Welcome to the LA Tofu Festival web site, August 12th - 13th, 2006, in Downtown LA!
Coupon
Please print coupon and present at the festival entrance. Click here
Tofu Festival Frequently Asked Questions
Food and Drink
- I don’t know if I like tofu, what else is there to eat at the festival?
- I’m not a vegetarian, what is there for me to eat at the festival?
- Is there non-Asian Food?
- Will there be beer?
- I have diabetes/heart disease/ etc. Is there food for me?
- Is food included in the admission price?
- Is this a vegetarian/meat free event?
Pricing
Entertainment / Activities / Programs
- What else is there to do at Tofu Festival besides eat?
- How do I sign up for the Tofu Eating Contest?
- Is the event suitable for small children?
- What kind of entertainment will there be for festival-goers?
For a Hassle Free Festival Experience
- Last year I couldn’t find a parking space! What are you doing about parking?
- Is smoking permitted?
- Are animals allowed?
- What if I want to leave the Festival and come back later the same day?
- What about coming back the next day?
- Can I bring my own food and beverages to the Festival?
- Can I bring a cooler?
- How should I dress my family?
- Are there ATM machines on the Festival grounds?
- Are there payphones on the Festival Grounds?
- Are strollers allowed?
- Where is lost and found?
Disabled and First Aid Information
Tofu Tourism
Directions / Parking
Tell Me More About
- Who hosts the Tofu Festival?
- Why do you charge?
- Can I purchase festival t-shirts, cookbooks, hats at the festival?
- How much does the food costs?
- How do I apply to be a Vendor / Sponsor / Volunteer / Entertainer / Chef/ Exhibitor?
- How can I get on a mailing list so I always know when the Festival is happening?
Tofu Festival Frequently Asked Questions
Food and Drink
I don’t know if I like tofu, what else is there to eat at the festival?
There is always MORE than TOFU at the Festival. Try our selections from all over Asia and beyond! See Food Vendors
I’m not a vegetarian, what is there for me to eat at the festival?
Many of our food vendors feature great chicken, beef, pork, fish and seafood dishes. Every year there is a treasure of new recipes for you to discover. See Food Vendors
Is there non-Asian Food?
In addition to our featured Asian menu items, we also serve Asian Fusion and non-Asian items. Prior vendors offered gumbo, barbecue, chili, tacos, fancy desserts, and more! See Food Vendors
Will there be beer?
Yes. See Beer Garden
I have diabetes/heart disease/ etc. Is there food for me?
Yes, the Tofu Festival prides itself on healthy living options. See Food Vendors
Is food included in the admission price?
No, food is not included in the admission price. However, there will be booths offering samples for free. To purchase food you must FIRST buy SCRIP. Scrip is $1.00 per ticket. The average dish is approximately 2 Scrip tickets, with dishes ranging from 1-4 scrip tickets. Food and beverage vendors do not accept cash. See Ticket Pricing.
Is this a vegetarian/meat free event?
No and Yes! No, there is plenty of chicken, beef, pork, fish, and seafood for hungry eaters. And yes, there are plenty of vegetarian dishes as well. There are many options for everyone. See Food Vendors
Pricing
What does the Tofu Festival cost?
See Ticket Pricing for special offers
| General Admission | $5 |
| Seniors (60+) | FREE |
| Children (<12) | FREE |
| Discount Coupon | Link |
Can I pay with a credit card?
No, Admission booths will be CASH ONLY this year. We hope to speed up lines by having this policy. If you need to get cash at the festival, there are ATM's located at the San Pedro & 2nd intersection (Bank of the West, Manufacturers Bank or Union Bank).
What does the food cost?
Food and Beverage Vendors do not accept cash. To purchase food, you must first buy SCRIP tickets at SCRIP TICKET BOOTHS on the Festival grounds.
Scrip Tickets are $1.00 each
The average dish is approximately 2 Scrip tickets or $2.00, with dishes ranging from 1-4 scrip tickets or $1.00 to $4.00. Beverages range from 1-5 Scrip tickets or $1.00 - $5.00.
Entertainment / Activities / Programs
What else is there to do at Tofu Festival besides eat?
There will be a tofu-eating contest, colorful Marketplace shopping, special exhibits, a raffle and numerous Health, Fitness and Community information booths you can visit. But the fun doesn't stop there in Little Tokyo. Close by will be JACC Martial Arts Demos, the JANM Kids Courtyard Festival, and a Sumo tournament, See Program
How do I sign up for the Tofu Eating Contest?
See Tofu Eating Contest Rules.
Is the event suitable for small children?
