Beat the Heat at These Los Angeles Food Festivals

LA summer food events run from weekly open-air markets to massive restaurant weeks and craft beer festivals — here's a quick look at the top ones:

Los Angeles doesn't slow down in the summer. If anything, the heat turns up the food scene along with the temperatures.

From free Sunday markets in DTLA to Michelin-recognized restaurants offering prix-fixe deals, there is genuinely something for every kind of eater. Whether you're into craft beer, street tacos, vegan fare, or a quiet chef's table experience rooted in Black culinary history — summer in LA delivers.

With nearly 450 restaurants participating in Dine LA Restaurant Week alone, and weekly markets like Smorgasburg LA hosting close to 100 small local businesses every single Sunday, the hardest part isn't finding something to eat. It's choosing where to start.

This guide breaks down the biggest and best food events across Los Angeles and Orange County so you can plan your summer around the ones that matter most to you.

When we think of the heartbeat of the Los Angeles food scene, we think of the markets that show up for us every week. While one-off festivals are exciting, there is a special kind of magic in the recurring events that anchor our summers. At the center of this is Smorgasburg LA, which has grown into a massive platform for culinary creativity.

Operating every Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM at Row DTLA, this market is a powerhouse of small business support. It features nearly 100 curated vendors from the Southern California food, beverage, and shopping scene. What makes it one of the absolute best la summer food events is the accessibility—entry is free, and the atmosphere is designed for spending a full afternoon exploring.

Whether you are looking for the latest viral snack or a curated shopping experience, Smorgasburg offers a glimpse into the next wave of SoCal talent. For those who want to dive deeper into the personalities behind these stalls, we recommend checking out LA Icons/Benny Takes You There to see how local legends navigate the city's food landscape.

Smorgasburg isn't just a local favorite; it's part of a global network. It operates the largest open-air food markets in the country, with sister locations like Smorgasburg MIA in Miami, as well as outposts in New York, Jersey City, Sao Paulo, and Toronto.

In Los Angeles, the market transforms the historic Row DTLA into a global food court. You can find everything from bao buns and poke to wood-fired pizza and burritos. One of our top recommendations is Maneatingplant, a vendor that has gained a cult following for its inventive plant-based dishes.

The event is incredibly family-friendly, featuring a picture-perfect beer garden where adults can cool off with a craft brew while enjoying the summer sun. However, do keep in mind the strict no-pets policy—while we love our furry friends, the high-density food environment means they’ll have to sit this one out at home.

Beyond the heavy hitters, Smorgasburg is where you find the rising stars. Maneatingplant continues to wow crowds with their vegan bao buns, proving that plant-based street food can hold its own against any traditional meat dish. If you need a caffeine kick to fuel your market exploration, you might remember the buzz from when the Los Angeles Coffee Festival Announced its arrival; that same spirit of artisanal craft is alive and well among the beverage vendors at Row DTLA.

Practical tip: Parking at Row DTLA is plentiful, with a massive onsite garage that often offers free parking for the first hour. This makes it one of the more stress-free la summer food events to visit by car.

If you prefer a seated experience with a cloth napkin over a stroll through a parking lot, Summer Dine LA Returns to satisfy your cravings. Running from July 25 through August 8, 2026, this 15-day event is the largest restaurant week in the country.

This summer, the program features nearly 450 restaurants across 88 neighborhoods, representing 33 global cuisines. It’s a record-breaking year for participation, highlighting the resilience of our local chefs and restaurateurs. Similar to the Clink Different Restaurant Week, the focus is on discovery and value, inviting us to try that one spot we’ve had bookmarked for months.

The beauty of Dine LA is the prix-fixe menu system. Lunch options start as low as $15, while dinner menus typically range from $15 to $65 and above. This is the perfect time to visit Michelin-recognized establishments—32 of which are participating this year.

Some heavy hitters on the list include:

For the most up-to-date list of participants and to book your table, head over to the Dine LA website.

Dine LA is also about the "new kids on the block." This year welcomes 80 new participants, including Firstborn in Chinatown, which has already made waves with its modern Chinese American menu and acclaimed bar program. If you find yourself in Santa Monica, Orla offers one of the best deals of the season—generous mezze appetizers and entrees served right by the Pacific Ocean.

Over in Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm provides a cozy, playlist-driven atmosphere that is perfect for a $55 three-course dinner. If you have questions about how the program works, the Dine LA FAQ covers everything from reservation tips to menu exclusions.

