School’s out, and with summertime just around the corner, the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory (BHAC) is bringing back its youth festival this Saturday, June 7.
Last year marked the event’s in-person return after a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. The block party provides volunteer and leadership building opportunities for local youth ages 13 to 24 who organize the event to give back to their community.
Youth volunteers have been meeting for months to plan the event, which will feature live performances, food, drinks, kids’ activities and dozens of local resource booths.
The free event is open to all ages and takes place on 1st Street between Breed and St. Louis streets from 3 to 7 p.m.
The festival was originally established by El Centro de Ayuda in the 1990s as a way to curb violence and provide a safe space for local youth. In 2017, the BHAC and other partners brought back the annual event but were forced to temporarily move the festivities online during the pandemic.
Sponsors and supporters of the event include Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, The Wall Las Memorias, Alma Family Services, Jóvenes Inc, Healing Urban Barrios and Casa 0101.
To learn more, check out the event’s Instagram.
