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Fiesta Hermosa
Category: Local Flavor Local Flavor [Edit]
Pier Ave at Hermosa AveHermosa Beach, CA 90254
Neighborhood: Hermosa Beach
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
41 reviews for Fiesta Hermosa
41 reviews in English
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Review from Sammy G.
9/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
We got lucky and were able to experience Fiesta Hermosa, it only happens during Memorial and Labor day. We didn't buy anything because we had to fly back with luggage and we had no room for anything :( but if I could I would have bought a ton of stuff!
Tons and tons of crafters to buy from, the photography stands were my favorite. The jewelry was really nice too, the glass stuff and scrabble letter necklaces. It's just a very cute festival to go to. Lots of food and desserts. Parking sucks, $20 for the full day when you only go for a few hours? No thanks. We got extremely lucky and found a meter for 2 hours right in front! Sweetttttt.
Def worth going to if you're in the are around those weekends! -
Review from gina m.
9/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've been a dozen times since I moved to the South Bay... I've seen all the same art vendors... and yet, I still must attend. Fiesta Hermosa has become a South Bay tradition for me (and I will miss it dearly when I move away).
It's a free event. So, parking's a bitch so I recommend parking a couple miles away and biking... or if you dare risk taking the shuttle bus... I suppose waiting in line for the bus beats driving around for an hour looking for parking.
Endless amount of food and beer and wine... for a price of course! But it's worth getting your array of street food on if you don't have the luxury of waiting outside the Hollywood clubs at 2am for a bacon wrapped hot dog or street tacos. It's sort of like a scaled down version of the County Fair sans the deep fried artery choking heavenly eats.
If you're in the market to decorate your walls, then Fiesta is the perfect place to find decor for your home or office. Arts of all genre and materials. No matter how many times I've seen something, I'm still fascinated.
It's an overall good time whether your with family or friends... or even alone. You're bound to leave with something... whether its new art, other vendor purchases, a happy tummy from food & beer... or a sunburn (wear sunblock!). -
Review from Lei B.
Fiesta Hermosa happens only two weekends in the year: Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend. It was my first time this past Labor Day weekend and I had a good time. To avoid all the crazy traffic and trying to find parking, they have free shuttles from the Northrop parking long in North Redondo and at Mira Costa High School. There's tons of vendors selling cool stuff and maybe a couple not so cool things. But it was interesting to see them all. Plenty of beverage vendors giving out drinks for free to keep you from being dehydrated (Cuties, Kern's, and Pepsi). There was also a good amount of food vendors. My friends and I tried the garlic fries, an empanada place, and Samba's. The fiesta was also dog friendly with people providing bowls of water for dogs. I only wish that the vendors were spread out more. Some spots got really crowded and it was really hard to maneuver around strollers and dogs on leashes.
I'd recommend visiting if you plan on staying local for these holiday weekends.Listed in: I Left My Wallet In El Segundo
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Review from Pillin L.
9/5/2011
My first year attending Fiesta Hermosa, and to be honest, it wasn't half bad. I'm usually not a fan of these street events. Parking usually sucks. There's always way too many people. The vendors that are selling things are always overpriced and I'm usually never interested in anything they're selling. I mean, who goes to a street fair to buy a $600 sculpture of a dolphin that is less than a foot tall? Certainly not me. And despite all these things being true, I thought this event was A-OK!
You had the luxury of going to any of the restaurant/bars that were on the Pier. The band was filling the streets with music. The smells of delicious fried food was filing the air. A good breeze would sweep by to cool you down. It was a good weekend to be in Hermosa. -
Review from Lica N.
9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
OK first off they need to do something with the parking situation! I drove around for a good 30min looking for parking ugh. Oh and you only get 10min for every quarter on the meter parking. Besides that the weather was beautiful and a great day to be by the beach. We walked along the beach from 24th street to downtown and was envious of all the people living in the great homes along the way. What a great view to wake up to every morning and relax in the evening.
