vista and has grown into a West Coast staple and massive showcase for the local creative scene. this saturday Venice Winter FestivalA vacation version of the event that blends a retro ski lodge aesthetic with a surfside atmosphere, this event will feature thousands of unique holiday finds from SoCal producers, as well as food vendors, live music, a beer garden, free fitness classes, kids’ activities and an announcement.
Starting next year, the Venice Festival will move from Venice Boulevard to the iconic Venice Beach sign; It’s a milestone that co-founder Sarah Fisk describes as “a true lovefest for the entire community.”
The day is filled with free fitness classes hosted by The Gym Venice.
(Venice Festival)
The Venice Festival was created by Fisk and Kristopher Herbert, two business owners trying to bring their community together during the pandemic. Fisk, owner of vintage home goods boutique Shop Morpheus, and Herbert, who had just opened The Gym Venice, had been independently brainstorming ways to bring people back together in fun, safe ways after being stuck at home. Connecting with mutual friends, the two came up with the idea of an outdoor festival that could bring neighbors face to face again.
When the first Venice Festival opened in November 2021, about 50 vendors set up booths and about 200 people showed up. They considered this a success. “Nothing like this has ever been done around Mar Vista before,” Fisk says. More than 20,000 people now attend the festival, which is held three times a year. And in the process of building this unique movement, another unexpected connection was formed: Fisk and Herbert fell in love, got married, and celebrated their daughter’s first birthday.
Heading to the free Venice Winter Festival this weekend? Here’s some of what you can do while you’re there.
Shop local for the holidays. “We like to curate vendors whose work tells a story and makes people feel something,” Fisk says. A few businesses he’s particularly excited about include: Vintage Menu Arthonoring a bygone era of dining by transforming old menus from classic restaurants into nostalgic editions (“The design is perfect for anyone who loves food history or the feel of an old-school restaurant,” he says) and Ceremonyoffers handmade decor and accessories inspired by nature.
Visitors can peruse products made by more than 300 local creators.
(Venice Festival)
Stop by for a musical gift Orange Tree GuitarsIt produces instruments that look as beautiful as they sound. And for jewelry, look for the one based in Los Angeles De Cea, Fisk says her pieces are “timeless, elegant and full of heart.”
Have fun with local music. From busking along Venice Beach to intimate shows at Winston House, music is part of the fabric of Venice. The same goes for the Venice Festival, which has partnered with a local music company. Breaking Sound creating an impressive lineup of up-and-coming artists across three phases.
Catch All Alone & Rockin’, Western Medicine, Kaity B, Freddy, Joe’s Band and more. “Each artist brings something unique, and together they capture the free-spirited Westside energy we love.”
Eat the best of the west (side) and beyond. Fifty food vendors span the diverse offerings of Los Angeles’ food scene, both of the brick-and-mortar and truck persuasion. Some highlights include: Original Tamale, Sending Pasta and plant-based street food innovators MANAGEMENT FACILITY. for dessert Creamy Men’s Ice Cream And Da Bomb Treats It will satisfy every sweet tooth. And if you’re in the mood to learn a new kitchen skill, impastiamo will also host free mini cooking classes and live demos throughout the day.
Some of Los Angeles’ best food trucks will be serving delicious meals.
(Amandala Photography / Venice Festival)
Spend some time with your family. Are you bringing the kids too? Smart move. The festival’s Playtime Paradise will be a popular venue for the Santa-loving, sticky-handed set. This year it’s bigger than ever thanks to a collaboration with the online guide California Kids Club. Children can enjoy crafts rediscoverget a furry friend Pup Culture Rescue and grab the treats Fantasy Cotton Candy Truck. And it wouldn’t be a winter festivity without Santa Claus, so be sure to snap a free holiday photo with him. Venice Paparazzi pergola.
It’s all about the après scene. If you find yourself needing a break from the festival crowds, Après Surf Social Club is the ideal place to unwind. $40 for a 21+ beer garden open bar pass or $25 for a zero-proof pass. While listening to DJ sets, you can sip craft beers from Kona Brewing and Donna’s Pickle Beer, and get fresh sushi from Kona Brewing. MOF SushiIt’s run by Chef Takanori “Kuma” Shishido, whose credits include Michelin-starred Mori Sushi and Los Angeles favorites Kushiyu and Brother Sushi. A portion of each ticket sale Feed Los AngelesA local nonprofit that helps families facing food insecurity.
