Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes the Opera on the Pier, LA Times Food Bowl, International Coastal Cleanup Day, Future Sounds of Jazz Festival and much more.
Rosie O’Donnell Lunchtime Show at the Crow: "Tickets start at $25, but if you'd like the full lunch break experience, add on a Crow Bar drink and one of three sandwich selections from Huckleberry." Thursday, Sept. 19, 12:30pm at 2525 Michigan Ave. More info here.
Pier Locals Night: Local's Night is back with a Reggae-themed evening offering live entertainment including a classic car show, youth activities, art exhibits, DJs, and several reggae performances. Thursday, Sept. 19, 3:30pm–10pm. Details here.
Third Thursday at 3rd St. Promenade: The free block party features live music from DJ Asha, No False Ego, and Good Cop Bad Cop, plus free face painting and caricatures, and local vendors. Bring your pups, friends, and family for an evening of fun, dancing, and outdoor dining for the perfect sunset experience. Thursday, Sept. 19, 5pm–8pm, 1200 Block, 3rd St. Promenade. More info here.
Saturday is International Coastal Cleanup Day: Multiple organizations are organizing cleanup efforts, including Santa Monica College (SMC), which is helping to clean up the "Inkwell." SMC’s adopted section of beach is the historic site where SMC student Nick Gabaldón and other African Americans challenged Jim Crow racism and helped open public beaches for all. Gloves, buckets, and safety training will be provided. Saturday, Sept. 21, 9am–12pm, at Santa Monica Beach Tower 20, at the end of Bay St. Would you like to know more?
Marina del Rey Movie Nights: Watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on September 21 and Sixteen Candles on September 28, 8pm at Burton Chace Park. More info here.
Future Sounds of Jazz Festival: The BroadStage presents a special day of jazz music curated by the legendary Stanley Clarke. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of jazz music echoing across multiple venues throughout the day, along with food and beverages and special vendor booths. Saturday, Sept. 21. More info here.
LA Opera Live Broadcast of Madame Butterfly on Santa Monica Pier: Grab a few blankets and lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and enjoy the outdoor screening under the stars. FREE for all ages. Saturday, Sept. 21, 6pm. More info here.
Olympians + Pups Without Borders Adoption Event: Meet Olympic Medalists and Adopt a Dog at the Barrington Circle Event Pups Without Borders, a rescue organization dedicated to saving dogs, will hold a dog adoption event on Sunday, Sept. 22, 10am–2:00pm at 11710 Barrington Circle in Brentwood. Anita Alvarez and Daniella Ramires, both silver medalists in artistic swimming, and Nick Atkin, who earned a bronze medal in fencing and several local businesses in the Barrington Circle area are supporting the event. Details here.
Americana in the Park: Head over to Gandara Park for this annual music concert series featuring two bands each week every Sunday in September. Bring your picnic, blankets, and beach chairs to soak up the sounds of Americana music, from its roots to modern forms. Enjoy craft activities for all ages, tasty treats from local food bowl trucks, and a vibrant community experience in Gandara Park, 1819 Stewart St. Sunday, Sept. 22, 4pm–7pm. features Molly Miller Trio opens with instrumental Americana jazz songs tinged with folk and Surf Rock vibes along with powerful original compositions of The Azar Lawrence Experience headlining. More info here.
Live Talks with Connie Chung in conversation with Lisa Ling: "Trailblazing broadcast journalist Connie Chung pulls no punches in her sharp, witty memoir that chronicles her incredible life and career." Monday, Sept. 23, 8pm, at New Roads School 3131 Olympic Blvd. Details here.
What to Eat & Drink?
Mon Ami Barcelona Dinner: One night per month the restaurant will present a menu curated to mirror the flavors of the featured city, from the beaches of Mallorca to the canals of Venice. At sunset, dive into vibrant nightlife with live music and themed cocktails. Thursday, Sept. 19 features Barcelona with flamenco dancers, live entertainment, a custom passport, great vibes, and a menu that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in Spain. Check out the menu and grab a reservation here.
FIG Restaurant Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with New Collab Menu with Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Café Lola & Saint Honoré, Dr. Alexandra Lourdes: A Celebration of Latino Culture, and cuisine, the limited-time menu supports the Santa Monica Education Foundation with $1 donated for every dish sold. Available at dinner Tuesdays – Saturdays through the end of October, menu highlights include Signature Pink Chopped Salad ($25), Pizza ($30) with tender chicken tinga, one whole creamy avocado, melty mozzarella, red onion, and spicy jalapeño, all drizzled with cilantro dill dressing and a hint of garlic-infused olive oil, and Crème Brûlée Churros ($16). Fairmont Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd. Would you like to know more?
LA Times Profiles Melisse: This write-up profiles SaMo born and raised Chef Citron and details "How this ultra fine-dining restaurant keeps thriving after 25 years in L.A." More info here.
Bludso’s Smoke Club Seafood Boil: They are partnering with Santa Monica Seafood for this end-of-summer "family-style seafood boil including fresh snow crab, wild jumbo shrimp, andouille sausage and all the fixins’, and a special dessert to finish." $95. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6:30pm 1329 Santa Monica Blvd. Details here.
The Lobster Celebrates 25th Anniversary with National Lobster Day Bash: Expect entertainment, a hosted raw bar, and specialty cocktails. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7pm–9pm. Guests can RSVP here in advance to secure their spot at the celebration and table reservations are highly recommended on Resy. Would you like to know more?
Further Afield: L.A. Times Food Bowl (9/20-22) The signature event is back this year with a three-day night market with some of the most celebrated restaurants offering tastings right in the heart of Paramount Studios. Get more info and tickets here:
Looking Ahead: Montana Ave. Art Walk(9/28); Thai Feast by the Beach (9/28); Americana in the Park(Sundays in September); Off the Hook SaMo Seafood Festival (10/12), Venice Art Crawl (10/17); Cirque du Soleil (10/19 -1/10)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com
