'Fringe' Options for Eagle Rock Music Festival

The Eagle Rock Music Festival has gotten lots of buzz lately. The Los Angeles Times suggests that “this may be the year Eagle Rock codifies its reputation as the must-see local festival,” while the L.A. Weekly goes one step further and calls it the “last great neighborhood music festival.”

With our local event being touted as the Next Big Thing—audiences were estimated between 30,000 and 100,000 last year—eateries and businesses within the fest boundaries are ramping up for record crowds.

Options on the Outskirts

You’ve undoubtedly consulted Culture & Music columnist Dan Kimpel’s to help map out your Saturday evening itinerary. However, if you’d rather stand in stage crowds instead of food lines, Eat/Drink/See Eagle Rock offers some food alternatives on the outskirts to munch while you move and groove.

This approach also brings a little love ’n cash to businesses that are outside the fest boundaries but still in Eagle Rock.

Family-Friendly Fun

If you’re one of the parents who consulted Moms Talk columnist Alison Gee about with wee ones in tow, fear not. “Fest West” has several Family Stage-adjacent venues to escape to with your over-amped offspring. Plus, a kid-friendly, Eagle Rock Boulevard festival offshoot is right around the corner. Stay tuned for a family guide to the festival, coming later today.

West Fest

If you’re planning to use the Eagle Rock Plaza shuttle service to get to the Festival, you’ll undoubtedly be starting at the west end of Colorado.

, according to owner/occasional Patch writer Patricia Neale Vuagniaux, will have several “Swork Girls” in red tutus handing out discount cards for a free cup of coffee, with the purchase of our new baguettes and salads. In addition, [Swork] will be giving out fabulous Swork tote bags, with orders of $10 or more—while supply lasts.” More deals and specials are in the works.

Amble around the corner to to create your own beaded jewelry or check out the last weekend of FOREST FRIENDS "happy creatures of the forest" art gallery + pop-up shop. Leanna Lin’s Wonderland will be open until 9 p.m.

and are hosting the Eagle Rock Boulevard Music, Art & Book Fair from 6–10 p.m.

This “fringe” event is up the street from Wonderland—and of interest to parents and kids alike.

In addition to discounted books, pottery, perogies, and Pittsburgh sammies, the fringe event features:

•  Little Faith—L.A. Weekly’s Jonny Whiteside says, “Gospel sensations Little Faith burn rubber on your immortal soul. The group’s mix of syncopated spirit and second line soul-saving makes for a penetrating, utterly unusual and wildly enjoyable musical experience.”

•  Julian Axelrod—Original Saturday Night Live cast member Garrett Morris calls this teen “a brilliant young comic.” Axelrod, who’s performed at comedy venues all over town, including the Ice House, the Comedy Store, and the ER Comedy Fest, got his start four years ago at Maria Bamford’s monthly comedy show at READ Books.

•  Clarence Witherspoon—A Nam vet who brings a soul-stirring majesty to his unique interpretations of traditional gospel and Rhythm and Blues.

More West Fest Family-Friendly Venues

is not only kid-friendly and conveniently close to the Family Stage, but on the day of the Festival they’re offering New Flat-bread Pizzas for just $5.

Corner Pizzeria is also passing out 2,500 coupons to be redeemed for items such as a Free Slice on your Birthday, a $7 Large Pizza for Pick-Up, or an “outrageous deal” of Buy ONE Breakfast, get one FREE—all breakfasts served with Free Coffee.”

East Fest Ethnic Eats

If you’re gallivanting in from the San Gabriel Valley, these grab-n-go grub options can be eaten one-handed and are filling enough to keep you fortified for the whole Fest.

is terrific for tacos, but for efficient navigation of crowds, try a torta: a Mexican sandwich piled with tacqueria meats such as cochinita pobil or chorizo or vegetarian options such as Portobello mushroom or panko-crusted avocado on a telera roll. ($6.95-$7.75)

is on the eastern boundary of the Festival, so you can stock up on traditional sandwiches from this old-school Italian bakery and deli. Fresh-baked bread piled high with cheeses and deli meats ranges from $3.50 to $4.50, which leaves you extra cash for cannoli-to-go.

NOTE: Eagle Rock Italian Bakery closes at 6 p.m. and sandwiches are made to order, so plan accordingly.

ENJOY THE FESTIVAL! HAVE FUN, BE SAFE!