Feasts, Beats, and Streetwear Heat: Complex's Family Style Food Festival Takes Over DTLA
Photos courtesy of Complex
On September 28th, the Complex Family Style Food Festival took over Los Angeles State Historic Park for a day packed with food, fashion, and unforgettable vibes. With the sun shining down and the DTLA skyline setting the perfect backdrop, festival-goers were treated to a one-of-a-kind experience that blended the best in streetwear and culinary creativity. Hosted by the always-energetic Kerwin Frost and in partnership with The Pokémon Company International, this festival felt like a huge family reunion—if your family reunion had world-class chefs, exclusive streetwear drops, and a killer DJ lineup all day long.
Family, Friends, and Flavor: The Heart of Family Style
From the moment you walked in, the sense of community was unmistakable. Groups of friends, families, and new faces came together to celebrate their shared love for food, music, and culture. Whether catching up on the grassy lawns or grooving to beats from some of LA’s hottest DJs, the vibes were nothing short of amazing. The festival felt like one big reunion, where families reconnected, new friendships were born, and everyone enjoyed a day of good food and good company.
At its core, Family Style was all about bringing people together. Complex has long been a champion of convergence culture, and this festival perfectly captured that spirit. Attendees could sample dishes that reflected a range of cultures and flavors—ethnic street food staples alongside cutting-edge creations, reminding younger generations of home while introducing them to exciting new culinary trends. The park was filled with food stalls featuring both celebrated chefs and rising stars, giving foodies plenty to rave about.
Next In Line Competition: Where Rising Chefs Get Their Shine
A major highlight of the day was the Next In Line competition, which spotlighted the next generation of culinary talent. Four of LA’s top chefs, including Suzanne Goin of Caldo Verde and Antonia Lofaso of Scopa Italian Roots, nominated their most promising line cooks to compete in a head-to-head showdown. With $10,000, custom collaborative merchandise, and serious career opportunities on the line, the stakes were high.
Each contestant was tasked with creating an innovative, never-before-seen dish, which attendees had the pleasure of tasting for free. Guests got in on the action, alongside a panel of celebrity judges, as they sampled these cutting-edge creations. Hosted by Lien Ta, the judging panel featured culinary experts like Ken Concepcion and Michelle Mungcal of Now Serving, Rebecca Roland, and Kim Prince. In the end, it was Mireya Arellano, Antonia Lofaso’s nominee, who took home the coveted Next In Line title for her inventive and flavorful dish.
Exclusive Eats, Merch, and Vibes Under the LA Skyline
Family Style wasn’t just about the food—it was also a haven for streetwear lovers. Exclusive collaborations between chefs and top brands meant some of the most hyped merch drops around. From custom SNIBBS clogs to limited-edition Family Style t-shirts and totes, every booth had something unique to offer. And for VIP ticket holders, the experience was even more exclusive, with access to an elevated area featuring top-tier vendors like Bacanora and Regina’s Grocery, free food and drinks, and special merch items that weren’t available anywhere else.
As the sun began to set over the park, casting a golden glow on the city, the DJs kept the beats going, and the festival vibe only grew stronger. It was clear that Complex’s Family Style Food Festival wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of community, culture, and the simple joys of being together. Whether you came with family, friends, or made new ones along the way, this day in the heart of LA was all about shared experiences, great food, and unforgettable memories.
In true Family Style fashion, the festival brought people closer—over plates of delicious food, exclusive streetwear, and the undeniable energy of a city coming together.