My wife and I were happy to attend Sunday’s Abbot Kinney Festival in Venice after a multi-year absence on our part, and it was great to be back.

I always look forward to a trip to Abbot Kinney, with its unique shops, food, and local Bohemian spirit — former bungalows turned into shops and plenty of decadent, artistic flair among other characteristics. But with the Festival, I know there are always unique products – especially art – from talented pros that one doesn’t see every day. This year, we even bought a terrific print from San Diego-based artist Joe Vickers*

While the stroll down Abbot Kinney Boulevard passed numerous tents and displays is free, there is a cost for certain activities and additional attractions. But the net proceeds gained from the event support the Abbot Kinney Festival Association, a nonprofit grant-making organization that, “Supports community-based organizations in Venice with an emphasis on youth, community, and the arts.” So there is a direct public benefit to supporting Abbot Kinney Fest.

Several beer gardens adorned the boulevard to add a party atmosphere to the event. Walking the Festival all day can be tiring, so it’s understandable the crowds would want to sit for a while and enjoy some food and a cold one. It also makes the Festival a natural gathering place for friends and family to connect.

Invariably, I always run into at least one other person or family I know, and this year was no exception. My wife and I were very happy at one point to see my friend Rose Mann walking towards us, and I couldn’t help but ask her about her impressions of Abbot Kinney these days – both the festival and the environment there in Venice.

“My overall impression of the Abbot Kinney Festival is that it is a fun and a great way to experience the street and neighborhood. I love the sales in usually more expensive shops and the showcase of art you don’t usually see. I do not make a regular occurrence of going, but I probably check it out every few years,” said Rose. About Venice, she added, “I am in Venice maybe once or twice a month to do something in the area like go to Gjelina or pick up a gift for someone.  I spend most of my time there during the day and do feel safe.  I don’t think walking around at night is a good idea.”

That certainly can be said of several parts of a big city. It was interesting that there was a police presence there, but hardly an overwhelming one given local crime fears being played up in the media. In fact, the only LAPD officers I saw were a cluster of four all talking to one another and having a laugh in the middle of the street.

Overall, I picked up on a very happy, festive vibe while we were there on Sunday. There was a sense of optimism, I think, despite the area’s immediate challenges with homelessness and those fears of crime.

Certainly a great day and the weather came through. And of course – like any great L.A. day – plenty of lovable dogs and happy children out on the boulevard. I’ll certainly look forward to the event next year, and may even stay a little longer.

Photo by the author

*See and support Joe Vicker’s work here: JoeVickersArt.com