Venice Fest Returns: A Westside Winter Celebration & Community Love-Fest
Los Angeles might not have snow, but it certainly has soul, and the Venice Fest is a shining example. What began as an intimate block party in Mar Vista has blossomed into a beloved Westside staple, showcasing the vibrant local creative scene. This Saturday marks the Venice Winter Fest, a holiday edition blending retro ski lodge charm with a signature surfside atmosphere, promising thousands of unique holiday finds from SoCal makers, delicious food, live music, and family fun.
From Block Party to Westside Phenomenon
A Pandemic-Born Idea
The Venice Fest originated from the shared vision of Sarah Fisk, former owner of Shop Morpheus, and Kristopher Herbert, who had just launched The Gym Venice. During the pandemic, both sought innovative ways to bring their communities together safely. Connected by mutual friends, their brainstorming led to the creation of an outdoor festival designed to foster face-to-face interaction among neighbors.
Growth and a Love Story
The inaugural Venice Fest in November 2021 saw around 50 vendors and welcomed approximately 200 attendees, a success at the time for the Mar Vista area. Fast forward to today, the festival now attracts over 20,000 people three times a year, solidifying its place as a massive local showcase. Beyond the community success, Fisk and Herbert found an unexpected personal connection through the festival, falling in love, marrying, and celebrating their daughter’s first birthday. Looking ahead, a significant milestone awaits: the Venice Fest will move to the iconic Venice Beach sign starting next year, a move co-founder Sarah Fisk describes as “a genuine love-fest for the entire community.”
| Event | Vendors | Attendees |
|---|---|---|
| First Venice Fest (Nov 2021) | ~50 | ~200 |
| Current Venice Fest (Typical) | 300+ local creators | 20,000+ |
Experience the Venice Winter Fest
This Saturday, November 18, 2025, the Venice Winter Fest promises a full day of activities and discoveries in downtown Mar Vista.
Unique Holiday Shopping
Explore thousands of one-of-a-kind holiday finds from more than 300 local creators. Highlights include Vintage Menu Art, offering nostalgic prints from classic restaurants, and Ceremonia, known for handcrafted décor and nature-inspired accessories. For music enthusiasts, Orangewood Guitars showcases beautifully crafted instruments, while De Céa offers “timeless, elegant and full of heart” jewelry.
Live Local Music
Music is woven into the fabric of Venice, and the festival continues this tradition with an impressive lineup of up-and-coming artists. In partnership with local music company Breaking Sound, three stages will feature performances from acts like All Alone & Rockin, Western Medicine, Kaity B, Freddy, and Joe’s Band, all capturing the free-spirited Westside energy.
A Culinary Journey
Indulge your taste buds with offerings from fifty diverse food vendors, representing the best of L.A.’s food scene, from brick-and-mortar eateries to popular food trucks. Don’t miss standouts like The Original Tamale, Sending Noods, and plant-based innovators MANEATINGPLANT. For dessert lovers, Creamy Boys Ice Cream and Da Bomb Treatz will satisfy any sweet tooth. Additionally, Impastiamo will host free mini cooking classes and live demonstrations throughout the day, offering a chance to learn new culinary skills.
Family Fun at Playtime Paradise
Bringing the little ones? The festival’s Playtime Paradise, expanded this year through a collaboration with California Kids Club, is packed with kid-friendly activities. Children can enjoy crafts with Rediscover, find a new companion at the Pup Culture Rescue adoption booth, and grab treats from the Fantasy Cotton Candy Truck. Of course, no winter fest is complete without Santa, so be sure to get a free holiday photo at the Venice Paparazzi booth.
Après Surf Social Club (21+)
For those 21 and older seeking a relaxed vibe, the Après Surf Social Club offers a dedicated space to unwind. Enjoy DJ sets while sipping on craft ales from Kona Brewing or Donna’s Pickle Beer. Fresh sushi will be available from MOF Sushi, helmed by Chef Takanori “Kuma” Shishido, known for his background at Michelin-starred Mori Sushi. A portion of every ticket sale for the open bar ($40) or zero-proof pass ($25) directly benefits Nourish LA, a local nonprofit fighting food insecurity.
FAQs
- When is the Venice Winter Fest?
The Venice Winter Fest is this Saturday, November 18, 2025. - Who founded the Venice Fest?
The Venice Fest was created by local business owners Sarah Fisk and Kristopher Herbert. - What kind of food options are available?
The festival features fifty diverse food vendors, including The Original Tamale, Sending Noods, MANEATINGPLANT, Creamy Boys Ice Cream, and Da Bomb Treatz, plus free cooking classes. - Are there activities for children?
Yes, Playtime Paradise offers crafts, animal adoption from Pup Culture Rescue, cotton candy, and free holiday photos with Santa. - Is there a special area for adults?
Absolutely! The Après Surf Social Club is a 21+ beer garden offering craft beverages, DJ sets, sushi, and a portion of ticket sales benefiting Nourish LA.
Don’t miss out on this vibrant Westside tradition that embodies the community spirit and unique surfside atmosphere of Los Angeles, offering something special for everyone this holiday season.
Venice Winter Fest Westside Holiday Fun
