SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Museum of Illusions Opening, An Evening with Padma Lakshmi, Blue Plate Oysterette Community Dinner Series, and much more!
KTLA Raves That "New Museum of Illusions opens in Santa Monica with 80 mind-bending exhibits": This video report discusses how "Beyond its photo-worthy illusions, the museum is also accredited by STEM.org, adding an educational layer that blends science and art." I checked it out last week and LOVED it! 1232 3rd St. Promenade https://ktla.com/news/local-news/new-museum-of-illusions-opens-in-santa-monica-with-80-mind-bending-exhibits/
Poetry Workshop: Ticket includes light bites, a bev, and live acoustic enjoyment. Bring a journal and a pen. Thursday, Nov. 13, 7p.m., Feeling Swell, 222 Main St. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQnKsXNEi7R
SMC Opens New Planetarium & Resumes Public Shows: The planetarium, now located in room MSB 126 on the SMC main campus at 1900 Pico Blvd., features a 9-meter dome and a new Evans & Sutherland Digistar 4K projection system capable of full multimedia displays. The building, which opened earlier this year, is LEED Gold-certified for sustainability. Weekly Friday evening programs will return with two shows: the 7 p.m. “Night Sky Show,” offering an overview of current astronomical events and visible constellations, and the 8 p.m. “Feature Show,” which explores a specific topic in greater depth. https://smc.edu/tickets
Friendsgiving at Ishihara Park Learning Garden: “Our Tree of Thanks will be decorated at this Annual Event showing appreciation for those people, places and things that we love. Come help us decorate the space in this welcoming and rewarding space.” Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 - 11 a.m., 2909 Exposition Blvd. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4jyjsr64xvsj8xp889q6c9bk4x/202511150900
SaMo Pier Pressure Scavenger Hunt: Highlights include a secret about the Carousel, a surprising message in a faraway park, the magical mind of Zoltar, a devastating storm, oddball art, a theater that sells shoes, great views from the little-known Observation Room, and more. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m. Save $5 with the code 5OFFPIER. https://watsonadventures.com/hunt/the-pier-pressure-santa-monica-scavenger-hunt/
The Artist Fair Santa Monica: This outdoor gallery market showcases all different types of artists like painters, woodworkers, jewelry, clothing, sculptures and music! Bringing the community together to enjoy the park in this family dog-friendly event! Come enjoy some cool tunes and meet the artists. FREE. Sunday, Nov. 16, 10a.m. - 5p.m., near Tower 25 in Ocean Park (2410 Ocean Front Walk) https://www.instagram.com/theartistfair
Olé! Flamenco & Tapas Night at Telefèric Barcelona: Experience the vibrant rhythms and passionate dance of Flamenco, paired with a selection of tapas, paellas and drinks. This immersive culinary experience includes live performances, where a "bailaora" and musician bring the spirit of Spain to life. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6 - 8 p.m., 11930 San Vicente Blvd. opentable.com/r/teleferic-barcelona-los-angeles
Live Talks: An Evening with Padma Lakshmi: discussing her cookbook, Padma’s All American: Tales, Travels, and Recipes from Taste the Nation and Beyond: A Cookbook Wednesday, Nov. 19, 8p.m., New Roads School 3131 Olympic Blvd. https://livetalksla.org/events/padma-lakshmi/
Official City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting Ceremony: Santa is lighting the tree and taking FREE photos with everyone! Enjoy special performances, hot cocoa, holiday crafts, and more. Thursday, Nov 20, 6p.m., 1351 Third St. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-official-city-of-santa-monica-tree-lighting-ceremony-tickets-1835888514969
La Soirée Los Angeles: The French American Chamber of Commerce California is bringing its legendary Year-End Gala, La Soirée, to Los Angeles for the very first time. Enjoy a night of French elegance, culinary delights, networking & music, ahead of the holiday season. Tickets include unlimited buffet, fine wines & entertainment. Thursday, Nov. 20, 6 - 11p.m., Expert Dojo, 395 Santa Monica Place https://luma.com/zw8phh9y
ONGOING: Ice at Santa Monica (through Jan. 19); “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; Museum of Illusions;
What to Eat & Drink?
Taste of Tablas Creek Wine Pairing Dinner at Marina del Rey Hotel: Enjoy “an exquisite wine pairing dinner with Vineyard Brands, where each course celebrates the artistry of vineyard-to-table dining.” Thursday, Nov. 13, 7 to 9p.m., 13534 Bali Way https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-tablas-creek-wine-pairing-dinner-at-marina-del-rey-hotel-tickets-1095522911519
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, Nov. 14, 7p.m., 728 Montana Ave.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/andrews-grilled-cheese-and-wine-trivia-night-tickets-1860511593259
Blue Plate Oysterette Community Dinner Series: Join a gourmet dinner for $35.70. Enjoy a chef-curated meal, mingle with your Santa Monica neighbors at their communal table. This month the featured dish will be Bouillabaisse served with a dressed side salad and rice, plus a welcome sip from Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA. Monday, Nov. 17, 6 - 8p.m., 1355 Ocean Ave. https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=118114&restref=118114&experienceId=585280
Two SaMo Spots on The Infatuation's "The Best Bakeries In LA" List: It give buttery love to Jyan Isaac Bread (1620 Ocean Park Blvd.) and Petitgrain Boulangerie (1209 Wilshire Blvd.), stating the latter "bakes French pastries like Jimi Hendrix rips guitar solos: flawlessly.” "https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-bakeries-la
Further Afield: LA Magazine's The Food Event: This annual culinary festival features samplings from a variety of L.A.’s best restaurants, craft beers, boutique wines, spirits and cocktails, and special experiences courtesy of our sponsors. Use the code FOODIE25 for $25 off your ticket. Sunday, Nov 16, 12- 3p.m., Calamigos Ranch, 327 Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu lamag.com/events/thefoodevent2025
More Further Afield: Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration: This free event will illuminate the street under the theme "Enchanted Holiday Dreams," inspired by The Nutcracker Ballet and features live performances by artists including Billboard-charting singer Chris Mann, Australian star Hugh Sheridan, and "The Prince of Jazz" James Tormé. The street will be populated by costumed characters, stilt ballerinas, and carolers, concluding with the arrival of Santa Claus, all capped by a fireworks finale. Thursday, Nov. 13, 5 - 8p.m. https://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/events/rodeo-drive-holiday-lighting-celebration-2025
Looking Ahead: SaMo City Tree Lighting (11/20); Venice Winter Fest (11/22); Montana Ave. Holiday Walk (12/6); Venice Holiday Sign Lighting (12/6); Main St. Tree Lighting & Holiday Party (12/7); SaMo 150th Anniversary Grand Finale Celebration (12/13); SANTA Monica Pub Crawl (12/13); Meet Me Under the Fig Tree (12/14)
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: Museum of Illusions Opening & Multiple Food Events