SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes outdoor cinema at Tongva Park, the return of Dine LA, a Michelin-grilled BBQ collab, local tomato battles, late-summer music under the stars, and much more!
Annenberg Beach House Sunset Picnic - Route 66 Edition: Bring your own picnic and enjoy a relaxed night by the ocean. Come with friends, family, or on your own and join a communal table. There's live music, ocean views, complimentary s’mores (while supplies last) & board games. Thursday, Aug. 13, 5-8p.m., 415 PCH eventbrite.com/e/sunset-picnic-tickets-1989064540585
Pro Padel League LA Opener: The world’s top professional padel players are taking over Santa Monica as the Pro Padel League kicks off its four-day LAtournament at The Barker Hangar. Over 40 athletes across 10 global franchises—including the local Los Angeles Beat—will compete in high-energy men’s and women’s match-ups. The event features stadium-style lounge seating, courtside boxes, and curated food and beverage options. Thursday, Aug. 13 - Sunday, Aug. 16, 3021 Airport Ave. feverup.com/m/678294
17th Annual MixMatch Dance Festival: Experience an eclectic showcase of dance as Hart Pulse Dance Company brings its annual celebration back to Miles Playhouse. The multi-day festival features a dynamic lineup of contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and classical works from emerging and established choreographers spanning Southern California and across the country. Friday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m., 1130 Lincoln Blvd. hartpulsedancecompany.ticketspice.com/the-17th-annual-mixmatch-dance-festival
New Outdoor Music & Movie Series Saturdays at Tongva Park: Spend your Saturday nights under the stars at TONGVA TWILIGHT: Sounds & Cinema, a free outdoor series blending live music, iconic films, and summer vibes in Tongva Park. Grab your friends, pack a picnic and enjoy complimentary popcorn on movie nights while supplies last. This week is New Orleans funk powerhouse The Rumble on August 15. Saturdays, through Sept. 12, 7 - 10 p.m., 1615 Ocean Ave. santamonica.gov/events/tongva-twilight-sounds-cinema-series
Palisades Village Grand Reopening Celebration: Head just north up PCH as Palisades Village celebrates its grand reopening with a full day of neighborhood festivities. The coastal open-air center hosts live music, family-friendly entertainment, special pop-up experiences, and exclusive in-store promotions throughout its boutiques and eateries. Saturday, Aug. 15, 15225 Palisades Village Ln., Pacific Palisades instagram.com/palisadesvillage
Top Tomato Contest at Ishihara Park: Think your backyard tomatoes have what it takes to win local bragging rights? Bring your homegrown sun-golds, heirloom purples, and prized reds to the Ishihara Park Learning Garden for Santa Monica's annual tomato showdown. While judges taste their way through the entries, attendees can enjoy pancakes, rock painting, bug hunts, and compost flipping. All contest entries must be registered on-site by 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 - 11 a.m., Ishihara Park Learning Garden, 2909 Exposition Blvd. santamonica.gov
SMC Planetarium's August Shows Explore Mars, Telescopes and Eclipses: Santa Monica College Planetarium presents live-hosted astronomy shows on Friday evenings in August, along with a Sunday Family Matinée on Aug. 16, featuring programs on the Mars rover Curiosity, the Great Observatories, eclipses and moon phases, and the sun. 1900 Pico Blvd. smc.edu/planetarium
The Mother Road at 100 Years Old: Voices of Route 66: The event will be presented by Anthony Arno, host of the Route 66 Podcast, for a multimedia program exploring the rich history of Route 66. The event will include a Route 66 trivia game, where participants can test their knowledge. Saturday, August 15, 2 - 3:30pm @ the Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Soundwaves Presents Avant-Garde Jazz & Punk Pioneers: The monthly experimental music series returns with an all-star double bill featuring iconic figures from LA punk and free improvisation. The first set pairs drummer Matt Crane with guitarist Joe Baiza (Saccharine Trust) and legendary bassist Mike Watt (Minutemen, fIREHOSE, The Stooges). The second set features European free-jazz pioneer Andrea Centazzo celebrating the 50th anniversary of his seminal Clangs album alongside flutist Ellen Burr and bassist Jeff Schwartz. Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Westside Music Conservatory, 12424 Wilshire Blvd. soundwavesnewmusic.com
Weekly Western Wednesdays Line Dancing at Santa Monica Place: No prior dance experience is required, and attendees are encouraged to bring enthusiasm and comfortable shoes. FREE. Every Wednesday through Aug. 26, 6 - 8 p.m., 395 Santa Monica Place, Center Plaza.
