Twenty-two years and going strong, that's the Santa Monica Festival not me, if only. Although 90+…read moredegree heat was predicted, a light marine layer, cool ocean breezes created a pleasant backdrop to showcase this year's sustainability themed event, as well as, events within like, the Juneteenth Celebration, A Taste of Summer with the Annenberg Beach House and the Santa Monica Farmers Market Challenge which pitted Nyesha Arrington http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-9/bio/nyesha-arrington and Josie Le Balch http://www.josierestaurant.com/ to create a $15 meal for four. I fear this foodie was a festival wimp because I was too wiped to hang out for their food fight. A myriad of activities for folks of all ages with kids really digging the Big Blue Bus and trash recycling truck to hop on and explore. The free bike valet http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/santa-monica-festival-santa-monica-2?select=vH2e66N3SWb9kldxGYxzyg#uVsNV593GV0zcfWGsam18g encouraged leaving the car at home as my friends and I did. Plenty of food trucks http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/santa-monica-festival-santa-monica-2?select=vH2e66N3SWb9kldxGYxzyg#8h3JhmFhSm4yY2dSUK3G3g and even a fashionmobile http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/santa-monica-festival-santa-monica-2?select=vH2e66N3SWb9kldxGYxzyg#_UknuOz5Hw8CSlqpB0GlAw ! Santa Monica is indeed a city of cultural activities and well-honed services to be taken advantage of by all. More here: http://www.smgov.net/Portals/Culture/content.aspx?id=15035 Highlight for me was artist Cassandra Tondro's http://tondro.com/ "From Cans to Canvas" interactive painting experience http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/santa-monica-festival-santa-monica-2?select=vH2e66N3SWb9kldxGYxzyg#wUrJjuqoQeDWgII5lKypig http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/santa-monica-festival-santa-monica-2?select=vH2e66N3SWb9kldxGYxzyg#1rjspkly2CXSvNRTZ6H9sg If you missed today's festival, do bookmark it for 2014, trust me, it's worth it!

We came, we saw, we thronged! From a distance, the Santa Monica Festival at Clover Park looked like…read moreany other free outdoor community event, a weekend sea of pedestrians and rows of white tents and bold lettered banners. But Saturday was cool, Clover's grass was green, and the atmosphere was indeed festive. There were several options for free or metered parking in supervised lots within walking distance, making at least our vehicular arrival and departure quick and painless. After leaving the car, we made a beeline for the park's restrooms, where, as it typically happens whenever we step out to a fairground, we spent a considerable chunk of our visit waiting our turns in slow-moving lines. Plenty of music filled our ears while we waited, especially the notes coming from center stage, where a featured group, The Lions, sounded particularly captivating. We quietly joined standing watchers later on, just in time to see The Lions wrap up their soulful and energetic gig. Festival treats were also close at hand, so we couldn't miss tasting Linde's old-fashioned sugar roasted almonds. We followed our noses to her popular table where I impulsively grabbed us a couple of warm paper cones in a sweet twofer deal. Linde jokingly asked if we were unable to share, to which I honestly replied, "yes." It was a fair-tastic time. The usual apparel gifts and arts-and-craftsy things were available for passers-by to browse and purchase, and interactive activities engaged families, kids, and kids-at-heart. It seemed apparent to us after one walk-through that the city government was out to connect with and educate visitors in exchange for cheap swag and fun, with a number of public service kiosks that let you spin wheels and answer questions for prizes. We didn't get around to checking everything out (see Tess M.'s yelp here: http://bit.ly/11hmlqO for some neat things we missed), but all in all, the Festival was pleasant and low-key, which is pretty much Santa Monica in a nutshell.

It's always fun to go to the Abbot Kinney Festival. Lots to look at. Before the pandemic there…read morewere more bars on Abbot Kinney, not so much now.

Just another great way to harold the end of summer…read more.. AKF is thrown annually, stretches the entire length of Abbot Kinney Blvd. and has a little of everything: * YES - Lotsa food stands w/ interesting offerings (ie: Hotato's "chips" on a stick) * YES - Jewelry stands: both affordable and some pricier * YES - Art, signage & poster, clothing/tee stands * YES - Live music & DJ * YES - Fun people watching * YES - Most of AKB's original shops are open as well * WOA: - Street (free) parking. Tons of bikes were parked as well. - Pet-friendly. - Pretty clean; they were smart in placing tons of trash cans throughout. Too bad it's only hosted once a year.

