On the first Friday of every month, the shops and galleries on Abbot Kinney (between Venice and Westminster) stay open late, with some even bringing in live music, artists, spoken poetry, etc. Food trucks from all over join the festivities and can be found in the lot by The Brig (a bar) or along the street.

It's a great way to spend your evening browsing the eclectic shops and galleries and walking from food truck to food truck checking out their menus as you decide what to eat.

After you get your grub, you can find a spot in the eaves of a shop, a low-lying wall, the curb, or a little patch of grass to enjoy your food. There's a bohemian vibe and a nice energy from the crowd. You see strollers, dogs, cool bicycles, and food, lots of food.

Between 10 and 20 trucks come in so there is no limit to the type of cuisine to choose from.

Tips:

Street parking is pretty difficult after 5pm. There is a parking lot on Venice behind the Lemonade restaurant (Venice+Abbot Kinney) for $10. There is a free lot behind the east side shops (parallel to Abbot Kinney, off California) but getting a spot should prove difficult.

Also, there is no parking on a stretch of Venice Blvd. after 9PM so check the signs.

Check out boutique Zingara (be sure to go through the store to their 'backyard' for s'mores and interesting bands; they also have a cute bathroom) and Ten Women Gallery (highlighting local women artisans). 

Intelligentsia is a great coffee bar too.