BY IRVIN RIVERA & JESSE ZAPATERO

The crisp Long Beach coastline air wasn’t shy and definitely embraced the excited visitors, exhibitors, and artists visiting the The 7th Annual ComplexCon in Long Beach last November 18-19 2023. The lines were long, the booths were packed, but it was relatively chill and felt more relaxed than most arts festivals that we’ve been to.

ComplexCon delivered a dynamic fusion of culture, fashion, art, and music, making it a weekend to remember. With over 150 brands and 30 eateries showcasing exclusive merch and culinary delights, including the relaunch of Kanye West's PASTELLE, the festival highlighted the intersection of streetwear, sneaker culture, and diverse culinary experiences. From the heated Sneaker Of The Year panel to Kid Cudi's nostalgic set closing the festival, the event pulsated with energy and excitement.

The festival's musical programming, curated by NTWRK, brought buzzworthy performances and DJ sets from artists like Lil Yachty, Favela Worldwide, and DJ Scheme, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Exclusive drops, such as CACTUS PLANT FLEA MARKET's Levi's collab and Nipsey Hussle's "Triple Whites" Puma Clyde, added to the festival's allure.

ComplexConversations explored topics ranging from the Sneaker Of The Year debate led by Joe La Puma to T.I. detailing his journey in film production, adding insightful layers to the cultural dialogue.

On top of that, we absolutely enjoyed the ComplexConversations panel - 360 w/ Speedy and special Guest Funny Marco. It was a candid, raw and inspiring conversation on Funny Marco’s rise to fame and current success. 

There is an obvious collective vibe of excitement present during the convention. There’s this intense anticipation to witness exclusive drops, to cop new merch and items, to listen to inspiring conversations, to check out new fashion designers and try their fits, to meet your favorite artists, to test the limits of your taste buds- that heightens the collective sense of community in gatherings like this.     

Beyond the mainstage, the First We Feast Lagoon offered culinary adventures, and the Hot Ones Tailgate celebrated the L.A. Chargers' Truth or Dab spinoff. As ComplexCon expands globally in 2024, with editions planned for Hong Kong and Australia, its legacy as a pioneering convergence of pop culture, music, art, and food continues to grow, promising even more immersive experiences and cultural dialogues on an international scale.