Venice Art Crawl: Experience the eclectic soul of Venice as local galleries, studios, and pop-up spaces open their doors for this quarterly community tradition. This volunteer-run sunset tour celebrates the neighborhood’s historic status as a creative haven, offering everything from large-scale murals and fine art to experimental performance pieces and live music. Thursday, Aug. 20, 6p.m. veniceartcrawl.com
ONGOING: Museum of Illusions; The CUBE VR; Splatter Studio;
What to Eat & Drink?
Dine LA Restaurant Week Returns (Aug. 14–28): LA’s premier dining event is back for two full weeks of culinary exploration. Dozens of Westside and Santa Monica favorites are rolling out special multi-course lunch and dinner menus at fixed price points ranging from $15 to $65+. Whether you're looking to revisit an iconic neighborhood staple, check out a newly opened concept, or splurge on a Michelin-starred tasting menu, it’s the perfect excuse to skip cooking and sample the city's best kitchens. Here are some SaMo offerings and you can browse menus and make reservations directly at discoverlosangeles.com/dinela.
→Bar Xuntos: Acclaimed Spanish tapas and conservas bar pairing natural wines with authentic Iberian small plates ($35 lunch / $65 dinner).
→Bludso's BBQ: Legendary Texas-style smoked brisket, pulled pork, and southern sides brought to the Westside ($25 lunch / $45 dinner).
→BOA Steakhouse: High-end Ocean Avenue favorite offering prime cuts, seafood towers, and oceanfront dining ($75 dinner).
→Chinois On Main: Wolfgang Puck’s iconic fusion pioneer serving up classic Asian-French dishes in an intimate setting ($85 dinner).
→Citrin: Chef Josiah Citrin’s elevated, Michelin-starred contemporary California restaurant featuring seasonal multi-course menus ($99 dinner).
→Cosetta: Cozy neighborhood spot specializing in fresh, house-made pastas and classic Italian fare ($25 lunch / $55 dinner).
→Fitoor: High-energy modern Indian grill and lounge on Ocean Avenue serving progressive coastal Indian dishes and creative craft cocktails with Pacific views ($35 lunch / $75 dinner).
→Jyan Isaac Bread: Ocean Park's beloved artisanal sourdough bakery on Main Street serving up handcrafted loaves, specialty breakfast toasts, sandwiches, and fresh pastries baked daily using locally sourced grains ($25 lunch).
→Lunetta: Neighborhood staple on Pico Boulevard offering Chef Raphael Lunetta’s wood-fired, seasonal California comfort food in an intimate, rustic-chic setting ($35 lunch / $68 dinner).
→Mélisse: Chef Josiah Citrin’s two-Michelin-starred fine dining destination serving world-class, ultra-refined French-inspired tasting menus ($350 dinner).
→Sushi Roku Santa Monica: Modern ocean-adjacent Japanese spot serving creative sushi rolls, fresh sashimi, and robata skewers ($45 dinner).
→The Buffalo Club: Historic Olympic Boulevard supper club offering upscale American classics, craft cocktails, and romantic patio dining in a speakeasy-style courtyard ($65+ dinner).
Lunetta & Friends – A Chef Collaboration Series: The Guest List is a one-night-only culinary collaboration celebrating friendship, fire, and Santa Monica summer. This special event brings together Chef Raphael Lunetta and acclaimed two-star Michelin Chef Josiah Citrin for a live-grilled dinner inspired by their longtime annual summer BBQ tradition. Saturday, Aug. 15, 1740 Ocean Ave. https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1324975&experienceId=749807
Looking Ahead: Butterfly Brawl Pier Boxing Event (8/22); Main St. Farmers Market in the Street Event (8/23); Thai Fest by the Beach (9/19-20); A Pierfect Benefit (9/19); Ocean Way Festival (9/26-27); Off the Hook Seafood Festival (10/11); Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (10/18)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, you can reach out directly at instagram.com/seanbesser or email me at sean@smdp.com. Here are my past columns and let me know if you have any feedback on Around Town: From Dine LA to Pro Padel to Top Tomatoes