Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes MAINopoly, Montana Avenue Sidewalk Sale and much more.
Pier Locals Night: The Pier will be rolling out the red carpet for Santa Monicans for a curated series for locals, by locals. Gather your friends and family and head down to the Pier for amazing entertainment including youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, art exhibits, and so much more. You really won’t want to miss this incredible and unique outdoor setting to unwind, all while celebrating Santa Monica. Thursday, May 16, 3:30–9pm. More info here.
Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) annual Rick Crocker 5K walk-run: PAL is an organization providing free after-school enrichment, activities, and classes for youth aged 6 to 17. Officer Crocker, a 10-year veteran of the SMPD, Marine Corps Reserve Major, and SaMo resident, was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade while on tour and in service to his country in Iraq in 2005. Thursday, May 16, 4pm at Santa Monica Pier. Would you like to know more?
Rocket Man — a live orchestral experience: Pianist Michael Sobie premieres his brand new concert, Rocket Man, live in Los Angeles May 17th! Featuring his own original arrangements and a live 35-piece symphony orchestra, you will be witness to the extraordinary talents of some of the region’s top musicians. Sing along for the night as Michael performs classic hits like Bennie and the Jets, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Crocodile Rock and many more. Acclaimed conductor and composer Robert Sprayberry conducts the incredible symphony orchestra, and St. Monica Catholic Church provides the beautiful setting for this unforgettable evening. Friday, May 17, 8pm at St. Monica Catholic Church, 725 California Ave. More info here.
SaMo Airport ArtWalk Returns: Situated in one of the oldest airports in the United States, the Santa Monica Airport hosts a vibrant community of over 60 artists, creative venues, and a spirited aviation scene. Saturday, May 18, 1–4pm More info here.
Montana Avenue Sidewalk Sale: The beloved Montana Avenue Sidewalk Sale is back, and it’s the perfect occasion to support local shops while snagging amazing deals on new arrivals! Join us on Saturday, May 18th for a day filled with great shopping and explore some of the best dining the West Side has to offer. Enjoy the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere and welcome the season in style with friends and family. Saturday, May 18, 10am–6pm. More info here.
Kidical Mass Bike Ride: Co-hosted by Santa Monica Spoke, the Kidical Mass bike ride + Mental Health & Wellness Fair is back at Clover Park. Remember to wear green for Mental Health Awareness! This group ride will help all participants develop skills and comfort for bike riding in the city. Riders can stop by BBQ #1 area (near the trailers) of Clover Park between 11am and 3pm to learn more about the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project at this community engagement kick-off. Sunday, May 19 9am–12pm at Clover Park. More info here.
The Artist Fair — an outdoor gallery market in the park: This space was created “so artists and people that are creating pieces by hand can have a safe space to sell more upscale items without the hassle of having cheap vintage, or cheaper items that dilute the aesthetics and vibe of the event. All vendors are either artists, painters, designers, metal workers doing jewelry, wood workers making amazing house pieces and other items but the important thing is that everything is handmade and sold by the artist itself. This event is for the community to come meet the artists and shop their creations.” Free Sunday, May 19, 10am–5pm near Tower 25 in Ocean Park (2410 Ocean Front Walk). More info here.
MAINopoly — A Taste of Main Street: Celebrate Main Street’s finest restaurants, bars, and eateries at MAINopoly! This all-ages event is an interactive take on the classic board game where participating locations allow you to exchange your fake MAINopoly money for food tastings at restaurants such as The Victorian, Somaosa House, Ashland Hill, Pasjoli, Sunny Blue, and more local favorites. PASS GO and go directly to the “Go to Jail” VIP Beer Garden sponsored by Venice Duck Brewing Co, JuneShine, and Duce Vida Tequila. Complete your MAINopoly gameboard for a chance to win a prize package valued at over $1,000. Sunday, May 19, 1–5pm. Would you like to know more?
Getty Villa hosts free Villa Family Festival celebrating diverse cultures: Cultures from opposite sides of the world come together at this daylong family festival inspired by the exhibition Picture Worlds: Greek, Maya, Moche Pottery. Move to traditional Greek folk music, enjoy the dances and sounds of diverse Peruvian cultures, create your own melodies with pre-Columbian instruments, explore the Maya calendar, and witness a ballgame that has roots going back 3,500 years. Sunday, May 19. Reserve tickets here.
Public Works Week kicks off with “We Are Essential” community festival: The free event will feature activities for the whole family. Sunday, May 19, 11am to 2pm at Gandara Park. More info here.
Amy Tan “Live Talks” at New Roads School: She will be discussing her book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, “a gorgeous, witty account of birding, nature, and the beauty around us that hides in plain sight, written and illustrated by the best-selling author of The Joy Luck Club.” Monday, May 20, 8pm at 3131 Olympic Blvd. More info here.
What to eat and drink?
Pasjoli makes The Infatuation’s “25 Best Restaurants In LA” list: Nabbing the #14 spot, their review states “Rather than offering a trendy take on an onion tart that no one asked for, the French cooking at Pasjoli is all about good old-fashioned animal fat and the technique required to back it up. In the $200 duck extravaganza for two, you’ll eat every part of the bird — from the juices in a wine-cognac gravy to the crispy skin over a simple salad — and go home with duck-leg bread pudding leftovers for breakfast. Pasjoli is by no means reinventing the wheel, but the unforgettable food makes it an all-time great special occasion spot and wholly worth the bill.” More info here.
Gilbert’s El Indio 50th anniversary celebration: To commemorate their half century of serving Santa Monica, they are serving $20 plates which includes a drink of choice. Monday, May 20, 3–7pm at 2526 Pico Blvd. More info here.
Mélisse celebrating 25 Years: Guest Chef Dinner with Chef Matthew Kammerer of Harbour House (two Michelin stars). Monday, May 20. More info here.
New Cassia review from The Infatuation: The glowing review declares “Cassia is every bit as exciting as it was” when it first opened and encourages people to “bask in one of the Westside’s most dependably great restaurants.” Details here.
Further Afield: Some 230 artists are expected to participate in the Beverly Hills Art Show on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19.
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), Make Music Day (6/21), Pride on the Promenade (6/22).
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com
