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# Around Town: Halloween Hijinks and Holiday Hints
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/around-town-halloween-hijinks-and-holiday-hints/
- Published: 2026-10-29T18:59:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-29T18:59:03.000Z
- Author: Sean Besser
- Tags: Events, Santa Monica

SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Día de los Muertos on the Pier, Halloween parties for every level of mischief, and an early look at Santa Monica's holiday season!

**Día de los Muertos at the Pier:** The Santa Monica Pier celebrates with a free, family-friendly two-day celebration honoring loved ones and the Mexican tradition of remembrance. The historic Merry-Go-Round will be transformed with colorful ofrendas, marigolds and papel picado, with face painting, an Aztec blessing and procession, Ballet Folklórico, mariachi and live music. Guests can also contribute a photo to the community altar honoring someone they’ve lost. **Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 1, noon–5:30 p.m.** [santamonicapier.org/diadelosmuertos](http://santamonicapier.org/diadelosmuertos?ref=smdp.com)

**Santa Monica Halloween Bar Crawl:** Round up your boo crew for a Halloween crawl through six Santa Monica bars, with 2–3 drinks or shots included, drink and food specials, no cover charges during the crawl and an after-party at Jameson’s Irish Pub. Costumes encouraged; dignity optional. **Saturday, Oct. 31, 4 p.m.–midnight, check-in at Cabo Cantina, 1240 Third Street Promenade.** [eventbrite.com/e/santa-monica-halloween-bar-crawl-2026-tickets-1583826741419](http://eventbrite.com/e/santa-monica-halloween-bar-crawl-2026-tickets-1583826741419?ref=smdp.com)

**Met Her at the Disco Party:** Trade the usual Halloween soundtrack for a trip back to the ’70s, with disco beats, dancing and spooky-season fun. Break out the bell-bottoms, platform shoes or whatever passes for your best Studio 54 look. **Saturday, Oct. 31, 10p.m. – 1:30a.m., 2651 Main St.** [instagram.com/p/DeVd4mDqpLE](http://instagram.com/p/DeVd4mDqpLE?ref=smdp.com)

**Lula Halloween Party - Masquerade & Margaritas:** Lula Cocina Mexicana celebrates Halloween with a costume contest, prizes, food and drinks, plus celebrity hosts Matthew Moore and Mindy Sterling. Come dressed to impress — or at least dressed as something other than yourself. **Saturday, Oct. 31, 6:30 - 7:30p.m.,** **2720 Main St.** [lulacocinamexicana.com](http://lulacocinamexicana.com/?ref=smdp.com)

**Chanukah Boutique:** Get a jump on holiday shopping at this Beth Shir Shalom pop-up featuring local vendors selling jewelry, art, gifts and treats. DJ Rabbi Alex provides the soundtrack while shoppers support small businesses and hunt for gifts that won't be mistaken for a last-minute drugstore purchase. **Wednesday, Nov. 4, 3–7 p.m., 1827 California Ave.** [eventbrite.com/e/chanukah-boutique-tickets-2002177335307](http://eventbrite.com/e/chanukah-boutique-tickets-2002177335307?ref=smdp.com)

**HaLouLouween Goes Rooftop:** LouLou takes Halloween to the rooftop with dinner, cocktails, DJs, dancing and live entertainment. Costumes are encouraged for this French-inspired party above Santa Monica Place. Saturday, Oct. 31, starting at 7p.m., Santa Monica, 395 Santa Monica Place [instagram.com/loulousantamonica](http://instagram.com/loulousantamonica?ref=smdp.com)

**Montana Avenue Halloween Hop:** Bring the kids for an afternoon of trick-or-treating, family-friendly activities, shopping deals and costumed characters along Montana Avenue. It's a chance to fill the candy bag while supporting neighborhood businesses — a win-win, assuming the kids let you keep any of the candy. **Saturday, Oct. 31, 2–5 p.m., Montana Avenue** [instagram.com/montanaavesm](http://instagram.com/montanaavesm?ref=smdp.com)

**Carb Loaders Run Club at Louma Bakery:** Run three miles, then reward yourself with pastries from one of the neighborhood's bakeries. Finally, a fitness plan that understands the importance of balance. 🥐**Sunday, Nov. 1 at 10a.m., 3223 Wilshire Blvd.** [instagram.com/p/DeNZwuLEtKD/](http://instagram.com/p/DeNZwuLEtKD/?ref=smdp.com)

**"Absolutely Halloween!" Musical Comedy:** The annual family musical at Santa Monica Playhouse follows young Candy on a magical Halloween adventure filled with songs, interactive fun, and trick-or-treat bags for kids. **Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. & Sundays at 12:30 p.m., Oct. 3 – Oct. 31, 1211 4th St.** [santamonicaplayhouse.com/absolutely-halloween.html](http://santamonicaplayhouse.com/absolutely-halloween.html?ref=smdp.com)

**Tony Shalhoub Talks Food & Family at LiveTalksLA:** Emmy- and Tony-winning actor Tony Shalhoub discusses his new memoir, exploring the food, family recipes and stories that shape a family's history. His daughter, Josie Adams, joins him for an evening of conversation and culinary memories. **Thursday, Nov. 5, 8p.m., New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd.** [livetalksla.org/events/tony-shalhoub](http://livetalksla.org/events/tony-shalhoub?ref=smdp.com)

