Celebrating 10 Years of Summer Fun at Smorgasburg LA: Ice Cream Alley is Back!
Smorgasburg LA Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Events This Summer
Smorgasburg LA, one of the largest open-air weekly food markets in the United States, is set to host several summer events in Downtown Los Angeles, including its 10th anniversary celebration and the return of the popular Ice Cream Alley.
Since its opening in June 2016, the market has operated every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring over 50 food vendors and small businesses that showcase diverse culinary offerings from across the city. “It really makes it sort of an amazing place to come on Sundays and experience everything that LA has to offer,” said Zach Brooks, general manager of Smorgasburg.
Originally founded in New York, Smorgasburg has evolved in Los Angeles into a vibrant hub for local vendors. This summer marks a significant milestone as the market celebrates its 10th anniversary on Sunday, June 21. The event will coincide with Father’s Day and will feature the return of former vendors from the market’s early years, including pop-ups and businesses that have since transitioned into permanent restaurants.
Brooks emphasized the market’s impact on small business growth over the past decade. “We’re really proud to be an incubator for small businesses here in LA. A lot of our vendors have gone on to become sort of famous in their own right,” he stated.
Following the anniversary celebration, Ice Cream Alley will return starting July 4 weekend and run through Labor Day weekend. This seasonal initiative will expand the market’s dessert offerings by introducing rotating ice cream vendors alongside its regular lineup, creating a dedicated space for summer-themed activities.
Current vendors at Ice Cream Alley include Moom Maam, Bernie’s Shaved Ice, Sad Girl Creamery, and Churros El Bochito, with additional pop-ups expected to be announced in June. Moom Maam specializes in Thai-inspired gelato, while Bernie’s offers fruit-based frozen treats. Sad Girl Creamery features Mexican-inspired ice creams and nostalgic desserts, and Churros El Bochito focuses on churros paired with sweet toppings.
Brooks remarked that Ice Cream Alley initially started as a one-day event for National Ice Cream Day and expanded into a full summer series due to its popularity.
In addition to Ice Cream Alley and the anniversary events, Smorgasburg will continue its regular Sunday programming throughout the summer, including themed activations like the “World Grub” series, which coincides with the World Cup games in Los Angeles. Visitors will have the opportunity to customize Smorgasburg jerseys with heat-pressed patches representing their favorite teams.
“The market’s programming evolves each year based on feedback from vendors, community input, and seasonal trends,” Brooks explained. “A lot of what we do just happens organically.”
Ultimately, Brooks hopes to create an inviting space where visitors can explore a wide variety of foods. “We just hope that people will find us, and then just keep coming back. Once you do come, you realize there’s too much good food to attack it all in one day.”
Smorgasburg LA is located at ROW DTLA. For details about upcoming activities and specific vendors, more information is available online.
