The annual Abbot Kinney Festival returns for its 30th year this Sunday, Sept. 28 from 10 am to 6 pm toasting to the best of world-famous Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
A mile-long stretch of food trucks, beer and spirit gardens, live music, handcrafted goods and a popup shrimp boil meet the eclectic brick-and-mortar boutiques, renowned restaurants and art galleries that make Abbot Kinney a singularly unmatched destination.
Abbot Kinney Festival Association (AKFA) Chair Donna Humphrey said the organization was thrilled to make this year’s festival better than ever.
“Since its inception, the Abbot Kinney Festival has represented the incredible solidarity within this colorful neighborhood — and, each year, we show our appreciation by reinvesting all proceeds back into the Venice community,” Humphrey said.
Highlights this year include:
- 5 live music stages featuring local and emerging artists
- 300 quality vendors, from art to jewelry to handcrafted goods
- 3 beer and spirit gardens, featuring Stoli, Firestone Walker, Goose Island, Shock Top
- A popup shrimp boil by Chef Greg A. Daniels of Salt Air
- Dozens of top food trucks & booths: Superba Food + Bread, Kogi BBQ, Cousins Maine Lobster, and much more
- Whole Foods Market “green scene,” a showcase of favorite farms
- Fresh pressed juice by Jamba Juice
- KidsQuad of games, music, rides & activities
- Chances to win great raffle prizes, from a Linus bike to an iZip
- Free bike valet
- Early Bird Beer & Spirit Garden Fast Pass, to skip lines and access a dedicated bartender
Starting in 1984, the AKFA, in addition to awarding community grants (11 and counting this year), has recognized exemplary residents and stakeholders nominated by the community for their contributions to the spirit, creativity and uniqueness of Venice.
The first Spirit of Venice Award was presented in 1989 to descendants of Abbot Kinney, the founder of Venice, CA. Also that year, West Washington Boulevard was renamed to Abbot Kinney Boulevard in his honor.
Awardees this year include:
- Ed Moses, Artist
- Tom Everhart, Artist
- Laddie John Dill, Artist
- Mariana Aguilar, Community Activist
- Eduardo Manilla, Chairman of the Arts Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council
- Jay Adams (posthumous), Skateboarding pioneer and one of the original members of the legendary Dogtown Z-Boys
Renowned artists and awardees Ed Moses, Tom Everhart, and Laddie John Dill commemorate the 30th anniversary of the festival with exclusive artwork, available for sale as t-shirts, posters, and more at the official festival merchandise booth.
The festival caters to kids of all ages with its dedicated KidsQuad, located in the expansive outdoor field of Westminster Elementary, right on Abbot Kinney. Kicking off with a festive parade to usher in the festival at 9:45 am, the family fanfare continues all day, featuring:
- Pony rides, a mega slide, Rock Climbing, and more
- Live entertainment on the KidsQuad Stage, from all-kid punk rock band Room 23 to French performance artist Madame Chocolat
- Community building for kids, help build a cardboard city with ReDiscover Center
- Arts & crafts: glitter tattoos, tie-dye T-shirts, tutu tutorials, face painting, and sand art
- Adventure & games: dig for treasure, Wheel of Fortune, and make a wizard wand
For more information on the Abbot Kinney Festival Association, community grants, and this year’s festival, visit www.abbotkinney.org.
