Santa is lighting the tree and taking FREE photos with everyone! Enjoy special performances, hot cocoa, holiday crafts, and more!

Experience a magical evening under the stars as Santa lights the Official City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree! The holiday festivities will feature performances by local choirs, a special performance of the Nutcracker, and "snow" on Third Street Promenade. After the ceremony, guests of all ages are invited to take FREE photos with Santa, make holiday-themed crafts, and enjoy hot cocoa. A DJ will keep the festivities going with a holiday dance party. All activities at this event are FREE and open to all ages!

1351 Third Street Promenade

DEC 4TH AT 6 PM. Special holiday programming will start at 5 PM



Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Santa Claus is coming to town with Santa Monica's police officers & firefighters leading the way. Santa and his public safety helpers will be distributing good cheer and thousands of candy canes as part of this year’s 33rd Annual "Candy Cane Drive.”

Everyone is invited to join in the festivities sponsored by the Santa Monica Police Officers Association and Santa Monica Firefighters, Local 1109 .

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to visit with Santa, this year’s scheduled stops include one per police beat.

Saturday, December 6, 2025:

10:00 – 10:45 am Douglas Park - 2400 California Ave (Beat 4)

11:00-11:30 am Christine Reed Park California Ave & 7th Street (Beat 1)

1:00 – 1:45 pm Virginia Avenue Park - 2200 Virginia Ave (Beat 3)

2:00 – 2:45 pm Clover Park - Ocean Park & 25th St (Beat 2)

Santa Monica children are encouraged to look and listen for the lights and sirens of the public safety vehicles, while parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

A video recap of the 2025 Haunted Heats Surf Contest host by Bay Street Boards. A geat turnout for the return of this contest, with a raffle that raised money for Los Courage Camps

UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital celebrates 25 years of fun for a cause with its milestone 25th Annual Party on the Pier, returning to the Santa Monica Pier's Pacific Park on Sunday, November 2, from 10AM to 2PM PT. This beloved family-friendly fundraiser brings together celebrity guests—including Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt, Whitney Port, Raini & Rico Rodriguez, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle-Kline, Nathan Kress, and Christine Chiu—for a day of joy, rides, games, and giving back. Guests can enjoy unlimited Pacific Park rides, carnival games with Mattel toy prizes, photo activations, therapy animals, and more, all benefiting UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital and its mission to provide world-class pediatric care.

Cost: Admission is FREE

For more info, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

a night of thrills and chills at the Santa Monica Swim Center! Dive into our Floating Pumpkin Patch, brave the Sharks Haunted House, and test your skills on the Floating Obstacle Course. Enjoy Spooky Flicks, arts & crafts, treats, and more. Don't miss out on this family-friendly event packed with fun activities, food trucks, and recreational swimming!

Ticket required for entry and are nonrefundable.

For more info, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

There’s fun and scares for all ages, but the frights intensify as night falls over Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey during this two-day festival.

Dates and Hours:

Saturday, October 25 | 4:00–10:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26 | 4:00–10:00 p.m.

Location: Burton Chace Park – 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Ages: Activities for all ages & scare levels!

Cost: Admission is FREE

For more info, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Ready for a trick-or-treating adventure in Downtown Santa Monica?

On the 1200 Block of Third Street Promenade (between Arizona & Wilshire), join us for a Monster Mash for all ages! Dogs are more than welcome to join the fun too (and hopefully wearing costumes of their own...)

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Friday, October 31, 2025



The party will include :

Kid-friendly costumed characters
Mini Pumpkin Patch - Pick your FREE pumpkin! (first come, first served)
Pumpkin decorating
Appearances by special guests!
Games
Face painting
Photo ops
Arts & Crafts
Free treats, stickers, and tattoos
And more!

Checking out the Carlson Family Halloween Haunted House Spooktacular during the afternoon.

Boarding For Breast Cancer is thrilled to announce the 18th Annual Skate The Coast on October 25 + 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

Skate the Coast is a 15 mile skate-bike-roll from the Santa Monica Pier to Dive N Surf in Redondo Beach along the iconic Southern California Strand with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop for this mellow cruise.

