“With a name like ‘Life is Beautiful’ comes great responsibility; because Life is Beautiful is more than just a festival, it’s a mantra – a way of moving through the world.”
Truth is… We know it’s not an ordinary name for a festival. But it’s a perfect reflection of the atmosphere and experience one could expect from a weekend at this special event. Plus, there’s power in collective thinking! In the several weeks leading up to and during the festival, it is estimated that one could very well have said “Life is Beautiful” over 100 times. And once you start saying it frequently, you really start to believe it. And that’s the profound effect that the phrase Life is Beautiful and the namesake festival delivers to thousands each and every year.
Founded in 2013 in partnership with Tony Hsieh of Zappos and SF-based promoter Another Planet Entertainment, Life is Beautiful was created not only just to showcase world-class music, art, and culinary experiences, but to also celebrate the best things in life; each other, friends, family, lovers, and our community. In turn, the festival has become a transformative and immersive environment where everyone can escape from their problems and be reminded of the beauty that exists in the world.
The festival’s name, “Life is Beautiful,” serves as a reminder to appreciate the present moment, embrace diversity, and find beauty in the world around us. It encourages attendees to celebrate the human experience, connect with others, and create lasting memories.
But it’s not just about the human element. The meaning of Life is Beautiful is also about the celebration of the arts; the remarkable creations that allow meaning to be expressed in countless ways, through music, art, performance, culinary arts, and more.
Life is Beautiful Festival delivers on this year after year by offering a diverse music lineup featuring artists from various genres, representing different cultures and music styles, that no one music fan is left untouched. Music has the unique power to bring all walks of life together for one common bond, a feeling that is truly a beautiful and blissful moment. But art also has the ability to evoke these feelings, too. Through the years, the festival’s various murals and installations have often carried meaningful messages and powerful themes where imagination, inspiration, and creativity are ignited.
Food also has the power to bring communities together, and the culinary program at Life is Beautiful is built around celebrating the diverse range of delectable delights that are in our own backyard. Through a diverse selection of options, culinary demonstrations, and tastings, the festival celebrates the artistry and innovation of eatery while promoting the simple enjoyment of each bite. The Life is Beautiful culinary program emphasizes the idea that food is not only nourishment but also a source of joy and a conduit of human connection.
Lastly, the name “Life is Beautiful” is demonstrated through the festival’s community and its ability to connect. Through shared experiences of a similar song, a delicious meal together, or a good laugh, the inclusive environment for all and the support for each other, is a catalyst for connection.
“Life is Beautiful” reflects the festival’s core philosophy of finding beauty, joy, and meaning in the midst of life’s journey. It encapsulates the belief that by embracing art, music, culture, and human connection, we can create transformative experiences that inspire and remind us of the inherent beauty of existence.
Life is Beautiful all around, you just have to look.