Summer Soulstice is taking over Main Street! Join us on June 20th for a car-free celebration of music, community, summer fun, and 100 years of Route 66. Explore live music, interactive pop-ups, kids activities, and outdoor experiences along a walkable Main Street, plus Santa Monica’s new Entertainment Zone allowing drinks purchased from participating bars and restaurants to be enjoyed throughout the festival. All AGES • FREE!

Saddle up for the Route 66 Roadhouse Beer Garden. For the first time ever, take your drink with you along Main Street as part of the new Entertainment Zone—sip while you stroll the festival. Be among the first to try Santa Monica Brew Works’ new End of the Trail Pale Ale, enjoy wines from Divine Vintage Wine Bar, cocktails from the Tap Truck, country house music from DJ Mozo, a bounce house for the kids, and more!

Two stages. Six bands. Live all day on Main Street.

For the weekend, Windward Avenue between Speedway and Pacific Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic and opened up for people — a pedestrianized street activation running from the boardwalk to Pacific.

The Fan Zone and Windward Avenue Block Party are free and open to the public — no ticket required. For fans who want reserved sightlines, a dedicated bar, and after-party access, the Premium Watch Party and VIP (21+) experiences live inside Windward Plaza.

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Experience a three-block festival featuring DJs, 20+ local food vendors, a World Cup viewing hub, and Pride Month programming!

On Saturday, June 13, Santa Monica Block Fest (SMBF) Vol. IV takes over the Third Street Promenade for its biggest edition yet! Dance to live electronic music featuring Bijou, Surf Mesa, Autograf, and more, with stages showcasing house, bass, and melodic electronic sounds. Between sets, discover the brand-new food night market on Arizona Avenue, packed with local eats, drinks, and plenty to explore. With the World Cup kicking off and Pride Month in full swing, SMBF Vol. IV is bringing both celebrations to the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. Expect World Cup energy throughout the event and a lineup featuring LGBTQ+ artists across multiple stages. The party starts long before sunset, with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.'s Pride celebration leading directly into Block Fest for a full day and night of music, community, and celebration.

Presented by the City of Santa Monica and Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., SMBF Vol. IV kicks off a new monthly summer series and expands the festival experience with new attractions across the district. Arizona Avenue will come alive with a brand-new night market featuring more than 20 local food vendors, while merch pop-ups throughout the Entertainment Zone will showcase Santa Monica and Los Angeles-based small businesses. Festivalgoers can fuel up with favorites including Villas Tacos, Sevan Kebab House, Yakitori Yado, Tao's Bao, Shake Ramen, and more while exploring everything the event has to offer.

Sat, Jun 13, 2026 5:00 PM

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Golden Hour on the Third Street Promenade is a recurring activation that transforms the Promenade into a vibrant, pedestrian-focused gathering space during World Cup season. Running from Broadway to Wilshire, the experience builds from afternoon energy into an evening social atmosphere.

Designed to complement Pier-based match viewing, Golden Hour focuses on pre and post match gathering rather than live broadcast, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and families. The series establishes a consistent rhythm that drives foot traffic and reinforces Downtown Santa Monica as the city's central World Cup destination.

June 12, June 27 & July 10

2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

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Santa Monica Place will come alive on Friday, June 12 for the USA Kickoff Celebration, an electrifying viewing event bringing soccer fans together in the heart of Santa Monica. Festivities begin at 11 AM with a dynamic pre-game atmosphere in Center Plaza featuring a 30-foot LED wall for prime match viewing, DJs, giveaways, games, trivia, interactive activations, and photo moments — ahead of the featured live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 26™ USA vs. Paraguay match at 6 PM.

Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with a dynamic pre-game atmosphere in Santa Monica Place’s Center Plaza featuring large LED screens for prime match viewing, along with DJs, giveaways, games, trivia, interactive activations, and photo opps, and live match coverage of FIFA World Cup 26™ Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at 12 p.m. ahead of the featured live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 26™ USA vs. Paraguay match at 6 p.m.

Sponsored by Michelob ULTRA, Stella Artois and NUTRL, the event will feature immersive brand visibility throughout the property. From high-energy beer gardens and multiple activations to premium lounges and interactive fan engagement zones.

There will be free WiFi, workspace lounges, and interactive programming designed to encourage guests to spend the day onsite connecting, working remotely, and networking with fellow soccer fans and members of the local business community across Los Angeles.

Beginning at 11 a.m., Santa Monica Place will come alive with a range of interactive, high-energy programming designed to engage fans throughout the day, leading up to the USA kickoff match.

