Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes Halloween celebrations all around town, a Dia de los Muertos Celebration and much more.
International Artists Day: Celebrate creativity at Gallery 33 with a special artist walkthrough by Spencer Mar Guilburt, showcasing his solo exhibition LA: Born on a Fault. Sip on a complimentary glass of wine as you immerse yourself in a new body of work that reflects the meticulous effort and thoughtfulness of the artist response to our current times. Friday, October 25, 6pm–8pm, The Georgian, 1415 Ocean Ave. Details here.
Swim Center Spooky Splash Spectacular: Dive into our Floating Pumpkin Patch, brave the Sharks Haunted House, and test your skills on the Floating Obstacle Course. Enjoy Spooky Flicks, arts & crafts, treats and more. Don't miss out on this family-friendly event packed with fun activities, food trucks, and recreational swimming. Friday, October 25, 5pm–8pm, Santa Monica Swim Center, 2225 16th St. Moe info here.
SMPD Halloween Movie in the Park: Face painting begins at 5pm and The Nightmare Before Christmas movie is scheduled to start at 6:30pm on Friday, October 25 at the Colorado Center Park on Broadway/26th St.
Downtown Dia de los Muertos Celebration: The festivities feature live entertainment, public art, a Latinx pop-up market, community altars, kids arts and crafts, face painting and games for all ages (and pups too). Saturday, October 26 2pm–8pm, Third Street Promenade. Details here.
Heal the Bay Fishy Fest: Pick Up Your Trick-or-Treat Treasure Map and embark on a candy-filled adventure along the beautiful SaMo Pier. And join the family-friendly Halloween fun at Heal the Bay Aquarium to explore the "Ghoulish Green Room," Deep-Sea Creature Lab, and Ocean Graveyard. Spooktacular Story Time is Saturday, October 26, 2pm, and the Pier Trick-or-Treat Treasure Hunt is Sunday, October 27, 12noon–3:45pm. More details here.
Marina Spooktacular: This two-day event featuring pumpkin decorating, arts and crafts, DJ music, food vendors, a graveyard treasure hunt and more. Free. Saturday & Sunday, October 26 & 27, 4–10pm each day at Burton Chace Park. More info here.
The Penmar Halloween Spooktacular: The concert Halloween party features The Horny Toad Live, a costume contest & prizes and more. Saturday, October 26, 4pm, 1233 Rose Ave. Details here.
BroadStage Celebrity Opera Series - Angela Gheorghiu & Freddie De Tommaso: Soprano Angela Gheorghiu makes her graces the stage alongside the tenor sensation Freddie de Tommaso, making his West Coast debut. Saturday, October 26, 7:30pm, 1310 11th St. More info here.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk: 3-to5-mile noncompetitive walks provide a supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors, people living with metastatic breast cancer, caregivers, and families alike. Participants can sign up as individuals or teams, encouraging friends and family to join the fight against breast cancer. Sunday, October 27, 8am, Santa Monica Pier. Details here.
Halloween Dog Costume Parade at Jamaica Bay Inn: Show off your pup in their best Halloween costume for prizes, happy hour specials, and dog treats. Free. Sunday, Oct. 27, 3pm, 4175 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey More info here.
Belles Annual Dog Halloween Costume Contest: The most adorable contest of the year is back. Bring your furry friends to the Belles patio for a chance to win our halloween costume contest. Sunday, October 27, 4pm–6pm. Details here.
Annual Volley-Ween Beach Volleyball Tournament: Enjoy games, entertainment, food, a friendly volleyball tournament and a Halloween costume contest. $35 to attend and/or play either on your own or with a volleyball team of 2, 4 or 6 players. All proceeds will go towards Santa MoniCARES and its charities. Wednesday, October 30, 3pm–6:30pm, 2400 Ocean Front Walk. More info here.
Annual Marina Monster Paddle Parade & Costume Contest: Paddle into the sunset in your spookiest getup with fellow witches, goblins, and ghouls for an unforgettable Halloween-themed paddleboarding and kayaking cruise at Marina del Rey. Wednesday, October 30, 6pm. Details here.
Trick or Treat Downtown: Ready for a trick-or-treating adventure in Downtown Santa Monica? We're conjuring up the perfect roadmap, so make sure you're dressed to impress! Participating businesses will be handing out candy. Don't forget to share your hauntings with us on Instagram by tagging @dtsantamonica. Stay tuned for more updates on all the Halloween fun. Thursday, October 31, 3pm–6pm, Downtown Santa Monica. More info here.
Montana Avenue Halloween Hop: Calling all ghosts, ghouls, and goblins! Join us for the annual Halloween Hop on Montana Avenue! Bring the family for a spook-tacular day filled with candy, fun activities, and Halloween surprises. Costumes encouraged! See you there for a fang-tastic time! Thursday, October 31, 3pm–6pm, Montana Avenue from 6th - 17th Streets. Details here.
Halloween Murder on the Dance Floor Party at Gran Blanco: $130 includes open bar, light bites, and more. Thursday, October 31, 8pm, 80 Windward Ave., Venice. More info here.
Esters Wine Shop Hallo-Wine Party: $25 per ticket + tax Complimentary Specialty Wine, Beer OR Cocktail Horror Film Screenings Live DJ Set Best costume wins a bottle of champagne. Thursday, October 31, 6pm, 1314 7th St. Details here.
What to Eat & Drink?
Mixology Classes at FIG: Guided by an expert mixologist, you'll learn to craft delicious signature cocktails from selecting ingredients to perfecting your technique. Two cocktails and bar snacks are included. This hands-on experience is for all skill levels whether you want to enhance your bartending skills or enjoy a fun night out with friends. $45. Tuesday, October 29, 6pm, Fairmont Miramar. Details here.
The Infatuation's "The Best Mexican Food on the Westside" Features Multiple SaMo Spots: Highlights include Socalo (casual spot from the Border Grill chefs), La Purépecha (for tacos in downtown SaMo), La Isla Bonita (food truck regularly parked on Rose Ave), and Casablance (the Lincoln Blvd staple). More info here.
Gjusta and Gjelina chef-founder returns to Venice with RVR, a modern izakaya: This LA Times review of the new Abbot Kinney eatery states "Lett’s trademark farmers-market focus that became hallmarks of his other Venice restaurants is now at RVR, but seen through a Japanese lens." 1305 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Details here.
Jeni’s Releases Ice Cream Holiday Collection: Flavors include Iced Molasses Gingerbread, Lemon Crinkle, White Chocolate Peppermint, and Pistachio Macaron.
++Further Afield++ West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval: The city of West Hollywood’s massive block-party style Halloween spectacle comes to a one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Blvd between Doheny Dr and La Cienega Blvd. Expect DJ sets, food trucks and thousands of attendees dressed in their costumed best. Free. Thursday, October 31, 6pm–11pm. More info here.
Looking Ahead: SaMo Pier Dia de los Muertos Celebration (11/1); Main St. Howl-o-ween Event (11/2); Ice at Santa Monica (11/9 - 1/20)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com