Children of all ages are welcome. The festival grounds are stroller friendly.
What kind of entertainment will there be for festival-goers?
In addition to the Tofu Eating Contest, there will be many other attractions for festival-goers to enjoy. Here are a few:
-The 9th Annual Summer Courtyard Kids Festival brings arts and crafts, workshops, and lively music together to bring awareness about the environment to families in a fun and creative way. (Sat. 8/18, 11am 5pm at the Japanese American National Museum)
-Sumo wrestlers of varying weight classes compete at the United States Sumo Federations 2007 National Championships (Sat. 8/18, 9am 1pm at the New Otani Hotel).
-This years Nisei Week Grand Parade will introduce one of the spectacular illuminated floats from Aomoris Nebuta Festival to Little Tokyo. Regarded as one of the most famous festivals in Japan, illuminated floats are known to light up the night sky as Haneto dancers dance wildly to the accompanying rhythm of drums and flutes. (Sun. 8/19, 6pm on the streets of Little Tokyo)
-Exhibits and events on the premises of the Japanses American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) http://www.jaccc.org
For a Hassle Free Festival Experience
Last year I couldn’t find a parking space! What are you doing about parking?
Good news! This year there will be additional parking lots. See PARKING INFORMATION.
Is smoking permitted?
No
Are animals allowed?
Sorry, no animals are allowed except "service" animals: we will not babysit animals and if you are found with a concealed animal, you will be asked to leave the premises.
What if I want to leave the Festival and come back later the same day? What about coming back the next day?
Yes for SAME day returns. Make sure you get your hand stamped at the gate for same day returns. No exceptions.
Second day visits require a second admission ticket.
Can I bring my own food and beverages to the Festival?
No, outside food and beverages are not permitted. Visitors with ice chests, coolers, lunch boxes, coffee cups, etc. will not be admitted to the Festival.
Can I bring a cooler?
Visitors with ice chests, coolers, lunch boxes, coffee cups, etc. will not be admitted to the Festival.
How should I dress my family?
Summer in Los Angeles can be very hot. Dress in layers. Wear hats and sunglasses. Sun block is recommended.
Are there ATM machines on the Festival grounds?
No, but there are several banks with ATM machines steps from the Festival.
Are there payphones on the Festival Grounds?
No, but you’ll find them nearby. Don’t forget to get your hand stamped before you leave!
Are strollers allowed?
Yes.
Where is lost and found?
Contact the Volunteer Booth located inside the festival grounds near the entrance to the Food Pavilion.
Disabled and First Aid Information
What handicap facilities are available?
You will find handicap friendly restrooms on the festival grounds. Look for the designated handicap seating area at the Saturday night concert. As there is no designated handicap auto offloading area, plan your arrivals and departures accordingly.
What if I have a medical emergency?
During the festival, EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) are on site. There is an ambulance standing by at all times.
Tofu Tourism
I’m traveling to see the Festival from out of state/town. What accommodations are nearby?
Little Tokyo boasts two hotels within short walking distance to the Festival. Select from the New Otani (213. 629.1200) www.newotani.com or the Miyako Inn (213.617.2000), www.miyakoinn.com
Directions / Parking
Where is Little Tokyo?
Little Tokyo is in Downtown Los Angeles near City Hall. See our Directions / Parking
Tell Me More About
Who hosts the Tofu Festival?
The LA Tofu Festival is a community event presented by the Little Tokyo Service Center, a non-profit community-based organization, which has been providing services to low income, immigrant, homeless and distressed seniors and families for over 25 years. About Little Tokyo Service Center
Why do you charge?
In previous years, the festival was created to replace traditional fundraising dinners. LTSC wanted a fun, community event that the entire family can enjoy. So we kept to that motto and made this a profit free event. This year's fee is only to cover the costs of producing such an event. Inviting visitors to sample excellent Pan Asian food makes the festival an affordable treat for Angelenos, as well as a reason for people to come to both the historical and cultural neighborhood of Little Tokyo.
Can I purchase Tofu Festival merchandise (t-shirts, cookbooks, hats) at the festival?
Yes, visit the Festival Store to find our collectors’ item Tofu T-shirts, hats, cookbooks and new surprises each year. See Festival Store
How much does the food costs?
Once you buy SCRIP at $1.00 per ticket, you can select a variety of dishes that cost between 1-4 SCRIP ($1.00 - $4.00) each. Food vendors do not accept cash.
How do I apply to be a Vendor / Sponsor / Volunteer?
