SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Frieze Art Fair, The 11th Annual Greens Festival, the opening of the city's first Padel courts, and much more!
Frieze Los Angeles: Bringing together approximately 100 galleries, ambitious installations, nonprofit collaborations and local food pop-ups. As a leading international art fair focused on contemporary art, Frieze LA celebrates Southern California's dynamic creative culture and global influence in the arts. This is a must-attend event for art lovers, collectors and anyone interested in experiencing cutting-edge work in a community setting. Use code FLA50% for 50% off Friday's preview for GA tickets. Thursday, Feb. 26 - Sunday, March 1, Santa Monica Airport frieze.com/fairs/frieze-los-angeles
11th Annual Black History Greens Festival: Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a day of culture, connection, and celebration at this joyful celebration of Black History Month, presented by the Black Santa Monica Community Group in collaboration with Virginia Avenue Park. This year’s theme, “Boots on the Ground,” honors community and culture. Enjoy greens cooking demonstrations, music and dance, local vendors, and community booths offering resources and information for the community. Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. , Virginia Avenue Park santamonica.gov/events/4zdhbh1gyhkvgwg6rnm1m6tcdj/202602281100
Pickleball Speed Dating Tournament: 💗Find romance on the court! Saturday, Feb. 28, 2p.m., SaMo Pickleball Center, 1330 4th St. instagram.com/reels/DUljRZiD81H/
Belly Laughs: The comedy show series in the back of a grocery store is back for big laughs, bahn mi, and beer. Saturday, Feb. 28, 7p.m., Fatty Mart, 12210 Venice Blvd. instagram.com/p/DUzHUFuDwLz
Proper Presents: Arlo Parks (DJ Set): London-born Arlo Parks won the Mercury Music Prize for her debut 2021 album Collapsed in Sunbeams, won Breakthrough Artist at the 2021 Brit Awards, and received two Grammy and Ivor Novello nominations. She was coined "the voice of her generation". Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 - 11p.m., SaMo Proper Hotel 700 Wilshire Blvd. eventbrite.com/e/proper-presents-arlo-parks-dj-set-tickets-1983464635117
Pinot & Pilates Event: Join a day of ~wellness~ to kick off International Women's Month. One Bodyrok Pilates Class followed by an AJA Wine Tasting. Sunday, Mar 1, 1 - 4 p.m., BODYROK, 1417 2nd St. eventbrite.com/e/pinot-pilates-a-perfect-pair-tickets-1982452045434?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sunset Salutations Event at the Regent Santa Monica: This is a heart‑centered experience dedicated to honoring Black History through rest, reflection, and renewal. As the sun sets, we gather to celebrate the contributions of Black communities by engaging in practices that restore the mind, body, and spirit. The evening closes with “Sunset Sips” at ORLA, where community continues over light bites and beverages available for purchase. $40. Saturday, Feb. 28, 4p.m., 1700 Ocean Ave. eventbrite.com/e/sunset-salutations-tickets-1983383811371
Padel courts are coming to Downtown Santa Monica: Brand-new courts are under construction at 1318 4th Street, the first public padel courts in the city. And on Thursday, March 5, Fernando Belasteguín — widely considered the greatest padel player of all time, with 16 consecutive years at world No. 1 — is traveling from Spain for the grand opening. If you haven't heard of padel, think tennis meets squash in a glass-walled box. It's one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and it's landing right in the heart of Downtown. instagram.com/smpicklenpadel
Fitoor Santa Monica Celebrates One Year with a Weeklong Anniversary & Holi Festivities: All week they are celebrating with programming including a $5 Anniversary specialty cocktail, complimentary champagne toast nightly, belly dancing tutorials, live music and a finale at LA’s largest Holi celebration.
Samohi Theatre Presents its Spring Musical - Hello Dolly: Be prepared to be entertained and thoroughly delighted that you took the time to celebrate our local, talented Santa Monica performers. Various dates between Feb. 27 & March 8. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/samohitheatre/1944443
Santa Monica College Planetarium Offers Spring Sky Shows in March: Enjoy live-hosted shows on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout March, featuring programs on spring skies, the spring equinox, and the life cycle of stars. Each show runs approximately 40 minutes and is followed by a Q&A with Planetarium Lecturer Sarah Vincent. Friday evening shows begin at 6 p.m. with "The Night Sky Show," followed by a Feature Program at 7 p.m. Sunday Family Matinée shows begin at 1 p.m. with "The Night Sky Show," followed by a Feature Program at 2 p.m. Here is the schedule: smdp.com/santa-monica-college-planetarium-offers-spring-sky-shows-in-march/
ONGOING: “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; Museum of Illusions; The CUBE VR; Splatter Studio; Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (April);
What to Eat & Drink?