For many of us, summer isn't official until we've had a cold pint in an open field. The LA Independent Beer Fest is the premier event for this, scheduled for June 14, 2026, at Shoreline Aquatic Park. Organized by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild, it features samples from 75 local breweries, live music, and games. It’s a fantastic way to support local independent businesses while enjoying the ocean breeze. If you're looking to extend your beverage exploration, you might also enjoy planning An Epic LA Tequila Crawl through the city's best agave bars.

The LA Street Food Fest is often described as a "celebration of gluttony," and we say that with the utmost affection. Held at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, this event features over 100 food truck vendors and brick-and-mortar favorites.

Attendees can expect:

It’s a high-energy event that truly captures the "street" in la summer food events. You can find more details at the LA Street Food Fest Info page.

Food is more than just sustenance; it is a vessel for history. Chef Martin Draluck’s Black Pot Supper Club at Alta Adams in West Adams is a profound example of this. This intimate dinner series celebrates Black culinary excellence and resistance.

Draluck draws inspiration from historic texts, such as Malinda Russell’s 1866 cookbook (the first known American cookbook by a free Black woman). These dinners are story-driven, weaving the foundations of American cuisine into every bite of beef cheek stew or marble cake. For those who value the narrative behind the meal, this is a must-attend summer series. It aligns perfectly with the spirit of our own Find Your True Fork: A Dinner Series.

While we love our LA hubs, our neighbors to the south have some incredible offerings that are worth the drive. The OC Fair is the crown jewel of the region, running from July 18 to August 17, 2026. With tickets priced between $13 and $15, it’s a budget-friendly way to indulge in classic fair food—from deep-fried everything to tri-tip sandwiches. Secure your OC Fair Tickets early, as they often sell out on weekends.

If you’re looking for a more "polished" meal after a day of shopping, JOEY Newport Beach in Fashion Island offers a globally inspired menu and a retractable roof that’s perfect for summer nights.

Orange County excels at the community-centric night market. The Huntington Beach Foodie Friday and Irvine Nights Market (happening July 31) are fantastic spots to grab street food and listen to live music.

For an art-focused experience, the Sawdust Art Festival Info site details a summer-long event in Laguna Beach with over 185 artists, live demos, and plenty of local food stalls. It’s a grassroots response to the traditional art scene that has become a seasonal staple.

Summer and live music go hand-in-hand. The OC Parks Summer Series offers free concerts and "sunset cinema" throughout the county. Whether it’s a San Clemente Summer Concert or Irvine’s Movies in the Park, these events often feature local food trucks, allowing you to picnic while you enjoy the show.

Attending a food festival in the peak of a Southern California summer requires a bit of strategy. First and foremost: hydrate. Many large-scale events like those at Grand Park now offer hydration stations.

When it comes to the la summer food events landscape, knowing the difference between a ticketed festival and an open market is key to your budget.

If you prefer to skip the crowds entirely and host your own "mini-fest," you might wonder Who Makes the Best Picnics of All? Try the Hollywood Bowl for some inspiration on curated outdoor dining.

We believe the food scene should be for everyone. Major public events at Gloria Molina Grand Park, such as the 4th of July Block Party, set a high bar for inclusion. They provide ADA viewing platforms, accessible restrooms at every bank, and ASL interpreted performances.

For specific questions regarding accommodations at these public spaces, you can check the Grand Park ADA Info page. And if you're looking for a refreshing drink to match the inclusive vibes, don't miss our guide on Summer’s Bounty Cocktails to keep the party going at home.

Yes! Smorgasburg LA is free to enter every Sunday. Public celebrations like the Grand Park Block Party and various "Concerts in the Park" across LA and OC also offer free entry. While the admission is free, you should still anticipate costs for food and beverage purchases from individual vendors.

July and August are the peak months. This window includes the massive Dine LA Restaurant Week, the OC Fair, and numerous night markets. While the weather is at its hottest, the sheer volume of events makes it the best time for foodies to explore.

Generally, no. Due to health department regulations and the high-density nature of these events, most (including Smorgasburg) have a strict no-pets policy. Service animals that meet ADA requirements are typically the only exception. Always check the specific event's website before bringing your dog.

At Edible L.A., we are dedicated to sharing the story of our city's food, season by season. The la summer food events of 2026 showcase exactly why this city is a global culinary capital—it’s a mix of resilience, diversity, and sheer creativity. Whether you're supporting a small startup at Smorgasburg or enjoying a Michelin-starred meal during Dine LA, you are participating in a local food culture that is second to none.

We hope this guide helps you navigate the delicious months ahead. For more updates on local food issues, seasonal recipes, and event sneak peeks, More info about Edible L.A. is always just a click away. Stay cool, eat well, and we'll see you out there!