Savor the Scene with These Exclusive Tasting Events in Culver City

Discover Culver City food events: Taste festivals, night markets, jazz nights & more. Plan your visit today!

Culver City Food Events Worth Putting on Your Calendar

Culver city food events offer something for everyone — from weekly jazz dinners and beer trivia nights to sprawling outdoor festivals and multicultural night markets.

Here's a quick look at the top recurring and annual food events in Culver City:

EventTypeWhen
Taste of Culver CityCulinary tasting fundraiserAnnual (May)
Ivy Station Night MarketNight market with food & makersSeasonal
AANHPI Night MarketMulticultural food & cultureAnnual (Jan/Feb)
Holiday Makers MarketArtisan market with foodAnnual (December)
Jazz Nights at The Culver HotelThemed dining & live musicWeekly (Tue–Sun)
Trivia Night at LA Ale WorksBeer + triviaWeekly (Tuesdays)
Piccalilli Themed DinnersChef-driven pop-up menusRotating schedule

Culver City has quietly become one of the most exciting food neighborhoods on the Westside of Los Angeles. Its compact, walkable downtown packs in an impressive mix of independent restaurants, creative venues, and community-minded events.

What makes the scene special isn't just the food — it's the spirit behind it. Events here tend to support local schools, celebrate diverse cultures, and spotlight independent makers. Whether you're looking for a ticketed tasting dinner at a landmark studio or a free night market with green beer and shamrock games, there's a Culver City food event with your name on it.

This guide breaks down the best of them, so you know exactly where to show up and when.

Culver City food event calendar infographic showing annual, seasonal, and weekly events - culver city food events

Signature Annual Culver City Food Events

When we talk about the heavy hitters of the local scene, two major festivals define the calendar. These events draw thousands of visitors and showcase the sheer breadth of culinary talent tucked into our city's corners.

Taste of Culver City

The crown jewel of culver city food events is undoubtedly the Taste of Culver City. Usually held in early May, this isn't just a meal; it’s a full-blown celebration of the city's vibrant restaurant scene. Hosted by Amazon MGM Studios on the iconic front lawn of the Culver Studios mansion, the setting itself is a piece of Hollywood history.

Attendees can expect tastings from over 30 food and beverage partners. In past years, the lineup has included heavyweights like Akasha, Piccalilli, and Zaytinya, alongside local favorites like Mayura Indian Restaurant and Honey's Kettle. Beyond the food, the event serves a vital community purpose, acting as a major fundraiser for local schools through the Culver City Education Foundation. It features student performances, live entertainment, and a silent online auction that brings the whole community together.

Art Walk and Roll Festival

In the heart of the Culver City Arts District, the annual Art Walk and Roll Festival transforms Washington Boulevard into a pedestrian-only paradise. While the focus is often on the distinguished artists and local galleries, the food is a massive draw.

The festival features a curated selection of eclectic food trucks and beer gardens where you can refuel between gallery hops. It’s a "roll" festival because it emphasizes micromobility, encouraging visitors to arrive via bike or scooter. With live music and dedicated kid’s activities, it is one of the most family-friendly culver city food events on the annual schedule.

FeatureTaste of Culver CityArt Walk and Roll
Primary FocusHigh-end restaurant tastingsArt, music, and street food
VibeGarden party / FundraiserCreative street festival
Food StyleSmall plates from top chefsFood trucks & beer gardens
LocationCulver Studios LawnArts District (Washington Blvd)

Seasonal Highlights and Culver City Food Events

As the seasons change, so does the flavor of our local gatherings. We love how the city utilizes the Town Plaza at The Culver Steps for festive, themed markets.

  • Holiday Love Local Makers Market: Held every December, this event centers around the City holiday tree. While you shop for handcrafted gifts from over 15 artisan vendors like Malani World and Canyon Collection, you can enjoy festive performances from local bands. It’s the perfect place to grab a seasonal treat and soak in the community spirit.
  • St. Patrick’s Night Market: Usually falling in mid-March at Ivy Station, this "Lucky & Local" edition of the night market is a blast. Expect green beer from Los Angeles Ale Works and St. Paddy's-inspired bites from on-site favorites like Butterfly and Sweetfin.

Recurring Night Markets and Community Festivals

If you miss the big annual bashes, don't worry. Culver City has leaned heavily into the "Night Market" trend, creating regular opportunities to eat, drink, and shop under the stars.

Ivy Station Night Market

Ivy Station has quickly become a hub for culver city food events. Located at 8809 Washington Blvd, Suite #132 Culver City, CA 90232, this mixed-use destination hosts regular night markets that feature over 30 local makers and artisan vendors.

What we love about the Ivy Station markets is the integration with their permanent residents. You can grab a specialized poke bowl from Sweetfin, Mediterranean small plates from Zaytinya, or a healthy wrap from Health Nut, all while browsing the outdoor stalls. These events are pet-friendly, all-ages, and often feature lawn games and live DJs, making them a staple for Friday night fun.

A night market at Ivy Station featuring food stalls and community members - culver city food events

Cultural Pop-ups and Collaborative Tastings

One of the most meaningful recurring culver city food events is the AANHPI Night Market. Hosted at Culver City High School, this event celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-owned businesses.

