Complex’s Family Style Food Festival returned in a major way this year, taking over the Los Angeles State Historic Park on Saturday, September 28th. Hosted by Kerwin Frost and drawing a crowd that included stars like Freddie Gibbs, The Alchemist, Keith Lee, and Madison Bailey, the festival merged food, streetwear, and culture like never before. Thousands of attendees gathered under the Southern California sun to indulge in culinary creations from some of the country’s most hyped chefs and brands. The energy was electric, a fusion of fashion, flavors, and fun that made this year’s Family Style Fest the biggest one yet. Complex’s involvement ensured that the event lived up to its reputation as the intersection of food and culture.

In partnership with The Pokémon Company International, Family Style took collaborations to the next level, serving up exclusive food and merch items that were must-haves for the culture-savvy crowd. From streetwear drops to limited-edition dishes, the event was packed with innovative pairings that couldn’t be found anywhere else. Attendees were spotted flexing their exclusive Pokémon-themed merchandise while snacking on inventive treats from L.A.'s best restaurants and pop-ups. Whether it was collecting the latest drip or catching up with friends over next-level bites, Family Style was the place to be for anyone looking to blend food with cultural clout.

The food lineup itself was nothing short of iconic. Some of the most respected names in the culinary world showed up, including Din Tai Fung, Porto's Bakery, and Howlin' Ray's. Even NYC legends like Katz's Delicatessen made the trip, offering up their classic sandwiches to hungry Angelenos. Up-and-comers like Kuya Lord and baroo also made waves, serving dishes that reflected the diverse, innovative spirit of the festival. With so many options, no one left hungry, and many were already talking about which restaurants would return for next year.

This year’s festival was also home to the “Next in Line” competition, a head-to-head culinary showdown that highlighted the next generation of top chefs. Four celebrity chefs — Suzanne Goin, Antonia Lofaso, Brooke Williamson, and Jazz Singsanong — each nominated one of their best to compete. Contestants were tasked with creating innovative, never-before-seen dishes to debut at the festival, with everything from booth space to ingredients provided to help them shine. Attendees were able to sample the dishes for free and cast their votes, alongside a panel of culinary experts, based on flavor, creativity, and storytelling. The winner walked away with a $10,000 prize and the coveted title of “Next in Line,” propelling them into L.A.’s competitive food scene.

Family Style Fest isn't just about food, though. It’s about community and culture, and that was clear throughout the event. Guests of all ages came together, celebrating not only their love of food but also the shared experiences that festivals like this bring. With music, art, and streetwear all part of the mix, Family Style Fest continues to be more than just an event — it’s a cultural moment, one where people can express themselves through food, fashion, and fun.