EatsCon LA 2025 Recap: Star Chefs, Celebrity Guests & a Feast for a Cause
This summer, The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica transformed into a foodie’s dream as EatsCon Los Angeles 2025 took over June 28–29. Curated by The Infatuation, this two-day festival felt like a music festival—except the headliners were some of the most exciting restaurants from LA and beyond. As a Los Angeles event photographer, I was there to capture the color, energy, and unforgettable moments that made the weekend special.
A Star-Studded Food Lineup
Instead of food trucks, EatsCon showcased an all-star roster of pop-ups and collaborations, drawing both local legends and out-of-town culinary stars:
Quarter Sheets × Bridgetown Roti – Pizza meets Caribbean roti magic
Wake and Lake × Sqirl – Breakfast creativity from two LA favorites
BBAD, Lorenzo California, Evil Cooks, Good Alley, Temaki Society, Santa Canela
Aunt Yvette’s Kitchen, Zira Uzbek Kitchen, Bodega SF (from San Francisco), Caffè Panna (from NYC)
Za Za Zá, Charles Pan Fried Chicken × Community Goods, Boia De × Walrus Rodeo
Dune Brothers, Mini Kabob, Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice, A's BBQ, Brave Idiot, Perilla, 88 Club × Trophies Burger Club
Every corner offered something unique—whether it was bold flavors, cross-cultural mashups, or cult-followed sweets. Photographing these vibrant dishes and bustling vendor stands is exactly the type of work that defines a Los Angeles event photographer’s portfolio.
Celebrity Guests & Conversations
The festival wasn’t just about eating—it was about connecting with culture. Visitors saw:
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles
Actor Josh Peck
Phil Rosenthal, creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and host of Somebody Feed Phil
Live panels and conversations featured voices from How Long Gone, Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals, Complex’s Idea Generation, and Lemme Say This, giving fans a taste of behind-the-scenes food and media stories. Capturing candid expressions and dynamic stage lighting in these moments is a key skill for any Los Angeles event photographer covering high-profile festivals.
Community Impact & Giving Back
This year’s EatsCon partnered with Chase’s Love Local initiative to support Los Angeles wildfire relief. A special Shake Shack × LAFD menu raised funds for the LAFD Foundation, blending indulgence with impact. Documenting the intersection of community spirit and live events is one of the most rewarding parts of my work as a Los Angeles event photographer.
VIP Perks for Cardholders
Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred cardholders enjoyed exclusive benefits:
Early entry to beat the crowds
All-You-Can-EEEEAT tickets
Complimentary bites from Majordōmo
Access to the Sapphire Lounge
$10 cash-back offers on purchases
From the moment the gates opened to the last bite of the day, there were countless opportunities for dynamic event coverage—ideal for brands, sponsors, and media partners who want high-quality imagery.
A Festival That’s More Than Just Food
From inventive culinary mashups to heartfelt community efforts, EatsCon LA 2025 reminded us that food festivals can be as much about connection and purpose as they are about indulgence. Whether you came for the roti, the shave ice, or the celebrity panels, this year’s event was one to remember.
If you’re planning a brand activation, conference, or public event in Southern California, hiring a Los Angeles event photographer ensures your moments are captured with impact, professionalism, and style. Looking for a Los Angeles event photographer who can deliver high-quality, on-brand coverage for any occasion? Explore our full event photography services.