The 49th Annual Los Angeles Festival of the Chariots is happening on August 4, 2025 from 10AM - 7PM. This is a FREE festival!

Los Angeles Festival of the Chariots, also known as Ratha Yatra, is a vibrant and joyous celebration. This annual event, held in the heart of Los Angeles, features the grand procession of elaborately decorated chariots carrying the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and chanting, devotees and visitors pull the chariots through the streets. The festival also includes cultural performances, delicious vegetarian cuisine, and a marketplace showcasing Indian arts and crafts. It's a unique opportunity for people of all backgrounds to experience the rich cultural heritage and spiritual essence of India.

The festivities begin with a parade of three 40-foot tall chariots, which begins at Pico and Main in Santa Monica. The parade proceeds down Main Street until Rose Avenue, when it turns on to the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The parade ends at the festival site, located at Venice Beach Windward Plaza at 12 PM.

The festival, located at Venice Beach Windward Plaza, runs from 12-7 PM. Come out for amazing cultural entertainment, a free feast, gift shop, and other food booths. You do not want to miss this once yearly festival.

Video from a previous year:

For more info, Click Here

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is excited to invite the community to National Night Out 2025 on Tuesday, August 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santa Monica City Hall (1685 Main Street). This year’s theme, “Santa Monica All Stars,” brings the community together for a sports-inspired evening of fun, food, and connection.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This year's event will feature free food, games, music, and plenty of opportunities to meet the officers and staff who serve Santa Monica.

“This event is a chance for us to thank our community, strengthen relationships, and enjoy a fun evening together,” said Chief Ramon Batista. “Whether you're new to Santa Monica or have lived here for decades, we invite you to come out, bring your family, and be part of the team.”

The Big Blue Bus will be providing free rides to and from City Hall, making it easy and accessible for everyone to join in.

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

As their heavily photoshopped photo shows, the Venice Ale House has re-branded itself and is now the Venice Beach Club. The redesign is to make it fell like a European beach club.

"I went last week. It’s kind of weird because the staff is still there and all the new owners did was paint the surfboard tables white and hang fancy cabinets. The menu is still half the same stuff as VBB, mixed with random higher end food." a recent customer wrote, "As a local, I really liked vibe of VBB so I’m not sure what the goal is here other than to cater to random tourists, but it feels out of place for Venice."

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.

On Friday, July 18, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Santa Monica Police Department received multiple calls reporting unknown trouble at The RealReal, located near the 200 block of 26th Street. Callers reported the sound of glass breaking at the location. The store, which carries luxury resale items such as Hermes, Cartier and Rolex.

Responding officers arrived and determined that a group of suspects had forcibly shattered the store’s front glass door to gain entry. Once inside, the suspects broke multiple display cases and removed a large quantity of high-end merchandise before fleeing the scene.

Video footage confirms that more than a dozen individuals participated in the burglary. Witnesses observed several vehicles used in the getaway, all of which had their license plates removed.

The total loss is still being assessed but is considered significant. SMPD is coordinating with regional law enforcement partners to assess any potential links to similar incidents in surrounding jurisdictions. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Kayondo at Lawrence.Kayondo@sanamonica.gov or the Watch Commander, available 24/7, at 310-458-8427.

THIS SATURDAY!! JULY 26th!! 9am-4pm!

THE DOGTOWN SUPER SHOW IS A FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC thanks to a partnership with The City of Venice Recs & Parks Dept.

Come down and experience the most fun you’ve had at the beach all summer!!!! Completely FREE!!

Bring the kids! This is a 100% Family Friendly event with lots of good food, photo booths, and of course, the best cars from SoCal and Beyond!

For more info, Click Here.

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

Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) has partnered with Downtown Santa Monica to host the first-ever Classic Car Show on the 3rd Street Promenade! Saturday, July 26th, 10am to 5pm.

From Broadway to Wilshire, Bring your family and friends to this family-friendly event celebrating community, culture and unity! We’re bringing positivity for hard times.

Guests are welcome for free!

For more info, Click Here.

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

A high-speed police pursuit that began in South Los Angeles ended in a high-stakes confrontation at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier, where a man was taken into custody by heavily armed LAPD officers.

Pacific Coast Highway is reduced to one lane between Topanga Canyon Blvd. & Big Rock Drive through late September for recovery work.

Weekdays: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. southbound, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. northbound

Weekends: 5 a.m.-5 p.m. both directions

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.