Locals' Night returns to the Santa Monica Pier on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 3:30 to 10 p.m., launching the 2026-27 season of the free community series with "Westside Punk Night," featuring live music, salsa dancing, a new photography exhibition and community programming throughout the pier.
The season opener puts a Westside spin on Locals' Night, bringing together Southern California punk, salsa, art and contemporary programming.
"Locals' Night is about bringing our community together and creating experiences on the Santa Monica Pier that reflect the people, music and cultures that make Southern California such an extraordinary place," said Jim Harris, executive director and historian of the Santa Monica Pier. "We're excited to open a new season with a night that celebrates the Westside's punk roots alongside salsa, art and community programming. It's an unexpected combination, but one that feels completely at home on the Santa Monica Pier."
Live music runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on the Pier Deck, with Riptide at 5:30 p.m., Horny Toad at 7 p.m. and Implicit Bias at 8:30 p.m.
The opening reception for "Afterglow: Portraits by Sam Comen" runs from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the Merry Go-Round building. The exhibition features 274 locals, travelers and international visitors photographed during three summer days at the pier in July.
Other programming includes Books & Cookies Musical Storytime at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. at the Merry Go-Round building, and a Classic Car Meetup and DJ set from 4 to 8 p.m. on the Pier Deck, with DJ Cee Rock spinning alongside a showcase of vintage cars.
Salsa Way at West End runs from 5 to 10 p.m., with live music by Orchestra Son Mayor, free salsa lessons with Courtney Parisi, an open dance floor over the ocean, and Super DJ Robby spinning.
The evening also spotlights the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the highway that leads to the Santa Monica Pier. More information is available at www.santamonica.com/route66.
Locals' Night is presented by Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier and produced by the Santa Monica Pier Corporation with support from community partners NEFT Vodka, Harvelle's and Costco.
Free tickets are available at http://pierlocalsnight.eventbrite.com/.
Edited by SMDP Staff