On paper, the Silver Lake Jubilee looks rad. Forgiving the fact that neither Warpaint nor Local Natives will be there, there are more than 20 local bands in the lineup. There will be art and literary installations by local curators. It’s kid-friendly (children’s village), gardener/hippie-friendly (eco-village with a temporary xeriscape garden) and lush-friendly (two micro brew beer gardens). More than 40 roach coaches. A Zero Waste initiative aims for carbon neutrality and renewable-sourced power. It also means bring your own cup: “the Silver Lake Jubilee will not utilize Styrofoam, single-use plastic bags or plastic water bottles.”

I live next door to Silver Lake, in Echo Park. Having watched the Sunset Junction street fair lose its roots—which is to say, bloat from a homegrown celebration of Silver Lake culture into an invasive minimegafestival that shuts out neighborhood businesses and income-sensitive residents—I’m concerned about what the Silver Lake Jubilee will mean for the neighborhood. Will it reflect local values and tastes? Will it feel like Silver Lake? Will locals feel out of place? Will visitors feel welcome?

Whatever. Two beer gardens!

The Silver Lake Jubilee
May 22-23
Myra Ave between Sunset and Hoover
Los Angeles 90029