I didnt catch the name of the bands but they were great. The streets were blocked off and lined with various booths of artsy stuff, health items, home goods, jewelry, hats etc. It's also situated in front of local stores and restaurants and so they too were open and offering some specials. I personally did not buy anything at the festival but I did get some gelato.
It's a great location for a fiesta goodness! -
Review from JENNIFER N.
Redondo Beach, CA
Fiesta Hermosa happens twice a year! Once on Memorial day weekend! and once on Labor day weekend.
Growing up in the area, it's been a tradition coming to Fiesta Hermosa. Parking has always been a hassle of hit or missed. BUT it's free parking at the Mira Costa High School and they bus you down to the fair with their free shuttle. The fair is perfect size, not too big and not too small, but definitely need a foot massage by the time you finish!
Lots to see and do for kids and adults. The food section always drawn me in with their BBQ smell through out the festival!
This year Zico coconut water were there to give out Free coconut water! Score!!! -
Review from Colleen L.
West Los Angeles, CA
9/6/2011
A pleasant way to end the Labor Day weekend. This venue had an assortment of music groups. One dilemma was parking. Fortunately today's date knew the back roads. He parked on some residential street, within walking distance. We hiked on a not so secret path (because there were a few others on that same path) that led behind a school, up a hill with a view of a trailer park down below. Furthermore, we ambled along another residential street which intersected and brought us to this street festival. Being unfamiliar with the neighborhood it is amazing that we ended up here.
The 1st music group we saw perform was Pretzel Logic (something like Steely Dan) though it was their last song. The second group we saw was something like "The Who." We enjoyed their performances too, however I found the volume very loud. Which caused me to stand further back from the stage.
Had a wonderful shave ice here from a company H & H shave ice. The flavors I had were passion fruit & mango. The quality of the spoon, shaved ice & syrups were excellent. My date had cherry and lime flavors, bright red/green. It makes me wonder if the rest of their flavors were just as delicious.
We walked about and took in the craft scene. Stopped at one booth, which interested both of us - sea sponges. The owner told us how they are harvested off the rocks, cleaned and dried. Utter fascination, my date bought 4 sponges, 2 for me & 2 for him, body & dish sponges. There were facial grade sea sponges from different countries.
The music in the beer garden was great, though we didn't exactly sit in the beer garden. We sat outside the beer garden, near the food booths, where patio tables/chairs were set up for dining. He ordered Thai BBQ chicken on a stick and poured some hot sauce on it. He said he gets it each time he goes. I ordered a falafel plate which was 4 stars. I didn't have room for roasted corn on the cob, however many people looked content with theirs.
By far the longest lines I noticed were for the Bank of America ATM, you just might want to bring adequate cash. -
Review from Greg D.
6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fiesta Hermosa is cool. They've got a lot of art booths, but it's the same stuff every year.
The food is good but it depends on where you go. There are so many different places to eat; it could be hit or miss. I had a tri-tip sandwich which was ok.
They have a full on beer garden with live music. It's fun and everything but its super packed. It takes forever to get a beer. I say overall it's fun to do for a first time, but can get repetitive year after year. -
Review from Justin M.
Hermosa Beach, CA
6/4/2011
You might say I live for Fiesta Hermosa because I look forward to this semi-annual festival more so than any other singular event throughout the year. The food stands are amazing. T&T's cajun shrimp, the pita stand, the biggest Louisiana Hot Links I have ever seen, and the Bo-yah ice cream sandwiches top off the list.
The people watching at the beer garden is terrific. There are handful of locals that show up to this thing every year and dance in front of the stage like a bunch of clowns. I love it!
The wares being peddled are by and large the same crap that is offered at these type of events anywhere in the country, although some of the art work is very good. I bought some of Daniel Sofer's photography last year.
I am a sucker for these type of events as it is; combined with the location in Hermosa Beach, you will be hard pressed to find a better arts festival than this. -
Review from Tim E.
