SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town
Candlelight: Film Scores & Hollywood Epics: Part of the "Candlelight" series, but held at the newly renovated Regent Beachfront. A string quartet performs iconic music from films like Interstellar and Gladiator in a stunning, flicker-lit room overlooking the Pacific. Thursday, Jan. 8, 6:30p.m., Regent Santa Monica Beach, 1700 Ocean Ave. https://feverup.com/m/496540
Comedy and Trivia Night at The Crow: Are you a trivia nerd or just love comedy? Or even both?? Come flex your knowledge AND enjoy a fun showcase of some hilarious comics who also have some favorite trivia fun facts too. In between sets, our host will be asking the audience trivia questions. 🎭Thursday, Jan. 8, 8p.m., 2525 Michigan Ave. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trivial-comedy-tickets-1919238166019
Ice at Santa Monica (Final Two Weeks) ⛸️:Time is skating by on Iceand the final two weeks are your last chance to lace up by the beach. This pop-up rink brings cool vibes, twinkling lights, and après-skate treats to downtown Santa Monica — proof that winter fun doesn’t need snow to shine. Whether you’re gliding gracefully or just trying not to fall for it, go for a spin before it melts away. Now through Jan. 19, 1324 5th St. iceatsantamonica.com
Annual Polar Bear Plunge: The annual Polar Bear Plunge is an opportunity for community members of all ages to dive into the new year and enjoy family-friendly activities with this fun Santa Monica tradition. After the invigorating ocean dip, participants can head to the Annenberg Community Beach House heated pool from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to warm up, enjoy a hot chocolate or take a photo with event mascot Pat the Polar Bear. Saturday, Jan. 10, Annenberg Community Beach House santamonica.gov/events/4a4rq5j26pfbfrtrbpxrgmjnmr/202601101000
An Evening of Symphonic Bollywood at Broadstage: Orchestra Santa Monica presents a rare cultural performance where a full symphonic orchestra reimagines the high-energy music of Bollywood. This is a one-time performance that blends traditional Indian instruments with Western classical arrangements. Saturday, Jan. 10, 7:30p.m., 1310 11th St. orchestrasantamonica.org/event/symphonic_bollywood
Belly Laughs: Enjoy a comedy show in a grocery store! Expect comedians from Netflix Is Joke, Don't Tell Comedy, HBO, and the Comedy Store. Located within the indoor patio of Fatty Market. Saturday, Jan. 10,, 6:45p.m., 12210 Venice Blvd. tickpick.com/organizer/event/belly-laughs-12243786
Venice Street Fair: The fair will close 3rd Ave between Rose Ave and Sunset Ave for artists and small businesses. Sunday, Jan. 11, 9:30a.m. - 4:30p.m. instagram.com/theartistfair
ONGOING: Ice at Santa Monica (through Jan. 19); “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; Museum of Illusions;
What to Eat & Drink?
HomeState Grand Opening of SaMo Restaurant: HomeState Santa Monica will celebrate its official grand opening on Saturday, Jan. 10, 720 Wilshire Blvd. instagram.com/homestate
QiQi Cantonese and Cuban fusion Popup at Noun: Drop everything for two nights of bold flavors + some natty wine, coffee, and matcha! Friday & Saturday, Jan. 9 & 10, 6-9p.m., 4065 Glencoe Ave., Marina Del Rey 🍜instagram.com/p/DS5WgZ2D9p8/
Top 10 Burgers List: Pasjoli tops the list, along with Heavy Handed, Wally’s and more. https://www.instagram.com/p/DS5nY8ckm6b/
Holy Basil Santa Monica Opening: Partners and chefs Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat and Tongkamal “Joy” Yuon have expanded Holy Basil with a new Santa Monica location. Staying true to their Bangkok and Central Thai street-food roots, the menu will feature dishes like beef tataki, bangkok crab fried rice, pad kee mao moo krob, and rad na mee krob. Joy’s signature non-alcoholic program will feature beverages such as the Hibiscus Agave Oolong and the Dragonfruit Rosemary. 2828 Santa Monica Blvd. instagram.com/holybasil_la
Jeni’s Brings the World of Bridgerton to Ice Cream: In celebration of the upcoming fourth season of the popular series, Jeni’s is offering two limited-edition flavors designed to transport you to the ton. Queen Charlotte Sponge Cake is available starting Jan. 15, featuring a Victoria sponge with the lushness of Princess Cake, bright berries, soft sponge, and custard notes coming together in a confection worthy of Her Majesty herself, and tinted lavender at her behest. And Earl Grey Crème Brûlée is avail starting Feb. 12 with fragrant Earl Grey steeped into a silky custard base and finished with burnt-sugar candies that echo the crackle of a freshly torched crème brûlée. 64 Windward Ave., Venice jenis.com
Dry January at Zinque: Zinque is hosting a weeklong cocktail competition at various locations. Stop by yours to vote for one of three killer mocktails to become the city-wide winner. 🍹1440 Lincoln Blvd., Venice instagram.com/zinque
Further Afield: LA Art Show: “The Most Comprehensive International Contemporary Art Show in America” is back with more than 180,000 square feet of exhibition space, including domestic and international galleries. Wednesday - Sunday, Jan. 7 - 10, Downtown LA Convention Center www.laartshow.com
Looking Ahead: DineLA Restaurant Week (1/23 – 2/6); SaMo Symphony Annual MLK Concert (1/17); Frieze LA Art Show (2/26 - 3/1); DineLA Restaurant Week
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: Polar Plunge, Comedy Shows, Bollywood, & More!