8th Annual L.A. Food Fest Brings the Ultimate Picnic to L.A. Coliseum

Fiona Chandra

Summer is the season for food festivals, and one of Los Angeles’ biggest food festivals is returning on June 10. Now in its eighth year, L.A. Food Fest has grown from a food truck festival to a celebration of all things food in L.A. (and Mexico). The festival encourages guests to grab their picnic blankets for the 2017 edition at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

This year’s restaurant list of over 100 food vendors includes some L.A. favorites such as Petty Cash, Starry Kitchen, Stella Barra Pizzeria, CVCHE, Aqui es Texcoco, Coni’ Seafood, Howlin’ Rays, Hanjip, Little Jewel of New Orleans, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, and more.

The event will also feature a lineup of talented chefs from Mexico. Stars include Oso Campos (Tacos Kokopelli, Baja), Diego Hernandez (Corazon de Tierra in Baja and the newly opened Verlaine in West Hollywood), Benito Molina (Manzanilla, Baja), and other chefs from San Miguel de Allende, Guadalajara, Toluca, and beyond.

Sweet treats to end the day will be available at the Ice Cream Social section, with samples from Carmela Ice Cream, Wanderlust Creamery, Amazebowls, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, and Fluff Ice, among others. Coffee roasters will keep guests caffeinated at the Iced Coffee Lounge.

There will be no shortage of refreshing drinks for the summer afternoon, from five beer gardens presented by the LA Brewers’ Guild featuring Golden Road Brewery and other local LA breweries. There will also be multiple bars including a Bloody Mary Bar and cocktails from Jason Eisner (Gracias Madre) and other top L.A. mixologists, a tequila tasting zone, and a Baja wine garden.

General admission tickets are $65 per person for admission at 3:30 p.m. and includes all the food and drinks. VIP tickets are $95 per person with early admission at 2 p.m., VIP entrance, and exclusive access to the VIP lounge and bar, which will feature a DIY S’mores bar, bites from Ceviche Project, and premium tequila tasting from Mundo Cuervo. A portion of the proceeds will benefit LA Kitchen and Imperfect Produce.

L.A. Food Fest will be on June 10, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Purchase tickets here.