FESTIVAL ORIGINS
This Festival began in 2009 in Historic Leimert Park Village on the Vision Theater Special Events Lot at 43rd & Degnan. In 2014, it expanded to include Degnan Blvd. and in 2015, the festival added 43rd Place and The People Street to their footprint.
The larger footprint gave the festival room for a significantly larger stage and to add a second Community Stage, Vendor Village for non-profit organizations and mobile health care services.
The larger footprint gave the festival room for a significantly larger stage and to add a second Community Stage, Vendor Village for non-profit organizations and mobile health care services.
MAIN STAGE
COMMUNITY STAGE
Several panels of our esteemed elders and community leaders shared information on health, economics, education and community involvement.
MOBILE MEDICAL SERVICES
New and returning sponsors provided larger activations.
UNION BANK
McDONALD'S
UNION BANK
McDONALD'S
CREME OF NATURE
2016 DATES
Labor Day Weekend
Saturday, September 3rd
Saturday, September 3rd
Sunday, September 4th
Monday, September 5th
TIME
10:00 am - 7:00 pm daily
LOCATION
Historic Leimert Park Village
-between 43rd Place and 43rd Street/Homeland on Degnan Blvd.
-one block West of Crenshaw Blvd. and one block North of Vernon Ave.
-Equal distance between 4 freeways (405, 10, 110 and the105)
-Less than 3 miles from USC
-10 minutes from Culver City
-Less than 20 minutes from Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills & Los Angeles International Airport
Historic Leimert Park Village
4318 Degnan Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90008
ADMISSION
Is there an admission fee?
NO.
Our festival has always been FREE to the public. We offer this event as a gift to the
community. In doing so, we do hope that those who can will support our vendors
and the local merchants in Leimert Park Village.
DIRECTIONS/PARKING
How do I get to the Festival?The festival is easily accessible by Metro with convenient stops at Vernon, and 43rd/Homeland Ave. and also at 43st Street. To plan your trip by Metro: Click Here
What about parking?
There
are metered parking lots in the immediate vicinity of the festival in addition
to several lots within 1-2 blocks of the event that will be available each
day. This year, we also plan to have FREE shuttle parking from nearby parking lots that will run every 15 minutes beginning at 9:00 am. Click here for more parking info.
ENTERTAINMENT
What type of entertainment is presented?
We present jazz, blues, reggae, r&b, Afro-beat, traditional African drumming, spoken word, hip hop, comedy, a fashion show and hair show. We have activities for children, teens and events that take place in the surrounding area after 7:00 pm.
When will the entertainment schedule be posted?
The performance schedule will be posted no later than 2 weeks before the event.
Click the appropriate link, for more info:
Entertainment 3-day Schedule - Comedy Show - Fashion Show -
Natural Hair Show Children's Village -
Teens Territory - Sankofa Sunday -
Leimert Park After Dark
Natural Hair Show Children's Village -
Teens Territory - Sankofa Sunday -
Leimert Park After Dark
FOOD/BEVERAGES
Will there be food at the festival?
Yes, the festival will have food vendors that will offer a wide variety of food and beverages including healthy options for vegans and vegetarians.
VILLAGE MARKETPLACE SHOPPING
What is for sale at the festival?
In addition to 50 vendors on-site, there are many shops and boutiques that line both sides of the street that offer beautiful and affordable merchandise. We strongly encourage our audience to support our on-site vendors and the local merchants.
Our thoughts about street vendors
We discourage our audience from patronizing vendors that sell on the streets surrounding the venue because that undercuts those vendors who paid to participate in our festival and those store merchants who have overhead costs for their business.
We understand that these are economically difficult times for many, therefore, our vendor fees are the lowest in the city of any event and we have NOT raised our vendor fees since we started. We always try and find a way to help those that need it.
Fine Art
You will find original paintings, sculptures, jewelry made with precious stones, handmade art quilts, wearable art, rare books, African antiques and more.
Quality crafts/general merchandise
This category offers a wide variety of items, including t-shirts, dresses, African clothes, hats,caps, sun visors, purses, shoes, art prints, essential oils, handmade soaps and body butters, shea butter, black soap, ceramics, jewelry and more.
ADA ACCESSIBILITY
Is the festival accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, the festival is ADA accessible. There Festival grounds are flat. There are no stairs, hills or other obstacles that have to be navigated. We provide ADA restrooms.
Each nearby metered parking lot has a limited amount of handicapped parking spaces which fill up quickly. Persons with limited mobility concerns should either arrive early or plan to be dropped off near the Festival entrance at 4318 Degnan Blvd.
WHAT CAN I BRING TO THE FESTIVAL?
Prohibited Items
• Absolutely no alcohol or drugs of any kind.
• Roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, must be carried on the Festival grounds.
• Bicycles and scooters must be parked.
• Bicycles and scooters must be parked.
• Projectiles including balls or Frisbees.
Acceptable Items
• Food and beverage vendors are available, however, you may bring in your own picnic baskets.
• Seating is available on a first come first serve basis. You may bring
your own folding chair, however, no chairs or umbrellas will be
permitted if they are blocking the view of other patrons.
Suggested Items
• Sunscreen.
• Hats and sunglasses.
• Water to stay hydrated.
VOLUNTEERING
I’d like to work and/or volunteer for the festival. Who do I contact?
Please e-mail lpvfest [at] gmail [dot] com for volunteer opportunities.
Click here for more information about volunteering and to access the Volunteer Application
VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
How can I apply for a vendor booth?
Applications for fine art, quality crafts/general merchandise and food vendors are available January 1 through early August of each year.
The number of vendors in each category are limited, and we spaces always sell out. Therefore, vendors are encouraged to apply and pay for their booths as early as possible.
Please email us at lpvfest [at] gmail [dot] com for vendor opportunities.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
How can I promote my brand or business?
We have a wide range of options available for businesses and brands or all sizes. Every opportunity is tailored to meet your individual need and budget.
TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND
THE LEIMERT PARK VILLAGE
AFRICAN ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL
01. It's a quality, fun, FREE, and laid back but energetically charged atmosphere!
02. It's a family-friendly event with entertainment and activities for children to seniors.
03. Because our diverse, multicultural, and multi-ethnic audience is knit together by their love for the arts.
04. Because no one is a stranger here - bring friends or make new ones - everyone is welcome.
05. To nourish your soul with great entertainment, good food and wonderful shopping.
06. To enjoy a hassle free festival experience; we're not too big & not too small.
07. To experience a great, centrally located venue in one of LA's best-loved cultural enclaves.
08. To support live music, indie artists and local bands as well as A-list entertainers.
09. To support our fine artists and local area merchants that need our support, especially in this economy.
10. To show our current and potential sponsors that this event has value.
