Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder: This is a reimagining of the iconic Hasbro toy, featuring 11 interactive rooms across three unique worlds — Underwater, Prehistoric and Outer Space. Visitors can dive into larger-than-life, glowing artwork, explore sensory play stations, and engage with dynamic, gamified experiences. Launches November 7 at Santa Monica Place More info here.
Ice at Santa Monica Grand Opening: From November 8, to January 20, the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue will be transformed into a winter wonderland, offering a magical ice-skating experience in the heart of downtown. The festivities kick off with the Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, November 8, 5pm–11pm. Visitors can enjoy free ice skating during the 5:30pm, 7pm, 8:30pm and 10pm sessions, groove to live DJ sets and enjoy captivating on-ice performances featuring Olympic hopeful skaters Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman. Would you like to know more?
Santa Monica Pups and Pottery: Get ready to unleash your creativity. In this class you and your dog can craft custom toys and a paw-print ceramic tile together. It’s a blend of fun and artistry. Start the class with a welcome glass of Champagne on the house to let the pawsitive vibes flow. Friday, November 8, 7pm, ARTime Barro, 302 Pico Blvd. Details here.
Little Blue Dog Run Grand Opening: You're invited to the grand opening celebration of Little Blue Dog Run, Big Blue Bus's new off-leash dog run. This project aims to transform an underutilized landscape alongside Big Blue Bus's headquarters into a vibrant open green space for our community. Little Blue Dog Run amenities include fenced exercise areas for dogs of all sizes, drinking fountains, trees, and a picnic area with seating. Join us for music, food trucks, a blue ribbon cutting, pet training demonstrations, pet adoptions, and enter your pup in the Doggie Fall Fashion Show and walk the run(way) to win amazing prizes from our local partners. Saturday, November 9, 11am–3pm, 1660 7th St. More info here.
Santa Monica Pier Pressure Hunt: This breezy adventure takes place on the pier and in Palisades Park, where you'll hunt for fun quirks and surprising secrets you never knew you never knew. Highlights include a local landmark that pretends to be from Miami, a surprising message in a faraway park, the magical mind of Zoltar, a devastating storm, oddball art, a theater that sells shoes, great views from the little-known Observation Room, and more. Save $5 on tickets using the promo code THANKSLA during checkout. Saturday, November 9, 2pm. Details here.
The Artist’s Fair: This outdoor gallery market showcases all different types of artists like painters, woodworkers, jewelry, clothing, sculptures and music! Bringing the community together to enjoy the park in this family dog friendly event. Come enjoy some cool tunes and meet the artists. Free. Sunday Nov. 10, 9am–5pm, near Tower 25 in Ocean Park (2410 Ocean Front Walk)
What to Eat & Drink?
Multiple SaMo Spots on The Infatuation's Best Patios in LA List: Fia, The Great Outdoor, Michaels and Big Deans all make the latest version of the list. More info here.
Xuntos Presenta Chef Sandra & Amigas: Join multiple James Beard Foundation WEL Alums "who get together whenever we can to talk shop, swap stories & crack up. The seafood-driven tasting menu reflects our passions: pristine & sustainable seafood, zero-waste cocktails, natural wines & next-level pastries. We like to make noise, so expect a party." The $115 menu includes 12 tapas, welcome cocktail, and wine pairing. Thursday, November 14 6:30pm, 516 Santa Monica Blvd. Details here.
Garrison Brother’s Whiskey Dinner: Enjoy a night of flowing whiskey with the Garrison Brothers, paired with flights and bites. Thursday, November 14, 7pm, Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way. More info here.
Jersey Mike's Subs opening on Main St: Franchise owner Juancarlos Chacon will hold a grand opening and fundraiser from Wednesday, November 13 to Sunday, November 17 to support the Friends of Westminster Elementary School and Broadway Elementary School. Wednesday, November 13, 245 Main St., Venice. Would you like to know more?
The Butter End Bakery opens in Downtown SaMo: This is the first retail location for Kimberly Bailey, renowned celebrity chef, artist, and Food Network judge. Expect a variety of options, such as cupcakes in flavors like coconut passion fruit, old-school cookies with modern twists, such as lemon ricotta rosemary, freshly baked scones, macarons with flavors like raspberry goat cheese, and indulgent butterscotch budino. 512 Wilshire Blvd. More info here.
Further Afield:Democracy Sessions at MOCA: This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and orchestral collective Wild Up present Democracy Sessions, a free three-day arts event exploring democratic and cooperative practices amid a pivotal moment in US political history. Following the 2024 Presidential election, Democracy Sessions invites the public to engage with themes of creativity, justice, and liberation through music and social gatherings. November 8, 9 and 10, the Warehouse at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave. Details here.
Looking Ahead: Ice at Santa Monica (11/9–1/20); Annual BroadStage Gala (11/15); 16th Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl (12/14); Main St. Holiday Party & Tree Lighting (12/8); Meet Me Under The Fig Tree (12/15)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com
