SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes the Annual Main St. 4th of July Parade, Marina del Rey Fireworks, “Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach” Competition, Gladstones Reopening, and much more!
Annual Main St. 4th of July Parade: The parade kicks off at 9:30am at Pico and Main St., traveling South toward the Venice border. You can watch the parade anywhere along the Main St. route that includes classic cars, community organizations, city leaders, and more. The official parade grandstand will be located in front of the Ocean Park Library at the corner of Ocean Park and Main St. The first 200 kids visiting the SaMo Travel and Tourism Visitor Information Center at 2427 Main Street will get a free goodie bag with an art kit, coloring sheet and Santa Monica treats. Multiple Main St. shops will be open in support of the community, including Rabano, Edgemar, Papille Gustative, Dolcenero Gelato, and Junior Cookies…please show them your support in return that day! https://www.santamonicaparade.com/
Marina del Rey July 4 Fireworks: Enjoy a 20-minute spectacle of fireworks lighting up the night sky above the water. The various official vantage points include Marina del Rey, Venice Beach Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach. 9 - 9:20p.m. https://beaches.lacounty.gov/4thofjuly/
“Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach” Competition: For decades competitors have traveled from all over the world to compete at the historic Muscle Beach Competitions. These events are highlighted by a warm friendly local atmosphere while providing quality competition. Free for spectators. Friday, July 4, 1:00p.m. @ 1800 Ocean Front Walk http://www.musclebeachvenice.com/
Palisades Will Rogers 5K Moves to Venice Beach: Proceeds from this year’s race will help fund the rebuilding of the community center, a longstanding gathering place for local residents. Now in its 47th year, it will be held Friday, July 4, beginning at 7 a.m. with the 5K Run/Walk starting and ending at the Venice Beach Recreation Center. The Kids’ Fun Run will follow at 8:30 a.m. A special 5K team competition for high school students, the Dick Lemen Run, will also be held. www.palisades4th.com
Downtown Culver City Independence Celebration: This all ages event is free to the public and begins with live music on Town Plaza followed by the first ever aerial drone light show in Culver City to celebrate Independence Day. Saturday, July 5 @ 6 - 9:30p.m., 9300 Culver Blvd. https://downtownculvercity.com/event/downtown-culver-city-independence-celebration-2/
California Heritage Museum Unveils Rare Disney Animation Art Exhibition Featuring Over 100 Original Works: Enjoy behind-the-scenes look at beloved Disney classics and weekly film screenings. Now through November 2. 2612 Main St. californiaheritagemuseum.org
Pickle n Tequila x Sushi Roku Off the Court Happy Hour: The Pickleball social club, Pickle n Tequila, is hosting a community happy hour with a menu available exclusively to attendees with a complimentary cocktail. Wednesday, July 9, 6-8p.m., Sushi Roku, 1401 Ocean Ave. More details here.
ONGOING: “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; LiteBrite Experience; Penmar Sunset Sessions (through 7/18); Night Market at The Bungalow (through 8/28); Wellness & Waves (through 10/11)
What to Eat & Drink?
Bikini Nights at Bar Xuntos: This is inspired by the iconic Bikini Club in Barcelona, birthplace of the famous Bikini Sandwich & the “it” club for live music & good times for generations of Barcelonians since its opening in the 1950’s. Chef Sandra loves putting new spins on the Bikini Sandwich on the menu at Xuntos, & this night will showcase these itsy-bitsy melty toasties paired with premium Barcelona beer from Estrella Damm & live music. Bikinis & beers, $6/each.Thursday, July 3, 5 - 9p.m., 516 Santa Monica Blvd. https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?experienceId=503158&restref=1316665&rid=1316665
A Star-Spangled Spread at Sirena & The Georgian: Beginning on Friday and running throughout the 4th of July weekend, enjoy a nostalgic tribute to summer cookouts with an elevated twist. Menu items include Elote Street Corn Nachos, Watermelon Cucumber Salad, Spicy Chicken Wings, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Mac & Cheese, Bacon & Beer Baked Beans, and sweet Corn Bread. Drinks have a red, white, or blue theme as well with a Red watermelon vodka lemonade, a White cream of coconut mojito, or a Blue-berry orange margarita. https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/sirena-restaurant/events/fourth-of-july-at-the-georgian-2025-07-04
Chelsea Restaurant 4th of July Weekend Happy Hour All Weekend: They are closed on the 4th, but offering "All Night Happy Hour" at the bar, Thursday, July 3, Saturday, July 5 & Sunday, July 6. 2460 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.chelseasm.com/happy-hour
Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest: About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. Friday, July 5, starting at 5p.m. https://www.abbotkinneyblvd.com/
Gnocchi + Wine Night at AJA Vineyards: Learn how to make Gnocchi from Private Chef Joanna Barajas, while enjoying cheese, charcuterie, and 2 glasses of wine per ticket. $125. Sunday, July 6, 4 - 8p.m., 1417 2nd St. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gnocchi-wine-night-tickets-1409361039809
Sushi & Sake Wine Class at Divine Vintage: Embark on a journey with sake expert Kerry-San to delve into the history, production process, and the diverse styles of sake alongside a curated selection of sushi and sashimi. $95. Wednesday July 9, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., 1025 Montana Ave. https://www.divinevintage.com/products/sushi-sake-wine-class
New Tacos Por Favor Opens on Lincoln Blvd.: The old Cock & Bull at 2947 Lincoln Blvd. has been transformed into a beautiful space! Mayor Negrete posted this fun video tour on FB. She is also hosting a Margaritas & Mocktails on August 2 to celebrate their opening.
Gladstones Set to Reopen After Palisades Fire:Just in time for the 4th of July holiday, the Los Angeles community can once again return to the Malibu coastline to relax, reconnect, and feast on their favorite iconic dishes - because the legendary restaurant Gladstones is back. Gladstones will reopen its public deck on July 4, marking a new chapter in the community’s recovery from the devastating Palisades fires. Also, to thank the community, Gladstones will also be offering 50% off food and drinks throughout the month of July to Malibu and Palisades residents, as well as first responders.
Looking Ahead: Summer Venice Beach Run (7/19); National Night Out (8/5); Festival of Chariots (8/3); Thai Fest by the Beach (9/20-21); Abbot Kinney Festival (9/28); Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (10/18)
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: 4th of July Weekend Events.