B4BC welcomes anyone on wheels of all ages and abilities to join this push for prevention as we raise funds for B4BC's education, prevention and survivorship programs. Please help us reach our $75K goal by registering today! Registration includes an event tee shirt, goodie bag and prizes for top fundraisers!

Skate-bike-roll 15 miles from the Santa Monica Pier to Dive N Surf in Redondo Beach with B4BC and friends! This is a collective push for prevention with three hydration stops along the way. The morning will start at Dive N Surf in Redondo Beach where we'll load the shuttles to the Santa Monica Pier. From there we'll cruise down the coast to Arbor Venice, Marina Del Rey, Dockweiler State Beach, Hermosa Beach and finishing off at Dive N Surf for awards and celebrations. Our finish line party includes live music, food, adult beverages, raffle prizes and silent auction.



The 15-mile event is taking place on October 22nd, with participants meeting up at 7:00 am at Veteran’s Park in Redondo Beach for check in and shuttles. The skating begins at 9 am at Santa Monica Pier and will end at 1:00 pm at Redondo Beach, with a three hydration stops in between. Following the event there will be a finish line party from 12 pm – 4 pm at Dive N Surf.

The goal is to fundraise $75,000 and B4BC looks forward to getting the community together for some fresh air and movement, all for breast cancer awareness!

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Bay Street Boards is bringing back the Haunted Heats Surf Contest!

It will happen on October 25th at Bay Street in Santa Monica.

Spots are filling up but there’s still plenty of room for more signups! Stop by the Bay Street Boards Shop to register.

Check out this Photo Gallery of the 2022 Haunted Heats, which was the last time the contest was held.

Bay Street Boards
3216 Santa Monica Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90404

For more info, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Los Angeles County Junior Lifeguard Program pier jump drill at the Venice Pier on Friday morning.

The month of July has brought a lot of fun and excitement to the Santa Monica Pier! New games, sweet treats, and days of fun in the sun await you at Pacific Park.

Come visit the pier and take a chance on the new game, Spin-to-Win! What will your luck land on? Feel the thrill as you watch the giant wheel spin but don’t worry – every spin wins. With warmer days ahead, you’ll also want to try out our brand new soft serve concept available exclusively at Churrita Churros in Snackville. FizWip is the world’s first fizzy soft serve (think soda meets soft serve) and reminiscent of your favorite carbonated beverage, including flavor combos you’re sure to love.



Step on up and Spin to Win! Feel the thrill as you watch the wheel spin. It’s easy, it’s exciting, and best of all—every spin wins. If you’re lucky, you might land on “Choice” and get to pick the prize you want most!

For more info, Click Here.

It’s back! After a long break, the Community Picnic returns for an evening of good old-fashioned fun! Community Picnic hits the Beach House on Thursday, July 31 from 5–8PM

Whether you’re joining our epic tug-of-war on the sand, making crafts in the courtyard, or playing giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, or boardgames with new friends, this event is all about being together and enjoying summer evening vibes with your community.

Bring your picnic dinner, grab your friends and family—or come solo—and jump into the fun!

This free event is open to all ages. RSVPs encouraged, though not required.

For more info, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

The Santa Monica 4th of July Parade RETURNS Friday, July 4, 2024 at 9:30am. The 2025 Santa Monica Parade celebrates the Arts!

The parade kicks off promptly at 9:30am at Pico and Main Street, traveling South on Main Street before turning right onto Marine, ending at Barnard Way. Join us to watch anywhere along the Main Street route as we make our way to Beach Lot 5 South. The official grandstand announcement location will be in front of the Ocean Park Library.



Please note that the entire parade route and some streets leading to it will be closed to vehicle traffic ALL morning long, from 6AM - 12PM. Public parking can be found at lots off Neilson to the West, and please be mindful of residential restrictions to the East. We recommend walking, biking or scooting to watch the parade!



For more info, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Here's some surfing photos from the Ohana Nalu Surf Contest Series Contest 5 - Championships World Ocean Day held on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Tower 24 in Santa Monica. This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media.

