The Concern Foundation returns to the Paramount Studios Backlot on Saturday, July 11, 2026, for the 51st Annual Block Party. With the theme “Lions, Tigers & Cures: Concern on Safari,” this year’s expedition through Los Angeles’ favorite restaurants promises to be wild. Between 6:00 and 11:00 pm, 4,000 projected explorers will attend an awe-inspiring adventure featuring tasty trails, alluring watering holes, live music, and an opportunity to make a difference for those fighting cancer and their families.
Eagle-eyed participants will spot delicious specimens from Arth Bar + Kitchen, Ayara Thai, BOX Chicken, Casablanca Restaurant, Cea-Lo LA, City Club Los Angeles, De Cecco,
Dulan’s on Crenshaw Soul Food Restaurant, El Portal Restaurant, Emporium Thai, Engine Co. No. 28, Factor’s Famous Deli, Fitoor Santa Monica, Fogo de Chão, Fuegos LA, Girl & the Goat LA, Gyu-Kaku, Häsi Bread, Hayama by Watami, La Boheme, Kindling Snacks, Le Shrimp Noodle Bar, Maple Block Meat Co., Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Miracle Noodle, Paradise Dynasty, Pechanga Resort Casino, Picala Restaurant, Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, Poppy + Rose, Ramen Tatsunoya, Settecento DTLA, Shakey’s Pizza Parlors, Someone’s in the Kitchen, Stellar Snacks, STK Steakhouse, That’s it., The Grill on the Alley, Tokyo Kitchen, Ubatuba Açaí, Uchi West Hollywood, Vegetarian Plus by Myrtle Greens, Wife and the Somm, and Yama Sushi Marketplace.
Throughout the evening, guests will journey through the wild for tastes from more than 70 of L.A.’s most innovative new restaurants, enduring and iconic comfort food institutions, craft beers, cocktails, and wine. All food and drink sponsors will generously donate their time and products to support the Concern Foundation’s mission of conquering cancer through research. Attendees will trek, prowl, and roam through three stages across the backlot, with performances by the Tom Nolan Band, D’ City Sound & Events, and the beloved Vibrato Grill Jazz Stage, featuring the Jason Goldstein Sextet with Lilli Passero, and special guest performers throughout the evening.
They can also look forward to stops at Brian Kramer Photography Digital Photo Studio and SnapItStudio.com, Casino Style Gaming presented by Pechanga Resort Casino, Explorer Base Camps & Lounges sponsored by Anxiety Therapy LA and Mount Sinai Memorial Parks, Spa Services provided by Fairmont Spa Century Plaza, and Safari Inspired Glamour Makeovers from the Beauty Bus Foundation.
The honoree of the evening will be longtime Concern Foundation Co-Founder and current Board Chair Jackie Gottlieb, who will be honored with the prestigious Steve R. Freed Spirit of Concern Volunteer Leadership Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication and decades of service to the organization to spearhead efforts to help fund groundbreaking cancer research.
In pursuit of the conservation of life, “Concern on Safari: Lions, Tigers & Cures” will ensure every ticket purchased, every auction bid placed, and every donation will fuel innovative cancer research and bring us one step closer to a cure. This year’s expedition will yield rare surprises, leaps of creativity, and plenty of photos…while all participants will help ensure that cancer becomes an endangered species.
Though cancer research is a broad field, Concern Foundation focuses its funding in the areas of immunology, immunotherapy, genetics, and cell biology. These are the basic building blocks needed to achieve a better understanding of a cell’s function and malfunction within the human body for both adults and children. By targeting talented post-doctoral scientists and providing crucial salary support for innovative projects, Concern Foundation bridges the gap in the scientific research community. The knowledge gained from these young research scientists will lead to future treatments, early diagnosis, and eventually stop this insidious disease.
To accomplish the organization’s humanitarian mission, Concern Foundation depends on a local, national, and international network of donors. There are countless individuals, local businesses, and corporations who provide generous support each year. With an administrative overhead of 5%, Concern has been able to grant millions of dollars to research projects throughout the cancer research community locally, nationally, and abroad. Thanks to a strong and ever-growing core of multi-generational volunteers, Concern continues to thrive as an independent source of funding cancer research. Additionally, biennial meetings of a peer-to-peer Scientific Review Committee ensure that only the strongest and most promising research is funded.
Top-tier brands will be the ultimate watering holes for adventurers, featuring their finest Spirits and specialty Cocktails from favorites such as Dulce Vida Tequila, Empress 1908 Gin, Hendrick’s Gin, Knox & Dobson, Milagro Tequila, Still Moon Moonshine, Tequila Comisario, Xoloitzcuintle Tequila, and Yamazakura Japanese Whiskey. Specially selected safari sips also include Zotovich Family Vineyards and Winery.
For more information on the Concern Foundation’s 51st Annual Block Party, or to buy tickets, please visit the website.
Watch this space for coverage of this year’s event!