The KX Festival is bringing the energy of Koreatown back to MacArthur Park.

Now in its fourth year, this free three-day festival – it runs from Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29 – promotes the music, food, and culture of this ethnic enclave known for its diversity.

A dish is presented to the judges. (Photo by Chelsea Ng)

Hip-hop artist G Yamazawa performs to the crowd at last year’s KX Festival. (Photo by Chelsea Ng)

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The Hiza Korean Dance Institute showcases a traditional Korean fan dance. (Photo by Chelsea Ng)



“Although this area is called Koreatown, or K-town, it’s probably one of the most diverse cities in L.A. in terms of population,” said Joe Park, the festival organizer who is also a co-founder of the annual Koreatown Night Market. “Population-wise, it’s not just Koreans. There are Latinos and recently people from neighboring communities like Echo Park and Silver Lake have been moving into the area. So I think a reason why it’s such a vibrant city these days is it offers more than just the Korean barbecue.

“Obviously, a lot of it has been highlighted by Anthony Bourdain and big chefs like Roy Choi coming into the city,” he said. “It’s brought a lot of attention to K-town.”

Entertainment and food are a driving force of the festival, which launches with two days of music.

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Day one and two present an all-music lineup of hip-hop and K-pop artists on the stage of Levitt Pavillion. Headliners include Public Enemy‘s Sammy Sam and Chuck D on Friday and H1ghr Music’s Cha Cha Malone (part of the Seattle b-boy crew Art of Movement), Phe Reds and Jarv Dee on Saturday.

Justin Park, an up-and-coming Korean-American artist from L.A., also joins Saturday’s lineup

The third day, which is new this year, shines a spotlight on cultural programming for young families and adults. Take in a demonstration of tae kwon do or catch a traditional Korean fan dance.

Also new is the weekend-long Food Truck Showdown, a tasting event of eight of the most Instagrammable and bang-for-your-buck eats.

Featured cuisines include Filipino, Mexican and Chinese, as well as Korean comfort food.

Fest-goers can also order boba and fruit for dessert.

“There’s a lot of momentum coming,” Park said. “We hope to see that this festival continues to grow.”

KX Festival

When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28, and 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 29

Where: Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park, 2230 W. 6th St., Los Angeles

Admission: Free

Information: www.kxfestival.com