Summer in Los Angeles means endless opportunities to get outside, from outdoor movie screenings to massive parades that bring neighborhoods to life. As the season winds down, Angelenos still have plenty of reasons to spend their weekends outdoors, and one upcoming celebration is turning a stretch of Venice into a vibrant party inspired by global sounds, flavors, and culture.
This August, Venice Beach will transform into a massive free Caribbean Street Carnival, taking over Windward Circle for a family-friendly celebration of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and community. The event will kick off the closing weekend of the LA Jazz Festival, bringing together live performances across four stages, street food, drinks, DJs, and plenty of dancing.
What to know about Caribbean Street Carnival
Taking place on Friday, August 21, 2026, the Caribbean Street Carnival will turn Windward Circle in Venice into a lively and free outdoor festival celebrating the cultural journey of the diaspora through music.
Throughout the day, guests can move between four themed stages featuring sounds from Cuba, Latin Jazz, New Orleans, and Afrobeats. The lineup brings together more than 15 performances from acclaimed artists including Grammy-winning saxophonist Delfeayo Marsalis, Afro-Cuban jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill, Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold, percussionist Dafnis Prieto, Latin jazz trumpeter Charlie Sepúlveda, and Tito Puente Jr., among others.
Visitors can also enjoy:
- 🍽️ Food and drinks from vendors adding Caribbean and international flavors to the celebration
- 🎧 DJ sets and dance moments keeping the energy going between performances
- 👨👩👧 A welcoming event for all ages with a community-focused celebration of music and culture
The Caribbean Street Carnival opens the LA Jazz Festival finale
The Caribbean Street Carnival is part of the larger L.A. Jazz Festival, a celebration dedicated to showcasing jazz and related global music traditions across Los Angeles. The Venice event serves as the opening celebration for the festival’s closing weekend, setting the stage for a final stretch of performances and cultural programming.
📅 When: Friday, August 21, 2026
📍 Location: Windward Circle, Venice, CA
🎟️ Cost: Free admission (RSVP required)
