The Complete AV Equipment Checklist for a Santa Monica Food Festival

Brought to you by Event Rentals NYC — a KLAV Group company. 20+ years producing events for MSG, Barclays Center, SummerStage NYC, and Rise Up NYC.

Planning a food festival on the Santa Monica coast? Ocean breeze, daylight glare, and open-air acoustics demand equipment that can handle the elements. Use this field-tested checklist to dial in every department.

1. Sound System

• Main PA Speakers (line array or powered tops + subs) — Needed from load-in through last set. Quantity: 4 tops + 2 subs for every 500 attendees. Cost: $600–$1,500/day.
• Wireless Handheld Microphones — For the MC, chef demos, and sponsor shout-outs. Quantity: 4–6 units. Cost: $75–$150 per mic/day.
• Lavalier Mics — For celebrity chef interviews and stage hosts. Quantity: 2–3. Cost: $85/day each.
• Stage Monitors / In-Ears — Required for any live band or DJ set. Quantity: 4 wedges. Cost: $75/day each.
• Digital Mixer (32-channel) — Central audio control for the main stage. Quantity: 1. Cost: $300–$500/day.

2. Lighting

• LED Uplighting (battery-powered) — Installed at sunset, wireless to avoid cable runs on grass. Quantity: 20–30 fixtures. Cost: $25–$40 per fixture.
• Dance Floor Lighting (moving heads + wash) — Activated after 7 PM. Quantity: 4 movers + 4 washes. Cost: $400–$700/day.
• Stage Wash & Spotlights — Front-lighting for chefs and performers. Quantity: 6–8 fixtures. Cost: $300–$500/day.
• String / Ambient Café Lighting — Hung over dining zones before doors open. Quantity: 200–400 feet. Cost: $3–$5 per foot.

3. Video

• Outdoor Daylight Projector (10,000+ lumens) — Only viable after dusk; consider LED walls for daytime. Quantity: 1–2. Cost: $800–$2,000/day.
• Projection Screens (fast-fold, 16×9) — Paired with projectors. Quantity: 1–2. Cost: $300–$600 each.
• 55"–75" TV Displays — For sponsor loops, menu boards, chef close-ups. Quantity: 4–8. Cost: $150–$350 per screen.
• LED Video Wall (4mm pitch) — Premium upgrade for main stage visibility in daylight. Quantity: 10×6 ft panel. Cost: $2,500–$5,000/day.

4. DJ & Music

• Pioneer CDJ-3000 Turntables — For headlining DJs. Quantity: 2. Cost: $250 each/day.
• Pioneer DJM-A9 Mixer — Industry-standard DJ mixer. Quantity: 1. Cost: $275/day.
• All-in-One Controller (DDJ-FLX10) — For lighter sets and backup. Quantity: 1. Cost: $200/day.
• Custom Branded DJ Booth Facade — Event sponsor branding opportunity. Quantity: 1. Cost: $400–$800/day.

5. Extras That Elevate the Experience

• Photo Booth (open-air, social-sharing) — Drives organic social reach. Quantity: 1–2. Cost: $600–$1,200/day.
• Low-Lying Fog Machine — Moody ground effect for the evening dance floor. Quantity: 1. Cost: $150/day.
• Confetti Cannons / CO2 Jets — For headliner drops and ribbon-cuttings. Quantity: 2–4. Cost: $200–$400 per unit.
• Generator & Power Distro — Essential for outdoor venues. Quantity: 1 (25kW). Cost: $500–$900/day.

Rent Everything From One Trusted Partner

Skip the juggling act. Event Rentals NYC — a KLAV Group company — delivers, installs, and operates every item on this list nationwide, including full logistical support for Santa Monica festivals.

Get Your Free Food Festival Quote Today →
Call 646-280-9522 or email ozzy@klavgroup.com. Trusted by Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, Facebook, and SummerStage NYC.