Santa Monica's annual State of the City address will take place Thursday at the newly reopened Miles Memorial Playhouse and Christine Emerson Reed Park, marking a dramatic departure from the traditional seated speech to a vibrant community celebration.
The event, titled "State of the City: A Celebration of Resilience and Growth," runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and represents a significant format change designed to engage residents in a more interactive experience. Instead of a formal address, attendees will enjoy an opening reception with Mayor Lana Negrete and incoming City Manager Oliver Chi, followed by live performances in the park.Residents are encouraged to bring their own picnic supplies and seating, while the city provides entertainment and activities.
The celebration also serves as the kickoff for Santa Monica's 150th anniversary celebration, which will continue through December 2025.
Local resident John Cyrus Smith, representing the Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition (Wilmont), said the event builds on the broader community revitalization efforts at Reed Park. "It symbolizes how the efforts of many residents and local groups, especially Wilmont, Parks Commissioners, SMPD and the city are finally making a difference at the park," Smith said.
Wilmont has been instrumental in activating Reed Park through regular programming, including three "Second Saturday Celebrations" with live music and movies annually, plus summer yoga and tai-chi sessions on Saturday mornings. The organization has also worked with code compliance and county officials to address safety concerns in the area.
"City officials noticed and found money to resurrect the Miles," Smith explained, noting that police now maintain a daily presence at the park and ambassadors keep facilities clean. "Things are better at Reed than they have been in years and many share in that progress."
The Miles Memorial Playhouse reopening represents a significant milestone for the community. Smith welcomed the development, saying, "The Miles has so much potential as an active community resource. Its reopening is just a beginning."
The event timeline begins at 4 p.m. with the opening reception inside the Miles Memorial Playhouse, featuring light refreshments, city information boards, and opportunities to meet with city officials. City department and partner booths will operate throughout the park, offering activities for all ages and information on municipal initiatives and programs. DJ Bukue One will provide music in the park during this opening hour.
Welcome remarks by Mayor Negrete and city officials are scheduled for 5 p.m., followed by a poem from city Poet Laureate Anne Carmack.
The performance portion runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m., featuring three main acts. Downbeat 720, a city-sponsored open mic and performance lab for teens operating since 2001, will present youth artists alongside professionals Joe Hernandez-Kolski, Joshua Silverstein, and DJ Jedi, who will also serve as evening emcees.
String Theory, a hybrid performance ensemble combining music and movement, will present their immersive musical installations. The group travels nationally and internationally creating collaborative performances.
Performers from Los Angeles Performance Practice's BRIDGE THE GAPS initiative will also participate. This program supports artists impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires with space residencies at the Miles Memorial Playhouse.
Additional activities include 15-minute tours of the historic Miles Memorial Playhouse led by Santa Monica Conservancy docents, trivia, giveaways, a beer garden by Santa Monica Brew Works, and food from Border Grill and Hot Dog on a Stick.
Transportation options include free Big Blue Bus rides for event attendees on routes 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 18, and 41, all within a 10-minute walk of Reed Park. Free parking is available at St. Monica Catholic Church at 725 California Ave. and Santa Monica Main Library at 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Bike valet service will be provided along California Avenue.
The park, Miles Memorial Playhouse, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible, with an ADA viewing section near the performance stage.
Wilmont has encouraged members to attend the free, all-ages event. "Wilmont has emailed members with all the details about the event and encourages everyone to attend," Smith said.
The event is located at Christine Emerson Reed Park, 1133 7th Street, Santa Monica.