Cranky Dorkfest at LAX Draws Aviation Enthusiasts for Planes and Burgers
The annual gathering at Los Angeles International Airport combines a passion for aviation with In-N-Out burgers, attracting a growing crowd of enthusiasts.
Cranky Dorkfest, an annual gathering for aviation enthusiasts, plane spotters, and industry insiders, took place on Saturday at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The informal meetup, which combines watching commercial jets with enjoying In-N-Out burgers, has grown significantly since its inception in 2011.
The event attracts a large number of self-described aviation obsessives who gather to observe aircraft and socialize. Organizers noted the increasing attendance, with one remarking, "Even with a 50% no-show rate, we’ll be on track for a record year, which is only slightly terrifying to imagine."
The main portion of the event ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in a park south of the In-N-Out located at 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd. This location offers attendees a prime spot for watching planes and enjoying food from the nearby fast-food establishment.
Cranky Dorkfest is held annually in September, typically on the second or third weekend of the month. It often coincides with NYC Aviation’s SpotLAX, providing an extended weekend of aviation-related activities for attendees.
For some, the combination of aircraft viewing and In-N-Out is a long-standing tradition. Buzz Patterson shared on X, formerly Twitter, "When I was flying for Delta, I’d occasionally stop on my way home for Double Double Animal Style and to watch the jets."
The event's name has also garnered attention, with one individual commenting, "I don’t know what a 'Cranky Dorkfest' is, but it’s one the best terms I’ve encountered in a long while!"