When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
The Venice Fest
Why The Venice Fest is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Venice Fest is an exceptional gathering that highlights the artistic and cultural vibrancy of the Los Angeles area, particularly in downtown Mar Vista, CA. It stands out as an ideal place for friends to meet up, enjoy, and immerse themselves in creativity and community spirit. This festival hosts over 400 local artists, brands, and designers who present and sell original art and handcrafted goods, giving attendees a chance to discover unique products and support small businesses. Spread across an energetic urban setting on Venice Boulevard, the fest offers more than just shopping — it includes live performances on three stages, engaging art demonstrations, and hands-on workshops that cater to all ages. Food lovers can indulge in a variety of offerings from local vendors, making the event a feast for the senses. The festival’s family-friendly and pet-friendly atmosphere ensures that everyone, including furry friends, can partake in the celebrations. With its free admission policy and multiple annual events—the Venice Love Fest in March, Venice Summer Fest in June, and Venice Winter Fest in November—the Venice Fest continually draws a crowd of over 100,000 visitors per event. Together, these elements create an immersive cultural experience where friends can connect, create memories, and enjoy a vibrant day outdoors in a uniquely artistic and inclusive environment.
Here's what people think of The Venice Fest
As of recent, The Venice Fest holds a 4.6-star rating based on 14 reviews.
The Venice Fest generally receives positive feedback from attendees, as reflected by its 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews. Visitors commonly praise the festival for its lively and inclusive atmosphere, which successfully showcases a rich variety of local artists and businesses. Positive reviews highlight the event’s well-organized layout and the wide variety of booths offering unique art and handcrafted items, making it a top destination for those interested in supporting local creativity. Reviewers also appreciate the live music on multiple stages, which enhances the festive mood and provides entertainment for all ages. The abundance of food options from local vendors is frequently mentioned as a highlight, satisfying diverse tastes and preferences. Additionally, families value the hands-on workshops and pet-friendly policy, which encourage participation from attendees of all demographics. On the other hand, some critiques include concerns about parking availability, with a few attendees noting challenges in finding convenient free parking close to the festival. A handful also mention crowd density during peak hours, which can make navigation through the festival grounds and booths a bit congested. Despite these minor drawbacks, the consensus is that The Venice Fest offers a rewarding cultural and social experience. Overall, reviews indicate that it is a vibrant, well-loved event that brings the community together to celebrate art, music, and local enterprise effectively.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Тамара Гулина
Venice Summer Fest is your go-to celebration for the first day of summer — a free, all-ages community event that brings together the best of the Westside in one unforgettable day! Enjoy live music, outdoor yoga, wellness experiences, local artisan vendors, delicious eats, and good vibes under the sun. We’re dog-friendly, offering free water all day, and creating a fun, inclusive space for the whole community to come together. Whether you're shopping, stretching, dancing, or just soaking it all in, Venice Summer Fest is the perfect way to welcome summer in true SoCal style. 🎶 Get ready for an incredible lineup of the most amazing local bands and musicians performing throughout the day — a true celebration of the Westside’s vibrant creative spirit. 📅 Saturday, June 21st, 2025 🕛 12 PM – 7 PM 📍 12257 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066 Parking is limited.
Tatiana jorquiera johnson
The venice fest is a fantastic event! Brings the community together and showcases all of us local artists and businesses! I have participated in this event since the very first one and it is one of the best events for vendors. Organization is spotless, the marketing is great and the people that run it are the best and actually care about every single one of the vendors! The event itself is so much fun filled with things to do concerts, games, beer garden, so much shopping and meeting new people. My only complain is i want more of them! 😅
Raj J Salecha
Excellent summer fest. A must visit. Happens once a year. Lot of vendors and great food choice. Dance, music, yoga and food. Something for every age group.
Richard Leavitt
The organizer has no sense of community...there are hundreds of cars cruising the residential neighborhood looking for parking and blocking all of the street parking that residents use. They should have found off area parking and provided a shuttle service...
Kristin Fedyk
This is a festival that truly embodies the community around it. Full of amazing activities, positive energy, smiling neighbors, and unique vendors. The Venice Fest is not one to miss
How to reach The Venice Fest
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Why The Venice Fest may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Venice Fest with your friends? Because this festival is more than just a typical event—it’s a vibrant community celebration that pulses with creativity, heart, and the spirit of Los Angeles’ Westside culture. Imagine a place where you and your friends can immerse yourselves in an atmosphere full of unique art, live music, eclectic food, and the infectious energy of thousands of like-minded people. Whether you're looking to shop handmade goods, enjoy quality live performances, or simply soak in the festive street vibes, The Venice Fest offers all of this in one dynamic experience. The event’s welcoming, inclusive, and pet-friendly environment encourages socializing and bonding, making it an ideal destination for gathering with friends or family. The combination of diverse activities and local culture means that every group member can find their own source of enjoyment. Plus, it’s free to attend, so there’s no barrier to entry for having a memorable day out, enhanced by a variety of premium experiences available for those who want a little extra. In short, The Venice Fest transforms downtown Mar Vista into a thriving hub of creativity and community spirit, perfect for hosting a fun, lively, and memorable meetup with your favorite people.