**Frost on Fifth Brings Holiday Skating Downtown:** SaMo’s outdoor ice-skating rink returns for the holidays, bringing a winter tradition to a decidedly less wintry setting just steps from the beach and Third Street Promenade. **Grand Opening is Thursday, Nov. 5 and it skates through Monday, Jan. 18, 1324 Fifth St.**[](https://frostonfifth.com/?ref=smdp.com)[frostonfifth.com](https://frostonfifth.com/?ref=smdp.com)

**ONGOING:** [Museum of Illusions](https://moisantamonica.com/?ref=smdp.com); [The CUBE VR](https://www.thecubeevents.com/santamonicaexperiences?ref=smdp.com); [Splatter Studio](https://www.nbclosangeles.com/video/california-live/paint-sip-and-create-in-santa-monica/3834517/?ref=smdp.com); [Locals' Night Third Thursdays](https://www.santamonicapier.org/localsnight?ref=smdp.com);

**WHAT'S NEW & DELICIOUS?**

**Halloween at AJA:** Spooky Sangria, Halloween specials and costume-friendly vibes make AJA a festive stop for a Halloween drink. Because sometimes the best costume accessory is a glass of wine. **Saturday, Oct. 31, 1417 2nd St.**[ ](https://ajavineyards.com/events?ref=smdp.com)[ajavineyards.com/events](http://ajavineyards.com/events?ref=smdp.com)

**Seven Santa Monica Spots on New LA Times 101 Best Restaurants List:** Dave Beran's Seline (#13) and Mélisse (#22) lead the local contingent. Also making the list are Pasjoli, Holy Basil, Rustic Canyon, Cosetta and Jade Rabbit, giving Santa Monica a mix of destination dining and more casual neighborhood favorites.[ ](https://www.latimes.com/food/list/101-best-restaurants-los-angeles?ref=smdp.com)[latimes.com/food/list/101-best-restaurants-los-angeles](http://latimes.com/food/list/101-best-restaurants-los-angeles?ref=smdp.com)

**Giorgio Baldi on The Infatuation's Top Italian Restaurants in LA List:** “Located in that magical oceanside junction where Santa Monica, the Palisades, and Malibu all collide into a who’s who of 1996, Giorgio Baldi is a flat-out LA classic. This is where you go to overhear Jane Fonda and Gwyneth Paltrow talking about school districts while an old Italian man gets pushy about his gnocchi. With people-watching this good and old-school dishes that remain excellent, Giorgio’s still holds a place in our hearts.” [theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-italian-restaurants-los-angeles](https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-italian-restaurants-los-angeles?ref=smdp.com)

**Halloween Cinema by the Sea:** Watch Practical Magic with ocean views at the Regent's Halloween screening. Unlimited popcorn and soft drinks are included, while ORLA bites and themed cocktails are available to make the evening a little more bewitching. **Saturday, Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m. seating, 1700 Ocean Ave. Films begin at 7 p.m.** [santamonica.regenthotels.com/experience/bookable-experiences/?experienceId=cinema-by-the-sea-5ab5d71c](https://santamonica.regenthotels.com/experience/bookable-experiences/?experienceId=cinema-by-the-sea-5ab5d71c&ref=smdp.com)

**Kids Eat Free this Weekend at Tocaya and Tender Greens:** A Halloween-weekend treat for parents: dine in at either restaurant and get one complimentary kids' meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. Less trick-or-treating, more letting someone else handle dinner. **Tocaya is at 507 Wilshire Blvd. and Tender Greens is at 201 Arizona Ave.**

**Stiletto Takes Flight in Santa Monica:** A new restaurant is bringing “fire and finesse” to 3200 Airport Avenue, grilling meats, seafood and vegetables over an open flame. Its name pays tribute to the Douglas X-3 Stiletto, an experimental jet built at the Douglas plant on the site in 1951 — a little local aviation history served with dinner. [la.eater.com/restaurant-news/307857/stiletto-live-fire-steakhouse-opening-santa-monica](http://la.eater.com/restaurant-news/307857/stiletto-live-fire-steakhouse-opening-santa-monica?ref=smdp.com)

**Further Afield:** **Howlo’ween Pawrade Puts Pups in Costume:** RUNWAY Playa Vista's annual canine costume parade gives four-legged fashionistas their moment in the spotlight. Dress up your pup, browse pet vendors and enjoy festive activities, with contest registration benefiting Wags & Walks of Los Angeles. FREE. **Sunday, Nov. 1, 12–3 p.m., 12775 W. Millennium, Playa Vista** [eventbrite.com/e/runway-howloween-costume-contest-pet-pawrade-tickets-2002103237679](http://eventbrite.com/e/runway-howloween-costume-contest-pet-pawrade-tickets-2002103237679?ref=smdp.com)

**Looking Ahead:** [Frost on Fifth Grand Opening](https://frostonfifth.com/?ref=smdp.com) (opens 11/5); [SaMo Pier Swiss Winter Village](https://swisswintervillage.com/santa-monica/?ref=smdp.com) (opens 11/18); [Regent Santa Monica Beach Tree Lighting](https://www.santamonica.com/event/regent-holiday-tree-lighting-celebration/?ref=smdp.com) (11/19); Promenade Holiday Tree Lighting (11/22); Main St. Tree Lighting & Holiday Party (12/6)

**Know something I missed?** Send tips, events and questionable culinary decisions to [sean@smdp.com](mailto:sean@smdp.com) or[ ](https://www.instagram.com/seanbesser/?ref=smdp.com)[instagram.com/seanbesser](https://www.instagram.com/seanbesser/?ref=smdp.com).[ ](https://smdp.com/author/sean/?ref=smdp.com)[Check out my past Around Town columns here](https://smdp.com/author/sean/?ref=smdp.com).