Arcadia, CA
9/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This fiesta happens about twice a year and I probably go once a year. It's a great place to take a date or bring the whole family. There's plenty to see and a variety of culinary eats to go around. Traffic in the immediate area is crazy and should be avoided at all cost. Park in nearby Manhattan Beach or park near Redondo Beach and enjoy a stroll over to Fiesta Hermosa. This year they offered bicycle valet which was awesome since we biked earlier in the day. There is also live rock n roll music blasting in front of the pier.
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Review from Denis S.
6/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
A beautiful day, the beach, and plenty of tents filled with goods and foods. What is there to complain about?
To be honest, I mostly focused on the food. There was a circle where all the food tents seemed to gather, and it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Everything looked good, but we ended up settling on the sausages, which were HUGE and amazing. Good times! -
Review from Pamela K.
Chicago, IL
9/10/2011
If you're lookin for local artist finds with local bands playing on good-size stage on the beachfront, then head out to Fiesta Hermosa. Hermosa beach downtown is a bit tiny but they seemed to be able to cram a ton of booths here. Food here is limited but check out Paciugo's Gelato for sure if you head here. The beach itself has always been a good one for surfers if you can't get down to Huntington Beach. And, volleyballers, bikers, runners, walkers, and interestingly.. paddle tennis. (tennis but with racquetball-type paddles). If you do any of those things that require equipment, bring your own though. Parking is metered around the area, no lots. So bring change AND patience. :)
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Review from Lily A.
Back in the days when I was 17 I had my first job..selling food at fairs. Thai food to be exact and I called it my rice scooping job. Good sweaty hot times. Anyways, I use to sell food at Fiesta Hermosa and always wished I was on the other side instead of scooping rice. It was a fun festival to work at, cute hot guys walking around (for a teenage girl I was in heaven, later in life I realized that there needs to be a brain to go along with the hot guy) your right on the beach, great music to jam to and Hermosa Beach just kicks ass. My only issue was with all the people asking for chopsticks because we were selling "Asian" food! Lemme tell you something, Thai people do not use chopsticks, only for noodle soup. But everyone would constantly ask for chopsticks...whatever, I'd hand them a pair of wooden chopsticks!
Okay...so that was way back then...now it's a totally different ball game. Fiesta Hermosa has grown so much since I last visited. It's huge now, going through several little streets. Lots and lots of vendors, foods, bars, stages and more vendors.
What I liked:
* Free parking/shuttle bus from two lots this time, Mira Costa HS and Northrup parking lots. With fairly short waits.
*I was able to take my little cousins for a day at the beach as well as enjoy the fiesta!
* All the vendors!! From food to artwork to dog leashes to cheap sunglasses. This place had it all.
* Live music
* Great bars and food
It's a big change from my rice scooping days! It's grown so much! I will definitely be returning to this festival next year!Listed in: What should I do this fine…
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Review from Elizabeth V.
Long Beach, CA
9/7/2010
There's this phrase... oh, my memory is going, where's my ginko biloba when I need it... okay, the word "cluster" is in this phrase... and it applies to the construction and parking issue they had going on.
Other than that:
I took the drive in from medium hot Long Beach, and as soon as I got a mile down Rosecrans, the sea air invaded my car and I had my beach smile back!
I did find parking on Hermosa and 2nd and then walked all the way back to 10th. Yes, I did set my alarm for the metered parking because I only had change for 1.5 hours but it was all I needed. I was not there to do any heavy shopping, just some hanging out in the sun with friends. The booth variety they had was overwhelming.
My friend was in complete envy of a medic alert necklace and bracelet that a jeweler had customized for himself. But the streets were full of unique and custom products. For once I did not feel like I was at a swap meet that had moved to a beach down town area. I am glad I set my budget on "none" before I got there because I had dresses, silk halter tops, bikini tops, jewelry, shoes, all picked out on just passing by one small street. Had I gone down the rest of the walk ways, I would have caved in for sure.
I could kick myself for not getting that dress but there was a 10 year-old boy swinging a tie-down rope around and he wouldn't stop so I could get the dress (oh ya, I spoke up and still nothing) and his dad also would not stop him (drunken vendor) so I figured the shopping gohds did not want me to break my budget.
