Arts & Entertainment
Get Out and Go: Music Festival, Fourth of July Celebrations and More
Also on tap for this weekend is the Nike Run Club, a petting farm and art exhibits.
It’s Friday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the Fourth of July weekend.
No worries, Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks of activities that are sure to please and stimulate the senses.
Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Where/When: Craig Krull Gallery; Tuesdays through Saturdays until July 23
Why Go: Former band member of Nervous Maniacs and later, a folk music performer who opened for the likes of Morrissey, Phranc has gone back to her artist’s roots. First known for her work with the Feminist Studio Workshop in the 1970’s, she is once again producing tangible works of art that look at everyday life. Crafted from cardboard, gouache and thread, her brightly colored exhibit entitled Phranc of California features sculptures representing the everyday items of summer, often in primary color schemes.
Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Pricing: Click website above for more information.
2. Asana Class, Book Signing and Potluck with Christina Sell
Where/When: YogaGlo at 1800 Berkeley Street; class is 6:30-8 p.m., book signing is 8-8:45 p.m.
Why Go: Relax and invigorate with an all-levels yoga class consisting of Vinyasa sequences called called High Aim, Firm Foundation: Standing Poses and Arm Balances, led by Christina Sell. Afterward, Sell will sign copies of her book, My Body is a Temple: Yoga as a Path to Wholeness, during a community gathering and potluck where refreshments will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share.
Pricing: Free
3. Walking Tour of Downtown Santa Monica
Where/When: Sidewalk in front of Hostelling International; Saturday at 10 a.m.
Why Go: Step back 130 years into Santa Monica’s history with a docent-led walking tour from the Santa Monica Conservancy. The two-hour walk starts at in front of the hostel located at 1436 2nd Street between Broadway Street and Santa Monica Boulevard. Stroll six blocks while learning about the city’s Wild West past, its development into a city and architectural history. Walking tour gift certificates are available on their website.
Pricing: Tickets are $10; members of the Santa Monica and Los Angeles Conservancies pay $5.
Where/When: Rose Garden in Palisades Park; Saturday from 2-5 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy an afternoon of tunes from the five-member folk-grass band Under the Sky. Featuring two songwriters/guitarists, a violinist, an upright bassist and a mandolin player, the band will be performing outdoors on the bluff where Palisades Park meets Ocean Avenue.
Pricing: Free
Where/When: 2640 Main Street in Heritage Square; Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Why Go: While dragging children from stall to stall of delicious food, swing by the petting farm where the kids can take a break from shopping and visit chickens, sheep, ducks and goats every first weekend of each month. On all other weekends, pony rides are available.
Pricing:
Where/When: The Nike Store at Santa Monica Place (Broadway and 3rd Streets); 10:30 a.m.
Why Go: With three groups running different distances—three, five and seven mile runs—and each with a pace leader, participants can choose their own level of commitment.
Pricing: Free
7. Carol Powell Closing Reception
Where/When: Bleicher/Golightly Gallery; Sunday from 4-7 p.m.
Why Go: View Powell’s colorful art installation, A Rare Bird. Inspired by her volunteer work in bird rescue, Powell’s mixed media artworks consist of sewn fabric, paint, marker and collage to craft fanciful depictions of owls, penguins, snowy egrets and ducks. For more information, call (310) 451-9983.
8. Pricing:
Independence Day Celebration at Trip
Where/When: Trip nightclub at 2101 Lincoln Boulevard; Sunday at 8 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy a free jam session in honor of the red, white and blue holiday featuring Harold Honey, Atomic Love Tribe and Special Guests.
Pricing: Free
9. 5th Annual Fourth of July Parade and After-Party
Where/When: Main Street at the Civic Center; Monday at 9:30 a.m.
Why Go: In honor of the Grand Marshals of Santa Monica, the city’s Ocean Lifeguards, the parade’s theme is this year is “Fourth of July at the Beach” and will feature live music, picnics on the lawn and food trucks. Led by Captain Angus Alexander, a 31-year veteran of local lifeguards and founder of Heal the Bay, the parade will traverse down Main Street to the Venice Border and is followed by an after-party in Heritage Square (at 2612 Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard.) Festivities are hosted by the Ocean Park Association and Heritage Museum.
Pricing: Free
Where/When: 395 Santa Monica Place; Main festivities are Monday from 1-6 p.m. but celebrations run through the weekend
Why Go: A short distance from the shore, enjoy live country music, a 40-foot smurf, stilt walkers and face painters. Interactive activities for children and entertainment are happening from 1-3 p.m. in the Plaza. At 4 p.m., country duo Bomshel takes the stage on the Dining Deck. Taking a break from their world-wide tour to perform, the band will perform hits that have made the Country’s Top 40 list, like "Fight like a Girl" and "19 and Crazy."
Pricing: Free