This isn't your average school bake sale. It’s a deep dive into diverse heritage, featuring cuisines representing Afghanistan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and more. The event is designed to showcase community resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. While you eat, you can watch student-centered entertainment like Japanese taiko drumming, Hawaiian dance, and Filipino martial arts. It’s a powerful example of how food can foster a sense of belonging for our youth and neighbors.

Weekly Happenings and Themed Culinary Nights

You don't have to wait for a special festival to enjoy a food event in Culver City. Several of our favorite venues have curated weekly programs that turn a standard dinner into an experience.

The Culver Hotel: A Timeless Experience

The historic Culver Hotel is the heartbeat of downtown, and its "Happenings" calendar is legendary.

  • Jazz Nights: From Tuesday through Saturday (7 PM–10 PM) and Sunday mornings, the hotel hosts live jazz performances. It’s the perfect backdrop for a refined dinner or a cocktail.
  • Sunday Suppers: This is a relatively new series that we are obsessed with. For $55 per person, you can gather for a family-style feast featuring roasted chicken, farmer’s market veggies, and the "Culver Mess" dessert. It’s all about the joy of gathering without the cleanup.
  • Harry’s Hour: Their version of happy hour (Mon–Fri, 3 PM–5 PM) features "barcuterie" boards and even treats for your best furry friends on the patio.
  • Afternoon Tea: On weekends, you can indulge in artisan teas and savory sandwiches accompanied by a live pianist.

LA Ale Works: Beer and Brainpower

For something a bit more casual, head over to the Los Angeles Ale Works tasting room. With 25 rotating taps of fresh, local beer, there is always something new to try.

  • Trivia Night: Every Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the tasting room fills up for Lucky Guess Trivia.
  • Rotating Food Vendors: While they don't have a full kitchen, they host rotating food vendors and trucks six days a week, ensuring you have the perfect pairing for your flight of hoppy or sour brews.

Unique Culinary Experiences and Culver City Food Events

If you are looking for something truly "rebel," keep an eye on these specialized series:

  • Piccalilli Themed Nights: Chef Liyam at Piccalilli often hosts themed nights, such as the Tel Aviv Night menu, which brings international flavors to Culver City. They also participate in self-guided food tours with partners like Wise Sons and Maple Block Meat Co.
  • Over Coffee Series: Hosted at ChowNow HQ on Hayden Ave, this Life & Thyme talk series brings together "rebel chefs" to discuss the future of the L.A. food scene. It’s a great way to engage with the minds behind the menus.
  • Outstanding in the Field: While these events move around, they have a history of collaborating with local producers like Thorne Family Farms (which has deep historical roots in Culver City) to host massive, long-table farm-to-table dinners that connect diners directly to the land.

Planning Your Visit to Culver City Food Events

Culver City is one of the most accessible areas in Los Angeles, but a little planning goes a long way, especially when a major festival is in town.

We highly recommend using public transit to attend culver city food events. Not only is it more sustainable, but it also saves you the headache of festival traffic.

  • Metro E-Line: The Metro E-Line Culver City station is centrally located. It’s just a short walk from the station to Ivy Station, The Shay Hotel, and the heart of Downtown.
  • Culver CityBus: The Culver City Connector (Line 1) runs along Washington Blvd and stops right in front of major venues like The Culver Steps and The Shay.

Parking and Rideshare

If you must drive, there are several options:

  • Ivy Station Garage: For events at Ivy Station, there is a large underground garage at 8840 National Blvd Parking. Many businesses offer two hours of validated parking with a purchase.
  • City Lots: Downtown Culver City has several public parking structures within a short walk of the Town Plaza.
  • Bike-Friendly: Most new developments like Ivy Station and The Culver Steps offer ample bike parking and are easily accessible via the Ballona Creek Bike Path.

Frequently Asked Questions about Culver City Food Events

Are there family-friendly food events in Culver City?

Yes! Almost all the major festivals, including the Art Walk and Roll and the Holiday Makers Market, feature specific kid-friendly activities like marionette shows, craft stations, and live music. The AANHPI Night Market is also a fantastic family event that celebrates student talent and multicultural food.

How do I get tickets for the Taste of Culver City?

Tickets for the Taste of Culver City are typically sold through the Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF) website or dedicated platforms like GiveSmart. Since it is a fundraiser, tickets usually include all-inclusive tastings. Keep an eye on the CCEF website as May approaches.

Which venues host recurring weekly food and drink events?

The Culver Hotel (Jazz Nights, Sunday Suppers, Afternoon Tea) and Los Angeles Ale Works (Trivia Night, rotating food trucks) are the most consistent venues for weekly events. Piccalilli also frequently hosts rotating themed menus and collaborations.

Conclusion

At Edible L.A., we believe that food is the ultimate connector. Culver city food events are a testament to that belief, blending world-class culinary talent with a deep-seated commitment to community and local culture. Whether you are sipping green beer at a night market, enjoying family-style Sunday Suppers at a historic hotel, or supporting local schools at a grand tasting on a studio lawn, you are participating in the rich, seasonal story of Los Angeles.

We encourage you to step out, try a new flavor, and support the makers who make our city so delicious. For more deep dives into the best bites in the area, Explore our neighborhood guides.

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