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. đźŽThursday, 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!