Los Angeles is getting ready for one of its biggest annual street festivals as Taste of Soul returns to Crenshaw Boulevard on October 17, turning nearly three miles of the historic South Los Angeles corridor into a full-day celebration of food, music, culture and community.
The 21st annual Taste of Soul Family Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with free admission, bringing live performances, food vendors, family activities and community resources to Crenshaw Boulevard. The festival has grown into one of Southern California’s largest free street events. According to organizers, more than 3 million people have attended over its 21-year history, with an estimated 400,000 annual attendees.
Three stages, hundreds of vendors and a full day on Crenshaw
Music will be a major part of the festival, with three live stages featuring R&B, soul, gospel, hip-hop and local talent. Organizers say national performers, local favorites and artists representing the sound of Los Angeles will be part of the day’s entertainment, although the official 2026 performer lineup and schedule have not yet been announced.
Food will be another major draw. The festival’s online directory currently lists 90 vendors, including food businesses offering everything from Southern favorites to other dishes representing Los Angeles’ diverse food culture. Additional vendors are expected to be added as they are confirmed.
Taste of Soul is a celebration of Black culture, community, opportunity and connection, with health screenings, education, employment resources, voter registration and other community services available along the boulevard.
For families, Children’s World will return with interactive games, educational activities, toys and family-centered health resources. St. John’s Community Health is presenting the area, which will include activities designed for children with different needs, including sensory-seeking and sensory-sensitive experiences, along with free eye and dental exams.
Taste of Soul has become a South L.A. tradition
The festival was created by Danny J. Bakewell Sr. as a celebration rooted in the Black community and centered on historic Crenshaw Boulevard while remaining open to everyone. After more than two decades, Taste of Soul has become a major annual gathering for South Los Angeles, combining entertainment with opportunities to support local businesses and connect residents with community resources.
This year’s festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no ticket required to attend. Transit, rideshare, parking and street-closure information will be released closer to the event, while organizers are expected to announce the full entertainment schedule and additional vendors ahead of October 17.
