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Why We Love L.A. Summers: Green Fun in the Downtown Sun at BloomfestLA
Photo by Lucyrk in LA via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Summer has arrived, and we're ready to celebrate all that screams 'tis the season in Los Angeles. From sand to summit, from sips to snacks -- we love L.A. summers.
Los Angeles is a big contradiction when it comes to being green. It's notorious for light pollution, smog and ozone-depleting freeways, but at the same time there's a sincere sustainable movement here that's trying to change all that.
Part of that movement are festivals like the Downtown Arts District's 5th annual BloomfestLA, named in honor of community activist and Downtown pioneer Joel Bloom, which will feature live music, craft brews, tons of food, local artisan goods -- all in the vein of eco-minded fun. And if you didn't think the deal could get any sweeter, the festival is free.
Chill out with a beer in the Angel City Benefit Garden or try out snacks and drinks in the Whole Foods Market area. Of course, no outdoor L.A. event would be complete without a horde of food trucks (in this case, Crepe'n Around, Indiana Jones Chow Truck, Rock & Roll Pizza and more).
If you're feeling artsy, you can do some live painting, help out with a community mural or get your hands dirty with chalk art. A Kool Kid's Zone will be set up so little ones can enjoy face painting, storytelling, gardening and dancing. Even if you're doubting your visual arts skills, you should head over to some of the many art exhibitions in the area at The Box Gallery, the Warehouse Gallery at Art Share Los Angeles and LALA Arts.
Three different stages around the festival -- the Traction Stage, Bloom's Stage and the Jarritos DJ Stage -- will feature live acts, including indie bands curated by KCRW host Chris Douridas (including NO, Robotanists and The Neighbourhood) and a punk rock lineup headlined by Mike Watt & the Missingmen curated by musician Alberto Miyares. Local L.A. band Superhumanoids will finish off the night at the Traction Stage.
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If you're going, you might want to consider some sustainable modes of transportation, like the Metro or bicycling. The first 50 cyclists to use BloomfestLA's free bike valet will snag a reusable shopping tote courtesy of the Friends of the Los Angeles River.
BloomfestLA will take place Saturday, July 21, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more info, you can visit the festival's website or Facebook event page.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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