A member of Senolavie performs at the Boyle Heights Youth Festival
A member of Senolavie performs at the Boyle Heights Youth Festival Saturday, June 6, 2026. (Jesse Reynoso / Boyle Heights Beat)

Families, kids and teens packed 1st Street over the weekend for the Boyle Heights Youth Festival, a youth-led celebration and block party. 

The event, coordinated by the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory and planned largely by young people, featured free food, performances, community resources and a meet-and-greet with “Cobra Kai” actors Xolo Maridueña and Jacob Bertrand. 

Here’s what we saw.

Performers from Ritual Azteca Danzantes open the festivities at the Boyle Heights Youth Festival
A group of danza Azteca performers opens the festivities at the Boyle Heights Youth Festival. (Jesse Reynoso/ Boyle Heights Beat)
South Central band nsixhundred1 performs
South Central band nsixhundred1 performs at the Boyle Heights Youth Festival. (Jesse Reynoso / Boyle Heights Beat)
Families, kids and teens packed 1st Street
Families, kids and teens packed 1st Street for the Boyle Heights Youth Festival. (Jesse Reynoso / Boyle Heights Beat)
"Cobra Kai" actors Jacob Bertrand (left) and Xolo Maridueña await a meet-and-greet at the Boyle Heights Youth Festival.
2026 BHYFest Ambassadors and “Cobra Kai” actors Jacob Bertrand (left) and Xolo Maridueña await a meet-and-greet at the Boyle Heights Youth Festival. (Jesse Reynoso / Boyle Heights Beat)
Kids throw a ball during the festival
The festival featured activities for kids and teens. (Jesse Reynoso / Boyle Heights Beat)
Participants were invited to paint artworks
Participants were invited to paint at the Mural Workforce Academy booth. (Jesse Reynoso / Boyle Heights Beat)
A vendor prepares tacos
A vendor prepares tacos, one of the free meals offered at the festival. (Jesse Reynoso / Boyle Heights Beat)

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