I kept stopping to look at the art -- beautiful 3-D pieces -- and prize ribbons were being displayed on many of the pieces. I did find the "hair cut" station a bit weird. I don't care if it's outside, I don't want them blowing particles of hair with the hair dryer all over the passersby. The band was there, and loud, the beer was flowing, people were flowing (sometimes out of their clothes), tanning lotion smell was flowing... just an all around beautiful street fair event. I'm already on the list for going to more than one day of next years' Fiesta. -
Review from Marlene G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/5/2011
I gave it 3 stars because the parking is just AWFUL! All around the area they are charging 20 bucks (!!!) to park or you have to just keep circling around and around and around... hoping to catch someone leaving.
I have young kids and they loved it! Loved the rides, food, ice cold lemonade. Beautiful setting on a fabulous sunny California day. It was a hit! -
Review from Emily S.
6/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I went here this weekend with Frank M. This place was pretty busy. First there was traffic going in, then there was traffic leaving. And we went close to closing. I was not too impressed. It's basically a big swap meet on the streets near the beach. Too many people. Nothing really good to buy. The Hermosa Beach parking enforcement was out in full force. Hopefully no one got a ticket.
I don't really know if I would come back next year. Probably not. Unless I wanted to people watch. -
Review from Rebecca D.
Redondo Beach, CA
I volunteered at the fire fighter's booth this year - It was a lot of fun. We bought some art from a local artist. Watched a David Bowie cover band where the lead singer seriously looked EXACTLY like Bowie. The whole neighborhood smelled of candy corn. Got cheap $5 shades. Ate yummy BBQ chicken sandwiches. People watched. It was a total blast!
Five stars! I'll be going next year!Listed in: Free Is Free
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Review from Love C.
5/29/2007
Wow! I got super lucky with parking! That in itself is worth 5 stars. I turned right onto Hermosa Avenue with my fingers crossed hoping to get parking on the main street only a block from the festivities and wallah... it worked! Some lady was pulling out and I pulled right in. Awesome. In went 7.5 hours of quarters! Yeah, I think we're good.
Burp.
I think I've had too much to eat.
First came the food. Ooooh the food. We did a lap around the huge food area and finally decided on the philly cheese steak samiches... YUM - at $9 a pop, they better be good! Then came the funnel cake. YUM! Then Amy B had the steamed artichokes and I passed the guac stand a few more times for their 'samples'... ha! Oh yeah... some older man who was sitting at the same table asked Amy and me if our parents dropped us off and what high school we went to... that was comedy!!! I know I don't look my age... but I also don't look like I'm still in high school! So funny!
Then came the shopping. Eh... nothing really interested me... maybe cuz I was looking forward to the next stop...
Hiccup.
On to the drinking. Oooooh the drinking. We were going to start at Mermaids but when we looked inside, there was no one with regular colored hair... they were either gray or white, so we by-passed it and headed to the Poopdeck. Had a drink there. Then headed to the Lighthouse where we found a Ska / Rock band playing... stayed for a cocktail and then headed to Patrick Molloy's, ran into some friends and then had more cocktails while they played awesome 80s music in the background.
Then I was hungry again. Fritto Misto, here we come! Here we went, trudging up the hill in our drunken stupers. Grubbed out on lots of carbs to sober myself up before we headed back to the westside... but not before stopping by Patrick Molloy's one last time.
Buh-bye Fiesta Hermosa... see you on Labor Day!Listed in: Where the boys are...
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Review from Shannon C.
Los Angeles, CA
6/1/2010
I've been coming to Fiesta Hermosa twice a year pretty much my entire life... and I don't even live in Hermosa. Shhhh!! Love the food court, beer garden!, live music, animal adoption (in the petting zoo area) and assortment of vendors.
