SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes the Heal the Bay Aquarium’s & Duke’s Malibu’s grand reopenings, St. Paddy’s on the Promenade, a pop-up with Paris Hilton, and much more!
Unleash Your Inner Parista: Paris Hilton and International Delight are hosting a "glamorous" coffee experience featuring product sampling and exclusive merchandise. Thursday, March 12, 4:30 – 6:30p.m., Ocean & Colorado Plaza, 1566 Ocean Ave. fb101.com/unleash-your-inner-parista-international-delight-and-paris-hiltons-flavor-experience/
The Crow’s Comedy Confessional: Comics take secrets from the audience and incorporates them into the acts on stage (in case you’re looking for some cheeky fun!). Friday, March 13, 8p.m., 2525 Michigan Ave. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-confessional-tickets-1979412942395
A Morning of Connection by Me-est Me x The KINN: Start your morning with intention, not small talk with a 60-minute guided experience designed to replace surface-level networking with real conversation. Through a series of facilitated prompts, you'll connect with fellow creators, entrepreneurs, and community members over what actually matters: what inspires you, where you need support, and what you're celebrating. Walk away with new connections, fresh perspectives, and Me-est Me's new Live Your Vision Journal to keep the momentum going. Saturday, March 14, 9 - 11a.m. https://luma.com/AMorningofConnection
Community Reopening Day at HEAL THE BAY Aquarium: Celebrate the Community Reopening of Heal the Bay Aquarium on the Santa Monica Pier with FREE admission! After weeks of flood recovery and restoration, the aquarium is back and ready to welcome guests again. Meet marine life ambassadors, connect with the team, and celebrate the community that helped restore this beloved ocean education center. 🐟 FREE. Saturday, March 14, 12 - 4p.m., 1600 Ocean Front Walk (Under the Santa Monica Pier) healthebay.org/event/free-aq-day-3-14-2026/
St. Paddy's Day Celebration on the Promenade: Enjoy three hours of live Irish and popular music by Shamrock Sean and the Irish Cabbage Band, along with a themed photo booth, interactive lawn and table games, festive giveaways and on-stage trivia throughout the night. Saturday, March 14, 6 - 9 p.m., the free event will transform the 1300 block of Third Street Promenade https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-paddys-day-celebration-on-the-promenade-tickets-1982377699062
Santa Monica St. Patrick’s Crawl: Kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend with an epic bar crawl through top local pubs and nightlife spots, complete with drink specials, festive crowds, and after-party energy. Grab your green gear and party across multiple venues with fun drink deals and a lively atmosphere. Saturday, March 14, 1:00 pm – late, Downtown Santa Monica (starts at Barney’s Beanery & Jameson’s Pub) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/santa-monica-st-patricks-day-weekend-bar-crawl-2026-tickets-1295804609469
Jay Leno to Headline Fundraising Gala for Palisades High School: The “Stand Up for Pali” gala and auction aims to raise funds for student programs and activities at the school, which was heavily affected by the wildfire. Saturday, March 14, 6p.m., Luxe Hotel palihigh2026.ourschool.auction
Oscars 2026 Watch Party at Weary Livers: Celebrate Hollywood’s biggest night at this local favorite with a red-carpet-worthy watch party featuring crafty cocktails and a live screening. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress or come as their favorite movie character for a chance to mingle with fellow film lovers. Sunday, March 15, 3:30 – 9p.m., 2819 Pico Blvd. losangelesfunevents.com/event-details/oscars-2026-watch-party
ONGOING: “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; Museum of Illusions; The CUBE VR; Splatter Studio; Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (April); “Most Loved” Businesses Voting Open through March 13
What to Eat & Drink?
Duke’s Malibu Reopening This Week! The sunny, surf-loving all day restaurant right on Pacific Coast Highway has been closed since the devastating Palisades Fire tore through the area. Now, the restaurant — which was spared by the flames but not the fire’s fallout — is making its grand return, reopening for limited hours on Friday, March 13. sfgate.com/la/article/la-ocean-restaurant-reopen-22062407.php
Pasjoli's PJ & Friends Dinner Series (March 12 – April 23): Chef Dave Beran's beloved bistro dinner series returns to Pasjoli for a third year with an all-new lineup of guest chefs. Each edition invites a chef friend into the Pasjoli kitchen to cook their own take on a bistro menu. This year's lineup: Travis Swikard of Callie (March 12), Daniel Patterson of Jacaranda (March 19), Sathia Sun of Donna's (March 26), Dan Rabilwongse of Budonoki (April 9), Kevin De Los Santos and Katya Shastova of Vin Folk (April 16), and Mei Lin (April 23). opentable.com/r/pasjoli-santa-monica
Andrew's Cheese and Wine Pairing: This event showcases an array of cheeses each matched with unique wines and paired accompaniments. You can expect a fun, casual evening of learning and tasting as Andrew guides you through his handpicked selection of pairings. Friday, March 13, 7p.m., 728 Montana Ave. eventbrite.com/e/andrews-cheese-and-wine-pairing-tickets-1983728436153
Jameson's Pub is celebrating St. Patrick's Day all weekend long with green beer, Irish food specials, live entertainment, and giant-sized drink specials: They're opening early at 6am on St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday 3/17, with live DJ sets, giveaways, and more! Celebrate the luck of the Irish at Jameson's, and don't forget to wear your green! 2702 Main St.
Ina Bakes Pi Day Pop‑Up: They’re honoring 3.14 the best way they know how — with pies of every kind. Stop by for slices, minis, empanadas, and whimsical pie‑themed treats made just for the day. Saturday, March 14, 10 AM–2 PM, 535 Rose Ave. inabakes.com/shop
Kogen Omakase replaces Bar Monette: There is fresh movement at 109 Santa Monica Blvd (formerly the short-lived Bar Monette). An ABC application for "Kogen Omakase" just went up in the window.
Further Afield: KCRW Piefest! The event features a pie marketplace with 25+ vendors, food trucks, baking demos, a beer garden, activities for all ages, free access to The Autry Museum, and a massive pie-baking contest. Bakers will compete to impress our judges, a collection of LA’s finest chefs and food writers. Meanwhile, event guests will view competition pies and vote for winners across multiple visual categories. Saturday, March 14, 12-5p.m. kcrw.com/pages/pie-fest-2026
Looking Ahead: Venice Art Crawl (3/19); Bergamot Comedy Festival (3/24–28); Downtown Easter Celebration (3/29); U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship (4/2-5); Santa Monica Film Festival (4/11-13)
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: Lucky Charms, Pi Day, Oscars, & Reopenings