We’re in constant beach mode here in Santa Monica, but that doesn’t mean we don’t look forward to summer. Especially because summer is when the most Santa Monica events and festivals occur. From seaside Fourth of July celebrations to jazz in the park, these are the best Santa Monica events this summer.
Santa Monica Events this Summer
Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival
June 9
Calling all athletes. The annual Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival is returning on June 9. Swimmers, stand-up paddlboarders and their fans all converge at the Santa Monica Pier for an epic day of races—accompanied by a healthy dose of music, beer, local food vendors, and beach volleyball.
Main Street Summer SOULstice
June 24
On June 24, head to Main Street for live music from nearly 20 bands throughout the day at the annual Main Street Summer SOULstice. Multiple stages, along with more than 50 local food vendors, a wine garden, beer tent, and family-friendly children’s areas make this a multi-sensory party fit for all ages, and a perfect way to kick off the summer in Santa Monica.
4th of July in Santa Monica
Santa Monica’s 4th of July Parade, produced by the city’s Ocean Park Association, traverses Main Street. Come in your red, white, and blue for a slice of Americana, California-style. Families, musicians and civic groups are all in store in this classic summer event in Santa Monica.
Picnic on the Promenade
Fridays, July & August
Every Friday in July and August, start off the weekend with a picnic lunch on Downtown Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade. Picnic on the Promenade provides board games, along with classic activities like ping-pong, giant Jenga and Connect4, while a DJ sets the musical mood. Stop by any of the nearby restaurants for grab-and-go lunch and enjoy!
Sunset Swims
July through October
On select dates, the Annenberg Community Beach House opens up for adult-only pool sessions for Sunset Swims
July to October. Laps in the beachfront pool make for a refreshing way to start the evening.
Jazz on the Lawn
Sundays, August
Family-friendly Jazz on the Lawn returns to leafy Gandara Park, near Bergamot Station. Local jazz artists will play to the crowds, and some of Santa Monica’s best food trucks will supply sustenance. From 5-7pm weekly, they make for an excellent weekend wind-down.