Walk the fair and pick up some one of a kind goods, grab a bbq chicken sandwich from Silvio's Brazilian BBQ stand and a strawberry lemonade from one of the lemonade stands, and dance till 6p and sip of $5 beer and wine for Hermosa Beach charities in the beer garden while listening to fantastic live music!
Parking is a pain. Take your bike (and a lock) or take the free busses down from Mira Costa High School. & bring CASH, as the atms usually run out of money by the 3rd day. -
Review from Annalynn C.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2006 4 photos
Twice a year, the Chamber of Commerce in Hermosa Beach hosts Fiesta Hermosa, on Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends. I've had some of the funnest times in HB during these long weekends, so much fun that I still go down there just to be able to hang out during Fiesta Hermosa.
The fair is for everyone, children to grandparents. There is a petting zoo, kiddie rides, and lots of junk food for the kids. Arts & crafts, live music, great food, and the beer garden for the adults.
You typically find the same vendors during the fair. It might sound like it should get old, but my friends and I are creatures of habit. We love Charla's Tri-Tip. We're only able to devour this meal during Fiesta Hermosa. We have become such good friends with the proprietor, that Vance LOOKS for us in the beer garden every night before they close to give us a deal on the left over tri tip.
Another place we frequent is Chrevan's booth. This lovely couple make the most unique blown glass jewelry you can find.
The Fiesta is a party for all of Hermosa, but people from all over the South Bay (of LA) stop by to do a little shopping, eat great fair (but not always healthy) food, and hang out in the beer garden.
If you're into celebrity sightings, the one and only Wee Man of Jackass is a longtime HB resident. I've hung out and partied with him, too! -
Review from Tova W.
Hermosa Beach, CA
9/23/2010
After moving to Hermosa the week before, I went to Fiesta Hermosa on Labor Day to check it out. I was frustrated by all the street closings, so I parked at home and walked down to the event. Its pretty much your generic street fair, with vendors hawking their wares. You could find everything from pricey jewelry and artwork to cheap sunglasses and greasy food, but there is really nothing you NEED to buy here. I can guarantee you at least one impulse purchase of some random household decor you don't need.
I quickly walked through then decided my time was better spent lounging on the beach and roller skating on the Strand. -
Review from Richard K.
Manhattan Beach, CA
8/8/2008
It is the gathering spot for the south bay happening twice a year. Everyone seems to spend one day of Memorial or Labor Day there.
The concert areas are what I go there for now. The rest is the same stuff from years gone by. -
Review from Liz K.
Los Angeles, CA
9/14/2010
Love love love these kinds of events. I'm an arts n crafts nerd to the fullest, as well as a foodie, shopper, and street fair enthusiast extraordinaire.
The live band was good, they played all the good rolling stone hits and drew a huge crowd at the center of the event near the pier. There was lots of shopping and browsing at all of the individual vendor booths, where i found some great handmade jewelery for a great price. All the bars and restaurants by the pier were packed with revelers. I'll definitely be back next year. -
Review from Lori K.
11/30/2006
Twice a year during the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends parts of Hermosa Ave and Pier Ave are closed to traffic and hundreds of vendors set up various booths. There's a food court area where you'll most definately have trouble deciding what to get because there are so many choices. There's a beer garden (I've never understood the hype or the lure of beer gardens) play areas for kids, and a stage with awful cover bands that are so bad they're good
Personally these are my two favorite weekends of the year because there's so much going on in little Hermosa.. people are bussed in during the day, but the crowds pretty much subside by nightfall the vendors go home for the night and it's a great time to hit the local bars for some fun! -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
9/12/2009
I thought Fiesta Hermosa was a great festival!
Plenty of booths with crafts, jewelry, art, etc...there was always something to look at (or buy!). And I always love it when vendors give away free stuff (Yay lara bars). They even had a few booths with pet adoptions (great idea...it was really popular, hopefully some people adopted!) The food area had a good selection of foods and there was a beer and wine section where proceeds went to charity. The live bands were also great!
It was super convenient to park at the Northrup Grumman parking lot and shuttle in (for free!). I'd go again~ -
Review from clare a.
