10 Must-Attend September Events in Santa Monica
September is a fantastic time to enjoy the beautiful weather and vibrant community of Santa Monica. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there’s plenty happening to keep you entertained. Here’s a roundup of the top 10 most popular events in Santa Monica this September:
1. Twilight on the Pier
- Date: September (check local listings for exact dates)
- Location: Santa Monica Pier
- Description: Twilight on the Pier is an iconic music series that brings live bands to the Santa Monica Pier every year. You can expect a diverse lineup of musicians performing rock, reggae, indie, and more. The backdrop of the ocean and sunset creates a magical atmosphere for an evening of great tunes.
- Why Attend: Free live music with the best view in town!
2. COAST Open Streets Festival
- Date: September 15, 2024
- Location: Downtown Santa Monica
- Description: COAST transforms the streets of downtown Santa Monica into a pedestrian-friendly zone, celebrating sustainable transportation. Expect live performances, art installations, food vendors, and activities for the whole family.
- Why Attend: A unique way to explore the city without cars while enjoying live music and local culture.
3. Santa Monica Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Date: Every Saturday in September
- Location: Downtown Santa Monica
- Description: The Santa Monica Farmers Market is one of the largest and most renowned in California. Shop for fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, and enjoy live music and cooking demos.
- Why Attend: A perfect morning activity to support local farmers and discover seasonal produce.
4. Jazz on the Lawn
- Date: Throughout September
- Location: Stewart Street Park
- Description: This family-friendly outdoor concert series features local jazz bands performing a variety of styles. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, or enjoy food trucks while you listen.
- Why Attend: Free outdoor jazz concerts in a laid-back, relaxing setting.
5. Street Food Cinema
- Date: September 21, 2024
- Location: Will Rogers State Historic Park
- Description: Street Food Cinema combines outdoor movie screenings with live music and gourmet food trucks. This September, enjoy cult classics under the stars with delicious eats.
- Why Attend: A fun twist on movie night with food trucks and live entertainment.
6. ArtWalk Santa Monica
- Date: September 14, 2024
- Location: Bergamot Station Arts Center
- Description: Explore galleries at the Bergamot Station Arts Center during this monthly ArtWalk event. Meet artists, discover new works, and enjoy live art installations.
- Why Attend: Perfect for art lovers wanting to dive into Santa Monica’s vibrant creative scene.
7. Main Street Summer Soulstice
- Date: September 7, 2024
- Location: Main Street, Santa Monica
- Description: Summer Soulstice is a street festival packed with live music, food vendors, and local artisan booths. Dance to live bands while enjoying the summer vibes that carry into September.
- Why Attend: One of the best street festivals in town, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of fun activities.
8. Roll @ Santa Monica
- Date: All month long
- Location: 1324 5th Street
- Description: Roll @ Santa Monica is an outdoor roller-skating rink that brings nostalgic fun to downtown. It's perfect for families, friends, or date nights, with themed skate nights and live DJ sets.
- Why Attend: A fun way to stay active and enjoy Santa Monica's beautiful weather.
9. Endless Summer C.A.M.P.
- Date: Early September
- Location: Tongva Park
- Description: Endless Summer C.A.M.P. (Community | Art | Music | Picnic) is a family-friendly event featuring art workshops, live music, and interactive installations. This event is a great way to connect with the community and enjoy creative outdoor fun.
- Why Attend: A perfect mix of art, music, and picnic vibes for the whole family.
10. Fiesta La Ballona
- Date: September 1-3, 2024
- Location: Veterans Park, Culver City (nearby Santa Monica)
- Description: Fiesta La Ballona is a lively festival celebrating the cultural heritage of the region. The event features live performances, carnival rides, and booths showcasing food and crafts from around the world.
- Why Attend: Just a short drive from Santa Monica, this festival is a family-friendly event with cultural performances and a carnival atmosphere.
Why You Should Attend These Events
September in Santa Monica is a time of celebration, music, art, and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking to enjoy live performances, explore local culture, or simply bask in the beachside beauty, these events offer something for everyone. From the laid-back vibes of Jazz on the Lawn to the high-energy excitement of the COAST Open Streets Festival, you'll find plenty of ways to make the most of your September weekends in Santa Monica.
