A firehouse cook-off is a genuinely odd food format — fifteen-plus stations of cooking done by people who cook for a crew every shift, judged in one park on one afternoon. Entry costs nothing, so the tasting pass is the only decision to make, and buying it in advance saves five dollars. The classic car show opens two hours before the festival proper, which makes a 9 a.m. arrival worth it if cars are the draw. It is the Valley's largest free daytime event this weekend.
What to expect
An open park laid out with firehouse food stations, a beer garden, a live music stage, firefighting demonstrations and a classic car show. Food sampling runs through the tasting pass rather than per-item cash, so the pass line is the one to plan around.
Good to know
- Entry is free; the food sampling requires the Salute Tasting Pass.
- Buying the tasting pass in advance saves $5 over the gate price.
- The classic car show starts at 9 a.m., two hours before festival hours begin.
- Car owners can register a classic for $30, which includes a tasting pass good at two food stations.
- Proceeds benefit the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund.
- Warner Center Park is at Topanga Canyon Blvd near Erwin St; street and structure parking surround the Warner Center towers.
Going? Keep it.
More festivals this weekend
Common questions
Does it cost anything to get in?
No — the operator states the event is free to the general public. Food sampling is a separate tasting pass.
What time does the car show start?
9 a.m., ahead of the 11 a.m.–4 p.m. festival hours.