Dad Bod Contest 2025 Recap
It was a fun day full of live music, drinks, and our first annual Dad Bod Contest!
Check Out This Feature In The Santa Monica Mirror
The contest kicked off with our contestants showing their stuff on stage—chugging beers, flexing their bellies, and pushing body positivity for all the cushy father figures in our lives.
The sun was shining, the vibes were high, and the dad guts were proudly out. With 8 brave contestants competing for the Best Dad Bod Award, the crowd was treated to a hilarious and heartwarming showcase of humor, camaraderie, and confidence. The competition was stiff, the beers were cold, and everything was left on the stage as these doughy warriors worked hard to celebrate our own version of positive masculinity.
The Flavors of Nalu Vida
At Nalu Vida, we bring Venice Beach to life with a menu that fuses tropical inspiration and global comfort food. Guests can dive into island flavors with dishes like Teriyaki Glazed Jerk Chicken paired with pineapple rice and bok choy, or go classic with a hearty Cubano de Nalu, packed with 12-hour smoked kalua pork. Seafood lovers rave about our Beer Battered Fish Tacos with mango–pineapple pico de gallo, while lighter bites like Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice or customizable Poke Bowls keep things fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re in the mood for bold spice, smoky flavors, or bright coastal freshness, our kitchen has something for everyone.
Cocktails with a Tropical Twist
Craving unique tiki-style cocktails? Our bar program is designed to surprise and delight. Classics get a creative twist with options like the Makai (tequila reposado, sumac thyme, lime) and Washington Square (vodka, pineapple simple, lime, saline). For something adventurous, the Rudy Boy blends Bombay Sapphire, Aperol, orgeat, and grapefruit soda for a refreshing kick, while Lost in Sayulita layers tequila, Aperol, pasilla chile liquor, and agave for a bold, beach-ready flavor. Espresso fans love our Nitro Espresso Martini crafted with cacao rum and coconut, while spirit-forward drinkers can savor a Barrel Aged Old Fashioned.
And if you’re searching for the best Tequila Bar in Los Angeles, look no further—we feature over 50 tequilas and 20 mezcals, making Nalu Vida a true paradise for agave lovers.
More Than Just a Bar
Since opening in 2024 at 1 Washington Blvd., Nalu Vida has quickly become the heartbeat of Venice Beach nightlife. Beyond the food and drinks, we host unforgettable events—from our Dad Bod Contest and monthly block parties with Venice Paparazzi to beach clean-ups and weekly specials like:
- 🍔 $9 Burger + $5 Beer Mondays
- 🦪 $2 Oyster Wednesdays
- 🍹 All-Day Happy Hour Tuesdays
- 🎶 Live Music every week
📅 Stay in the loop and grab tickets for upcoming events here: Nalu Vida Eventbrite
Nalu Vida’s First Annual Dad Bod Contest – Saturday, August 9th @ 2:00pm – Venice Beach Bar
- Celebrating Confidence, Curves & Cold Beer
- Part of our Second Saturdays series!
- Location: Nalu Vida – Venice, CA (Patio Stage)
Who Can Enter:
• Must be 21+
• You don’t have to be a dad, but you do need a Dad Bod attitude
• All body types welcome — we’re celebrating confidence, not perfection
Contest Format:
Starts at 2:00 PM Sharp
3 Rounds of Fun:
1. Best Beachwear
Show off your boldest BBQ-ready look – cargo shorts, flip flops, or full tropical dad drip.
2. Dad Bod Talent Show
Think belly rolls, beer chugs, dancing with socks & sandals, or telling the world’s worst dad joke.
3. Final Flex-Off & Crowd Vote
Ham it up, flex your confidence, and win over the crowd.
Prizes:
🥇 1st Place: $100 Nalu Vida gift card + “Dad of the Year” sash
🥈 2nd Place: Free beer for a month (1 pint/week)
🥉 3rd Place: Nalu Vida hat + bragging rights
All Contestants Receive:
• One free beer
• Photo opp on the Nalu Vida stage
• Featured on our IG stories (if you’re cool with it!)
How to Enter:
• Sign up in advance at the bar or via DM on Instagram
• Walk-up sign-ups welcome until 1:30 PM on event day
Dad Bod Contest at Venice Beach Bar
Looking for the ultimate Venice Beach Bar experience this summer? Nalu Vida is turning up the fun with a Dad Bod Contest you won’t forget. Whether you’re rocking a six-pack or a snack pack, this is your moment to shine on the sunny shores of Venice Beach. At this iconic Venice Beach Bar, we’re celebrating confidence, comedy, and all things dad-vibe.
Why Nalu Vida is the Top Venice Beach Bar for Fun
Nalu Vida isn’t just another Venice Beach Bar—it’s where the party meets the ocean breeze. We’re known for ice-cold drinks, unbeatable vibes, and events that bring the whole community together. Our Dad Bod Contest is the perfect excuse to grab your friends, sip a tropical cocktail, and cheer for the boldest dads (or dad-energy champions) in the crowd.
Check out our full drink menu here.
How the Venice Beach Bar Dad Bod Contest Works
This Venice Beach Bar event kicks off at 2:00 PM sharp with three hilarious rounds of competition. Contestants will strut their stuff in BBQ-inspired beachwear, show off their unique “talents,” and finish with a confidence-packed Flex-Off. Don’t worry about perfection—we’re celebrating the true Venice Beach Bar spirit of fun, laughter, and community.
Every contestant gets a free beer, a spotlight moment on stage, and a chance to be featured on our Instagram stories. Think you’ve got what it takes? Sign up in advance at the bar, slide into our Instagram DMs, or just walk up before 1:30 PM on event day.
Why You Can’t Miss This Venice Beach Bar Event
What makes this contest special? It’s not just about winning (though the prizes are awesome). It’s about the energy of the crowd, the laughs, and the carefree vibes that make this the best Venice Beach Bar gathering of the season. Picture yourself with a cold drink in hand, cheering for the most confident contestants while soaking up the ocean breeze.
Prizes include a $100 Nalu Vida gift card, free beer for a month, and ultimate bragging rights as the “Dad of the Year.” Plus, you’ll be making unforgettable memories at the most iconic Venice Beach Bar destination.