Happenings

UPCOMING programming & EXPERIENCES


 

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY | 10AM SUNSET TOURS | MONDAY | 6PM

A Walk Through Pier History: Walking Tour

Join us for an immersive experience, as we journey through the historical landmarks that have shaped this beloved destination.

APRIL 4 - OCTOBER 17 | SATURDAYS | 8-10AM

Wellness & Waves

It’s time to get those legs running and muscles stretched with the return of Wellness & Waves! Enjoy an easy-breezy group run from 8-9am and finish off your morning workout with yoga or pilates from 9-10am overlooking the beautiful ocean!

 

September 19, 2026

A PIERfect Benefit

Step aboard. This September, the legendary S.S. Rex returns — the infamous 1930s gambling ship that once anchored just off the pier, recreated inside the historic Merry-Go-Round building for the second annual benefit gala.

Funds raised support the Pier's free community programming as a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

THIRD THURSDAYS | SEPTEMBER - MAY |

Locals’ Night

Every Third Thursday from September to May, the Pier comes alive with a free community night packed with fun. Think local DJs, live music, art, kids activities, a classic car show, and plenty of good vibes. Experience Santa Monica like a local with this party on the Pier!

 

FALL 2026 & SPRING 2027

Youth Day

Youth Day is how the Pier Corp. gives back! We bring underserved kids from across LA County to the Santa Monica Pier for a day of free rides, games, and for many their very first look at the ocean.

LAST THURSDAYS | 6-7 PM

A Talk Through Pier History

A free, one-hour storytelling session held every last Thursday, featuring untold stories, memorable moments, and a lively Q&A about the Santa Monica Pier.

Secure your spot today!

 

NOVEMBER 1, 2026

Dia de los Muertos

Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Pier on November 1 with vibrant art installations, live performances, and community altars. Enjoy mariachi, ballet folklorico, and a colorful procession honoring loved ones.

DECEMBER 2026

Holiday Cheer on the Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is bringing the holiday cheer this year with a month of programming sure to bring a smile to everyone in the family.


 

DECEMBER 1, 2026

Giving Tuesday

This #GivingTuesday, we’re rallying our community to help keep the Santa Monica Pier free, fun, and full of life! As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Santa Monica Pier Corporation is dedicated to preserving this beloved landmark. The Pier is more than just a destination—it’s a place where memories are made, where community thrives, and where history comes alive every single day.

FEBRUARY 2027

Month of Love

The Pier is for first-loves, best friends, "I Do's" and millions of memories, and these moments are what give the Pier its sense of magic. To celebrate Valentine’s Day and the Month of Love, we’re compiling these stories and sharing them on our website and social media pages. These stories will be available to view throughout the Month of Love, but we can’t do it without you!

 

APRIL 2027

Save the Pier! Play

Travel back to the 1970s and experience the true story of how a group of passionate locals banded together to save the Santa Monica Pier. This free live reenactment brings the drama, determination, and community spirit of the era to life, when the City Council had plans to tear the Pier down. From rallies to city meetings to one unforgettable grassroots movement, Save the Pier! Play tells the tale of how the Pier was saved and became the icon it is today.

JUNE 2027

Fabulous Fables

Bring the kids to a fun-filled celebration at the Santa Monica Pier’s Merry-Go-Round building, in partnership with The Crow, featuring drag queen storytelling, face painting, show-stopping dance performances, and a pride parade for everyone to join—all for FREE!

 

JUNE 2027

Pier 360

Dive into summer fun at Pier 360, a one-of-a-kind beach festival celebrating Santa Monica's iconic Pier with thrilling beach and ocean and beach sports, live music, festival freebies, local food vendors, and free fun for everyone!

 
 

Volunteer at the Pier

Looking for volunteer hours, a way to give back to the Santa Monica community, or hands-on event experience at one of the world's most iconic destinations? We've got a spot for you. Get behind the scenes of our self-produced events: sign up for one, or all of them.

 

hosted at the pier


 

Photo: Redbull

Redbull | 600 KM Ultra Marathon

Ebony Beach Club DJ

Photo: Zay Monae

Ebony Beach Club | Juneteenth on the Pier

Photo: LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy | Michelob Ultra Pitchside Club

Photo: Aussie Xmas

Aussie Xmas | Christmas in the Summer

Photo: NIKE

NIKE | The Energy Run

 

Photo: Raw Cuts

Raw Cuts | Rafael B2B Brunello

 

Photo: Pacific Park

madhappy | mad happy & friends

In collaboration with Pacific Park

Photo: Leo Erickson

Dancy Worldwide x Starbucks | The Pit Stop

Thrasher x Nike SB event photo

Photo: Jose Soberseas

Thrasher Magazine x Nike SB | Bust or Bail: Santa Monica Slamma

RASA DJ

Photo: RASA

RASA | Pier Play

SLS Event photo

Photo: SLS

Street League Skateboarding (SLS) | Santa Monica Takeover

Netflix event photo

Photo: Santa Monica Pier Corp.

Netflix Reality Universe | Summer Break

 
Kooza members on stage

Photo: Cirque du Soleil

KOOZA | Cirque Du Soleil

dandy starbucks

butterfly brawl

Yoga event photo

Photo: City Shred

MOVE Santa Monica | by City Shred

Classic Cars

Photo: Santa Monica Pier Corp.

PYFC Car Show | Annual Classic Car Show

 

PAST pier-programming


 

Route 66 Centennial Events | June

 

OUR PIER: Moments from a Century at the Santa Monica Pier

 

Santa Monica Pier’s 115th Birthday Celebration | Sept. 6, 2024