Redondo Beach, CA
6/14/2007
What's cool about the fiesta is - it's a FIESTA!!!
What sucks about it is it's pretty much the same twice a year, every year.. the same stalls selling the same stuff - although that is useful if you remember something you need like we did - a picnic hamper - and you are cool with waiting for the next one to roll around to buy it.
It gets super busy and ends up being like a 'bad tattoo' convention, so if you get at claustrophobic or are a tattoo snob like me, you should stay away.
If you want to go check it out then you should take plenty of cash (ATMS have a massive queue) and sunblock and walk, shuttle, or cycle and park up just slightly out of the main area but forget the car unless you are going at the crack of dawn. -
Review from Cat L.
Hermosa Beach, CA
9/28/2007 1 photo
I haven't lived in HB for very long, but I'm really falling in love with this little beach community and the cool community events like Fiesta Hermosa magnify its charm. I normally hate battling crowds at events like these but for some reason, I didn't mind the first time I went this past Labor Day. It's actually kinda cool that they close down Pier and Hermosa Ave. for this twice-a-year event. Makes you feel like something really special's going on in town. =)
I tried the famous Charla's tri-tip sandwich that everyone who's reviewed seems to swear by, but I just didn't think the $8 or $9 for a hot dog bun with a few slices of bland beef was justified. It wasn't bad but I found myself engulfing the thing with their self-pump BBQ sauce as it definitely wasn't flavorful and juicy. The bf got his with potato salad and baked beans for an extra $2 or so and those were even more disappointing. There are a number of other food options, like hot dogs, Thai food, BBQ, Mexican, even CPK, but it's all overpriced and nothing spectacular. Next time, we are heading over to Mickey's.
There's the beer and wine garden everyone talks about, carnival rides, games, cotton candy, popcorn, and live music. The novelty of the beer garden seemed appealing but for some reason I could not bring myself to go in. Most likely because the food was so pricey, I was expecting the alcohol to be ridiculously overpriced as well. It's fun to peruse the vendors for unique one-of-a-kind crap you probably don't need but might buy anyway. I saw some great art pieces, cute clothing, and even stopped by the pet adoption booth to ogle at the baby kittens and pups.
There are ATMs sprinkled about but be sure to bring lots of cash as most, if not all, vendors do not accept credit cards. -
Review from Marisa F.
Victorville, CA
5/29/2007
Okay guys, don't kill me...
it must have been the time of day that I went or something because I had a miserable Fiesta Hermosa experience!!
I rode my bike from my place in Redondo and got there on Monday at about 4:30 ish to find the place SO crowded that I could hardly even walk through! not to mention I had my bike and that was a no no because I got nasty looks and even some nasty comments about how I had my bike in the crowd. I didn't feel comfortable locking it up because of all the people mulling through the place. The lines for everything were about 30 people deep so eating something quick wasn't really much of an option.
Maybe next time I'll do what Cheri said and park in the high school and get a shuttle down there. I really wanted to have fun!! ugh! -
Review from Vicki D.
3/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Attending Fiesta Hermosa is a family tradition. If you have kids, go super early - like 9:30/10AM to get on the rides and feed your kids at the food court before the crowd gets crazy and the weather gets hot.
There are great rides, games, tons of food vendors, a beer garden (which I've never been in!), booths to shop and walk around at.
Parking is not easy or fun. My recommendation is to park at Mira Costa High School or Northrop Grumman and take the bus down. If you have kids, they will love the bus ride, it's all part of the fun. -
Review from Cheri. A G.
Los Angeles, CA
3/26/2007 8 photos
I usually go to Fiesta Hermosa twice each time it is in town. We ALWAYS eat at Charla's Tri-Tip for their fantastic tri tip sandwiches.
There are two different stages with bands one near the pier and one in the beer garden (no kids allowed).
There is free shuttle service from Mira Costa High School on Artesia Blvd if you are not within walking distance because parking is impossible. -
Review from Debbie E.
