SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes National Night Out, Festival of Chariots, Dine LA Restaurant Week, and much more!
Community Picnic at Annenberg Community Beach House: Whether you’re joining their epic tug-of-war on the sand, making crafts in the courtyard, or playing giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, or boardgames with new friends, this event is all about being together and enjoying summer evening vibes with your community. Bring your picnic dinner, grab your friends and family—or come solo—and jump into the fun. Thursday, July 31, 5 - 8p.m., 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-picnic-tickets-1432321455029
Thursday No Swipe Singles Night at Massilia: This isn’t speed dating. It’s an elevated evening of good drinks, small group conversations, guided connection & maybe even a spark. Whether you're here to flirt, find new friends or meet someone with long-term potential, this event is designed to make meeting people feel natural & fun! Expect happy hour vibes, guided icebreakers, discovery challenges & a “match card” moment at the end. FREE. Thursday, July 31, 6:30pm–9pm, 1445 4th St. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/no-swipe-singles-night-tickets-1497652983389
Hammer Summer Concerts: Enjoy free live concerts in their courtyard with happy hour offers, late gallery hours, art-making, and more. Doors open every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and performances start at 7:30 p.m. Cocktails and food available for purchase all night. https://hammer.ucla.edu/programs-events/2025/very-be-careful-healing-gems-and-dj-eleanora
The Festival of Chariots Celebrates Ancient Indian Tradition: Dancers in colorful clothing, music, a multicourse feast, 40-foot tall hand-drawn floats — The Festival of Chariots will be an explosion of culture and celebration. Sunday, Aug. 3, 10a.m. Parade begins at 1855 Main St. and the festival takes place at 1530 Ocean Front Walk. https://www.larathayatra.com/parade
Gather & Grow: Rooted Together - Healing in Nature: This biweekly series at Christine Emerson Reed Park invites families to enjoy hands-on artmaking, live music and interactive performances. Saturday, Aug. 2, 4p.m., 1130 Lincoln Blvd. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooted-together-healing-in-nature-tickets-1475249764759
National Night Out: The annual community-building event promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Expect FREE music, food, and activities for all ages. SMPD will showcase their various police vehicles and equipment and invite the community to meet police personnel (human and 4-legged alike).The parking structure at Olympic & 4th St. is free that night and Big Blue Bus will be providing free bus rides all night when you mention National Night Out. Tuesday, August 5, 5:30 - 8:30p.m. @ City Hall, 1685 Main St. https://www.facebook.com/events/1242665397181819/
David Bowie Art Exhibit at Santa Monica Art Museum: Step into the orbit of one of music’s most iconic figures. This intimate photographic exhibition explores David Bowie’s essence and artistic energy through rare images, featuring moments captured by Christine de Grancy during Bowie’s time with Brian Eno and the artists of Gugging. A tribute to imagination, rebellion, and reinvention. Now - August 31, 1219 Third Street Promenade https://www.santamonicaartmuseum.com/exhibitions
ONGOING: “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; LiteBrite Experience; Night Market at The Bungalow (through 8/28); Wellness & Waves (through 10/11); Penmar Sunset Sessions (through 10/31)
What to Eat & Drink?
Dine LA Restaurant Week(s) Continues through Aug 8: 47 SaMo eateries are participating, including: BOA, Citrin, Edgemar, Fia, Fitoor, Luke’s Lobster, Lunetta, Orla by Michael Mina, and Sushi Roku. https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/dinela
LA x LA - A Taste of New Orleans at Rustic Canyon: Enjoy some Southern soul inspired by their General Manager Lorenzo’s roots in both cities. Expect guest appearances from standout chefs like Mike Stoltzfus of @coquette_nola, Mike Gulotta of @tanaitalian, and Adolfo Garcia Jr. of @eatchichis, and more all cooking alongside Chef Elijah and sharing soulful, tradition-rich dishes that connect two coastlines through food and community. Thursday, July 31, 6:30p.m., 1119 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.instagram.com/rusticcanyon/
Paella + Albariño Night at Divine Vintage: Celebrate National Albariño Day with a special Paella Night where you can enjoy a hearty plate of paella with mussels, chicken sausage, calamari, and shrimp—plus a fresh arugula side salad and a glass of crisp Albariño. $45. Friday, Aug. 1, 1025 Montana Ave. https://www.divinevintage.com/products/paella-friday
Andrew's Grilled Cheese and Wine Trivia Night: Join a fun twist on their classic grilled cheese night. For this pop up dinner, they'll be pairing their decadent open-faced grilled cheeses with unique and interesting wines. Plus, they're adding trivia to the mix. Friday, August 1, 7p.m., 728 Montana Ave. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/andrews-grilled-cheese-and-wine-trivia-night-tickets-1486311460589
Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest: About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. Friday, Aug. 1, starting at 5p.m. https://www.abbotkinneyblvd.com/
Margaritas & Mocktails with the Mayor at New Tacos Por Favor: The old Cock & Bull at 2947 Lincoln Blvd. has been transformed into a beautiful space! Join Mayor Negrete to celebrate their opening. August 2, 4 - 7p.m. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLYXZCkBUjz/
H&H Bagels Partners with Hamilton for Exclusive Menu Items to Celebrate the 10 Year Anniversary: H&H will be offering two, limited time specials worthy of a cabinet meeting: Hamilton’s Revolutionary Lemon Poppyseed Cream Cheese & The Taylor Hamilton Egg & Cheese with Taylor Ham and hot honey on any bagel. Now through Aug 17, 710 Montana Ave.
2025 Michelin Guide to Santa Monica: At the recent 2025 Michelin Guide California Ceremony, Chef Josiah Citrin maintained his three-star status with the Two Michelin Starred Mélisse and One Michelin Starred Citrin making the list for another year. Santa Monica is home of two Bib Gourmand eateries, Cobi’s and Colapasta, and 11 other Michelin-recognized restaurants, including The Lobster, Tumbi, Élephante, Pasjoli, Rustic Canyon, Seline, Birdie G’s, Fia Steak, Fia Restaurant, Milo + Olive and Shunji. https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/santa-monica/restaurants
Casablanca Ranks #6 on The Infatuation's LA's Margarita Power Rankings: "Since 1980, Casablanca has been serving some of Venice’s most consistent Mexican food in an atmosphere that always seems to be bordering on complete chaos. And if you’re wondering why, look no further than the Tequila Express. It’s basically a roaming tequila cart where one of the margarita specialists* build you an Ultimate Margarita Experience Margaritas right in front of you at the table. Tequila selections change daily, so make sure you come back until you’ve tried them all." 220 Lincoln Blvd., Venice https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/the-margarita-power-rankings
Further Afield: Pageant of the Masters: The annual Laguna Beach event brings famous works of art to life through “living pictures,” with real people posing in elaborate, lifelike re-creations. Accompanied by a professional orchestra, narration, and stagecraft, each tableau transforms the stage into a stunning work of art. This long-running tradition combines theater, fine art, and illusion, making it one of Southern California’s most beloved summer experiences. Now through Aug. 29. https://www.foapom.com/pageant-of-the-masters/
Looking Ahead: Dog Daze of Summer on Montana Ave. (8/23); A PIERfect Benefit (9/6); 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: Festivals & Food Events!