Taste of Soul Celebrates 20 Years As Biggest Street Festival in California

For 20 years, the Crenshaw Community has hosted the largest and best street festival in California, and perhaps the entire nation. On Saturday, October 18, 2026, while the rest of the country was protesting the “NO KINGS” movement, the Los Angeles Crenshaw District showcased what we call the “NO Slaves Movement,” which highlighted themes of freedom, unity, peace, love, and community support.

This incredible event served to capture the diverse creativity of the Crenshaw Community. Crenshaw Boulevard is often referred to as the Mecca of Black Culture and Business, and on this day, 350,000 people filled the street from Stocker to Obama Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival featured three stages of live music and over 300 vendors, including a health and wellness center, financial resources, housing assistance, as well as many charter schools and small business opportunities. This annual festival brought together families, food, and fun.

The Annual Taste of Soul Festival was founded by Radio KJLH and Danny Bakewell in collaboration with the LA Sentinel Newspaper. Bakewell has served as the President of the Brotherhood Crusade for more than 30 years and has been involved with the LA Sentinel for over two decades. Recently, the city honored him by naming an intersection after him. Throughout the years, he has been a leading and inspirational force in the Los Angeles community.