Residents and visitors can choose between seafood and canines this Sunday as the city hosts two major community festivals: the Off the Hook Seafood Festival on the pier and the Day of the Dog celebration on Main Street.
Both free and ticketed options await attendees on Oct. 19, with events running from noon through evening hours across different parts of the city.
Day of the Dog Takes Over Main Street
The annual Day of the Dog festival begins at noon Sunday on Main Street, which will be closed to traffic between Ocean Park Boulevard and Strand Street through approximately 5 p.m. The free, pet-friendly block party features activities designed for dogs and their owners, with festivities potentially extending until 7 p.m.
Now in its third year in Santa Monica, the event bills itself as the largest dog festival in North America. Activities include a 100-foot doggy pool party with canine cabanas and live DJs, an 18-ton snow play area, and an 80-foot wave simulator for dog surfing.
Breed-specific races include the "You Did What With Your Wiener?" for dachshunds, "If Baguettes Could Run" for corgis, and "Running of the Bulls" for French bulldogs. Additional contests will crown winners in the "Size Does Matter" parade, celebrating the biggest, smallest, hairiest and oldest dogs, along with a Snaggletooth Showcase.
Food options include a Puppuccino Bar serving dog-friendly drinks and a doggy brunch area. Human attendees can enjoy Main Street restaurants and bars with outdoor seating, plus a beer garden. More than 100 pet-product vendors will offer toys, treats and gear.
No tickets or registration are required for general admission, though specific races and contests may have on-site signups. Dogs must be leashed.
The event is organized by the Just Love Animals Society, a nonprofit that uses the festival as a fundraiser for animal welfare programs and rescue organizations. The society partners with Main Street Santa Monica's business association and the City of Santa Monica. Visit https://www.petapaloozawest.com/santa-monica for more information.
Seafood Festival Benefits Ocean Conservation
The Off the Hook Seafood Festival runs Sunday evening from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the Santa Monica Pier, with VIP ticket holders entering at 3 p.m. The seventh annual event features unlimited tastings from more than 25 Southern California restaurants and chefs serving dishes including fresh oysters, sushi, lobster and shrimp.
General admission tickets start at $80, while VIP passes cost $175. VIP perks include early entry, access to the Sustainable Seafood VIP Lounge with curated cocktails and extra dishes, reserved seating and unlimited rides on Pacific Park's Ferris wheel. General admission includes all food tastings, craft beer and wine gardens, live music and activities.
Tickets are available through the festival website and Eventbrite.
Entertainment includes a live Yacht Rock performance by The Windbreakers band, oyster shucking and eating competitions hosted by Mayor Lana Negrete, interactive games, artisan vendors and themed photo opportunities.
The festival serves as a fundraiser for Heal the Bay, a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting Santa Monica Bay. This year's event emphasizes sustainability, partnering with Reusable LA to eliminate single-use plastics and create a zero-waste event. Proceeds will support Heal the Bay's marine conservation programs, including efforts to restore coastal ecosystems impacted by recent regional wildfires.
The 2025 edition coincides with National Seafood Month and Santa Monica's 150th anniversary, with organizers highlighting sustainable dining and coastal advocacy.
Produced by Spin PR Group in partnership with the Santa Monica Pier and restaurant sponsors, Off the Hook began in the mid-2010s and has become the city's premier food festival. After a pandemic hiatus, the event has returned as a fixture on the fall calendar. Visit https://offthehookseafoodfest.com/ for more information.
Attendees should anticipate traffic and parking challenges, particularly with Main Street closures and expected crowds at both venues. The city encourages early arrival and use of alternative transportation when possible.