Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes the Venice Art Crawl, Olivia Rodrigo Tour Bus Experience, a variety of food events and much more.
3rd St. Promenade Block Party: This first of monthly Third Thursday summer block parties features live music from 1969 Rock Band, DJ Penny Wild, and Jontha Links. Thursday, Aug. 15, 5pm–8pm., 1200 Block, Third Street Promenade More info here.
Venice Art Crawl: Since its inception 14 years ago, the Venice Art Crawl has been dedicated to keeping art alive in the community and fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for both artists and art lovers. The Venice Art Crawl’s mission is to preserve the arts in Venice, a place that has historically been known as a vibrant and dynamic art community. Thursday, Aug. 15, 6pm–10pm. Details here.
Night Market at The Bungalow: Every Thursday night through Aug. 29, expect food vendors, beverage activations, family-friendly activities, live musical and DJ performances, and celebrity guest appearances. Free and open to the public for guests of all ages and pet friendly. Thursdays 5pm–11pm. August 15 brings a live DJ performance by James Kennedy, accompanied by brand activations from Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila and Kylie Jenner’s canned Sprinter Vodka Soda. Would you like to know more?
Olivia Rodrigo Tour Bus Experience Coming to the Promenade: The GUTS World Tour Bus Experience is an interactive event that lets fans step into the world of GUTS!! Fans can explore photo ops with replica GUTS world tour set pieces like the crescent moon and the 'spill ur guts' toilet, see SOUR tour outfits worn by Olivia, shop and customize exclusive merch, enter for a chance to win tour tix and more. Friday & Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17 at 1215 3rd St. More info here.
Westside Ballet Hosts Cabaret Soirée: A celebration of a multitude of bellydance styles, including the American Cabaret Style, this show will feature group and solo guest artists and students and will culminate with a full-length improvised cabaret solo by master instructor and superstar performer, Ansuya. Aug. 16 and 17, 7pm at 1709 Stewart St. Details here.
Whose Tomato Will Reign Supreme? It's time for the Annual "Best Tomato in Santa Monica" competition. Bring your homegrown tomatoes, and put them to the test against others around town. Be a guest judge. Participate in Garden Bingo for your chance to win some fun prizes. August 17, 9am–11am at Ishihara Park Learning Garden, 2909 Exposition Blvd. More info here.
Endless Summer CAMP (Community | Art | Music | Picnic) at Tongva Park (FREE): These Saturday events celebrate community, arts and culture. Bring a picnic and join as artists from across Santa Monica and the LA region share their culture through interactive music, performances, and hands-on crafts. Special performances by local youth will be featured. Open to all. Saturday Aug. 17, features Puppet show with the Bob Baker Marionette Theater along with a performance by Grammy-nominated family artists Andrew & Polly. A puppet-making workshop will be led by reDiscover. Saturdays, Aug 10, 17 and 24, 11am–2pm. Details here.
Learn how to Write a Song in One Hour: at the next event in the Summer of Strum! series (8/17). Matt Collette leads his unique and engaging workshop. The founder of HRA Studios in West LA, Matt has mentored musicians now touring the world and composing for film and television. For adults and teens. Saturday, Aug 17, 2024 2pm–3:15pm at Main Library 601 Santa Monica Blvd. More info here.
"Dogtown: The Pups of Venice Beach and Their Humans" Exhibit Opening: This showcases the work of photographer Dotan Saguy capturing the lively and humanistic essence of the dogs of Venice Beach. The opening reception will be at the Venice Arts Gallery at 13445 Beach Avenue, Venice, CA, 90292 on Aug. 17, 4–7pm. Tickets are free with a suggested donation of $20. Would you like to know more?
What to Eat & Drink?
Fōnuts Grand Opening: They'll be officially celebrating with a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, led by the Mayor of Santa Monica, Phil Brock. They'll be handing out free mini fonuts while supplies last, and showcasing all their new bread, cakes, and pastries, and of course all the fonuts. Thursday, August 15 at 10am at 709 Montana Ave. Details here.
Pasjoli Summer of Sous Series: Throughout August, the Michelin-starred Main St. staple is showcasing their "talented team of sous chefs who are in the kitchen with Chef Dave each night" by letting them "take over the Pasjoli kitchen for one night to showcase their own personal cooking style & influences." Each four-course menu is priced at $95 per person. Thursday, Aug. 15, features Chef Casey presenting "a mid-summer dinner party with flavors of a true So Cal summer." More info here.
All Out for Fallout Day: Fans of Amazon’s Fallout series are in for a treat as Amazon MGM Studios teams up with 33 local businesses on Thursday, August 15 in a nod to Vault 33. The Window in Venice will dish out their signature double burgers for just 33 cents, Sweet Rose Creamery is scooping 33-cent ice cream, Trejo's Coffee & Donuts is offering free Fallout-themed donuts, and Pacific Park on the Pier is offering 33-cent churros. Would you like to know more?
Mélisse's 25th Anniversary with Chef Thomas Keller: As part of their 25th anniversary celebration, America's most celebrated chef will be "creating a bespoke tasting menu." The experience won't come cheap though at $1,584.84 per person. Wednesday, August 21 at 1104 Wilshire Blvd. More info here.
Jason Neroni Pop-Up at Esters Wine Bar: Pop-up season has returned with the former Rose Cafe / Best Bet chef. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 4:30–9:30pm Details here.
Further Afield: AVP Manhattan Beach Open: Watch all US Olympians (Kloth, Nuss, Cheng, Hughes, Budinger, Evans, Pertain, Benesh) and others up close for FREE! Friday–Sunday, Aug. 16–17 at Manhattan Beach Pier. More info here.
Looking Ahead: Montana Ave. (8/24), The Pier’s Birthday Bash (9/6), Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (9/7), Opera at the Beach (9/21), Montana Ave. Art Walk (9/28); Americana in the Park (Sundays in September)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com