5/26/2009
For those of us who live in town, it's Rookie Weekend. For all of the rookies coming in to town for the event, it's party time.
Fiesta Hermosa is held every Memorial Day weekend and every Labor Day weekend.
Large arts and craft area covering at least five street blocks. Large food court of extremely overpriced festival food (hint, try any of the area restaurants for something cheaper, larger quantity, and better tasting).
A main stage on the pier that boasts some really good cover bands all weekend. The best ones that have been there for a few years are the Journey band, Heart, and Stevie Nicks. The beer garden also has a stage with not-so-great cover bands. But that's where the beer is flowing for $5 a red-plastic cup and the people watching is phenomenal.
Also around for the kids are rides, games, and a petting zoo.
Parking is ridiculous this weekend so try to cab or bus it in. I also think there should be a mandatory no dogs, no strollers, no kids rule and a minimum height requirement of at least 5 feet to enter the festival. That would avoid a lot of the people gridlock.
Free to go to the festival and walk around but everything else you need to pay for is overpriced. -
Review from Myrel F.
Hayward, CA
9/28/2009
Good food, good music, arts & crafts.. and free stuff. what more can you ask for?
This street festival was blessed with abundant sunshine this year. I'm pretty sure I'll be coming back for more! -
Review from Shirley B.
Los Angeles, CA
5/27/2010
This is a fantastic festival to attend!
And it's free! It goes on twice a year--Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday & Monday). Go on line for detailed info on the festival history, parking, directions, music schedule, etc.
I first discovered it last year when I attended it over the (2009) Labor Day weekend. I went with 3 other friends who thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Maybe one too much...when she discovered the beer garden had a music stage too! Ouch!
I'm a big music lover...so I track where my favorite bands are playing around town. I received an email that "Neil Deal" (Neil Young tribute band) was going to play on Sunday of that weekend. So of course I headed out there! And I was not disappointed! They played for almost 3 hours straight---to which I danced nonstop! Rockin ME in the free world!
The weather was beautiful. The main stage where I "camped out" all day was right near the pier and the beach. You could stroll on the pier in between the bands. The music was awesome! I danced all day to both bands! The people that attended were mixed ages...very cool...and into the music as well.
There were so many vendors! I couldn't see them all. You really have to plan on spending the whole day there to really see and appreciate all it has to offer. There is food, and of course the beer garden...if you care to drink. There are also some restaurants along the route where you can dine inside and out if you so choose.
Go on line before you go to check out the exact parking and directions. It's a very organized event.
Parking: Free parking available at the Gruman Northrop large parking lot on Doolittle Street off of Manhattan Beach Blvd. Get there early if you want to avoid the crowds. The festival draws a huge crowd!
Shuttle Bus: The free shuttle buses will pick you at the parking lot and take you right to the festival entrance.
There is no fee to enter the festival.
Handicapped/elder folk: There is quite a bit of walking involved. When the shuttle bus drops you off, you have to walk down the street (hill) to where ever it is you want to go and see. The main stage (for music) is all the way at the end towards the beach. Well worth checking out if you love classic rock tribute bands.
Music: There are two stages for music. The main stage is located right near the beach with room to dance right in front of the stage, and chairs set up to sit. However, there is no canopy for shade.
The beer garden stage is located of course, in the beer garden fenced in area. I don't care for the beer garden stage, myself. It's not the music, it's that the people get drunk and kind of routy.
Ask my friend...she'll tell you. She took off with my little American flag on a stick that I took all the way down there to wave when Neil Deal band played one of their patriotic songs! (I had saved that same flag from the last time they gave it to me at their concert!) She did eventually surface with it as red faced as the stripes on the flag, however!
Restrooms; There should be portable toilets around. The surrounding restaurants will let you use their facility. They were cool about it last year, anyway.
Suggestions:
1. Wear comfortable shoes for a lot of walking
2. Bring a hat to shield the sun and sunglasses
3. Wear sunblock
4. Bring frozen bottled water or Gatorade. It will taste great once thawed out...and you'll need it! (Especially if you dance).
