Best events in
Santa Monica

For events and things to do in Santa Monica, CA, the scene is defined by its relaxed beach city lifestyle paired with sophisticated urban culture. The city's walkable neighborhoods each offer a distinct rhythm, from the bustling Third Street Promenade to the more local vibe along Main Street. Outdoor gatherings, live music in intimate clubs, and gallery openings are all core parts of the local experience.

Evenings on Main Street often involve hopping between cafes and bars with live music, creating a lively, neighborhood-focused atmosphere.
Downtown's entertainment hub includes nightly stand-up and improv at the Westside Comedy Theater and classic blues and soul at Harvelle's Blues Club.
Cultural experiences range from world-class performances at The Broad Stage to exploring the contemporary galleries at Bergamot Station.

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Los Angeles Speed Dating for Singles Age 40s/50s ♥ Santa Monica CA

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

Holey Moley Santa Monica

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OBSESSION: LA'S BIGGEST BOLLYWOOD HALLOWEEN PARTY ON OCT 31ST @ FITOOR!

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

FITOOR

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Vonda Shepard Album Launch Gig!!

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 PM

Clearmountain's Berkeley Street Studios

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Hazbin Show-tel

Sat, Dec 19 • 9:30 PM

Illusion Magic Lounge

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Los Angeles Speed Dating for Singles Age 40s/50s ♥ Santa Monica CA

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

Holey Moley Santa Monica

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OBSESSION: LA'S BIGGEST BOLLYWOOD HALLOWEEN PARTY ON OCT 31ST @ FITOOR!

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

FITOOR

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Vonda Shepard Album Launch Gig!!

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 PM

Clearmountain's Berkeley Street Studios

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Hazbin Show-tel

Sat, Dec 19 • 9:30 PM

Illusion Magic Lounge

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Popular in Santa Monica

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Oktoberfest at The Bungalow | Family-Friendly

Thursday • 5:00 PM + 2 more

The Bungalow located at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

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CONTINUUM

Sunday • 12:00 PM

Historic Belmar Park

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OFF THE HOOK Santa Monica Seafood Festival at the Pier

Sunday • 4:00 PM

Santa Monica Pier

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MindTravel October Live-to-Headphones Piano Concert in Santa Monica

Mon, Oct 12 • 6:30 PM

Annenberg Community Beach House

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Unlikely Collaborators Spark Salon with Melissa Conklin

Tue, Oct 13 • 5:00 PM

1520 2nd St

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ISSA Los Angeles Security Summit 2026 & Women in Security Panel Oct 14

Wed, Oct 14 • 9:00 AM

Annenberg Community Beach House

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Eric Idle and "Weird Al" Yankovic in Conversation and in Concert!

Thu, Oct 22 • 7:30 PM

John Adams Middle School (JAMS) Performing Arts Center

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Solemate Run Club: Santa Monica

Sat, Oct 31 • 9:00 AM

Beyond Yoga

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Oktoberfest at The Bungalow | Family-Friendly

Thursday • 5:00 PM + 2 more

The Bungalow located at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

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CONTINUUM

Sunday • 12:00 PM

Historic Belmar Park

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OFF THE HOOK Santa Monica Seafood Festival at the Pier

Sunday • 4:00 PM

Santa Monica Pier

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MindTravel October Live-to-Headphones Piano Concert in Santa Monica

Mon, Oct 12 • 6:30 PM

Annenberg Community Beach House

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Unlikely Collaborators Spark Salon with Melissa Conklin

Tue, Oct 13 • 5:00 PM

1520 2nd St

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ISSA Los Angeles Security Summit 2026 & Women in Security Panel Oct 14

Wed, Oct 14 • 9:00 AM

Annenberg Community Beach House

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Eric Idle and "Weird Al" Yankovic in Conversation and in Concert!

Thu, Oct 22 • 7:30 PM

John Adams Middle School (JAMS) Performing Arts Center

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Solemate Run Club: Santa Monica

Sat, Oct 31 • 9:00 AM

Beyond Yoga

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Online Events

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Tomorrow • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

Thursday • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Tomorrow • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

Thursday • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Drunk Theatre | LA's Wildest HALLOWEEN Comedy Show!