A big turnout this year! With lots of performances and Thai vendors for everyone to try out…read more Located at the Santa Monica pier. It was really crowded and I wish they didn't put the tables right in between all the vendors, which made lining up to order long and confusing

So lively and a lot of people! I ate food from Emporium Thai, my hubby got chicken satay and a…read moredrink. The tall models were fun to watch and the live band was great too

Full line up of bands playing from 11a to 7p. There's dancing, hoops and body paint. The sound's…read moregreat and so are the bands.

I've been to this festival during Memorial Day weekend 2 years in a row and I'm considering making…read morethis a yearly tradition. It's just a wonderful and fun setting to be out in the sunshine enjoying food, drinks and listening to great music with my girlfriend & friends! The first year we saw acts such as Gary Clark Jr., Selah Sue (dope female artist), Thundercat and the Roots (My favorite hip hop group). This year we were fortunate enough to see SantiGold, Common, Grouch & Eligh (killed it), and Jhene Aiko (love her). I cant wait for next year to hopefully catch both days of the event (Jam Day and Reggae Day). If your into festivals and enjoy fun activities outside in southern sunny California then this is definitely an event you don't want to miss. Make sure to bring a blanket and cash! OOOOO 5 out of 5 Afros

My first time! We wish they had a beer garden. However, aside from that it is a beautiful day out…read more The setting and scale is lovely. A few notes that we missed earlier on: -Parking is pre-paid, bring your Car Plate number to the Kiosk and make your permit selection or use the mobile app. -Bring a blanket to sit on. -No shade in the midfield, plan your sunscreen, hat, layers... We ate before, good thing the vending lines are longish. Thanks for the tickets Yelp, LA.

*** 32nd Ann'l Show, 12Jun'10, H/Wood Bowl ***…read more Each year for over three decades, Hugh Hefner and his enterprise have promoted this festival. Last nite I finally gotta chance to see a show. I did not go to see the longtime greats perform (i.e. George Benson, Chick Corea, Manhattan Transfer) but rather I went to see newcomers (Jazz Mafia, Naturally 7 & Trombone Shorty). It was excellent ... Naturally 7 stole the show! "Naturally 7" is a seven man group who sings a cappella and creates their own instrumental background sounds vocally as well, awesome. Now if you asked me what songs were sung or the names of every group that had performed last nite, I wouldn't be able to tell you. Why?! The party in the Bowl was just that happening; dancin', singin', eatin', drinkin', and celebratin'. We were seated in the section "R2" and everyone around our seats were so festive and friendly that we left feeling as if I had known them all for years. All types of ppl, all walks of life, from everywhere. They shared homemade sangria, wine, cocktails, ceviche, Italian meats, breads, pastas, cheeses, hummus, fruit salads, salsa, chips, you name it. And there was also that pungent scent of herbal liberation all around. Yup, they passed the joint. (0_o) R2 was in fierce party mode, whoa! (o_0) Lest not forget the party starters & crowd pleasers. They tossed some of the strongest jellyshots that I have ever tasted into the crowd, and mardi gras beads, and beach balls, and tees. What a party? *** That was just Sat. Sun is the BIG party, fyi. ***

The consensus among Jazz fans is that the Playboy Jazz Festival is in serious need on an…read moreintervention. This year's two day festival was an indication of what happens when people who don't know you plan your birthday celebration. The intent was there but the execution was off... The Saturday line up was ok with some good acts- they were not all Jazz but they were good. Sunday however was a mess. There so many Jazz experts and musicians in Los Angeles like The Jazz Cat. Or the Phil Harmonic could recruit some of the Talent from the Central Ave. Jazz Festival. There are lots of resources and a huge opportunity to build this into a world class event, One our City and her residents can be proud of. Come on LA PhilHarmonic you can and should do better!

As one of the few people who paid full price & wasn't comp'd to check this event out, I have to say…read moreit was still worth it! Super fun, positive vibes, lots of great tastings & flowing alcohol - what's not to love other than the steep ticket price, lol? I had been curious about this event for awhile. For my friend and me, it was perfect. We often have a hard time deciding on a restaurant or cuisine so this was a great GNO. This was my first time at the festival, but honestly, I'd do it again!

