Venice Fest is back – and it’s packed with the best sounds of the West Side

What Los Angeles lacks in snow, it makes up for in spirit. Case in point: Venice Fest, which started as an intimate block party in Mar Vista and has grown into a Westside staple and a major showcase for the local creative scene. This is Saturday Venice Winter Festivalan event vacation format that combines a retro ski lodge aesthetic with a surfside atmosphere, will feature thousands of one-of-a-kind vacation finds from SoCal creators, along with food vendors, live music, a beer garden, free fitness classes, kids’ activities—oh, and an ad.

Beginning next year, Venice Fest will move from Venice Boulevard to the iconic Venice Beach landmark, a milestone that co-founder Sarah Fisk describes as “a true love fest for the entire community.”

The day is filled with free fitness classes hosted by Jim Vance.

(Festival of Venice)

Venus Fest was created by Fisk and Christopher Herbert, two business owners who were trying to rally their communities during the pandemic. Fisk, who owned the antiques store Morpheus, and Herbert, who had just opened Jim Vance’s, independently thought of ways to bring people together in fun and safe ways after joining the house. After being connected by mutual friends, they came up with the idea of ​​an outdoor festival that could bring neighbors together again.

When the first Venice festival started in November 2021, about 50 vendors set up booths and about 200 people came. They considered it a success. “Nothing like this had really been done around Mar Vista before,” Fisk says. Now more than 20,000 people usually visit the festival which happens three times a year. And in the process of making this unprecedented move, another unexpected connection was formed: Fisk and Herbert fell in love, got married and just celebrated their daughter’s first birthday.

Heading to the free Venice Winter Festival this weekend? Here are some things you can do to stay there.

Shop local for the holidays. “We like to treat vendors whose work tells a story and makes people feel something,” Fisk says. A few businesses she is particularly passionate about include: Vintage Menu Artwhich transforms old menus from classic restaurants into nostalgic prints, paying homage to a bygone era of dining (“It’s perfect for anyone who likes design, food history, or the feel of old-school dining,” he says) and ceremonywhich offers handmade decor and accessories inspired by nature.

Visitors can see items made by more than 300 local makers.

(Festival of Venice)

For the gift of music, stop by Orangewood Guitarwhich makes handcrafted tools that look as beautiful as they sound. And for jewelry, look at the LA base De Sia His pieces are “timeless, fun and full of heart,” Fisk says.

Jam to local music. From musicians strolling along Venice Beach to spectacular performances at the Winston House, music is part of the fabric of Venice. It’s the same at Venice Fest that partnered with a local music company The sound of breaking Building an impressive lineup of up and coming artists across three stages.

Catch All Alone and Rockin’, Western Medicine, Katy B, Freddie, Joe’s Band and more. “Each artist brings something unique, and together they capture that free-spirited Westside energy we love.”

Eat the best of the West (side) and beyond. Fifty food vendors offer the diverse offerings of LA’s food scene, both brick-and-mortar and truck inspired. Some standouts include The original principle, Sending nodes and plant-based street food innovators MANEATINGPLANT. for dessert, Creamy Boys Ice Cream and This bomb tretz Will satisfy any sweet tooth. And if you’re in the mood to learn a new cooking skill, empastyamo It will also host free mini-cooking classes and live demos throughout the day.

Some of LA’s best food trucks will be serving up delicious fare.

(Amandala Photography / Venice Fest)

Have some family time. Bringing the kids? Smart move. A festive playtime paradise will be a popular destination for fans of Santa, the sticky hand set. Thanks to the cooperation with the online guide it is bigger than ever this year Children’s Club of California. Children can enjoy handicrafts Re-discoveryChoose a good friend from him Saving the puppy culture And takes medicine from him An imaginary cotton candy truck. And it wouldn’t be a winter festival without Santa, so don’t forget to take a free holiday photo with him Venice paparazzi booth

It’s all about the après scene. If you find yourself in need of a little break from the festival crowd, Après Surf Social Club is your place to relax. The 21+ beer garden is $40 for an open bar pass or $25 for a zero proof pass. While listening to DJ sets, you can sip craft ales from Kona Brewing and Donna Pickle Beer, and get fresh sushi MOF Sushiled by Chef Takanori “Kuma” Shishido, whose background includes Michelin-starred Mori Sushi and LA favorite Koshiyo and Brother Sushi. A portion of each ticket sale goes to the charity Nutrition LAA local non-profit organization helps families facing food insecurity.