Every year the Sunset Junction Street Fair comes around and every year I feel its pull of its music, food and people but then dismiss it. Too far, too crowded, too much stress. It’s easy for me to dismiss since I live in West L.A. but now that my friend Julie has opened up my eyes to the urban artsiness that is Echo Park and Silver Lake, I’m inclined to check this year’s street fair out. Plus she has her circle of friends and their hangouts and parties AND free, convenient parking, so how can I resist?

From AOL City Guide:

Sunset Boulevard, one of LA’s busiest arteries, is closed to traffic and transformed into a neighborhood playground for all ages and persuasions, from Latino families to Asian drag queens, from Silver Lake scenesters to nouveau bohos. 

This year’s two-day affair promises music from the likes of Ashford and Simpson and Hank Williams III. I know. Huh? I kid. There will also be the freaky stylings of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Eels, The Cramps and The Elected.

It’s summertime and all of L.A. turns out for this shindig. Enjoy the food, enjoy the local vendors, get yourself some local art, ride the ferris wheel, and people watch to your heart’s content.

PS: Visit my friend at the Yelp! booth. Hi, Stephy S.! Apparently they’re giving out Yelp sticks, whatever THAT is. But it’s freeeeee!

EVENT: SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 to SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 from 10am to 11pm

Tickets: $12, $15 after 4pm