The Los Angeles Italian Festival - Los Angeles, California

Faith T.

I was really hopeful that this would be better than expected, but unfortunately, it was exponentially worse than I could have imagined. Only a few food vendors, nowhere to sit, a handful of vendors selling very cheap goods, and the majority of tables were people trying to sell things like timeshares or a psychic reading. We couldn’t even find a garbage can to throw trash in. I really hope they can continue to grow and attract more (and better) vendors. Because this was downright sad.

Edited to add that if the organizers of this event want to criticize legitimate reviews, they’re in the wrong business. My review was honest and fair, and platforms for reviews are meant to inform consumers and keep businesses honest, fair, and competitive. You simply don’t want reviews that accurately reflect the patrons experiences. The event was very small and poorly executed. There was absolutely not seating for 100 people unless maybe you’re including chairs used by the merchants in their booths. There were a couple of tables in front of the stage with perhaps a few dozen chairs at best, and I am being generous. None of those seats were empty and no one in them was eating. They were watching the performance on stage. We stood in the street in the hot sun while we ate because there was nowhere to sit. We found a total of 3 very small standing only tables at 2 of the 5 food vendors, not 10, that were set up when we visited at 3 pm. The only other vendors were for just beverages. There were two pasta trucks, a pizza truck, a panini/Mexican truck, Italian Ice, a couple of liquor/beer booths, and that was it. There were a number of spots that had been marked with chalk but nothing set up. Is it possible that other vendors opened after we left? Sure. But shouldn’t they have been ready to go, along with seating and trash receptacles, when kicking off? Regardless of who or what showed up after we left, my review reflects what I experienced during my visit, which is the whole point of these platforms. Additionally, my reviews in no way indicate what my finances look like, and speculating on what I earn or don’t earn is sadder than your busted festival. Anyone can and should expect good service, clean accommodations, and a product worth its cost, regardless of the consumers income. I have dozens of reviews posted that range from poor to excellent, from small mom-and-pops to large corporate companies and events. I leave just as many glowing reviews as I do poor reviews, because I am honest about my experiences (again—that’s the whole point). While (in all fairness) there are only a handful of reviews here for this festival, a couple of the few positive ones were written very recently before the event this year even took place and well after last year, so it seems plausible that they’re not written by legitimate, non-biased guests of the festival. That’s a second hit to your integrity — your unwarranted and off-base assessment of my finances being the first. Lastly, we left this poorly planned event and went to the LA Greek festival and it was amazing. Maybe you should go next year and take notes.

Saxon P.

The festival has so much potential that is squandered by its owners, Eva & Joey. When I tried to ask “Joey” for a refund for my wine tasting ticket when I learned the wine vendor abruptly left he had the audacity to whine about MY trying to take money from him! The music and singers were all super fun, brought great energy, and were the only true highlight of the day; but then Eva & Joey (who was seemingly intoxicated, wearing a gross sweat-stained tee-shirt) took to the stage with a cringeworthy attempt at comedy between music headliners that was an embarrassment. When I asked how that was allowed is when I learned (with a shrug of the woman’s shoulders) that “they’re the owners.” ⭐️ Shameful.

Janiece G.

Lots of vendors. Music.

Dustin R.

Poor representation of a beautiful culture. Just a money grab event. Stay clear

Tammie D.

Fun 😎 🆒️ Cool

Douglas M.

It sucked

Jesus L. U.