SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Pop-Up Pool Days, the Venice Beach Holi Bash, Alice in Wonderland at the Woman’s Club, Wellness & Waves at the Pier, Abbot Kinney’s First Friday Food Trucks, and much more!
Pop-Up Pool Day: Pop-Up Pool Days are here for Spring Break! Annenberg Community Beach House is opening the pool for three special days—just in time for sunshine, splashes, and a perfect day at the Beach House. Thursday and Saturday, April 2 & 4, 11a.m. - 5p.m., 415 PCH https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4hf14d082jg5r43y1v1mdf1a54/202604021100
Sip On Spring: Enjoy an intimate evening set within a whimsical Flower Shop — an elevated, floral-drenched setting designed to welcome the fullness of the Spring season. This gathering is capped at 30 women and will feature four professionally guided wine tastings, each thoughtfully paired with a curated seasonal bite. 🍷Thursday, April 2, 7 – 9p.m., Venice https://partiful.com/e/96xEpQBxkv5ZqwKaHq9W
Wellness & Waves Returns to the Santa Monica Pier with Free Saturday Morning Fitness Classes: With the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop, Wellness & Waves offers a welcoming, energizing way to start the weekend—no membership required. Each Saturday morning begins at the top of the Santa Monica Pier at the intersection of Colorado and Ocean with an easygoing group run from 8 to 9 a.m., open to all levels. Guests can then head to the west end of the Pier for yoga and yoga-pilates fusion classes from 9 to 10 a.m., led by top local instructors. Saturdays, April 4 through October 17, 8 - 10 a.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wellness-waves-tickets-1985756071866
Juneshine's 5th Anniversary Party: Enjoy a new flavor launch, special guest DJs all day, a free custom tote for the first 100 guests, raffles, birthday bingo, and cake of course! Saturday, April 4, 12p.m. - 6p.m., 2914 Main St. https://www.instagram.com/p/DWRz6pRAVv8
The Wunderfaire - a Foray into the Whimsy of Lewis Carroll: Experience a vendor market full of wandering characters, stage performances, and live music. Following the footsteps of Alice and the White Rabbit, we invite you to come costumed for an all night show and market sure to satiate all your curious tastes. Saturday, April 4, 9p.m., SaMo Bay Woman's Club, 4th St. eventbrite.com/e/the-wunderfaire-tickets-1979347694236
Venice Spring Eggstravaganza: Meet the Bunny, enjoy an Easter egg hunt, fun outdoor games, arts and crafts, and win prizes. Saturday, April 4, 10a.m., Venice Recreation Center. 1800 Ocean Front Walk Venice venicepaparazzi.com/2026/03/22/eastervenice/
Venice Beach HOLI Bash: This is the festival of colors that signifies the beginning of Spring showcasing a wide variety of South Asian talent including dancers, musicians and painters while the audience throws colorful powder and enjoys Indian cuisine on the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk. Our annual cultural festival is family friendly and free to attend. Public participation is encouraged as we give away free colorful HOLI powder for guests to enjoy. Saturday, April 4, 12p.m., Winward Plaza eventbrite.com/e/venice-beach-holi-bash-tickets-1984838723051
Sunday Reset Wellness Class: This yoga mobility class and social hour includes a 1-hour mobility class, recovery product sampling, a goody bag with wellness and skincare products, a science-backed discussion on mobility's benefits for performance and recovery, and community social hour. Sunday, April 5, 10a.m., 2600 Barnard Way https://luma.com/as2najze
National Poetry Month Take & Make Kit (April): You're a poet, take a kit to show it! Each kit explores the styles of acrostic, sensory, and haiku poetry in an accessible, interactive, and fun way! Available starting Wednesday, April 1 at all locations while supplies last. For ages 3 - 11 at all library locations. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4zkvevfp300s8vnfj63277zhc5/202604010000
ONGOING: Museum of Illusions; The CUBE VR; Splatter Studio; Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (April)
What to Eat & Drink?
Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest: About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. Friday, April 3, starting at 5p.m. https://www.abbotkinneyblvd.com/
Celebrate Easter in Style at Regent Santa Monica Beach: Orla by Michael Mina, the resort’s signature restaurant, will host an Easter Brunch experience, pairing classic dishes with special holiday and coastal Californian and Mediterranean fare. The celebration continues for the whole family with Regent Santa Monica Beach’s Easter Celebration that features a traditional Easter Egg Hunt overlooking the ocean, an appearance from the Easter Bunny, a champagne toast for the adults, and live music for everyone to enjoy. Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m. – 2p.m., 1700 Ocean Ave. santamonica.regenthotels.com/experience/santa-monica-spring-vacation/
Easter Brunch at Terrazza at Hotel Casa Del Mar: Ocean views, time-honored favorites, fresh seasonal additions, and an indulgent dessert buffet—Easter brunch at Terrazza is a tradition worth savoring. Start with appetizers like Oysters & Caviar, Dry Aged Bluefin Tuna Crudo, Lobster Benedict, Smoked Salmon Tartine, and Roasted Carrot Soup. For the main event, savor Grilled Dorade, Roasted Prime Rib, Rack of Lamb, Dungeness Crab Fettuccine, or Crispy Mushroom Rice. And don’t forget dessert! The Chef’s dessert table offers a curated selection of seasonal sweets that are sure to delight. Sunday, April 5 resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/terrazza/events/easter-brunch-2026-04-05
Fig’s Easter Brunch: Enjoy a decadent tasting menu inspired by the season including a selection of oysters with yuzu pearls, Lobster Benedict, a smoked salmon plate with dill cream cheese and caviar, a giant cinnamon roll, and more. Brunch and hotel guests are invited to take part in Easter Egg Hunts in the Miramar Gardens. The Easter Bunny will also make special appearances throughout brunch, offering festive photo opportunities for the whole family. Sunday, April 5, 101 Wilshire Blvd. instagram.com/figsantamonica
LouLou’s Easter Day Brunch: Celebrate Easter with friends and family…. DJs and live performances starting at 11:30 am with a special brunch buffet at $75 per guest. Easter specials include: “Le Gigot D’agneau.” a 7-hour roast leg of lamb, dauphine potato flageolet beans, Deviled Eggs, and Easter-themed cocktails. Sunday, April 5, 11:30a .m. - 4:30p.m., 395 Santa Monica Placeinstagram.com/p/DWAdAz7CeSI/
Easter Brunch at Chelsea: Enjoy a 3-course brunch beginning with breakfast breads for the table and a glass of champagne to toast the occasion. 11a.m. - 3p.m., 2460 Wilshire Blvd. https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/chelsea/events/easter-brunch-2026-04-05
Ina Bakes Easter/Spring Pop‑Up: Hop on over this Saturday, April 4 from 9–2pm for a spread of seasonal pastries and beloved classics — bursting with bright spring flavors and holiday joy. Pre‑order available. 535 Rose Ave, Venice inabakes.com/shop
Carrot Cake Cookie at Levain: Their signature six-ounce cookies get packed with freshly grated carrots, sweet apricots, white chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans, delivering classic carrot cake flavor in Levain's signature rich, indulgent texture. Also back for spring is the fan-favorite Lemon Cookie. 1661 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice https://levainbakery.com
Further Afield: Meet the Grunion: Take a chance to experience one of California’s most unique natural spectacles at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. This seasonal program offers a deep dive into the fascinating biology and "mating dance" of the California grunion—a fish that famously leaves the ocean to spawn on sandy beaches. The evening begins with an educational auditorium session and a "hatching experience" where you can watch baby grunion emerge from their eggs in real-time, followed by a staff-led guided walk to the shoreline for (hopefully) live observation. Friday, April 3, starting at 8 p.m., 3720 Stephen M White Dr., San Pedro https://cma.recreation.parks.lacity.gov/events/meet-grunion-4
Looking Ahead: Santa Monica Film Festival (4/11-13); SaMo International Jazz Festival (5/1-9); Venice Beach Cinco de Mayo Parade (5/2); Netflix Is A Joke Fest (5/4-10); EEEEEATSCON (5/16-17); MAINopoly Taste of Main Street (5/24); U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship (6/2-5);
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: Spring Splashes and Easter Brunches