Best LA Food Events

Food and wine festivals are some of my favorite types of events to attend. These days Chefs have become super stars…and foodie events are a great way to meet them. I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Curtis Stone. I even had the chance to interview him. CLICK HERE to read it. Below here is our list of Best LA Food Events

*Meet your favorite chef at a Food Festival – Curtis Stone with me – Kathy Leonardo*

Best LA Food Events

Stumbling upon a food event while visiting a new city is always a great experience, and finding out you just missed one is a real bummer. Often these events donate a portion of sales to a charity. However, many fundraising events double as food festivals. So you can party with a purpose! The nonprofit earns money, and you enjoy a spectacular foodie event. Why not plan your portion of the trip in Los Angeles during the same time as one of these fundraisers? Food events provide a friendly way to meet locals, find excellent restaurants in the area, and try new types of cuisine. This is true for locals and tourists alike.

*The 2022 Back on the Block Annual Fundraiser; photo courtesy of Chad Villaflores*

Block Party by Concern Foundation

Concern Foundation’s annual fundraiser Block Party is a well planned out event. In addition to fabulous food, and drink, you’ll enjoy live bands, DJs, dance acts, acrobatics, a live auction, and a silent one, even a casino at the event. All the money raised goes to finding a cure to cancer. CLICK HERE to read about Concern Foundation’s 2022 Back on the Block event.

Celebrate Chefs & Cellars

Another personal favorite of mine…Celebrate Chefs & Cellars also doubles as a fundraiser and is presented by the Associates to benefit Palos Verdes Art Center. This is an intimate and charming event which is hosted at an exclusive private winery called Catalina View Gardens. Situated on the edge of the Palos Verdes peninsula, the location offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island.

In addition to wine from Catalina View Wines, the event features wine from other vineyards, spirits, and cuisine from prominent local restaurants. Plus, it raises funds for a good cause – the Palos Verdes Art Center. Read my Huff Post review about a past event. CLICK HERE for more info about this event. Read my article ‘A Palos Verdes Day Trip’ about a wonderful trip down the coast and the 2022 event.

LA Times Food Bowl

A totally different type of foodie event, The LA Times Food Bowl used to take place the entire month of May each year (this has changed due to the pandemic). Now the month has changed and features several events each night in various locations across Los Angeles. Selected restaurants hosts events, in addition to a food festival style event that kicks off the month long annual event, as well as ending it. In 2022 a weekend long Night Market returned after the pandemic – CLICK HERE to read my review of the 2022 LA Times Food Bowl three day event.

*Pizza from A Tutta Pizza! LA’s Pizza Fest, just one of the many LA Food Bowl events presented by the LA Times*

I attended an event called A Tutta Pizza, LA’s Pizza Fest in 2019, and had a fantastic time. Read my review HERE.

Los Angeles Vegandale Festival

Taking place in October each year, the Los Angeles Vegandale Festival event brings vegan food, to the forefront along with drinks, as well as music. Moreover, the event feaures art installations and also nearly 100 vendors from across the continent and beyond. Fest goers can expect the best in vegan comfort food including deep fried watermelon, beer cheeze battered burgers, quarter pound cookies, and more! This is an all ages event and children 12 and under enter for free. For more info and Tickets, visit www.vegandalefest.com/losangeles/tickets

More LA Foodie Events

Two popular events (which have not come back since pandemic in 2020) are the Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival, and the LA Times’ The Taste. I have attended both of these events for several years – they were equally fantastic.

Little Sister, Grilled Tenderloin, Bo Kho Spices, Beef Fat Rice, Viet Chimmi, Micro Celery Leaf, Butter-Fried Garlic & Shallots; photo by Kathy Leonardo; courtesy of ETG;

These are large events. If you love wine, I would suggest the first one. However, both offer delicious cuisine. The TASTE tends to provide more hard liquor than wine…be aware, no real wine glasses are to be found at this event…plastic cups only. ETG tip: I bring my own wineglass (complete with a lasso holder), and I’m happy as a clam.

The Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival takes place downtown. The Frank Gehry designed architecturally-stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall is a focal point. The event is completely sectioned off from the surrounding streets. It is quite exclusive, offering ceramic plates as well as glassware. It also has an incredible catering staff …ready to pick up each and every plate.

*The Taste presented by the LA Times at Paramount studios*

The Taste event, presented by the LA Times, is held at Paramount Studios which is a magnificent venue. Many of the purveyors are located on the New York City sound stage. Wandering through these various city streets while gobbling down delicious tastes is part of the attraction of this event.

2022 UPDATE: Unfortunately for all of us the LAFW and the TASTE events are no longer taking place and the websites have been shut down. Hopefully you’ll enjoy some of the other foodie festival mentioned in this article If you love to dine out, CLICK HERE to read restaurant reviews.