Lunetta Debuts Puerto Nuevo Baja Dinner: For three nights only, Lunetta Restaurant transports diners to the sun-washed shores of Baja California with a vibrant “Puerto Nuevo” prix-fixe dinner, celebrating the bold, fresh flavors of Mexico’s famed lobster-village region with dishes like shrimp quesadilla, Mexican sea bass with pineapple escabeche, wood-fired carne asada, and fried ice cream. $58/person. Now through Friday, Feb. 27, 2424 Pico Blvd. instagram.com/lunettasm
Ina Bakes March Pop‑Up: They’re popping up with a fresh spread of pastries and treats for every preference — including gluten‑free and vegan favorites. Complimentary coffee with purchase — the perfect way to ease into March.Sunday, March 1, 9a.m. – 1p.m., 535 Rose Ave, Venice inabakes.com/shop
Wally's California Icons Tasting - Napa: Discover a curated selection of iconic bottles, perfectly paired with slow-braised Sonoma lamb confit, roasted garlic, parsnip purée, and mushroom lamb jus. Saturday, Feb. 28, 3p.m., 214 Wilshire Blvd. wallywine.com/events
Baby Bistro Popup at Rustic Canyon: 🍽️ Enjoy a set four course meal from acclaimed Chef Miles Thompson minus all the traffic! Monday, March 2, 1119 Wilshire Blvd. instagram.com/p/DVE9xdGEqjV
An Evening with Adelaida Vineyards at Stoa Wine Bar: Enjoy a guided tasting with one of Paso Robles’ most respected estate producers. You’ll taste six wines spanning Adelaida’s portfolio, including their best-selling by-the-glass Cabernet Sauvignon from Willow Creek. Wednesday, March 4, 5p.m., 4210 Via Marina, Marina del Rey eventbrite.com/e/adelaida-wine-tasting-at-stoa-wine-bar-mdr-tickets-1980274940655
“Girl Dinner” Presented by AJA Vineyards and The Surfing Fox: Designed as a celebration of community, creativity, and connection, Girl Dinner will feature a thoughtfully curated five-course tasting menu paired with award-winning local wines from AJA Vineyards. Each pairing highlights locally sourced ingredients and bold culinary expression, offering guests a dynamic and interactive tasting journey. Thursday, March 5, 7p.m., The Surfing Fox, 120 Colorado Ave. book.stripe.com/bJeaEXbnV1n1gUp2iQco000
Izzy's Deli Sold: The Izzy Deli site has been sold for $2 million & will apparently become a restaurant again. It was purchased by the Tehran market next door. This info came from a post on Nextdoor... so no link to an article.
Taiwanese Restaurant Joy Plans Location at 418 Wilshire Blvd.: The restaurant is known for its Taiwanese dishes inspired by street food and night markets in Taipei, including minced pork on rice and scallion pancakes. The address was previously home to Wahoo’s Fish Taco. whatnow.com/los-angeles/restaurants/joy-opening-second-site-in-santa-monica
Kandi Swedish Sweets Coming To Montana Ave.: The nostalgic Swedish candy craze is huge right now and there’s something thrilling about creating your own taste experience at a “pick-and-mix” wall of delectable sweet treats. Just such an opportunity is coming to Montana Ave. Teaser window paper is up at 1230 Montana Ave. for Kändi Swedish Sweets is setting up housekeeping at this address. Kändi has a location in Studio City and offers a wide array of brightly colored candies and pre-packed bags. toddrickallen.com/2026/02/23/kandi-swedish-sweets-coming-to-montana-ave/
Further Afield: The Other Art Fair: Popping up at a new home, it brings its four-day event to 3Labs in Culver City. Guests can expect a curated selection of over 140 independent artists, offering the chance to scout art for sale while enjoying live DJ sets, activations, installations, and a cash bar. Advance tickets start at $30 for opening night, or $20 for any of the other nights. Thursday - Sunday, Feb. 26 – March 1 theotherartfair.com/la
More Further Afield: Holi & The Beach Celebration: Fitoor Santa Monica will be the premier food vendor at one of the Largest Holi Festivals in the country, Holi and the Beach, in Redondo Beach, CA. ABOUT: A Holi experience like no other in Los Angeles. Holi & The Beach 2026 returns March 7th, 2026 with an all-new bigger music stage, amazing experiences and an epic day of non-stop color play. We invite you to embark on an electrifying outdoor Holi day party featuring celebrity DJ’s, 5000+ people, food vendors, and an afternoon of messy, color fun on the BEACH. Expect super fun activations, photo-booths and more-making LA’s favorite Holi not to be missed. Holi & The Beach is produced by LA’s #1 Bollywood event company, Radio5 Events. TICKETS: Start at $15 and can be purchased at holiandthebeach.com
Looking Ahead: Frieze LA Art Show (2/26 - 3/1); Montana Avenue Spring Fling (3/7); Venice Art Crawl (early March); Bergamot Comedy Festival (3/24–28); Downtown Easter Celebration (3/29); U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship (4/2-5); Santa Monica Film Festival (4/11-13)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, you can reach out directly to me at sean@smdp.com. Here are my past columns and let me know if you have any feedback on Around Town: Frieze Art, Padel Courts, & Greens Fest