What activities await you at The Venice Fest? The Venice Fest is a multi-sensory event brimming with activities that cater to all interests and age groups. First and foremost, it boasts live entertainment across multiple stages, featuring local bands, DJs, and surprise acts that keep the energy high throughout the day. Music lovers can dance, sing along, or simply enjoy the diverse sounds that represent the Westside’s creative pulse. Next, the art scene is spectacular—with over 400 local artists, brands, and designers showcasing original art, handmade jewelry, fashion, and unique crafts along Venice Boulevard. This makes for an excellent shopping opportunity to support local creatives and discover one-of-a-kind items. Beyond passive observation, attendees can participate in hands-on art workshops suitable for all ages, providing an interactive art experience that is both fun and educational. Food enthusiasts will be treated to a variety of LA’s best food trucks and local vendors offering delicious eats and refreshing beverages, making every palate happy. The event also features free all-levels yoga sessions early in the day, giving a wellness start to the festival’s festivities. Additionally, for those looking for a more premium experience, there is a ticketed beer garden with open bars, games, lounges, and cabanas, part of whose proceeds support charitable causes like Nourish LA. These activities come together to create the perfect blend of entertainment, culture, and community engagement.
Why is The Venice Fest the perfect place for a group meetup? Because it offers something for everyone and a space that naturally encourages connection and fun. The sprawling four-block setup along Venice Boulevard transforms the street into a lively and safe pedestrian oasis, allowing groups to explore together at a leisurely pace without the worry of traffic or parking hassles nearby. It’s a place where you can easily split up to do your own thing—some shopping, some dancing, some eating—and then regroup to share your discoveries. The fest’s pet-friendly policy means even those with furry friends can join the fun, adding to the inclusive atmosphere. For groups that enjoy cozy social spots, the ticketed Social Garden with games, lounges, and cabanas offers a perfect retreat to relax and engage in conversation while savoring drinks and snacks. The diversity of vendors and entertainment means everyone in your group, regardless of age or preference, will find activities that excite them, facilitating memorable shared experiences without any one person being left out. Furthermore, since the festival supports local businesses and charitable causes, your gathering isn’t just about fun—it’s also about giving back to the community, enriching the quality of your meetup with meaning and connection.
How does The Venice Fest embody local culture and creativity? The Venice Fest is a showcase of Southern California’s eclectic and innovative spirit, uniquely capturing the essence of the Venice and Mar Vista communities. It goes beyond being a commercial event by emphasizing the importance of supporting small, local businesses and artisans. Hundreds of vendors and artists come from the Los Angeles area, presenting original works that highlight LA’s diversity and artistic innovation. This commitment gives visitors the chance to buy direct from creators, meeting the people behind the products and hearing their stories. The fest’s structure—featuring live artist demonstrations and workshops—invites the community to engage with art as a living, evolving practice rather than just a static display. Its three annual events (Winter Fest, Love Fest, and Summer Fest) each offer a distinct seasonal flavor but share the same mission to foster local pride and connections. Collaborations with major sponsors, local charities like Nourish LA, and partnerships with cultural institutions help embed the fest in the social fabric. Through music, art, food, and fellowship, The Venice Fest creates a celebration that fully reflects the vibrant cultural mosaic of Los Angeles, making it a meaningful and enriching destination for locals and visitors alike.
What logistical details make attending The Venice Fest easy and enjoyable? The Venice Fest is designed to maximize attendee convenience and comfort. The event takes place in a highly accessible location in downtown Mar Vista along Venice Boulevard, spanning four city blocks, which allows for easy navigation on foot. Free street parking is available on nearby side streets, although organizers recommend using rideshare options like Uber or Lyft to avoid parking stress and reduce traffic congestion—a smart choice for groups looking to relax from start to finish. The event is free to enter, making it accessible to a wide audience, including families and groups with varying budgets. For those who want an enhanced experience, affordable ticketed areas, like the Social Garden and beer garden, offer upgraded amenities and socializing spaces. The fest’s all-ages, pet-friendly policy ensures no one in a group is left out, and onsite security and staff foster a safe and welcoming environment. With multiple stages and areas concentrating different experiences—music, food, art, workshops—attendees can easily plan their visit to suit their group’s preferences, making it a seamlessly fun day out without hassles. The Venice Fest’s thoughtful planning and community focus come together to deliver an event that’s both a logistical breeze and an emotional high point for attendees.
In what ways does The Venice Fest promote community connection and charitable giving? At its core, The Venice Fest stands as a hub for community solidarity and philanthropy. The event not only spotlights local artists and small businesses but also actively channels part of its proceeds into meaningful causes such as Nourish LA, a nonprofit dedicated to providing fresh food and support to underserved families in the Los Angeles area. This charitable dimension encourages attendees and vendors to participate in a larger mission beyond enjoyment—helping to uplift the community holistically. The festival’s programming fosters interaction and connection, from collaborative art workshops to communal yoga sessions and vibrant social areas designed for mingling. The inclusion of local sponsors who contribute to the event’s mission enhances the sense of collective effort and shared values. By gathering thousands of visitors from diverse backgrounds, The Venice Fest becomes a melting pot where individuals meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships. This expanding sense of neighborhood pride and mutual support contributes to making the event not only fun but also a constructive social experience that benefits all involved and strengthens the cultural fabric of the city.
Why is The Venice Fest rated highly by visitors? Visitors consistently praise The Venice Fest for its vibrant atmosphere, quality programming, and community-centered ethos. With a 4.6-star rating based on 14 reviews, attendees appreciate the festival’s seamless blend of entertainment and local culture, the diversity of vendor offerings, and the friendly, inclusive environment. Many highlight the impressive lineup of live music and the opportunity to discover fresh, creative products not found elsewhere. The ample food choices and well-organized layout help ensure everyone feels comfortable and engaged. The festival’s commitment to supporting local businesses and charities resonates strongly, leaving attendees with a sense of satisfaction that their fun day also has a positive impact. The variety of activities encourages repeat visits, with each season offering something new and captivating, reinforcing a loyal community of festival-goers who value this unique celebration. Ultimately, The Venice Fest’s reputation reflects its success in combining culture, commerce, and community in a way that delights visitors of all ages and backgrounds.