Arts & Culture Food & Spirits

LA Heats Up for the Summer as Festival Fever Takes Over

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Contributed by Emma Bell
If there’s one place to be this summer, LA has to be it;  from the ocean communities such as glorious Venice Beach and golden sanded Malibu, to the star-studded Beverly Hills and Hollywood, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you love to spend your vacation soaking up the sun or exploring world-renowned cultural hotspots, LA manages to tick every box, making it the ideal destination for the summer.

The Summer Fests Are Here

If you’re a fan of open-air events, you’re going to be spoiled for choice with the amazing range of festivals planned throughout Los Angeles this summer; starting from May and continuing right through until September, there are literally hundreds of experiences which will cater for the foodies, the music-lovers and the arty-types alike. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites that deserve a space in your diary – sunblock at the ready!

Music

While the world-famous Coachella festival may be over for the year, music lovers shouldn’t worry – there are still plenty of opportunities to throw your hands in the air and get lost in the rhythm, whether you’re into fast-paced guitar bands or mellow jazz and blues.

FYF Fest, held at the LA Sports Arena and Exposition Park features an impressively modern line up, with acts such as The Strokes, Interpol and Haim all taking the stage to entertain the masses, while The Original Farmers Market hosts the Summer Music Series – regular evenings of live jazz, blues, rock and Latin, which provide a regular treat for those with a slightly more eclectic taste. For fans of Hip Hop, the famous Rock the Bells festival offers up a huge range of performers, from veterans such as Jurassic 5 and Slick Rick to the more contemporary Chase and Status.

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Food

The LA Street Food Fest in June features almost every type of food and drink you could ever imagine, meaning visitors can satisfy their hunger pangs with hot gourmet food or tasters from award-winning chefs and restaurants, and then finish off with frozen goodies at the Ice Cream Social. If you’re more of a grill fan, the Los Angeles BBQ Fest is sure to tickle your tastebuds; visit a huge array of stalls and sample mouth watering classics such as pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs and tortillas, before washing it all down with a root beer float.

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Chef Kerry Simon at the 2012 LA Wine and Food Fest

Returning for a fourth year after three outstanding previous performances, the Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival is the ultimate event for foodies all over the country. Held over an impressive four days, visitors are able to attend a variety of experiences which include the opportunity to taste world-class wines and spirits, witness outstanding chefs at work, and attend a variety of parties and celebrations.

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