A First Look at Everybody Eats Festival: A Celebration of Streetwear and Food in the Bay Area

This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend my first Everybody Eats Festival in the Bay Area, an event that perfectly blends the world of streetwear with culinary delights. Curated by Mike Liwanag of Savs Brand, this unique festival has quickly become a must-attend for those who appreciate the intersection of culture, style, and food. We were personally invited by Quintin Lam of Flower Delivery Service (FDS) and Jonny from Rad_Haus, both of whom had an apparel collaboration for the event that completely sold out.

My first impression? The location was incredible—set at the old Navy base in Alameda, Oakland, with a stunning backdrop of the San Francisco skyline and a few battleships adding to the scene. The crowd started to form early, buzzing with anticipation. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the welcoming crew, including Mike, who handed us our media passes, making us feel right at home.

For me, coming up to the Bay Area always feels like a homecoming. I lived here for a few years before moving to DC and eventually LA, so the vibes were familiar and comforting. The Bay’s energy is unmatched, with people who are both super chill and incredibly humble. It’s a place where community thrives, and that was evident throughout the festival.

One of the standout elements of Everybody Eats was the strong presence of local brands. The locals truly showed up and showed out, with impressive displays and even better products. Paradox Barbers offered an exclusive drop and a haircut to boot, while Sago Studios partnered with Emery Golf to set up a golf putt challenge, offering a discount for those who participated before purchasing. Flower Delivery Service also added a unique touch by offering a free bouquet of flowers as a gift with purchase, adding a fresh and thoughtful element to the shopping experience.

Additionally, it was great to see our good friend Aaron Kai’s collaboration with Who Cares Co, along with Collect Select, brands that have been influenced by Mike’s vision and style. It’s always inspiring to witness how connections and creativity come together to push the culture forward.

Beyond the brands, one of the best parts of the day was reconnecting with old friends of Illest and making new connections for the future. These events are more than just about the clothes or the food; they’re about the community that supports and uplifts one another. It’s a reminder of how powerful our collective passion can be.

What really stood out to me was the vibrant representation of the Filipino community. As someone who’s been around the Bay, it was heartening to see our culture so prominently featured. And, as Filipinos do best, we know how to throw a party! From live dance crew performances to the Everybody Eats crew bringing out their friends from the music industry, the energy was electric. The event perfectly balanced old-school and new-school vibes, creating an atmosphere that was both nostalgic and fresh.

Overall, my first experience at the Everybody Eats Festival was a memorable one. It’s more than just an event; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and creativity. I can’t wait to see how it grows and evolves in the coming years, and I’ll definitely be back to soak in more of that Bay Area magic.