SUB HEAD: SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Rosé on Rose Fest, Juneteenth Celebration, Annual Cardboard Yacht Regatta, and much more!
Welcoming the Summer: The Lyric Chorus of Santa Monica Emeritus College: Sing along with the Lyric Chorus as they celebrate summer with a performance of favorite Broadway tunes. The Chorus was founded over 50 years ago and is led by conductor Tom Gerhold. Thursday, June 12, 11a.m., Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4fa66temxm8gy5jg53j3y2k040/202506121100
Jason Momoa to Perform and Bartend at The Bungalow’s Night Market: Momoa, known for his roles in Aquaman and this year’s Minecraft Movie, will perform live with his band ÖOF TATATÁ. In addition to taking the stage, the actor will also be pouring drinks featuring Meili Vodka, the spirit brand he co-founded. Thursday, June 12, 5 - 11p.m., 101 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.instagram.com/thebungalowsm/
Family Pride: Pickle, the first Drag Laureate of the city of West Hollywood, returns to the Annenberg Beach House to host an interactive Drag Storytime that delightfully challenges restrictive gender stereotypes and encourages self-expression. Enjoy face painting, surprises, and the opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends. FREE. Friday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 415 PCH https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4bfpe4xgxeq5t7ka2vcgxttkd0/202506131000Rosé on Rose Fest: Celebrate National Rosé Day with the eclectic Venice vibe that Rose Ave. is known for with a progressive rosé crawl and street fest taking place from 1:00pm to 6:00pm inside, and on the patios of, Rose Ave. businesses with an official after-party from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.Saturday, June 14, Rose Ave. in Venice https://roseonrosefest.com/
13th Annual Cardboard Yacht Regatta: Two-person teams make waves racing colorful themed cardboard and duct tape yachts across the historic pool. Spectators can attend for free to cheer on the participants. Regatta participants must pre-register, and the fee is $20 per team. Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 PCH https://www.santamonica.gov/events/427td7jj25j63vtpaw6d5rgvwq/202506140900
33rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration: This year’s theme, “A Family Affair: Unifying, Healing, and Restoring,” pays homage to the enduring legacy of Black resilience and culture through an immersive day of music, spoken word, collective dialogue and joyful liberatory practices. Saturday, June 14, 2 - 7p.m., Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4gyr3v33q1zxsrntd0qfyhbh5s/202506141400
SaMo Library Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival: Enjoy summer treats, play carnival games, and watch Michael Rayner’s Found Object Juggling Show. June 14, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4twzhscqkm7n6xyqaktk3kbpcm/202506141030
Juniper Market: Enjoy a day of unique shopping finds and local vibes at Juniper Market! This pop-up event highlights and supports small businesses, offering a wide range of local products. Saturday, June 14, 10a.m. - 6p.m., Third Street Promenade, 1200 Block https://www.instagram.com/thejunipermarket/
Halls of Valor: Calling all heroes - Welcome toValhaala. From the frigid North to the Far East and well beyond, we invite you to witness amazing acts all night and to rejoice in your inner warrior. Saturday, Jun 14,, 9p.m., Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club, 1210 4th St. https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/amberlee-productions/halls-of-valor
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?