If you are interested in becoming a vendor or a sponsor, please go to our Contact Us page
If you want to apply for a volunteer position, please go to our Volunteer page
How can I get on a mailing list so I always know when the Festival is happening?
Sign up for our mailing list here. Contact Us
Directions & Parking
Driving Map
Festival Grounds are located at
237 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
On San Pedro and 2nd
GENERAL DIRECTIONS
FROM THE NORTH
5 South to 110 South, Exit 4th Street (one way), Left on San Pedro
FROM THE SOUTH
1) 110 North, Exit 4th Street
(one way), Left on San Pedro
2) 5 North to 101 North, Exit 4th Street and make a Left
FROM THE EAST
10 West to 101 North, Exit Alameda and make a Left, Right on First, Left on San Pedro
FROM THE WEST
1) 10 East to 110 North, Exit 4th Street (one-way), Left on San Pedro
2) 101 South, Exit Los Angeles and make a Right, Left on 1st, Right on San Pedro
For more driving directions Link to Google Maps
GO METRO
PARKING INFORMATION
FREE PUBLIC PARKING
City Hall East
201 N. Los Angeles Street (between Temple and 1st Street)
Enter Southbound on Los Angeles Street.
11:00AM - 6:00PM
County Parking Lot #17
131 S. Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sat. 9:00AM - 11PM
Sun. 9:00AM - 9PM
County Parking Lot #26
120 S. Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sat. 9:00AM - 11PM
Sun. 9:00AM - 9PM
PAID PARKING LOTS
Parking Lots are independently owned and operated. Rates are set individually. Parking lots adjacent to festival and in surrounding vicinity in Little Tokyo.
- Joe’s 414 Auto Parks, Commercial Street/Alameda Street
- City of Los Angeles Public Parking Lot B, Alameda Street/ Temple Street
- JANM/ MOCA Parking, Alameda Street (just south of 1st Street) and 1st Street/ Central Avenue
- Five Star Parking, 350 East 2nd Street
- Japanese Village Plaza Parking, Central Avenue
- Central Parking System, 328 East 1st Street (Miyako Hotel)
- Central Parking System, 2nd Street (Weller Court)
- Honda Plaza Parking 2nd, Street/ Central Avenue (southeast corner)
- City of Los Angeles Lot 2, 300 East Temple
- City of Los Angeles Lot 7, Judge John Aiso/1st Street
- Select Parking, Onizuka Street/ 1st Street
- Athena Parking, 242 South Los Angeles Street
- AutoMate Parking, Inc., 400 Boyd Street Central Parking System, Union Bank Parking Structure, San Pedro Street (between 1st and 2nd Street)
- Paragon Parking, Inc. Banco Lot, 340 South Spring Street
- Prestige Parking, 260 South Main Street
- Joe’s 233 Auto Parks, 233 South Main Street
- Joe’s 230 Auto Parks, 230 South Main Street
- Joe’s 330 Auto Parks, 330 South Main Street
- Joe’s 416 Auto Parks, 416 South Main Street
- Joe’s 246 Auto Parks, 246 2nd Street
FESTIVAL SHUTTLES
Just annouced: Parking at the Festival just got easier! Silver Sponsor, Subaru of America will provide the LA Tofu Festival with a fleet of Subaru vehicles to shuttle festival guests from parking lots to the festival. Take a free ride in your favorite Subaru model and check out why the newly rededsigned Subaru Tribeca has improved performance and is a favorite among car enthusiasts. Tofu Festival's very own staffer, Silvia, loves that they're, "....ultra-low emission, ultra-safe, ultra-concerned about the environment!"
Stay tuned for more details about the Subaru festival shuttles, routes and times. In the meantime, you can find out more about Subaru models at http://www.subaru.com
Tofu Festival Ticket Pricing
CASH ONLY
| Admission | Price |
|---|---|
| General Admission | $5 |
| Seniors (60+) | Free |
| Children (5-11) | Free |
| Discount | $2.00 Discount Coupon available online |
Food Pricing
Food and Beverage Vendors do not accept cash. To purchase food, you must first buy SCRIP tickets at SCRIP TICKET BOOTHS on the Festival grounds.
| Scrip Ticket | $1.00 each |
| Most dishes are | 2 tickets |
| Dishes range from | 1-4 tickets |
| Beverages range from | 1-5 tickets |
| Beer | 5 tickets |
Parking Prices
Parking lots are independently owned and operated. Each company sets it’s own price.
All day parking ranges from $3.00 to $10.00.
For parking maps, tips and the best locations go to Directions / Parking.
Go Metro to the Festival
For information and prices on public transportation go to Directions / Parking