The Malibu Chili Cook-Off is back. The Palisades Village is open. And the highly anticipated “Ocean Way Festival”, a major music festival, arrives on Santa Monica beach.
Here is what is happening, when, and how to get in.
FEATURED: Farmers Market at Palisades Village
Return to the newly opened Palisades Village for fresh produce and faire.
When: Every Wednesday, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., through Dec. 30
Where: Palisades Village, Pacific Palisades
Cost: Free
The Pacific Palisades Farmers Market comes home following the re-opening of the Palisades Village. Run by Raw Inspiration, it now operates Wednesday afternoons so vendors can keep the Sunday morning markets they moved to during the closure; a Sunday return is the long-term goal.
More info: https://rawinspiration.org/locations/pacific-palisades-farmers-market/
Malibu Chili Cook-Off
When: Sept. 4 to 7. Friday 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1 to 10 p.m.; Monday 1 to 8 p.m.
Where: 23575 Civic Center Way, Malibu
Cost: $34.96 Single Day, $110.79 Four-Day Pass. Online tickets only, parking not included
The 43rd annual Cook-Off returns after a year off for fire recovery, with a judged chili competition, carnival rides, a skate contest, vendors and live music on a new stage curated by presenting sponsor Aviator Nation. Organizers expect 20,000-plus over four days, and 100% of net proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. Kids 5 and under are free.
More info: malibuchilicookoff.org
Abbot Kinney First Fridays
When: Friday, Sept. 4, 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice
Cost: Free
The monthly street party lands on Labor Day weekend. Dozens of food trucks line the mile between Venice Boulevard and Main Street, boutiques stay open late and the boulevard takes on a block-party feel. The Abbot Kinney Boulevard Association posts the truck lineup ahead of time.
More info: abbotkinneyblvd.com
"Antigone: In the Language of Kings" at the Getty Villa
When: Sept. 10 to Oct. 3. Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; previews Sept. 3 to 5.
Where: Getty Villa Outdoor Theater
Cost: $45 Thursdays ($40 students and seniors), $50 Fridays, $60 Saturdays; previews $30
The Getty Villa marks 20 years of outdoor classical theater with Latino Theater Company's reimagining of Sophocles, set in pre-conquest Tenochtitlan and performed in English, Spanish and Nahuatl with supertitles. Evelina Fernández adapts, Jose Luis Valenzuela directs. About 90 minutes, no intermission. Not recommended for under 13.
More info: getty.edu
Locals' Night at the Santa Monica Pier
When: Thursday, Sept. 17, afternoon into evening
Where: Santa Monica Pier
Cost: Free, all ages
The Pier's free community series opens its 2026-27 season on the third Thursday of September, as it does every year. Presented by Pacific Park, the night brings a classic car show, local DJs and bands, kids' activities and art to the Pier deck, and it is built for residents rather than tourists.
More info: santamonicapier.org/localsnight
Coastal Cleanup Day at Santa Monica Beach
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Santa Monica Beach and 60-plus sites countywide; site assigned at registration
Cost: Free
Heal the Bay runs L.A. County's share of the world's largest volunteer environmental event, now in its 37th year, with 60-plus sites across beaches, rivers, parks and dive spots. Last year more than 6,700 volunteers pulled roughly 19,000 pounds of trash in a single morning.
More info: healthebay.org/coastalcleanupday
Mexican Ballet Folklórico at the Santa Monica Library
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Santa Monica Public Library, Main Branch
Cost: Free
The library kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with a live Mexican ballet folklórico performance, the traditional regional dances of Mexico in full color and full skirts. Last year's edition featured the Santa Monica Ballet Folklórico, the city's only folklórico dance company, founded by Gina de Baca more than 20 years ago in response to the loss of local cultural programs. All ages welcome.
More info: https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4j6frm206rv37yq7fmeq2bcvmy/202609191200
Thai Fest by the Beach at the Santa Monica Pier
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier
Cost: Free admission; food and goods for purchase
The Pier becomes a two-day Thai street market, produced by Buddy Production with the Royal Thai Consulate-General and supported by the City of Santa Monica. Expect a curated roster of Thai food vendors, Muay Thai demonstrations, traditional dance, live music and shopping from Thai makers, plus a performance troupe flying in from Bangkok.
More info: thaifestbythebeach.com
Ocean Way Festival at Santa Monica Beach
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 27, noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Santa Monica State Beach, on the sand between the Pier and Bay Street
Cost: $229 for single-day general admission and $399 for two-day passes.
Goldenvoice, the company behind Coachella, stages the first major ticketed music festival ever on Santa Monica's sand. The Killers headline Saturday and Olivia Dean Sunday, with Jack White, Khruangbin, Sublime, Alvvays and DJ Harvey among the acts on two stages. There is no on-site parking and beach lots south of the Pier will be closed.
More info: oceanwayfestival.com; city logistics at santamonica.gov/programs/oceanwayfestival
"Into the Woods" at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre
When: Sept. 26 to Oct. 18. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica
Cost: $29.00 - $39.00 including fees
The Morgan-Wixson closes its 80th anniversary season with Sondheim and Lapine's Tony-winning musical, which sends Cinderella, Little Red, Jack and a Baker and his Wife into the woods after their wishes and then makes them live with the results. Elijah Green directs in his full-length debut at the theater, with choreography by Danielle Jensen and music direction by Will Nazareno.
More info: morgan-wixson.org
Abbot Kinney Festival
When: Sunday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice
Cost: Free
Venice's biggest Sunday returns after being canceled in 2024 and 2025. The 40-plus-year tradition brings three stages of DJs and live music, more than 300 vendors, food trucks, beer gardens and a kids' area to the full length of the boulevard. It is run by the nonprofit Abbot Kinney Festival Association, with proceeds supporting Venice youth programs, arts and beautification.
More info: abbotkinneyfest.com