What to Eat at LA’s Biggest Outdoor Events This Season

Below, we take a look at the best dining options at some of the biggest summer events in Los Angeles.

 Exactly what it sounds like, the LA Street Food Fest is one of the largest food truck events in Southern California. It takes place on the lawns of the Rose Bowl. Every year, the vendors naturally change a bit, but you can expect many dozens of different options.

Many of the vendors will be offering entrees, but there are also plenty of smaller, more affordable options that let you sample a wide variety of fare. For example, grab a taco here, loaded fries there, or some gourmet sliders from another truck. There’s also an excellent selection of desserts, including ice cream to keep you cool on hot summer days. Salt & Straw is a noted ice cream vendor, but there are plenty of others worth trying.

Pro tip: arrive early, as crowds can be restrictive, and accept that you’ll likely spend a lot of time waiting in line. It’s great to go with friends so you can share large plates, keep costs down, and have someone to talk to while waiting for your food.

Nearby, you have the Santa Anita Park, where you can watch horse racing and enjoy some quality street food as well. There are plenty of races happening every day - most recently the Santa Anita Derby, which is a prep race for the Kentucky Derby. 

Find out who the favorites are for the 2026 edition of the Derby here: twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/odds/  

The L.A. Independent Beer Fest is an annual celebration focused—naturally—on local breweries. With more than 150 options to try at Shoreline Aquatic Park, there’s plenty to explore. We don’t recommend trying them all, but sample sizes make it easy to taste a variety, and there’s plenty of food available as well.

Many vendors offer bar favorites like loaded french fries, great tacos, and gourmet pretzels. Because this is Los Angeles, you can really find almost anything. Best practices are similar to those for the street food fest: wear comfortable clothes, bring a friend, and be prepared for a long day. At least the views are nice—enjoy the ocean breeze as you picnic on delicious street food and sip your gourmet local beer.

The 626 Night Market features an expansive mix of food options and crafts, making it one of the largest events of its kind in the United States. It’s less of a single event and more of a seasonal destination, with peak activity over the summer. The event is inspired by similar markets in countries like Bangkok and runs on multiple weekends: the first in May, followed by dates in June, August, and October—plenty of opportunities to attend.

Notable food options include Asian fusion snacks that stay true to the event’s inspiration: bao tacos, ramen burgers, spiralized potatoes, skewers, and more. Don’t overlook grilled chicken skewers, bubble teas, and crepes. There’s a wide variety to explore, so consider your preferences and don’t be afraid to try multiple dishes. Expect plenty of Instagram-worthy entrees on the menu.

The Orange County Fair takes place throughout July and into mid-August in Costa Mesa. This 23-day event offers not just food, but games, exhibitions, and all the classic county fair attractions with a distinct Los Angeles twist.

Food options lean more toward classic fair fare: corn dogs, deep-fried Oreos, bacon-wrapped everything, barbecue, and plenty of beer and cocktail vendors. For those looking to avoid the biggest crowds, consider attending on a weekday midway through the event season—it’s a smart way to beat some of the lines.

Some of these events can be very crowded and possibly pricier than you’re hoping for. If you find it difficult to get good food, consider stopping by a popular local venue instead. For example, In-N-Out is an extremely popular burger chain in California. The Luggage Room Pizzeria is noted for its wood-fired pizza and is located near the Street Food Fest.

In Shoreline, there are lots of great seafood options, all of which come with harbor views. The 626 Night Market is located near Dog Haus (spelled H-A-U-U-S), a noted loaded hot dog establishment.

Here’s the bottom line: Los Angeles has an incredible number of dining options. There are so many ways to get great food in Los Angeles. Choose the option that’s most attractive to you. You don’t need to feel beholden to street food vendors if that’s not your jam. Just plan food into your travel—it’s a worthwhile effort that pays off in the long run.