SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Help the Animals Fundraiser, AIDS LifeCycle Finish Line Festival, O&V CA Opening on Montana Ave., and much more!
Night Market is Back All Summer at The Bungalow: Enjoy food vendors, beverage activations, family-friendly activities, live musical and DJ performances, and celebrity guest appearances all summer long. Free, open to the public for guests of all ages, and pet friendly. Every Thursday from 5 - 11p.m. through August 28. 101 Wilshire Blvd. https://thebungalow.com/santa-monica/#calendar
Drag Bingo Fundraiser at Solidarity Restaurant: The fundraiser will take place to benefit the Trans Equity Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance for legal name and gender marker changes in California. Miss Barbie-Q and Mini Horrorwitz will co-host the evening, guiding participants through 10 rounds of competitive bingo. All-ages welcome. Thursday, June 5, from 6:30-9 p.m., 1414 Lincoln Blvd.
Live Talks: Jeffrey Seller with Josh Groban: They will be discussing “Theatre Kid: A Broadway Memoir”, a coming-of-age memoir from Jeffrey Seller one of the most successful theatrical producers of our time-- the only producer to have mounted two Pulitzer Prize–winning musicals—Hamilton and Rent. Thursday, June 5, 8p.m., New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd. https://livetalksla.org/events/jeffrey-seller/
Santa Monica History Museum and Gabrielino~Tongva Springs Foundation Offer Free Admission and Cultural Tour: The day begins at Kuruvungna Village Springs and Cultural Center, where the President of the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation will lead a guided tour of the sacred site. Nestled on the campus of University High School in West Los Angeles, Kuruvungna Springshas been a vital part of Tongva life for millennia. In recognition of their cultural and historical importance, Kuruvungna Springs was designated a California State Landmark in 1954. Friday, June 6, 10a.m. Email RSVP@santamonicahistory.org to RSVP.
Nick Gabaldon Day: Join the Black Surfers Collective, Heal the Bay, Surf Bus Foundation, Swim Up Hill, and Santa Monica Conservancy as we unite to celebrate Nick Gabaldón Day! Nick fearlessly pursued his passion for surfing, paving the way for countless others. This event serves as a celebration of diversity in surfing and an opportunity for the community to come together, share stories, and ride the waves in his honor. Let’s celebrate his legacy of resilience, determination, and love for the waves. Saturday, June 7, 9a.m. - 4p.m. @ Tower 30 (end of Bay St.) https://www.blacksurferscollective.org/events/
AIDS LifeCycle Finish Line Festival: Get ready to witness an incredible feat of determination and resilience as the extraordinary Cyclists and Roadies conclude their remarkable 7-day journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Saturday, June 7, 12 – 6 p.m., Beach Lot 4 South, 2030 Ocean Ave. https://www.aidslifecycle.org/event/aids-lifecycle-2025-finish-line-festival/
Venice Pride to Feature a Block Party, Dance Event, Food Trucks, and More: The Venice Pride Block Party, presented by L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, will run from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Venice sign, welcoming all ages. Attendees can expect performances by DJ Victor Rodriguez & Friends, a variety of community booths, food trucks, and a queer market. Following the block party, the special Pride month edition of the Gaywatch dance party, hosted by Barry’s Santa Monica, will take place from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Baja Cantina. Saturday, June 7, 4- 2a.m. https://venicepride.org
Children’s Hospital LA 9th Annual Walk & Play LA: This family-friendly event raises vital funds for CHLA’s lifesaving work and brings the community together for a day full of fun. Attendees can enjoy a scenic 3K walk, live entertainment, fitness activities, games, and food—all in support of children’s health. Whether you’re walking in honor of a CHLA patient or just want to get involved, it’s a great way to make an impact. Saturday, June 7, Santa Monica Pier walkandplayla.org.
Santa Monica College Musical Theatre Workshop Presents “Gotham”: The lively, entertaining revue will feature SMC students performing solos, duets, and group numbers showcasing some of the best of the musical theatre genre. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Musical Theatre Workshop will celebrate live musical theatre with performances of “Gotham” on Friday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 8, at 2 p.m. Performances will be held in the Studio Stage at the SMC Theatre Arts Complex, located on the SMC Main Campus (1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica). smc.edu/tickets
Ocean of Sound at Annenberg Community Beach House: Back for its second consecutive year, dublab presents Ocean of Sound, an evening of restorative listening–above and below the water. Lay back and lounge poolside, beneath the setting sun, or dive beneath the surface to experience their underwater speakers, resonating with meditative performances from Green-House, Salenta & Aankha, Noah Klein, and Grandfather.’s ambient selections. Sunday, June 8, 5 - 8p.m., 415 PCH https://www.dublab.com/events/112157/ocean-of-sound-at-annenberg-community-beach-house-2
Friends of Ballona Wetlands Migration Celebration: This family-friendly event promises a day filled with educational and entertaining activities celebrating the seasonal migration of birds and wildlife, including free binocular rentals, scavenger hunts, a science lab, and native plant sales. Saturday, May 31, 10a.m. - 2p.m., Ballona Discovery Park, 13110 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista www.ballonafriends.org/calendar
Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation Fundraiser: The fundraiser is a very fun afternoon to help the animals at the Santa Monica animal shelter. Adoption fees will be reduced, for a small donation you could win fantastic prizes in the raffle and bid on unique experiences in the silent auction. There will be face painting by The Magical Atelier, balloon animals from Wild About Balloons LA, burgers from Troop 2 Santa Monica, you can meet the Santa Monica Police Department's Mounted Unit and more fun activities. Saturday, June 7, 12 - 3p.m., 1640 9th St. www.smasf.org
Spring Fling Summer Fun: Concert & Ukulele Strum-Along: Cali Rose and The CC Strummers invite you to sing along, play along, and enjoy an afternoon of feel-good music. Bring your own uke, borrow one of theirs, or check out a Library Ukulele RED Kit. Saturday, June 7, 2p.m., Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/47q46rwqed2y87mm30m3znq2np/202506071515
DUBLAB Ocean Of Sound: Internet radio station dublab will be setting a chill tone with a curated evening of artists providing restorative listening – above and below the water. Sunday, June 8, 5 – 8 p.m. https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/santamonicarecreation/activity/search/detail/101719
Live Talks: Candace Parker in conversation with Cheryl Miller: Candace Parker is one of the most decorated and celebrated women’s basketball players of all time. In her new book, "The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions," she reveals her own deeply inspiring journey and teaches readers how to live bravely, unapologetically, and with purpose. Monday, June 9, 8p.m., New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd. https://livetalksla.org/events/candace-parker/
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
ONGOING: “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; LiteBrite Experience; Penmar Sunset Sessions (through July 18); Wellness & Waves (through Oct 11)
What to Eat & Drink?
Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest: About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. June 6, starting at 5p.m. https://www.abbotkinneyblvd.com/
Bacio di Latte Opening: The popular Italian gelateria opened its newest location on Santa Monica Blvd. near 3rd St. Promenade last week. This new shop offers coffees, candy treats and over 20 classic flavors like delicious pistachio and rotating specials including Salted Caramel Cheesecake. All gelato is made fresh daily in-house using organic dairy from Clover family farms in Sonoma County and seasonal fruits from local California growers. 331 Santa Monica Blvd. https://www.santamonica.com/restaurants/bacio-di-latte/
Benihana Power Lunch Deal: “Done in 45 Minutes or It’s Free”: For $15.95, diners get soup or salad, pre-made fried rice, vegetables, and either chicken, tofu, or shrimp; a choice of New York strip or filet mignon costs $19.95. 1447 4th St. https://la.eater.com/2025/5/27/24438251/benihana-power-lunch-45-minutes-los-angeles
Cha Cha Matcha Opening: It offers ceremonial-grade matcha with fun and innovative flavors with the mission of making matcha approachable and a daily source of good energy. It has a Venice location at 1401 Abbot Kinney Blvd and last week opened a flagship location at 475 N Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills that features a matcha mill for the freshest matcha possible and an impressive food offering (I tried the caramelized french toast, the breakfast burrito, and the almond croissant and was really impressed by all of them!). https://chachamatcha.com/
Levain Bakery Debuts ‘Levain à la Mode’ with Local Ice Cream Partners for Summer: The bakery is teaming up with Wanderlust Creamery to serve its Wanderlust Vanilla, a rich custard-style ice cream made from grass-fed milk and infused with globally sourced vanilla beans, designed to complement any delicious Levain cookie selection. Cookies à la Mode will be available through the summer for $10.50 and include one cookie and one scoop paired together. 1661 Abbot Kinney Blvd. https://www.instagram.com/levainbakery/
Bar Nuda: This is a non-alcoholic cocktail bar set up all summer at Little Lunch in Venice. Open Wednesday through Friday evenings, the pop-up serves mocktails infused with things like lapsang and butterfly pea flower, plus Mexican snacks like tostadas and tamales. They’re also hosting weekly mocktail classes if you want to learn how to make your own purple drinks at home. 50 Brooks Ave. https://barnuda.com/
Bludso’s BBQ Makes EaterLA's "Best BBQ Restaurants in LA" List: "As an LA institution turning out solid Texas-style smoked meats in a sports bar-like environment, Bludso’s is California barbecue royalty. Bludso understands the power of whole beef ribs, brisket, dry-rub wings, and cornbread with strong drinks; his motto, ‘Barbecue is always like a party,’ should guide any trip to his restaurants.” 1329 Santa Monica Blvd. https://la.eater.com/maps/best-barbecue-restaurants-los-angeles-bbq
O&V CA Bringing Gourmet Treasures To Montana Ave.: The new business features a carefully curated selection of fresh, extra-virgin olive oils that have been globally sourced. They also offer barrel-aged balsamic vinegars from Modena, locally made artisan ceramics, and other culinary treasures. They have tastings and classes to help you find the perfect olive oil or gift. 1109 Montana Ave. https://toddrickallen.com/2025/05/30/ov-ca-bringing-gourmet-treasures-to-montana-ave-in-santa-monica/
Further Afield:Late Night! Dirty Dancing at the Skirball: The Santa Monica Mountains transform into the Catskills for one night only as the Skirball Cultural Center presents Late Night! Dirty Dancing. Late Night! will also feature food trucks, dance lessons, shuffleboard courts, drag bingo, and late-night access to the Skirball exhibitions, all leading up to a screening of the classic film Dirty Dancing. Retro-inspired '50s and '60s resort wear highly encouraged! Friday, June 6, 6 – 10:30 p.m., 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. https://www.skirball.org/programs/late-night-dirty-dancing
Looking Ahead: Rosé on Rose Fest (6/14); Cardboard Yacht Regatta (6/14); 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)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, you can reach out directly to me at sean@smdp.comand let me know if you have any feedback on Around Town: Around Town: Help the Animals Annual Fundraiser, AIDS LifeCycle Finish Line Festival, & More!