What Los Angeles doesn't have in snow, it makes up for in soul. Case in point: Venice Fest, which started as an intimate party in Mar Vista and has become a Westside staple and a massive showcase for the local creative scene. this saturday Venice Winter FestivalA holiday incarnation of the event that combines the retro aesthetic of a ski lodge with a surf atmosphere, it will feature thousands of unique holiday finds from Southern California makers, along with food vendors, live music, a beer garden, free fitness classes, kids' activities… Oh, and an announcement!
Starting next year, Venice Fest will move from Venice Boulevard to the iconic Venice Beach sign, a landmark that co-founder Sarah Fisk describes as “a genuine festival of love for the entire community.”
The day is filled with free fitness classes hosted by The Gym Venice.
(The Venice Festival)
Venice Fest was created by Fisk and Kristopher Herbert, two business owners trying to unite their communities during the pandemic. Fisk, owner of the former home goods boutique Shop Morpheus, and Herbert, who had just opened The Gym Venice, were independently coming up with ways to bring people together in fun and safe ways after being stuck at home. After being connected by mutual friends, the duo came up with the idea of an outdoor festival that could bring neighbors face to face again.
When the first Venice Fest opened in November 2021, about 50 vendors set up booths and approximately 200 people came. They considered it a success. “Nothing like this has ever been done in Mar Vista before,” Fisk says. Currently, more than 20,000 people usually attend the festival, which is held three times a year. And in the process of building this unique movement, another unexpected connection was made: Fisk and Herbert fell in love, got married, and just celebrated their daughter's first birthday.
Are you going to the free Venice Winter Fest this weekend? Here's a little of what you can do while you're there.
Shop local for the holidays. “We love selecting vendors whose work tells a story and makes people feel something,” Fisk says. A couple of companies he's particularly excited about include Vintage Menu Artthat turns old classic restaurant menus into nostalgic prints, paying homage to a bygone dining era (“It's perfect for anyone who loves design, food history, or the feel of an old-school restaurant,” he says) and Ceremonyoffering artisanal decoration and accessories inspired by nature.
Visitors can see products made by more than 300 local makers.
(The Venice Festival)
For a musical gift, stop by orange guitarsthat makes instruments that look as beautiful as they sound. And for jewelry, look for Los Angeles-based ones. From Cea, whose pieces are “timeless, elegant and full of heart,” says Fisk.
Jam with local music. From the musicians busking on Venice Beach to the intimate shows at Winston House, music is part of the fabric of Venice. The same is true at Venice Fest, which has partnered with a local music company. Breaking sound to create an impressive lineup of emerging artists across three stages.
Catch All Alone & Rockin, Western Medicine, Kaity B, Freddy, Joe's Band and more. “Each artist brings something unique to the table and together they capture that Westside free-spirited energy we love.”
Eat the best of the West (side) and beyond. Fifty food vendors encompass the diverse offerings of the Los Angeles dining scene, both brick-and-mortar and truck-based. Some highlights include The original tamale, Sending noodles and plant-based street food innovators MANAGEMENT PLANT. For dessert, Creamy Ice Cream Boys and Da Bomb Treatz will satisfy all sweet tooths. And if you're in the mood to learn a new culinary skill, impastiamo It will also host free mini cooking classes and live demonstrations throughout the day.
Some of the best food trucks in Los Angeles will be serving up tasty dishes.
(Photograph by Amandala / The Venice Film Festival)
Spend some time with family. Bring the kids? Smart move. The festival's Playtime Paradise will be a popular spot for lovers of Santa Claus and sticky hands. This year it's bigger than ever thanks to a collaboration with an online guide California Kids Club. Children can enjoy crafts with Rediscoveradopt a furry friend Puppy Culture Rescue and grab treats from Fantasy Cotton Candy Truck. And it wouldn't be a winter festival without Santa, so don't forget to get a free Christmas photo with him at the Venice paparazzi position.
It's about the après scene. If you need a little break from the festival crowd, the Après Surf Social Club is your place to relax. The 21+ beer garden is $40 for the open bar pass or $25 for the zero-tasting pass. While listening to DJ sets, you can sip craft beers from Kona Brewing and Donna's Pickle Beer, and enjoy fresh sushi at sushiled by chef Takanori “Kuma” Shishido, whose experience includes Michelin-starred Mori Sushi and Los Angeles favorites Kushiyu and Brother Sushi. A portion of each ticket sale goes to Nourish Los Angelesa local nonprofit organization that helps families facing food insecurity.
