SPECIAL » EVENTS 2020
THE HOLLYWOOD REEL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Screens new feature films, documentaries, shorts and videos by emerging filmmakers. Feb. 12-24 at multiple venues and locations in Los Angeles. hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com
LOS ANGELES COMEDY FESTIVAL The nation’s largest comedy festival features film, live comedy acts and a screenplay competition. Held twice a year at Let Live Theatre in Los Angeles. April 2-12. lafilmfestivals.com/la-comedy-fest
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 25th year. April 18-19 at USC. events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks
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 libations too, including craft cocktails and tequila. See website for date, location and other details. Typically held early summer. lafoodfest.com
LOTUS FESTIVAL This 40th annual celebration at Echo Park Lake celebrates the Asian American community in Los Angeles. Enjoy live music, food, dance and dragon boat races set against a backdrop of blooming lotus flowerbeds. Typically in July at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles. See website for details. facebook.com/lotusfestivalla
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 ninth year, this Asian-food festival is usually held on four weekends in the summer at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. 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. 27 in Venice. abbotkinney.org
WEST HOLLYWOOD CARNAVAL Every Oct. 31 along Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, more than 500,000 people attend the world’s largest Halloween street party. Dress up in your favorite costume and prepare to dance the night away. visitwesthollywood.com/halloween-carnaval