Special Events & Other Venues
18th Street Arts Complex Open House
1639 18th Street
Every October this internationally renowned arts center opens its doors to the neighborhood. Guests are invited to participate in guided tours of the complex where you can meet the many exciting and prestigious artists in residence. Workshops for children and adults range in topics from cartooning to stage lighting and performances featuring music, dance and spoken word take place throughout the day
310.453.3711
Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Avenue
This open air complex hosts more than 35 galleries, bookstores, and other arts-related businesses, including the Santa Monica Museum of Art.
310.453.7535
Cirque du Soleil
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A
This wondrous Quebec based circus regularly comes to the Santa Monica Pier with some of the most amazing acrobats, trapeze artists, contortionists, and clowns mixed with live music.
514.522.2324
L. A. International Biennial Invitational
Noted artists from around the world are invited to exhibit their work at professional galleries throughout Santa Monica and Venice. Sponsored by the Santa Monica/Venice Art Dealers Association, this event takes place every other year.
310.392.8399
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main Street
Throughout the year, a wealth of concerts and special events takes place at the Civic Auditorium including the Contemporary Crafts Market, the Santa Monica Antique Show, the Los Angeles Modernism Show, Santa Monica Symphony performances, and the Los Angeles Tribal and Folk Arts Show.
310.458.8551
Santa Monica Historical Society Museum
1539 Euclid
Founded by the City's Centennial Committee in 1975 to collect and preserve the art, history, and culture of Santa Monica, the Museum hosts annual open houses in February to spotlight Black History Month and in May to honor Cinco de Mayo. In July, an open house and picnic celebrate Santa Monica's founding.
310.395.2290
Santa Monica Festival
Clover Park
2600 Ocean Park Boulevard
This multi-cultural performing arts festival is presented free to the public every spring by the City's Cultural Affairs Division. Some of Southern California's most exciting and respected performing artists honor the many cultures which have contributed to both contemporary and historical Santa Monica. Along with top rate performers, the Festival offers workshops teaching dance, drumming, crafts, and other artistic disciplines, a vast array of arts and crafts vendors, and a diverse assortment of foods from around the globe.
310.458.8350
Twilight Dance Series
Every Thursday night in July and August, the Santa Monica Pier comes alive with a series of free live concerts featuring jazz, rock and world music. Past performers include Tito Puente, Pancho Sanchez, Bo Diddley, Queen Ida, Jack Mack and the Heart Attack, and the Young Dubliners.
310.458.8900
Virginia Avenue Park
2200 Virginia Avenue
This neighborhood park lies in the heart of Santa Monica's most culturally diverse neighborhood. Over the course of the year many multi-cultural events take place on its grounds including Juneteenth; a celebration of African American freedom Cinco de Mayo, and others.
310.458.8707
Santa Monica Fine Arts and Crafts Fair
Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
501 Colorado Avenue
This bi-annual arts and crafts fair is sponsored by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and takes place on the Third Street Promenade in April and September.
310.393.9825