I'm pretty disappointed with the event we attended last night. Purchased VIP tickets and was only…read moreabout 10 people from the front. When we entered at 6:30 (an hour early for VIP), the place was somehow already crowded?? Minutes later, it was hard to even walk inside the hangar. We were shoulder to shoulder with people. Luckily we got to sample most foods. The food selection was great. Plenty of wine tastings and other drink options. The issue was not the food. The problem was how incredibly crowded it was. Around 7:30 when it was time for the general admission entry, I thought there's no way they could fit anymore people in here. Then it became SO CROWDED that you literally could NOT WALK or get to anything! People were bumping into each other trying to get anywhere. It just became an extremely stressful experience trying to get to anything, so we just left. I just want to say shame on LA Food and Wine for overselling and cramming as many people in like a SARDINE CAN! This used to be a wonderful event and I was so excited to finally be able to attend again, only to be disappointed. THIS WAS A FIRE HAZARD! There's no way that many people in that hangar was safe in any way.

One of the BEST craft fairs I have been to. The location was great, Culver City, indoor warehouse…read morewith parking and in the middle of Helms Bakery made this Sunday Field trip a well rounded day. The vendor selection was vast. The people were nice, I made a few friends and bought a few one-of-a kind gifts.

I was so excited to hear that Patchwork would be coming to Helms Bakery in Culver City, which is…read morewalking distance from my place! The ladies at check-in were very friendly and pointed us to the free Hubert's Lemonade drinks, which were perfect for the weather! I liked that admission was free and that it was held inside a garage since it was a pretty hot day. The vendors all seemed very happy to be there and greeted you with a smile and with helpful information about their products. The last craft show I went to (Renegade LA) was larger and more crowded, so maybe that's why the vendors weren't as personable. We started out at the Kombucha Kamp booth, where we got to sample their kombucha and the ladies there were really nice and told us about the history and making of kombucha. There was a good mix of different types of vendors at the fair and we took our time perusing jewelry, trying samples of handmade lotions, and even taste-testing the most delicious rosemary-flavored toffee ever! I bought an awesome stuffed animal elephant from ZFLA made of recycled sweaters for $5! :) Also bought 2 little buttons with owl graphics for $0.25 each. Got an anchor necklace on sale for $5. I felt like I really got a deal on these hand-crafted items!! For lunch, we checked out at the food trucks. There were only 3 or 4 trucks to choose from and there was very little seating - only a few overturned pails and one table - but my friend and I were able to nab a seat! Before heading back home, I bought a jar of white sage preserve by Backyard in a Jar for $5, which was quite reasonably priced! The lady manning the booth was the only negative encounter I had all day. She seemed disinterested and like she couldn't wait for us to leave. Not sure if it was just too hot out or she was waiting for someone else to relieve her of her shift but she even seemed annoyed to have to get the jar for me after I paid her the $5. I contemplated giving the jar back and asking for my money back but I figured - why let one dour lady ruin an otherwise delightful afternoon? It was indeed a very creatively inspiring fair and I was motivated to work on some of my own craft projects after I got home!

The Beverly Hills Art show is one of our favorite happenings. The show is held twice a year…read more It is a juried show and has the best of everything. What's nice is we can always look forward to seeing new artists at this show. Another bonus is that the artist is always present to answer questions and talk about their art. If you are hungry, there are many food trucks in the center of the art show. There are approximately five blocks worth of artist to view. It's a great show. There is free street parking. The Beverly Hills police will ignore the two hour limit parking on the days of the art show. Please respect the neighborhood as it is a residential area.

A stroll or walk-run through Beverly Gardens Park is relatively routine when visiting Los Angeles…read more Still, we've often planned to visit our relatives around the time of the semi-annual (Spring and Fall) Beverly Hills Art Show to view this showcase of painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, drawing, and printmaking from local and artists around the nation. Also, part of our plan is to enjoy lunch from one or two of their gourmet food trucks at their Wine and Beer Garden after viewing the artwork for a nice picnic lunch. The free admission, weekend-long art show encompasses four city blocks in Beverly Gardens Park along Santa Monica Boulevard and goes on rain or shine. According to the information desk and map of artists, this Spring's event showcased over 300 artists. The original works range from traditional to very contemporary pieces and are represented by the creative artist in person. We enjoy talking with friendly artists willing to share their inspiration(s) or background to their work. Because we haven't purchased large art pieces and we live out-of-State, we can't say whether or not the artist will assist in wrapping or shipping the artwork to your home. Most times, we've bought either jewelry or small art pieces that we can either pack in our suitcase or carry on board with us during our return flight to Hawai'i. There are multiple City parking structures located one or two blocks south of the show site, or if you're lucky, you might be able to find free street parking north of the show. 2023 marks this art show's 50th Anniversary, and appeared to be more festive than in years past. We look forward to returning and browsing the art show in the Fall.