SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Bergamot Station Open House, Red Bull Origin Venice Beach Open, New Orleans popup and Rustic Canyon, Ina Bakes Pop-Up Bake Sale, and much more!
Red Bull Origin Venice Beach Open: The event will feature top skateboarders from around the world competing on recreations of iconic Southern California skate spots honoring skateboarding’s roots and future. Friday - Sunday, Sept. 5 - 7 https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-origin
Bergamot Station Fall Open House & Guided Art Tours: Expect a variety of gallery exhibitions, artist talks & exhibitions, food & entertainment (including standup comedy), and kids' activities.Curator Hannah Sloan will lead walkthroughs for those who RSVP to hannah@hannahsloan.com. Saturday, Sept 6, 2525 Michigan Ave. https://bergamotstation.com/bergamot-open-25
Gather & Grow: The Stage Speaks: This biweekly series at Christine Emerson Reed Park invites families to enjoy hands-on artmaking, live music and interactive performances. Saturday, Sept. 6, 4p.m., 1130 Lincoln Blvd. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-stage-speaks-tickets-1475293666069
A PIERfect Benefit: Celebrate the Pier’s 116th birthday sipping cocktails, savoring tasty bites, and enjoying great entertainment by the sea. Saturday, Sept. 6, 3:30 - 7:30p.m. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a-pierfect-benefit
Cinema Sundays at Sunset on the Promenade: Lady & the Tramp: This summer, Third Street Promenade transforms into Santa Monica's most charming outdoor movie theater every weekend. Sunday, Sept. 7, 6 p.m., in front of the Apple Store, 1415 3rd Street Promenade https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cinema-sundays-at-sunset-tickets-1588204385069
Santa Monica Classic: With a 5K, 10K, and Kids Run Presented by Circle K, the Santa Monica Classic is the perfect end of summer race for runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages and abilities. Sunday, Sept. 7 https://www.mccourtfoundation.org/event/santa-monica-classic/
Creative Recess: Come for the drinks, stay for the clay, leave with something made by your own two hands. Make a mini clay creation, like a set of dice or a matchbox when Cera Sera Studio will be joined by Le Chill Wines and Culture Pop Soda at Union in Venice. Sunday, September 7 5p.m., 300 Westminster Ave, Venice https://luma.com/h4ql7lbx
Live Talks: Debbie Gibson with Wil Wheaton: Debbie Gibson reflects on the lessons she learned in her years as a young pop pioneer and on her hard-earned journey to embrace her authentic self, allowing her to lead the healthy, engaged—and electric!—life she does today. Thursday, Sept. 11, 8p.m., New Roads School 3131 Olympic Blvd. https://livetalksla.org/events/debbie-gibson/
ONGOING: “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; LiteBrite Experience; Wellness & Waves (through 10/11); Weekly Western Wednesday Line Dancing (through 10/29); Penmar Sunset Sessions (through 10/31)
What to Eat & Drink?
Rustic Canyon Welcomes Top New Orleans Chefs to LA: Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica is teaming up with top New Orleans talent for their dinner series spotlighting the Crescent City’s bold flavors and warm hospitality. The series wraps this week with cocktails and dishes from Jewel of the South—named #24 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Thursday, Sept. 4., 1219 Wilshire Blvd. https://resy.com/cities/los-angeles-ca/venues/rustic-canyon?seats=2&date=2025-08-25
Wicks & Wine at AJA Vineyards: Make a fabulous candle from soy and coconut wax & essential oils and recycled wine bottles. Enjoy a couple glasses of AJA wine too! A great night to hang with the gals or pals or loved ones! Sept. 4, 6p.m., 1417 2nd St. https://ajavineyards.com/event/wicks-and-wine/
Papille Gustative Post Post Burning Main Party: Enjoy a night of deep beats and chill disco vibes with DJ GodGiven on the patio with designer tacos, Dubai choco pancakes, and beer-wine. Don't miss out on this epic event. Saturday, Sept. 6,6:30 - 11p.m. 2823 Main St. https://www.instagram.com/papillegustativela
Ina Bakes Pop-Up Bake Sale at the Studio: Two Santa Monica moms turned their passion for beautiful desserts into Ina Bakes—a bakery known for its custom cakes and treats. The pop-up will feature signature sweets and seasonal pastries. Pre-order available on the website. I personally LOVE their baking…even if my wasteline doesn’t. 🤣 Sunday, Sept. 7, 8:30a.m. - 12p.m., 535 Rose Ave., Venice www.inabakes.com/store
Jade Rabbit Fast-Casual Launch Soft Open: Chef Bryant Ng (formerly of Cassia) is launching Jade Rabbit, a neon-lit, cafeteria-style Chinese American combo-plate spot. Expect playful takes on orange chicken with mango, steamed salmon, beef & broccoli, plus vegan options—priced between $12–$20. Opening week launch events may include special crowds or menus. 2301 Santa Monica Blvd. https://la.eater.com/restaurant-openings/291967/jade-rabbit-chinese-american-restaurant-opening-santa-monica
Mr. Charlie’s Plant-Based Burgers Now Open: A cult-favorite “vegan McDonald’s” brings its cheekily named Not a Hamburger, Not Cheeseburger, Not Chicken Nuggets, Frowny Fries, breakfast Mr. Muffins, and plant-based ice cream to the Westside. Their focus is on creating a fun, new dining destination for meat-free comfort food. 262 26th St. https://la.eater.com/restaurant-openings/291746/mr-charlies-vegan-hamburger-restaurant-opening-westside
Further Afield: Malibu Food & Wine Festival: The inaugural event unfolds over three days at the picturesque Saddlerock Ranch and invites guests to indulge in elevated tastings, immersive dining, and curated activations featuring celebrity chefs, acclaimed vintners, and local culinary talents along California’s iconic coastline. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu’s ongoing recovery and enrichment programs. Friday - Sunday, Sept. 5-7, 32111 Mulholland Highway malibufoodandwine.com
Looking Ahead: Thai Fest by the Beach (9/20-21); The Other Art Fair (9/25-28); Oktoberfest on the Promenade (9/27); Montana Ave. Art Walk (9/27); Abbot Kinney Festival (9/28); Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (10/18); OTH Santa Monica Seafood Festival (10/19)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, you can reach out directly to me at sean@smdp.com. Here are my past columns and let me know if you have any feedback on Around Town: Bergamot Station Open House, Red Bull Origin Venice Beach Open, & More