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As FIFA World Cup 2026 brings international attention, visitors, and fan celebrations to the greater Los Angeles area, the Santa Monica Police Department is preparing for an increased public safety presence throughout the city, with a particular focus on the Pier, Downtown, Santa Monica Place, the Third Street Promenade, transit corridors, beach areas, and other high-activity locations.

Los Angeles will host multiple World Cup matches during the tournament, and Santa Monica will be home to several related activations and community events over the two-week celebration period.

SMPD’s enhanced deployment is a proactive effort to support safe, welcoming, and well-managed public spaces as residents, visitors, businesses, and soccer fans gather across the city. Officers and professional staff will be visible throughout high-activity areas, with added support from the department’s Downtown Substation.

Located at Santa Monica Place (395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 122), the Downtown Substation serves as a public safety command center and community engagement hub in the heart of the downtown corridor. During World Cup-related activities, the Substation will support coordination between SMPD personnel, event partners, businesses, visitors, and the broader downtown community. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by, meet the officers and public safety personnel working in the area, and learn more about SMPD’s ongoing work downtown.

The department’s Santa Monica Analytical Real-Time Center (SMART Center) will also support public safety operations by helping coordinate information, identify emerging issues, and provide real-time situational awareness during high-attendance events and busy travel periods. These resources allow SMPD to better align field personnel, respond quickly to calls for service, and support a safer experience across Santa Monica’s major gathering areas.

“Santa Monica is proud to be part of this regional celebration,” Chief Darrick Jacob said. “Our role is to create the conditions for people to enjoy these events safely. That means visible presence, strong coordination, clear communication, and a public safety posture that supports both celebration and accountability.”

The department will coordinate closely with City departments, event organizers, regional law enforcement partners, Santa Monica Fire Department, Big Blue Bus, Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, and other public and private partners throughout the tournament period.

Public safety efforts will include:

· Increased foot, bike, and vehicle patrols in high-traffic areas.

· Additional visibility near event sites, parking structures, transit stops, and pedestrian corridors.

· Traffic safety and crowd management support as needed.

· Coordination with event security teams and regional public safety partners.

· Real-time monitoring of public safety conditions through department resources.

· Ongoing public updates through SMPD and City communication channels.

SMPD encourages visitors and residents to plan ahead, use public transportation when possible, allow extra travel time, and remain aware of their surroundings. Anyone attending events should follow posted rules, report suspicious or unsafe activity, and call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

“This is an opportunity to showcase the best of Santa Monica,” Chief Jacob said. “We want people to come, enjoy the city, support local businesses, and celebrate responsibly. Our officers and professional staff will be out throughout the city to help make that possible.”

Join us for the 14th Annual Nick Gabaldón Day—a celebration of surf, community, culture, that honors the legacy of one of California’s pioneering Black surfers.

Pull up, bring the family, get a lesson, and help us start the 2026 season off right! We can’t wait to see you.

Registration for free lessons open.

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Join us for the 14th Annual Nick Gabaldón Day—a celebration of surf, community, culture, that honors the legacy of one of California’s pioneering Black surfers.

Pull up, bring the family, get a lesson, and help us start the 2026 season off right! We can’t wait to see you.

Registration for free lessons open.

For more info, Click Here

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Some nights on the Pier just feel like summer. This is one of them.

Locals' Night wraps up its spring season with a May finale that's got it all: the roar of classic engines, live music filling the ocean air, a Fleet Week run honoring Rick Crocker, and the voices of the Pico neighborhood sharing stories that have shaped Santa Monica for generations.

Thirsty? Locals' Night is proud to partner with NEFT Vodka to bring you a full bar experience right on the Pier. Grab a drink, enjoy the music, and toast to a great season.

Stay for the whole night. It's free, it's all ages, and there's nowhere better to be.

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On May 17, 2026, at approximately 12:14 a.m., Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the Vons located at 1311 Wilshire Boulevard regarding a reported kidnapping involving an adult victim.

The preliminary investigation indicates Jorge Luis Vega, 32, of Los Angeles, and the victim were known to one another and had been in a dating relationship. This does not appear to be a random incident.

During the incident, Vega allegedly approached the victim in the parking lot and left the area with her in a vehicle. Vega also allegedly threatened a witness who attempted to intervene.

SMPD officers and detectives immediately began efforts to locate the victim and suspect. Later that day, the adult victim was located in the City of Beaumont. She was no longer with Vega and was contacted by law enforcement.

