Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes the Venice Art Crawl, Pride on the Promenade, Venice Summer Fest and much more.
Venice Art Crawl: The annual event showcases local artists, artisans, and retail spots offering everything from ceramics, painting, and photography, to music, poetry, and food. Activations and pop-ups will take place in and around Lincoln Blvd, primarily from Venice Blvd to Palms Blvd. with exhibits often Displayed in the front yards of local homes and in storefronts. Free. Thursday, June 20, 6–10pm. More info here.
Big Talk Summer Solstice Sunset Picnic at Annenberg Community Beach House: Pack a picnic and gather together to celebrate the longest day of the year. Enjoy the sunset, meet new friends, and engage in Kalina Silverman’s global movement, Big Talk, where you’ll talk about life, love, and everything in between. Get a fresh, homemade cookie with edible crystals, with energy readings from Jodi Mannis, the New Age Mamaprenuer behind Good Vibes Cookie Co. Thursday, June 20, 5:30pm at 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. Details here.
Make Music LA: This global celebration of music observed in 800 cities across 110 countries on the summer solstice inspired by France’s Fête de la Musique. Montana newcomer B & T’s Deli is offering a Make Music Day 25% discount, from 3-5pm on Friday if you mention Make Music Day and SMPD. Friday, June 21, 2–8pm throughout Santa Monica. More details here.
Pride Sunset Swim at Annenberg Community Beach House: Celebrate Pride Santa Monica-style with an adults-only sunset swim. This 18+ event welcomes the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to a pool party complete with fabulous pool floats and s’mores. Outside food is allowed, in addition to a Pride Happy Hour at Back on the Beach Café. Friday, June 21, 5pm at 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. Would you like to know more?
SaMo Swim Center Teen Night: Friday, June 21, 7–8:45pm. More info here.
Venice Summer Fest: Get ready for live music, delicious food, shop local artists and exciting activities for all ages. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this event is the perfect way to experience the vibrant culture of the westside. Venice Blvd. is closed to traffic for the Fest between Centinela and Inglewood Blvd. Saturday, June 22, 12–8pm. More info here.
Pride on the Promenade: This lively block party transforms Third Street Promenade into a colorful celebration featuring musical performances curated by OUTLOUD, giveaways, games and a retail pop-up marketplace showcasing local LGBTQ+ businesses, creating an inclusive space for all ages to come together and celebrate diversity. Plus, local service providers and community groups will be present along the Promenade, offering support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community. Saturday, June 22, 2–8pm. Details here.
Soundwaves – The Isaura Quartet: Soundwaves celebrates LA’s diverse history of innovative underground music with FREE performances by world-class artists. Expect a FREE block party with live music, art, photo-ops, games, vendors, and fun for all ages. As we come together, local service providers and community groups will be present offering support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community. Saturday, June 22, 3:30pm at Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Would you like to know more?
DNA Art & Science Festival: This new, innovative six-month long festival celebrates the synthesis of art and science through digital art presented at 24 events across 17 venues between June and November. It kicks off with an opening reception for the exhibit "DNA: 4th of 4, 1st of Many" Saturday, June 22, 2–4pm and a special panel discussion on early telepresence experiments on Sunday, June 23 at 2pm. Both are at at the Barrett Gallery, 1310 11th St. 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." Free. Sunday June 23, 10am–5pm near Tower 25 in Ocean Park (2410 Ocean Front Walk). More details here.
A Magic Fundraiser for Rock the Vote: Join Albie Selznick and friends for one night only at Illusion Magic Lounge in Santa Monica to support Rock the Vote Sunday, June 23, 6pm at 1480 4th St. Ticket information here.
Mama’s Boy at Winston House
What to eat and drink?
JuneShine’s 6th anniversary party: Expect DJs plus special guests, live music, local vendors, free giveaways, foods trucks, special hard kombucha flavors, an exclusive look into their newest products, and other surprises. Saturday, June 22, 12pm–12am at 2914 Main St. Would you like to know more?
The Infatuation’s Westside hit list: Their list of best new restaurants on the Westside includes Layla on Ocean, B&T’s Deli on Montana, Bludso’s BBQ at 14th and Santa Monica Blvd and Xuntos in downtown Santa Monica. More details here.
"Bake festive 4th of July pies at this Santa Monica cooking school": This NBC4 report on The Gourmandise School details holiday themed classes to bake pies, cupcakes, etc. Would you like to know more?
Michelin starred Chef Wes Whitsell bringing big Texas energy to new Westside hotspots: The former Hatchet Hall chef is now taking a Texas-meets-California approach at Mama’s Boy at Winston House and the Waterfront in Venice. I dined there opening week and can’t wait to check it out again. The food was excellent with fun twists on Italian classics, the drinks were excellent, and the vibe was fantastic. Here’s the Eater LA review.
Looking Ahead Around Town: Santa Monica Fireworks @ SMC (6/29); Pier 360 Beach Festival (6/29-30), Main St. 4th of July Parade (7/4), Main St. Summer Solstice Festival: (7/13) National Night Out (8/6)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com
