SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Pier 360 Festival, Eeeeeatscon, Voodoo Doughnut Opening, and much more!
Last Thursday Venice Summer Concert Series: Last Thursday brings free live music to the beach, as well as kids' activities, a photo booth, and food & drink specials from Waterfront Venice, Venice Beach Bar, Fig Tree, and Gingerbread Court. Kick off summer from 4:30p.m. - sunset at Ocean Front Walk and Dudley Ave with music from School of Rock Venice and The Brobots! https://www.instagram.com/lastthursdayvenice/
'Pier 360' Beach Festival: The annual summer event features thrilling ocean sports competitions, live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities celebrating Southern California’s rich coastal culture. With stand-up paddle races, volleyball tournaments and interactive wellness zones, the weekend offers fun for both spectators and athletes alike and cements Santa Monica’s legacy as a hub for endless entertainment and outdoor activity. Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. https://www.santamonicapier.org/pier-360-festivities
Eeeeeatscon: The Infatuation’s signature food event returns to The SaMo Airport Barker Hangar, treating foodies to a music-festival-style culinary experience with headlining restaurants, live music, thought-leader panels, and exclusive chef collaborations. The weekend also spotlights community support, with proceeds benefiting wildfire relief and a special Shake Shack × LAFD menu raising funds for the LAFD Foundation. Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., 3021 Airport Ave. https://www.eeeeeatscon.com/los-angeles
Westside Chamber Orchestra Free Summer Series: Join The Westside Chamber Orchestra this summer at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Santa Monica for these terrific free programs. Saturday, June 28, 7pm, Saturday July 26, 7pm, and Saturday, August 23, 7pm
Regular Guy Dave’s Wacky Balloon & Fun Academy: Learn how to make a balloon animal (and flowers! And swords!), plus silly magic tricks and games, at the wackiest fun academy ever! Space is limited; free tickets available at 2:30 p.m. For ages 5 - 11. Tuesday, July 1, 3-4 p.m. at the Fairview Branch Community Room (2101 Ocean Park Blvd.) https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4n7tpfqw3av0d2eqtx03v5tvwc/202507011500
ONGOING: “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; LiteBrite Experience; Penmar Sunset Sessions (through 7/18); Night Market at The Bungalow (through 8/28); Wellness & Waves (through 10/11)
What to Eat & Drink?
Voodoo Doughnut Opens in Venice: The iconic pink-boxed chain is bringing its famously bold, over‑the‑top doughnuts, like the fan-favorite “Cock and Balls” and apple fritters, to the trendy Venice scene. 66 Windward Ave, Venice
Shake Shack's Viral Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake Returns: In April 2025, Shake Shack debuted its Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake and nearly every Shack sold out of the shake daily running out as early as 10am and with lines forming even earlier. It’s back, so get in line now. 501 Wilshire Blvd.
Esters Wine Bar evolves into Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar: Esters will remain your favorite Parisian-inspired wine bar rooted in Santa Monica’s farmers market produce—but they are now adding an oyster-forward menu featuring chilled seafood towers, crudo, new seasonal dishes, and, of course, plenty of champagne.
The Infatuation's Patio Power Rankings: Michaels, Din Tai Fung, Le Great Outdoor, and Fia all make the "Where To Eat & Drink Outside" list of best patio dining in LA. https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/the-patio-power-rankings
Petitgrain Boulangerie Makes The Infatuation's "Our Favorite Bakeries In The Country Right Now" List: “Petitgrain Boulangerie bakes French pastries like Jimi Hendrix rips guitar solos: flawlessly. The Santa Monica pastry shop, run by the co-owner of LA’s best-known baking school, is big on traditional techniques and locally sourced flour. Those simple little details are what make Petitgrain's croissants stand out: the slightly salty, not-too-buttery pastries have lacy and delicate layers that’ll elicit squeals from dough nerds. Although the plain croissant is a best-seller, we prefer the flaky pain au chocolat, sticky cardamom buns, and orange-glazed cinnamon rolls.” 1209 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.theinfatuation.com/all/guides/most-exciting-bakeries-in-america
Further Afield:Getty Villa Reopening: After a seven-month closure due to January’s Palisades Fire, the museum welcomes visitors with safe programming and a new “Kingdom of Pylos” exhibit; free timed-ticket entry. 17985 PCH, Malibu www.getty.edu/visit/villa/
Looking Ahead: Main St. 4th of July Parade (7/4); Yachtley Crew Concert & Benefit (7/10), Summer Venice Beach Run (7/19); National Night Out (8/5)
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: Pier 360 Festival, Eeeeeatscon, & More!