These are just a few of the 90+ photos from this contest. If you were out there, you probably got some surfing shots, probably multiple photos, they will be in the complete photo gallery for this day, check them out, the link to the complete gallery is down below.










You can find 90+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Ohana Nalu Surf Contest Photo Gallery

Join Black Surfers Collective as we celebrate Nick Gabaldón Day on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 AM – 1 PM.

Nick’s fearless passion for surfing paved the way for many, and this event honors his legacy by celebrating diversity in surfing and bringing the community together for a day of stories, surf, and shared experiences.

🌊 Surf Lessons: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Register in advance to secure a spot)
🏄 Location: Bay Street, Santa Monica, 2000 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

📢 Special Event at Heal the Bay Aquarium (1 PM – 4 PM)
After the beach, enjoy free admission to Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier, featuring:
🎤 Celebrity Guest Story Time
🎨 Special Art Activities
🎬 Documentary Screenings

Don’t miss this incredible day of surf, history, and community! Register now to secure your spot.

For more info and to register, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

SAIL, ROW, PADDLE OR SINK YOUR WAY INTO SUMMER! Be a part of the 13th Annual Cardboard Yacht Regatta! Saturday, June 14th.

Have you ever dreamed of setting sail across the waters in your very own yacht? Now you can build your own cardboard yacht and test its seaworthiness in a race across the Beach House Pool. Build a yacht using just corrugated cardboard and duct tape, decorate it, cross your fingers and hope you can make it to the other side.

Two people must be in the yacht during the race. All boats must be human-powered (no motors).People's Choice Awards will be given in a variety of categories, including "Most Likely to Sink", "Best Use of Theme", and "Most Spirited". The Beach House Courtyard will open for yachts to be on display beginning at 9am. Races will launch beginning at 11am. Please read attached information sheet for more details on the Cardboard Yacht Regatta, including appropriate yacht building materials, regatta rules and an event timeline.



Annenberg Community Beach House
415 Pacific Coast Highway
Santa Monica, CA 90402

For more info, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Hundreds of volunteers, people of all ages with disabilities, and entire families come together for an epic day in the ocean.

Whether you’ve surfed with us for years, are a beginner, or just want to meet people and hang out for the day…YOU BELONG HERE. Everyone is welcome.

You’ll be amazed who you meet at a Life Rolls On event. Heroic people navigating life with various disabilities, and heroic volunteers making freedom possible. The 2025 season is about to get underway. Registration for “They Will Surf Again” Santa Monica opens Wednesday May 7th at 9am PST. We are extremely excited to see everyone on June 21st for the first surf event of the 2025 “Get On Board” Tour.



Lifeguard Tower 28
2600 Barnard Way
Santa Monica CA 90405





For more info and to register, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

It’s time again for the annual Venice Beach Firefighters Station 63 pancake breakfast.

Come out and support your local heroes at Station 63 this Saturday from 8 AM – 1 PM!

Join the Venice firefighters as they fire up the griddle and serve up a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausages, coffee, and orange juice – all for a great cause. Bring your appetite, your friends, and your community spirit and enjoy station tours, live music and jumpers for the kids. Let’s show some love to the brave men and women who keep Venice safe! See you there.

Saturday | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Los Angeles Fire Dept. Station 63 1930 Shell Ave
Venice, CA 90291

For more info, Click Here

Join the City of Malibu on Friday, Apr 11, 12PM at Malibu Bluffs Park to celebrate the start of construction on the new Skate Park! Enjoy snacks, see design plans & celebrate this rad addition to our community.

The City of Malibu is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the Malibu Skate Park, a project designed to provide a safe and modern space for the entire community to enjoy. We invite residents, local officials, and skate enthusiasts to join us for this special event as we officially kick off construction!

This new skatepark will feature street and transition elements including, stairs, rails, ledges, banks, a flow bowl, quarter pipes, spine, extensions, and waterfalls making it an exciting addition to our community’s recreational spaces.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a project that will bring fun, fitness, and community spirit to Malibu.

An RSVP is not required. Speakers include City dignitaries and the event is catered by Jennifer Naylor Catering and Events.