Santa Monica’s Sixth Annual Unity Resource Festival will celebrate the city by the sea’s diverse cultures Sunday through music, dance and culinary arts.
The festival — presented by City Hall, Santa Monica College and the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council — will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park.
This year’s theme is “A Cultural Infusion.” The festival will highlight information on city, business, and non-profit agencies that “strengthen the community with supportive resources,” festival officials said.
Free entertainment will be provided, including live dance music by The Bonedaddys, and Very Be Careful, which showcases Colombian vallenato and cumbia.
There also will be a multi-media theatrical presentation by actor Gerald Rivers and MOA dance, featuring jazz saxophonist Cal Bennett. The show will riff on the theme of “unity” as expressed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Teen poet and hip-hop artist Miles McAliley will also perform.
In addition, the annual “Unity Awards” will be given to an outstanding individual, community organization and faith-based group for “making a difference in the quality of life in Santa Monica through activities that promote diversity in cultural education and cultural awareness,” according to festival officials.
Free bike valet services will be provided and food trucks will be on hand.
For the latest updates, visit Virginia Avenue Park’s website at www.vapark.smgov.net or call (310) 458-8688. Virginia Avenue Park is located at 2200 Virginia Ave. The park is wheelchair accessible.