Venice & Santa Monica Celebrate 4th of July with Parade down Main Street.

The 4th of July Fireworks show on Santa Monica Beach.

On July 10, 2026, the Santa Monica Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk. Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.

SMPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Santa Monica Block Fest returns on Saturday, July 11, taking over all three historic blocks of Third Street Promenade for an open-air celebration of electronic music, food, and local culture. The Vol. V lineup spans house, bass house, and tech house, featuring MOONLIGHT, Distant Matter, Sam Silver, Marzi, and more. Also returning by popular demand is the Block Fest night market, anchored by fan-favorite vendor Villa's Tacos. Attendees can sample from a rotating roster of new and returning food vendors along Arizona Avenue and shop merch from local makers throughout the Entertainment Zone.

Free. all ages. Open to the public.

📍 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica

🗓 Saturday, July 11, 2026 · 5 PM – 12 AM

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The Santa Monica 4th of July Parade RETURNS Saturday, July 4, 2024 at 9:30am. The 2026 Santa Monica Parade celebrates the Arts!

The 2026 parade is flipping the route! The parade kicks off promptly at 9:30am departing from Beach Lot 5S, traveling South on Barnard Way before turning North onto Main Street, ending at Pico and Main. Join us to watch anywhere along the Main Street route as we make our way toward Tongva Park. 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!



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The Santa Monica Police Department invites residents, families, businesses, and visitors to join us for National Night Out 2026, a free evening dedicated to strengthening neighborhood relationships, building trust, and celebrating the community we serve.

This year's event will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main Street, and features the movie-inspired theme, "Lights. Camera. Community."

National Night Out is an annual nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The event provides an opportunity for residents to meet the officers, professional staff, and community partners who work together every day to keep Santa Monica safe while learning more about the programs, services, and resources available throughout the city.

Guests can enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities, including:

• Police vehicle displays

• Interactive games and activities for children

• Meet-and-greets with officers and professional staff

• Community resource booths

• Food, entertainment, and giveaways

• Crime prevention and emergency preparedness information

• Opportunities to explore specialized police equipment and programs

Hosted at Santa Monica City Hall, National Night Out brings together residents from across the community for an evening of fun, conversation, and connection. Whether meeting an officer for the first time, exploring a police motorcycle or patrol vehicle, collecting officer autographs in a special kids' autograph book, or learning more about public safety programs, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

"Public safety begins with relationships," said Chief Darrick Jacob. "National Night Out is an opportunity to meet your officers, connect with your neighbors, and strengthen the partnerships that help make Santa Monica a safer and more resilient community. We look forward to welcoming everyone for an evening of conversation, learning, and fun."

Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Free parking will be available in the Civic Parking Structure.

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Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival celebrates the best of beach life with an awesome, FREE, all-ages festival! With ocean sports competitions, live music, food and drinks, interactive games, sampling by some of your favorite brands and so much more, Santa Monica Pier 360 offers a peek into iconic SoCal beach culture and brings together thousands of guests for a day of good vibes. Whether you're hanging with the family, competing on land or at sea, or partying with your friends–Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival has got it all!

The ultimate celebration of SoCal beach culture, returns June 27-28, 2026, for two epic days of competition, entertainment, and good vibes along the iconic Santa Monica shoreline.



Saturday, June 27 Schedule

Athletics open at 9am

General Festival 12pm-7pm

Sunday, June 28 Schedule

Athletics open at 7:45am

General Festival 9am-4pm



Beach Volleyball

Recreational Beach Volleyball (Team of 4) - Visit VOLO Sports to compete!
Looking for CBVA? Click here!

Paddleboard

1-Mile Short Course
SUP Sprint Racing
Mike Vaughan Memorial 5-Mile Distance Race (Prone)
Mike Vaughan Memorial 5-Mile Distance Race (SUP)

Lifeguard Competitions

Junior Lifeguard Competition
Lifeguard Competition

Swim Races

1-Mile Ocean Swim
500m Swim

Santa Monica Strongman Classic Competition

Women U73
Women Open
Men U90
Men Open


Ghost Skate Jam

Free Skate
Skate Lessons
Pro Skate Demo
Best Trick Contest (CA$H PRIZES)



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Bay Street Boards ANNUAL SHOP SUMMER PARTY IS ON THE HORIZON!!! PULL UP ON JUNE 27TH AND JOIN THE PARTY WAVE!!! 🎉 🌊 We will have live music, local food, free drinks and much more to celebrate 12 years in business! Thanks to everyone who supports us over the years, now come party with us!







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

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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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