By 
Every October, the heart of La Jolla comes alive with color, culture, and community spirit. On Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12, 2025, the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival (LJAWF) returns to downtown La Jolla, transforming the charming coastal village into a world-class celebration of art, fine wine, craft beer, and family fun.
Now in its 16th year, the festival has become one of Southern California’s most beloved cultural events, attracting locals and visitors alike who come to discover original artwork, sip and savor, and support La Jolla’s vibrant community.
This juried festival brings together more than 170 artists from across the United States and Mexico. Their work spans every medium—painting, sculpture, jewelry, fine glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media, and photography—offering something for every taste, whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer looking for that perfect piece.
Strolling through the open-air galleries, festivalgoers can chat with artists, learn about their creative process, and take home treasures that tell a story. The ocean breeze, lively music drifting from the main stage, and the hum of happy crowds make for a uniquely La Jolla experience.
Toast to the Good Life
Of course, no visit to the LJAWF is complete without a stop at the Wine & Beer Garden. Featuring more than 35 international wineries, local craft breweries, and artisan distilleries, the garden is a destination in itself. Guests can sip bold reds, crisp whites, hoppy IPAs, and handcrafted spirits while enjoying live entertainment and coastal sunshine. It’s a celebration of flavor as much as of art.
More Than Just an Art Festival
The LJAWF is designed for everyone, with activities that go well beyond the art booths. Families will find kid-friendly fun, pet lovers can visit the adoption stations, and bargain-hunters can explore the two-day silent auction featuring luxury items, travel packages, and local treasures. Live music and entertainment from an all-star lineup ensure that the weekend has a lively soundtrack from start to finish.
Art With a Mission
Behind the beauty and excitement lies a powerful purpose. The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to bring art to the community, promote La Jolla and its merchants, and most importantly, raise vital funds for local public schools.
Since its inception, the festival has donated more than $1.2 million to underfunded programs in art, music, science, physical education, technology, and on-site medical care, directly benefiting over 4,000 children across La Jolla’s public schools. Every sip, every bid, and every piece of art purchased helps strengthen the educational foundation of the community’s next generation.
Featured Artist
The 2025 Featured Artist is Gregg Visintainer, or “Viz,” known for his intricate pen-and-ink creations. His art transforms bold images into hidden stories when viewed up close. Learn more at https://www.vizartink.com. In the interview below, we asked him about his process.
L’CHAIM Magazine: Your pieces contain over 100 hidden details—can you share a few favorite hidden messages or symbols you’ve included and why they’re meaningful to you?
Gregg Visintainer: For “Coastal California” I took a picture of the lifeguard in Carlsbad near Tamarack for my reference photo. I hide all the coastal cities up and down the coast of California, animals, beach balls, the outline of California and upside down going across the whole piece is the California State flag. I wanted to create a piece that would remember San Diego and the beautiful coast. This piece from afar seems very simple but when you look closer you really get to see all hidden details and lines that creates the main image.
L’CHAIM: How do you decide when a piece is “done,” especially with such intricate detail work?
GV: For me with pen ink and it is easy to know when the piece is “done” because I have no more paper space. Once the paper is filled the piece is done.
L’CHAIM: Have you ever revisited an older piece and added new elements or messages later on?
GV: No, I’ve never revisited an older piece or added new details. Once the artwork is complete, I move onto the next.
L’CHAIM: With each piece taking over 100 hours, how do you stay motivated and focused throughout the process?
GV: It is extremely hard to stay motivated and focused now especially as I get older. It is getting harder and harder to find time to draw as I travel most of the year doing shows. When I get home I try to spend as much time as I can with my kids before I have to restock, reprint and get back on the road. I typically draw around 10pm-2am where I won’t get distracted. My kids are my biggest motivation to keep me
moving forward.
L’CHAIM: You’ve worked with brands like Disney and the U.S. Military—how do you balance your personal style with the vision of a corporate partner?
GV: Honestly, custom artwork is easier for me because the customer will typically give me a logo or image to use as the main image and the list I need to hide. For me, I just have to draw it all out and make sure it looks like the image provided with all the hidden details. I only create about 4-5 pieces a year with custom artwork being 2-3 of those pieces. I have to mix it up with custom art and my personal artwork to keep it exciting.
L’CHAIM: Is there a dream collaboration or project you haven’t done yet but would love to pursue?
GV: I have always wanted to do a piece for the NFL or a professional sports team where I hide either player signatures or the story about the organization. A Super Bowl program or marketing would be really exciting. Another collaboration I hope to see what day ins a full wrap on an airplane or jet. Would love to see a commercial airliner with artwork all over it or an F-18!
Whether you come for the art, the wine, the music, or the mission, the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival 2025 promises a weekend full of discovery, indulgence, and community spirit. The festival runs Oct. 11-12, 2025, in downtown La Jolla. Admission is free (the wine and beer garden requires a ticket purchase). Learn more at www.ljawf.com.
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