On May 18, 2026, at approximately 3:15 a.m., SMPD personnel located Vega in Los Angeles. Vega fled in a vehicle, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended in the 900 block of West 85th Street in Los Angeles, where an officer involved shooting occurred.

Vega was taken into custody at the scene. No officers were injured, and no gunshot injuries were reported. The victim was not present during the pursuit or officerinvolved shooting.

Vega is currently in custody and was booked on suspicion of:

Kidnapping

Criminal Threats

Brandishing a Firearm

Rape

Felon in Possession of a Firearm

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. SMPD is coordinating with the appropriate investigative agencies and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

SMPD is not releasing the victim’s identity due to the nature of the investigation.

The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a Metro bus that occurred Friday afternoon at Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard.

On May 15, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., SMPD officers and Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded to the area of Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard regarding a collision involving a pedestrian and a Metro bus. The pedestrian, an adult female, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators located security video from a nearby business, which provided a clearer view of the circumstances leading up to the collision. Preliminary investigation indicates the Metro bus was stopped when the pedestrian moved underneath the bus. As the bus pulled away from the stop, the pedestrian was struck and sustained fatal injuries.

The Metro bus operator remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication of impairment or distraction on the part of the operator.

A Big Blue Bus vehicle that arrived at the stop moments after the incident was temporarily held for documentation and released as soon as practical.

Main Street was closed between Ocean Park Boulevard and Hollister Avenue during the investigation. Traffic on westbound Ocean Park Boulevard toward Main Street was also impacted.

This remains an active investigation.

Enjoy a fun-filled morning with family-friendly activities and a group bike ride for all ages. Wear GREEN for mental health awareness month!

Co-hosted by the City's Human Services Division and Santa Monica Spoke, the 5th annual Kidical Mass bike ride + Mental Health & Wellness Fair is back at Clover Park!



Arrive early to enjoy:

Community partners offering activities and local mental health resources
Helmet decorating
Bagels, juice, coffee, and snacks
Wear GREEN for mental health month!
Family-friendly group bike ride for ALL ages on Santa Monica streets

We will meet on the west side of the park, near 25th Street and Oak Street. Remember to wear GREEN for Mental Health Awareness month! The group ride will help all participants develop skills and comfort for city bike riding. This crossover event celebrates May as Bike Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.

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Come get in the spirit of the World Cup with Bay Street Boards on May 15th with their first ever Futbol Friday! ⚽️🎉 Bay Street Boards will be celebrating the release of a super exclusive soccer jersey just in time for this year’s Mundial! There will be soccer themed games, vintage matches on the screen and more fun to get us all hyped for the World Cup 26 in Bay Streetstyle.

Food by North Shore Beef

This is a family friendly event so bring the kids and enjoy some futbol action!

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

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Zuma Cars and Coffee brings every type of person to share the passion of the automobile and motorsports. You will often find the world’s rarest, most expensive and fastest cars displayed here. A community event where celebrities and us regular folk walk around, take pictures and visit with fellow enthusiasts. And we really aren’t snobs!!

Cars on display include hyper-cars, exotic cars, race cars, classic cars as well as the unusual. This is where auto enthusiasts gather to share their amazing vehicles and camaraderie.

Zuma Cars and Coffee is a monthly event beginning at 9:00 AM and ending at 11:30 AM. It takes place on the first Sunday of selected months. The location is at Perry’s Beach Cafe, 2400 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica.

The street comedian who is always at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier got into another confratation this weekend. This time a drunk man allegedly approached the performer's wife and she pepper sprayed him, then he came back again and then the performer repeatedly sprayed him.

Firemen, whowere returning from a call up the street, pulled over as the say the drunk guy stumble and fall down on Ocean Ave. He was treated as police arrived to investigate the ordeal.

The City of Santa Monica is launching Automated Bike Lane Enforcement to improve bike lane safety. Keeping bike lanes clear of illegally stopped vehicles is essential to protecting people of all ages who bike, scoot, and roll throughout Santa Monica. This effort supports the City’s broader commitment to safe, sustainable, and accessible multimodal transportation options for residents and visitors alike.

Vehicles stopped or parked illegally in bike lanes create serious safety risks, forcing bicyclists into active traffic lanes and increasing the likelihood of collisions. In May 2024, Santa Monica piloted automated bike lane enforcement technology on two parking enforcement vehicles and identified nearly 1,700 violations in just six weeks—highlighting the scale and urgency of the issue.