5. Bring a light sweater or jacket. You're at the beach, and the breezes will pick up late afternoon
6. Bring your camera and enjoy yourself and have a great time!
Please support these free festivals. They can't stay "in business" for all to enjoy if no one attends and supports the vendors. Thank you! -
Review from sue l.
Simi Valley, CA
5/29/2010
went here today. what a zoo. I have been to the street fair in ventura bunches of times and there is a ton more room to manueverthe one in ventura is the same type of thing.. it is so tightly packed in hermosa you cant move. parking was horrible. found some signs for parking and some wanted 22 bucks... 22 bucks!! to park you car... uh.. no thanks. had to park a longs way off and hike in... got a falafel at the 'food court' do yourself a favor... dont get one. i will stick to the one in ventura. liked it a ton more.
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Review from Pamela M.
3/1/2007
According to the website Fiesta Hermosa is the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California featuring 270 vendors. The 2007 Memorial Day Fiesta is MAY 26, 27, 28 2007 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Review from Scott A.
Santa Monica, CA
5/27/2007
I really like this festival for many reasons. The fact that they really take care of parking and transportation is a HUGE plus. This location hosts a St. Patrick's Day Festival also, but the parking/transportation is horrible. The food is like a sensory overload for me. I was like a kid in a candy store. The booths are a mixture of food, local businesses, arts, crafts and just random things. The size is good, the environment is great and I plan to make this a Memorial Weekend/Labor Day Weekend tradition for years to come!
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Review from nita m.
5/26/2008
Fiesta Hermosa is so much fun! The crowd around all the vendor booths is a little bit too much for me, but there are 2 stages with live music all day and a charity beer & wine garden (drinking for charity...doesn't get much better than that). I would recommend parking in satellite lot and taking the free shuttle down to the pier b/c the traffic/parking is madness and also check to see which bands are playing...some of them suck (according to my taste) but others were really awesome (neil deal!). There are tons of food booths and all the regular stuff down at the pier is open as usual. I absolutely love living in southbay LA.
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Review from Maureen H.
Marina del Rey, CA
3/19/2009
The Fiesta Hermosa is the best way to have fun in this economy. Where else can you spend three days listening to great live music (Two stages with live bands performing all day long), dancing, Beer Garden with live music, watching a dog costume contest, enjoying delicious food and shopping for a large assortment of different items, including one of a kind art pieces, clothing, furnture and other items. It is fun for the whole family and there is no admission charge. Absolutely FREE!
The best way to attend is to take the shuttle. Go to the website for information: http://www.fiestahermo.../
This event is held every year in downtown Hermosa Beach over the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10:00am to 6:00PM. -
Review from Jody S.
Los Angeles, CA
7/4/2009
Not my vibe.
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Review from Joan S.
5/28/2005 4 photos
This annual event is great fun, now in its 33rd year. The weekend festival completely takes over downtown Hermosa Beach. Streets are closed to make way for vendors & if you don't arrive in the morning, good luck finding parking at any price. ( I did notice shuttle buses but am unsure from where they came.) The many local shops are having sidewalk sales, and street vendors set up almost 300 booths, selling just about everything you can think of........original art, handmade clothes, jewelry, glass, shoes, food, paper goods, hats, surfwear, you name it. Every year I do find something I just can't live without. This year it was handmade pants, baggy & beachy, twenty bucks. Last year a well-designed handmade sunhat. I really wanted a huge rattan palm tree lamp, but managed to control myself. It wouldn't fit in my car. The Fiesta has live music all day on two stages, all free. (The rock bands seem to excite the vivid-green wild parrots who populate all the palm trees in the area - they were really making noise.) For the kids - carnival rides, petting zoo, junkfood galore. There is beach volleyball to watch & a doggy frisbee exhibition that was adorable. All the passerby dogs stopped to gawk in admiration. Hundreds of happy smiling people can't be wrong - this is a great way to spend a California day.
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