Culture Collide ended its four-day festival with a block party featuring food, artwork and obviously music in the area surrounding Taix French Restaurant in Echo Park.

After hosting bands from almost every continent along with music conferences and comedy performances, the block party featured a performance from headliner The Wombats as well as repeat performances from of Montreal and Niki and the Dove.

In an impressive transformation, the parking lot and street behind Taix became home to the two largest venues of the festival when a Red Bull bus-turned-stage and larger main stage appeared.

The performances, as they had been throughout the festival, were energetic and well-attended and the entire block party was a fitting end to the festival. 

ALSO SEE: Culture Collide Festival Day 3

of Montreal made use of the stage and had fun with the crowd. Front man Matt Barnes periodically brought costumed characters on stage while singing. Blood Red Shoes followed their DJ set earlier in the festival with a great sounding live performance.

“Thank you so much for having us,” they told the crowd. One could tell that Blood Red Shoes, like many smaller bands given the chance to play, was truly appreciative.

What made the block party, for lack of a better word, banging, were the extra additions. 

ALSO SEE: Culture Collide Festival Day 2

There was such a collection of food trucks that a massive cultural cuisine collide was taking place at the food court.  Festival goers could easily find Lebanese food next to teriyaki chicken alongside burritos and tacos.

Additionally, there was an art area featuring interactive installations as well as professionals working with airbrushes. Attendees were invited to join in the artwork, and the four canvases took on a life of their own throughout the day.

The party was open to all ages, which seemed to significantly increase the number of attendees. With 31 bands performing on Sunday alone, there was plenty for everyone to see and hear.

ALSO SEE: Culture Collide Festival Day 1

Anybody with a festival wristband got in for free and for those who only made it to the block party there was a suggested five-dollar donation to 826LA, a non-profit tutoring center. 

For a festival focusing on bands with different backgrounds, it was a fitting end.  Music became less the focus of the day, and more of a compliment to everything else happening at the party. 

Reach Contributor Willy Nolan here.