SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Annual Americana Festival, Multiple Restaurant Openings, and much more!
Heal the Bay's Bring Back the Beach Gala: Since 1985, Heal the Bay has been at the forefront of protecting our local coastlines through bold advocacy, science, and community action. In the wake of the recent wildfires, it's more important than ever to support Heal the Bay's coastal cleanup efforts. Tickets include a curated menu, creative cocktails, a bioluminescent ball, silent auctions, networking, and more. Thursday, Sept. 11, 5:30pm, Jonathan Club, 850 Palisades Beach Rd. https://healthebay.org/event/bring-back-the-beach-gala-2025/
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/
Sustainable Landscape Expo: Check out the new growing space, located next to the Miles Memorial Playhouse. The garden will be serving as a demonstration garden for implementing low water systems for Pollinator Friendly Plantings as well as Edible Crops. City Staff will be onsite to discuss a variety of topics. Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. - 12p.m. Reed Park Community Garden, 1133 7th St. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/48vkh5szxxqky2prxfbcrfnf4k/202509130900
Country Night at The Venice West: Grab your cowboy boots for a one-night-only honky-tonk dance party featuring a high-energy YEEDM DJ set, line dancing instruction, and classic country beats—no partner required for this western-style soirée by the beach. Saturday, Sep 13 at 10:30p.m., 1717 Lincoln Blvd.
Cinema Sundays at Sunset on the Promenade: Jumanji: This summer, Third Street Promenade transforms into Santa Monica's most charming outdoor movie theater every weekend. Sunday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m., in front of the Apple Store, 1415 3rd Street Promenade https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cinema-sundays-at-sunset-tickets-1588204385069
Flow & Flight - A Movement Class & Wine Tasting Experience:Join AJA Vineyards & Inspired Method for a fitness & wine event! Start with a movement & breath work class followed by wine tasting at AJA.Sunday, Sept. 14, 1 - 4p.m., 1417 2nd St. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flow-flight-a-movement-class-wine-tasting-experience-tickets-1467365944039
Annual Americana Festival in the Park: This musical afternoon celebrates Americana music from traditional roots, blues, jazz and folk to its modern forms. Pack a picnic, bring blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy an evening of family-friendly entertainment. Local food trucks will be on hand, along with kid-friendly activities, and more. Sunday, Sept. 14, 1:30 to 6:30p.m., Gandara Park, 1819 Stewart St. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4x3fvhnfqw5zn029x2ntt212x5/202509141330
Pacific Park Opens New Haunted Funhouse: The 2,800-square-foot haunted attraction honors Santa Monica's amusement history, inspired by the legendary "Toonerville Funhouse" that appeared at Ocean Park Pier in the 1920s and later at Pacific Ocean Park in 1958. Visitors will wander through nine mysterious rooms designed to disorient, amuse and entertain with optical illusions, tricky layouts and unexpected surprises. The attraction features a coin-operated Fortuneteller who lures guests into a labyrinth of curiosities, where they may end up in Sprinkles the Clown's ice cream truck freezer. https://pacpark.com/new-funhouse-at-pacific-park/
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?
Wally's Tasting Series -New World vs Old World Reds: Explore ripe fruit, bold spice in New World reds, and dive into earthy depth and finesse of Old World classics. Saturday, Sept. 13, 3p.m., 214 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1020850&restref=1020850&experienceId=511116
Hermanito Opens in Downtown SaMo: The LA-based Mexican bar and restaurant known for its inventive fusion of Mexican and Japanese flavors has officially opened its doors in a stylish new location bringing house-made Sonoran-style tortillas, playful mezcal-forward cocktails and a cozy community atmosphere to the neighborhood. https://www.instagram.com/hermanitosawtelle/
Florence Osteria Pizza e Vino Opens in Downtown SaMo: Florence's WeHo piano bar is expanding with a pizza and wine-focused second location by the beach! 🍷🍕Expect Italian food featuring an extensive wine program and an intimate atmosphere. 413 Santa Monica Blvd. https://smdp.com/lifestyle/food/florence-osteria-pizza-e-vino-opens-in-santa-monica/
Jade Rabbit Now Open: The third venture from the chef behind Cassia and Spice Table is back with a fast casual Chinese restaurant that they're calling a cross between Panda Express and Cava, which obviously means I need to try it ASAP! 2301 Santa Monica Blvd.
Tartine Important Life Update: Tartine is now serving pizza dinner! 🍕 1925 Arizona Ave.
Further Afield: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival: The two-night event features 46 restaurants alongside wineries, craft breweries, premier spirits, curated non-alcoholic beverages, and live entertainment. I will be there Friday night wearing my elastic waistband pants for it! 🤣 Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 12 & 13 https://www.manhattanbeachfoodandwine.com/
Bonus Further Afield: Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Finale: The band Chicago closes out the 2025 Bowl season with back-to-back-to-back night of fireworks and memorable music. Friday to Sunday, Sept. 12-14 https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/3637/2025-09-13/fireworks-finale-chicago
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); Tech St. Santa Monica (10/13); 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: Annual Americana Festival, Multiple Restaurant Opening