The Automated Bike Lane Enforcement technology uses advanced, forward-facing camera systems mounted on City Parking Enforcement vehicles to automatically detect parking violations in bike lanes. When a vehicle is identified blocking a bike lane, an evidence package is generated and reviewed by a Parking Enforcement officer before a citation is issued.

What Drivers Need to Know:

Warning Period

Starting May 1, 2026, registered vehicle owners of vehicles stopped or parked illegally in bike lanes in Santa Monica will receive warning notices in the mail.

Automated Enforcement Begins

A $93 citation will be issued to violators starting July 1, 2026. Payment plans are available to individuals with low income.

The City of Santa Monica anounnanced the return of COAST Open Streets Festival, July 19 – a free, all-ages, car-free, pedestrian-focused culmination of Santa Monica’s World Cup activations featuring art installations, cultural programming, interactive experiences and food vendors. COAST will link key destinations along and near Ocean Avenue, including the Santa Monica Pier, Tongva Park, Palisades Park, Arizona Avenue, Third Street Promenade and the Fourth Street Metro E Line terminus.

From 2016 - 2019, Community Arts Resources (CARS) produced COAST, the City of Santa Monica's Open Streets Event, transforming the streets of Santa Monica into a giant park for a day.

For two miles COAST brought the streets of Santa Monica to life with arts and cultural programming and installations, community outreach by city departments, engaging and active workshops, as well as small business outreach.



COAST was Southern California's most pedestrian-centered open streets event, with more than 80% of participants walking the route. With over 50,000 locals and visitors in attendance each time along parts of Ocean Avenue, Colorado Avenue and Main Street.

Until the pandemic, this project was the City of Santa Monica's signature event, inviting the local community and visitors from across greater Los Angeles to experience car-free streets in Santa Monica every fall. The event included live music and performances, curated art installations, interactive workshops, food, and more! CARS produced COAST in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica's Cultural Affairs Division, the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, and Transportation Planning Division.

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The Santa Monica International Jazz Festival kicks off at Third Street Promenade on May 3 with a FREE event focused on jazz’s future, as high-quality young L.A.-based musicians – including Grammy nominated bassist Billy Mohler, magnetic KNOWER frontwoman Genevieve Artadi, and pianist, vocalist and producer Elijah Fox – take the stage. Also set to perform are emerging artists including players mentored by BroadStage Artist in Residence and Festival Artistic Director Stanley Clarke.

The Festival celebrates 100 years of John Coltrane,100 years of Miles Davis and 100 Years of Route 66.

Admission to the Promenade gig is absolutely free of charge

WHERE: Third Street Promenade, 1300 Block (between Arizona Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard),

WHEN: Sunday, May 3, at 1 p.m.

LINEUP:

1 p.m. Samohi Jazz Combo
1:35 p.m. Varad Sahasrabudhe
2:20 p.m. Aidan Farrell
3:05 p.m. Duffy x Uhlmann
3:50 p.m. Billy Mohler
4:35 p.m. Instant Alter
5:20 p.m. Elijah Fox
6:05 p.m. Genevieve Artadi

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Santa Monica Police Department's proactive patrol in the 2000 block of Ocean Ave on Friday, April 24th led to the recovery of a loaded firearm, nitrous oxide, and drug paraphernalia.

The suspect, on diversion for a prior robbery, was arrested for loaded firearm & drug charges.

Zuma Cars & Tacos this coming Sunday (5/3). At Perry's Beach Cafe 2400 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica. 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Mariachis will be serenading your car and Folklorico dancers will be performing. Food and full bar featuring Zumaritas.

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FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is coming and we’re bringing the PRIZES!

Join us for a fun-filled day where you can score free comics AND get a chance to win awesome giveaways all day long including a $100 gift certificate!

FREE comics for all Prize raffles & giveaways Fun for fans of every age

It's happening at: Santa Monica Comics Company May 2nd, 11am to 4pm 11870 Santa Monica Blvd., #204, Los Angeles

Bring your friends, come celebrate comics and you might walk away a winner! Free Comic Book Day

How about winning a CGC 5.0 Stan Lee signed copy of Amazing Spider-Man #11 from 1964?!!!

So come by and get some free comics, meet a ton of comic creators and artists at our rooftop SMCC comic-con and get a FREE raffle ticket with any purchase you make AND YOU'RE ENTERED TO WIN! Want better odds? You can purchase MORE raffle tickets for $1 each or 6 for $5!

A winner will be chosen at 5pm on Free Comic Book Day. You need not be present to win.

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