SPECIAL » EVENTS 2017
THE HOLLYWOOD REEL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Screens new feature films, documentaries, shorts and videos by emerging filmmakers who possess an independent spirit and create innovative work outside the studio system. Feb. 8-20 at multiple venues and locations in Los Angeles. hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com
FESTIVAL OF BOOKS Meet hundreds of literary lights and browse the booths at one of the largest book festivals in the country. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books celebrates its 21st year. April 22-23 at USC. events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks
LOS ANGELES COMEDY FESTIVAL The nation’s largest comedy festival features film, live comedy acts and a screenplay competition. Held twice a year, May 4-13 and tentatively November 9-19 at Let Live Theatre in Los Angeles. Check website for details. lacomedyfest.com
LOTUS FESTIVAL This 37th annual celebration at Echo Park Lake honors the Asian American community in Los Angeles and this year it features the people of Bangladesh. Expect live music, food, dance, and dragon boat races set against a backdrop of blooming lotus flower beds. July 15-16 at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles. facebook.com/lotusfestivalla
LA FOOD FEST Follow your nose to this annual festival celebrating more than 100 of LA’S food vendors, from top chefs and renowned restaurants to gourmet food trucks and street food stalls. Sample a variety of libations too, including craft cocktails and tequila. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet treat or a simple repast, you’ll find something that satisfies. In July at Exposition Park in Los Angeles. Check website for details. lafoodfest.com
626 NIGHT MARKET Inspired by the bustling Asian night markets, this evening bazaar will spice up your senses with more than 200 food vendors (tempting your taste buds with skewers of beef, spiraled fried potatoes, stinky tofu and mango shave ice), performers and retail booths. Entering its sixth year, this Asian-food festival is held in the summer at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. June 30-July 2, July 21-23, Aug. 11-13, Sept. 1-3. Check website for details. 626nightmarket.com
THE ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL Founded in 1984, this eco-conscious artisan and food festival attracts many to this bohemian-chic area in Venice. Located on a one-mile stretch on Abbot Kinney Blvd., from Venice Blvd. to Main Street. Sept. 24 in Venice. abbotkinney.org
WEST HOLLYWOOD CARNAVAL Every Oct. 31, more than 500,000 people attend the world’s largest Halloween street party along Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. Dress up in your favorite costume and prepare to dance the night away. visitwesthollywood.com/halloween-carnaval