Friday • 9:00 PM

Santa Monica Playhouse & Group Theatre

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Spicy!!! A Variety Show

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Crow

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The Rocky Horror Burlesque Show

Saturday • 9:30 PM

Illusion Magic Lounge

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LA Caribbean Comedy Series

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Santa Monica Playhouse & Group Theatre

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OFF THE HOOK Santa Monica Seafood Festival at the Pier

Sunday • 4:00 PM

Santa Monica Pier

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Stay in LA: A One-Day Magic Convention

Sunday • 2:00 PM

Illusion Magic Lounge

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Class Showcases: Stand Up 201

Sunday • 6:00 PM

Westside Comedy Theater

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Divine Feminine Movement: Somatic Meditation & Silent Beach Dance for Women

Sunday • 5:30 PM

Lifeguard Tower 26

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Drunk Theatre | LA's Wildest HALLOWEEN Comedy Show!

Friday • 9:00 PM

Santa Monica Playhouse & Group Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Spicy!!! A Variety Show

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Crow

Check ticket price on event

The Rocky Horror Burlesque Show

Saturday • 9:30 PM

Illusion Magic Lounge

Check ticket price on event

LA Caribbean Comedy Series

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Santa Monica Playhouse & Group Theatre

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OFF THE HOOK Santa Monica Seafood Festival at the Pier

Sunday • 4:00 PM

Santa Monica Pier

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Stay in LA: A One-Day Magic Convention

Sunday • 2:00 PM

Illusion Magic Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Class Showcases: Stand Up 201

Sunday • 6:00 PM

Westside Comedy Theater

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Divine Feminine Movement: Somatic Meditation & Silent Beach Dance for Women

Sunday • 5:30 PM

Lifeguard Tower 26

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Points of Interest near Santa Monica

Tongva Park

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica History Museum

Palisades Park

Frequently asked questions about Santa Monica

Where are the best places for live music events in Santa Monica?

Harvelle's Blues Club is a top spot for intimate blues, jazz, and soul shows. This historic downtown venue has performances seven nights a week. For a different vibe, check out the bars along Main Street or outdoor music events on the Santa Monica Pier.

What are some good spots for comedy shows?

The Westside Comedy Theater on the Third Street Promenade is the go-to for comedy. It offers a nightly lineup of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy shows, showcasing both new talent and established performers in an intimate setting.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Santa Monica?

The Santa Monica Pier is an excellent destination for families, hosting festivals and activities. Locals' Night on the Pier, held most third Thursdays, often includes kid-friendly entertainment. The Annenberg Community Beach House also provides recreational family fun.

Any unique date night ideas in Santa Monica?

A great date night could involve a show at The Broad Stage for theater or dance. For something more casual, try an evening of laughs at the Westside Comedy Theater, followed by a walk along the bustling Third Street Promenade.

Where can I find art events and galleries?

Bergamot Station is the premier destination for visual arts, with multiple galleries in one complex. Also, look for the Montana Avenue Art Walk, a recurring event that transforms the street with local artists and live music. Pico Boulevard is also known for its murals.

Are there free events or activities in Santa Monica?

Yes, many free events take place throughout the city. The Santa Monica Pier often hosts free outdoor music and cultural celebrations. Exploring the galleries at Bergamot Station or enjoying the atmosphere of the Santa Monica Farmers Market are other great free options.

How does the vibe on Main Street differ from the Third Street Promenade?

Main Street has a more relaxed, local neighborhood feel with unique boutiques and a lively bar-hopping scene. In contrast, the Third Street Promenade in Downtown is a high-energy, pedestrian-only hub with major retailers, street performers, and a more tourist-focused atmosphere.

What kinds of outdoor events happen in Santa Monica?

The city's beach setting is perfect for many outdoor events. The Santa Monica Pier hosts the Wellness & Waves series and Locals' Night most months. Main Street also hosts the annual Summer Soulstice festival and the 4th of July Parade.