Abbot Kinney Festival returns to Venice, 40th edition scheduled for Sept. 27
The free, all-day event runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, with proceeds earmarked for Venice youth and arts programs.
The Abbot Kinney Festival is back in Venice on Sunday, Sept. 27, after a two-year hiatus caused by sponsorship shortfalls and lingering pandemic effects, according to the Santa Monica Mirror. The 40th edition will occupy the full stretch of Abbot Kinney Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a free, family-friendly experience that blends live music, food, and local vendors.
Organizers emphasize that the festival is the largest annual fundraiser for the Abbot Kinney Festival Association, a nonprofit that channels proceeds into youth, arts, and community programs throughout Venice. Patti Reiss, the association’s president, called the return “meaningful for longtime neighbors, businesses and visitors,” and highlighted new sustainability measures such as free bike-valet stations at both ends of the route.
Programming highlights and family activities
Music will anchor the day under the Spirit of Venice stage, where local bands perform throughout the afternoon, while the ANNEX area hosts DJ sets that cater to a broader audience. A dedicated KidsQuad zone provides family-focused programming, ensuring that children have age-appropriate entertainment alongside the broader festivities.
Hundreds of independent vendors line the boulevard, offering everything from handcrafted goods to artisanal food trucks and beer gardens. The diverse culinary lineup reflects Venice’s eclectic street-food culture, giving attendees a chance to sample a wide range of flavors without leaving the festival grounds.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, a 21-and-over VIP garden will be open for a $40 donation. The garden promises a curated atmosphere with additional amenities, while the donation still contributes to the nonprofit’s mission.
Logistics, transportation, and community impact
Organizers are urging attendees to bike, carpool, or use public transportation, and they have arranged free bike-valet stations at both the western and eastern termini of the festival route. These stations aim to reduce traffic congestion and support the city’s broader sustainability goals.
The event’s free admission model is designed to maximize community participation, but the festival also serves a critical fundraising purpose. All proceeds are directed to the Abbot Kinney Festival Association, which supports Venice youth initiatives, arts programming, and other community projects that might otherwise lack stable funding.
The return of the festival after cancellations in 2024 and 2025 signals a rebound for local businesses that rely on the annual influx of visitors. Vendors and nearby merchants anticipate increased foot traffic, while the nonprofit hopes the renewed revenue stream will sustain its educational and artistic grants for the coming year.
The festival’s revival is a bellwether for Venice’s cultural resilience, showing how community-driven events can sustain local arts and youth programs even after pandemic-related setbacks. For Angelenos, the free, street-level celebration offers a rare chance to support neighborhood nonprofits while enjoying the eclectic vibe that defines Abbot Kinney.