Rustic Canyon’s Farmers Market Dinner: Celebrate a 4-course meal from Chef Elijah Deleon highlighting produce from one of their closest partners, Flora Bella Farms. This will be a 20-person, family-style dinner served in their back garden patio. Saturday, June 14, 6:30p.m., 1119 Wilshire Blvd. https://resy.com/cities/los-angeles-ca/venues/rustic-canyon/events/flora-bella-garden-dinner-2025-06-14
Big Gay Bake Sale: The Regina Vannicola Real Estate Group is hosting their 3rd Annual Big Gay Bake Sale this Pride Month. Last year’s event raised over $4,000 for the Los Angeles LGBT Center. This year, the goal is $5,000. Come out for a sweet day of pride, treats, and community support. Saturday, June 14, 1333 Montana Ave. https://www.reginavannicola.com/big-gay-bake-sale
Father's Day at Sirena at the Georgian: The family style menu includes Deviled Eggs, Croissant French Toast Soufflé, Georgian Chopped Salad, Steak & Eggs, an Italian Benedict with Rosemary Ham, and a Hazelnut Paris Brest. $85. Sunday, June 15, 1415 Ocean Ave. https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/sirena-restaurant/events/fathers-day-brunch-2025-06-15
Wally's Father's Day: Saturday features $35 “Burger + Bourbon” with a glass of bourbon paired with their signature smashburger and an optional upgrade to add truffle fries for the ultimate pairing. Sunday features the “Steak and Caesar Box” with a variety of options. Saturday, June 14, 3- 5p.m., Wilshire Blvd. https://www.wallywine.com/events
Orla by Michael Mina Father’s Day: The newly opened Egyptian-Mediterranean restaurant at the Regent Santa Monica Beach is offering a two-course waterfront brunch that features tableside Old Fashioneds, curated whiskey pairings, live music, and a TaylorMade golf simulation experience. The menu includes entrées such as Baklava French Toast, Tomato-Ginger Glazed Salmon, and Dungeness Crab Benedict. $59 per person. Sunday, June 15, 11a.m. – 3p.m. https://www.instagram.com/orla_santamonica/
Papille Gustative Father's Day Brunch: They are offering "Meat the Parents", a special Meat offering featuring a New Zealand lamb chops & New York steak combo available Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15, 2823 Main St. https://papillegustativela.com/
LouLou’s Father’s Day Brunch: They are spinning out DJs and live performances for Father's Day, starting at 11:30a.m. with a special buffet along with prime rib roast at $85 per adult and $45 for children. Sunday, June 15, 395 Santa Monica Place https://www.loulousantamonica.com/events
Dads Get a FREE Scoop at Rori's Creamery for Father's Day: They're scoopin' up some love for dads on Father's Day! Dads can enjoy a FREE scoop of Rori's at any location on Sunday, June 15, 910 Montana Ave.
Father’s Day at SALT: Brunch, Dinner & Dodgers Tickets: Celebrate Father’s Day with brunch or dinner at SALT at the Marina del Rey Hotel and enter the chance to win two tickets to the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres game on Sunday, August 10th. Sunday, June 15, 13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?restref=156871
Smoked Room Collaboration Dinner at Citrin and Mélisse: Chef Dani García of Madrid’s 3 Michelin-starred Smoked Room will be joining Chef Josiah Citrin for two nights. Known for his bold, contemporary approach to Andalusian cuisine, Chef García will join forces with Citrin’s refined California style. Together the two will create vibrant multi-course tasting menus that celebrate the soul of Spain with a modern twist. June 16 & 17 https://www.citrinandmelisse.com
The Dinner Table x Sushi Roku for International Sushi Day: Guests will enjoy a curated 3-course dinner, with seat swaps between each course to meet someone new. It's a fun way to meet new people in LA while enjoying great sushi and drinks together, event details below. The Dinner Table is a social dining community that hosts events throughout various cities (including LA), to bring strangers together to connect and meet over a shared meal. $90. Wednesday, June 18, 7 - 10p.m., 1401 Ocean Ave. https://lu.ma/DinnerTableSushiRoku
A Night of Tequila with Luna Nueva & Chelsea: Enjoy an evening under the stars as Chelsea partners with award-winning Luna Nueva Tequila for an exclusive multi-course dinner celebrating bold flavors and exceptional spirits. Thursday, June 19th at 7p.m., 2460 Wilshire Blvd. https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/chelsea/events/a-night-of-tequila-with-luna-nueva-2025-06-19
Further Afield:The Getty’s free sunset concert series is back for the summer: Each performance starts at 7:30p.m. and will be preceded by a DJ set at 6p.m. Listening to free live music while watching the sun set over the L.A. skyline in one of the city’s most beautiful venues. https://www.getty.edu/whats-on/off-the-405/
Looking Ahead: Main St. Summer Soulstice Festival (6/21); The Venice Fest (6/21); SaMo Pride (6/21); Make Music Day (6/21); SaMo Chamber of Commerce "Toast to 100 Years" (6/26); Eeeeeatscon (6/28-29); 'Pier 360' Beach Festival (6/28-29); Main St. 4th of July Parade (7/4)
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: Father’s Day Activities & Festivals!