Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes the Annual Main St. Parade, "Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach" Competition, various other July 4th food and activity options and much more.
Annual Main St. 4th of July Parade: The parade kicks off at 9:30am at Pico and Main St, traveling South toward the Venice border. You can watch the parade anywhere along the Main St. route that includes classic cars, community organizations, city leaders, and more. The official parade grandstand will be located in front of the Ocean Park Library at the corner of Ocean Park and Main St. This year’s theme celebrates our creative community and vibrant arts and culture landscape. The first 200 kids visiting the SaMo Travel and Tourism Visitor Information Center at 2427 Main Street will get a free goodie bag with an art kit, coloring sheet and Santa Monica treats. More info here.
Pacific Palisades: July 4th 5K & 10K Run, Parade & Fireworks: Programming includes a full lineup of events, culminating with a fireworks show and music at Palisades High School. Details here.
Marina del Rey July 4 Fireworks: Join in the celebration by witnessing a 20-minute spectacle of fireworks lighting up the night sky above the water. The various official vantage points include Marina del Rey, Venice Beach Pier, Playa Vista and Dockweiler Beach, 9pm. More info here.
"Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach" Competition: For decades competitors have traveled from all over the world to compete at the historic Muscle Beach Competitions. These events are highlighted by a warm friendly local atmosphere while providing quality competition. Free for spectators. Thursday, July 4, 1pm at 1800 Ocean Front Walk. Details here.
Downtown Culver City Independence Celebration July 5 at 6pm–9:30pm This all ages event is free to the public and begins with live music on Town Plaza followed by the first ever aerial drone light show in Culver City to celebrate Independence Day. More info here.
The Santa Monica Playhouse Benefit Series presents Ink & Paint – A New Musical: Friday, July 5, 2024 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 and include a wine-and-nibbles post-show reception with the cast. Inspired by real events, Ink & Paint follows five women artists at Walt Disney Studios in the 1930s and beyond, whose ranks included first- and second-generation immigrants, a single mother and architect, a record-breaking pilot, a concept artist and Disney’s first credited woman animator. They tell the true story of the company’s first all-women story unit in a madcap mashup of mid-century American history, the golden age of hand-drawn animation, and the wild, wisecracking women who fought tooth, nail and paintbrush for their place in it. Would you like to know more?
Soundwaves – The Present Quartet: Soundwaves celebrates LA’s diverse history of innovative underground music with free performances by world-class artists. Saturday, July 6, 3:30pm at Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. More info here.
What to Eat & Drink?
Rooftop July 4th Parties: Multiple local bars and restaurants are hosting rooftop fireworks viewing parties, including the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Huntley Santa Monica Beach, and Sonder at the Beacon.
Celebrate July 4th at Sirena at The Georgian: "Join us for an outdoor BBQ featuring all the delicious American classics — sliders, gourmet hot dogs, roasted corn, watermelon salad and coleslaw. Sip on Boozy Lemonade while enjoying the ocean breeze and tunes from DJ Sloane on the lower terrace." Thursday, July 4, 11am – 4pm. Details here.
Jamaica Bay Inn 4th of July BBQ Party: There will be live music from 5pm–9pm, a few of the fireworks at 9pm and the menu includes burgers, hot dogs, tajin watermelon, elote and chips. More details here.
Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest: About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. Friday, July 5, starting at 5:00pm. Would you like to know more?
Looking Ahead Around Town: Dine LA Restaurant Week (7/12-26), Main St. Summer Solstice Festival: (7/13), National Night Out (8/6), Montana Ave. (8/24).
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com
