LOS ANGELES, CA — The annual Venice Fest, one of the most highly anticipated community events in Los Angeles, will make its grand return on June 21, 2025, after a brief pause due to the pandemic. This year, the festival promises to be bigger and better, offering a jam-packed schedule of activities, performances, and local experiences for over 100,000 attendees. Held along Venice Beach, this year’s Venice Fest has expanded its programming to include more music, art, food, and community engagement than ever before.
A Diverse Musical Lineup: As with past years, music is at the heart of the Venice Fest. The festival will feature over 20 musical performances, bringing local, regional, and national talent to the iconic beachside stage. Los Angeles-based band Los Lobos will headline the evening with their mix of rock, R&B, and Latin sounds, while Billie Eilish—a Venice native—will take the stage for a highly anticipated set. The festival’s diverse music lineup spans genres from jazz, indie rock, and pop to electronic and hip-hop, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
In addition to the performances, the festival will host DJ sets and a community dance party, where attendees can join in on choreographed flash mobs and spontaneous dance-offs. “The goal is to bring the Venice community together while showcasing the vibrant culture of the area,” says festival organizer Lauren Matthews.
Community Engagement and Vendor Experience: In addition to the music and performances, the Venice Fest will offer an extensive vendor marketplace featuring over 300 local businesses. From eco-friendly products and unique jewelry to fresh, organic foods and beverages, the marketplace will give attendees the opportunity to support small businesses while enjoying the sights and sounds of the festival. Local artisans will be selling everything from handmade leather goods to vintage clothing, promoting sustainability and creativity within the Venice area.
This year’s festival will also dedicate a portion of its programming to local community outreach. The Social Garden, a designated area at the event, will focus on social causes such as food insecurity and homelessness. A portion of the festival’s ticket sales and proceeds from vendors in this area will benefit Nourish LA, an organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity in Los Angeles through fresh produce programs and community kitchen initiatives.
The festival’s organizers hope that by integrating social causes into the festivities, they will create a stronger sense of unity among attendees while also supporting the Venice Beach community.
A Sustainable, Family-Friendly Event: A key focus for this year’s Venice Fest is sustainability. With environmental issues at the forefront of global conversations, the festival is taking steps to reduce waste and environmental impact by implementing zero-waste initiatives. In partnership with Sustainable Surf, the event will provide compostable and recyclable products and promote eco-friendly transport to reduce the carbon footprint.
For families, there will be a family fun zone complete with free activities, including face painting, games, and educational workshops on sustainability. The area will also feature family-friendly performances, including interactive theater and kid-focused music performances.
A Look Toward the Future: The Venice Fest is not just an annual event; it has become a symbol of how communities can come together to celebrate culture, creativity, and activism. As it continues to evolve and grow in scope, the festival serves as a reminder of the power of local collaboration.