Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes Venice Pride Block Party, Nick Gabaldon Day, a new Best Restaurants In Santa Monica list and much more.
Venice Pride Block Party: Kick off Pride month with music by DJ Victor Rodriguez, a queer market place, food trucks, community booths and vendors. Free. Friday, May 31, 5–11pm at area around 99 Winward Ave, Venice. Details here.
Nick Gabaldon Day: Join the Black Surfers Collective, Heal the Bay, Surf Bus Foundation, Swim Up Hill, and Santa Monica Conservancy as we unite to celebrate Nick Gabaldón Day! Nick fearlessly pursued his passion for surfing, paving the way for countless others. This event serves as a celebration of diversity in surfing and an opportunity for the community to come together, share stories, and ride the waves in his honor. Let’s celebrate his legacy of resilience, determination, and love for the waves. Saturday, June 1, 9am–4pm at Tower 30 (end of Bay St.) More info here.
Santa Monica Animal Shelter Open House Fundraiser: The annual event raises money to help cover the cost of veterinary care, medical attention and of course food for all of those hungry little mouths. Saturday, June 1, 12–3pm. Would you like to know more?
Take Action for Mental Health Event: Join influencers, professionals and local resources for a transformative day of mental wellness. Engage in interactive workshops, discussions and networking opportunities to empower your mental well-being journey. Discover tools, support and strategies to make a difference in your community. Let’s come together to advocate, educate and support one another in creating a brighter, healthier future for mental health. Saturday, June 1, 3–7pm at Santa Monica Pier. More details here.
Soundwaves - Steuart Liebig - Minim : Soundwaves celebrates LA’s diverse history of innovative underground music with free performances by world-class artists. Saturday, June 1, 3:30pm. More info here.
Dublab Ocean of Sound: An evening of restorative listening–above and below the water. Lay back and lounge poolside, beneath the setting sun, or dive beneath the surface to experience our underwater speakers, resonating with meditative performances from Colloboh and Inkarose, a vocal sound healing meditation guided by Odeya Nini, and a mindful and environmental DJ set from Noah Klein. Join us by the Pacific and float along on our sound waves. Sunday, Jun 2, 5–8pm at Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway. Would you like to know more?
The Crow Birthday Party: The comedy club is turning 2 years old and celebrating with hot dogs, a bounce castle, and beer. Sunday, June 2. Details here.
Superbloom Beach Club: This pop-up social club offers a full day of wellness activations, live DJs, beach games, and amazing connections. Sunday, June 2, 1–7pm at Ocean Park Beach Lifeguard Tower 28. More info here.
"Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition" at the Santa Monica Art Museum: This NBC4 post details how visitors can enter "the whimsical world of filmmaker Wes Anderson" and "savor symmetrical and cinematic moments, the kind found in the filmmaker’s jewel-box movies, at this playful pop-up." Would you like to know more?
Tom Steyer with Jane Fonda at Live Talks: They will be discussing his book Cheaper, Faster, Better: How We’ll Win the Climate War In 2012 detailing how and why he walked away from the highly successful investment fund he founded to devote himself full time to climate issues. More details here.
What to Eat & Drink?
Kismet Cookbook Dinner at Birdie G’s: The dynamic duo behind Kismet Rotisserie in Los Angeles, Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson, are stopping by Birdie G’s for a one-night only special dinner to celebrate the release of their new cookbook Kismet: Bright, Fresh, Vegetable-Loving Recipes. Tuesday, June 4 at 2421 Michigan Ave. More info here.
Find Tikka Masala fried chicken at SaMo’s New London-inspired restaurant: This EaterLA post details Chelsea, with a menu drawing inspiration from the London neighborhood where Chef Moez lived as a child, incorporating flavors from India, East Africa and beyond. 2460 Wilshire Blvd. Would you like to know more?
The Infatuation’s updated "The Best Restaurants In Santa Monica" List: Pasjoli takes the top spot, followed by Melisse and Le Great Outdoor, but the list also includes casual spots like Bay Cities, Layla Bagels and new sandwich spot Tre Mani on Ocean Park Blvd. More details here.
Kava tingle? This NBC4 video report highlights "the buzzy wellness drink and its benefits" by visiting Kavahana "to learn kava’s cultural significance for Pacific Islanders and its health benefits. The shop has developed a vibrant, sober nightlife for the beach town, with karaoke nights and much more" 306 Pico Blvd. More info here.
Looking Ahead Around Town: "Rosé on Rose" Wine Fest (6/8),AIDS/LifeCycle Finish Line Festival (6/8), Eeeeeatscon (6/8-9), Movie Fridays on 3rd St. Promenade (6/14), Montana Ave. Summer Kick-Off & Big Gay Bake Sale (6/15),Make Music Day (6/21), Pride on the Promenade (6/22), Main St. 4th of July Parade (7/4)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com
