Kick Off the Holiday Weekend at Abbot Kinney First Fridays

CAMPBELL WELLMAN ABBOT KINNEY VENICE FIRST FRIDAY JULY 4TH WEEKEND

If you're looking for the absolute perfect way to jumpstart your long weekend, tonight’s plans are already sorted.

Tonight, Friday, July 3rd, from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is hosting its highly anticipated July First Friday. Coinciding perfectly with the kickoff of the nation’s 250th Independence Day weekend, Venice’s most iconic street is transforming into a massive, open-air culinary celebration.

Instead of dealing with holiday weekend grocery crowds or standing over a hot kitchen stove, you can head straight down to the boulevard to catch a spectacular lineup of LA's premier food trucks serving up incredible street food from around the globe.

The Flavor Lineup

Tonight's roster brings together an eclectic mix of legendary mainstays and local gourmet favorites. Whether you’re craving high-end seafood, authentic global street eats, or something sweet to beat the summer heat, there is something on the boulevard for everyone:

  • The Icons: Catch legendary staple Kogi BBQ for the ultimate LA-defining short rib tacos, alongside the famous Cousin’s Maine Lobster for premium East Coast rolls.

  • Global Street Eats: Explore incredible flavors with Sus Arepas (traditional Venezuelan favorites), Waku Food, Italia on the Road, and Cali Craving.

  • Plant-Based Perfection: Man Eating Plant will be on-site serving up their critically acclaimed, flavor-packed vegan Asian street food, alongside delicious options from Pickles and Peas.

  • Seafood & Savory: Check out The Chick Truck and Me So Fishy for excellent savory comfort food.

  • Sweet Finishes: Wrap up your evening with a refreshing treat from Kona Shave Ice or a classic scoop from Sure Good Soft Serve.

💡 Pro-Tip from the Merchants Association: We all know eating standing up can be tricky, but please be respectful of the permanent brick-and-mortar restaurants on the boulevard. To keep the neighborhood good vibes going, make sure not to take up outdoor patio tables unless you are a customer of that specific establishment.

  • Logistics Note: Public restrooms will be readily available at the intersections of California Ave and Palms Blvd.

The Campbell Wellman Take

 

First Fridays on Abbot Kinney are the definitive heartbeat of Venice’s community culture. What we love most about tonight is how it acts as the perfect, low-stress neighborhood gathering spot right before the massive crowds hit the beaches tomorrow. It’s casual, vibrant, and uniquely local. Part of what makes living on the Westside so incredible is this exact walkable lifestyle. Being able to stroll down your street, grab a world-class meal from a truck, and bump into friends and neighbors is exactly the kind of environment that makes our local real estate so highly valued. Have a fantastic time tonight, stay safe, and have a wonderful holiday weekend!