Blog | Fun Things to do in Downtown Santa Monica This August

Hi everyone:

Welcome to Downtown Santa Monica Inc.'s new blog. In the coming months, we will bring you all kinds of news about fun happenings in Downtown Santa Monica, along with information on new projects and initiatives we're working on with the City. This week, though, our minds are on summer, and all the fun things we're going to do before it's over. Here, then, is a look at what's coming up...

From bike riding on the beach to alfresco happy hours, there is something for everyone in Downtown Santa Monica.  Locals and visitors alike will enjoy summer specials and promotional offers at Downtown restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues throughout the district.   There is no better place to enjoy summertime fun for the whole family than Downtown Santa Monica.  Check out these great ideas and see why Everyone’s Downtown this summer!

28TH ANNUAL TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES

Every Thursday, from 7-10pm, The Santa Monica Pier presents the Twilight Concert Series.  A highly anticipated summer tradition now in its 28th year, the Series showcases free concerts across the musical spectrum drawing an audience as diverse as the acts onstage. Join the crowd that stretches from the Pier deck to the beach and beyond as the Santa Monica Bay’s gorgeous summer days blend into enchanting evenings of family, friends, music and magic.  Stop by Downtown Santa Monica restaurants before or after the show for dinner and drinks.   Admission is free.  For more information visit http://twilightconcertseries.com.

SUMMERTASTE WINE TASTING SERIES AT SANTA MONICA PLACE

Now through October 10, 2012 visit Santa Monica Place for wine tastings and gatherings held every second Wednesday of the month. Come to the Dining Deck and enjoy music, wine and an amazing setting under the stars!  For more information visit http://www.santamonicaplace.com/events/summertaste2012.

INDULGE SANTA MONICA: DINNER AT THE FAIRMONT
On August 10, 2012 from 8:00pm - 10:30pm join FIG Restaurant at The Fairmont as they host four of the West Side's finest chefs who will combine forces to prepare an incredibly decadent, multi-course dinner.  From Joe Miller's Bar Pintxo and his pioneering restaurant Joe’s on Abbott Kinney, to Raphael Lunetta's beloved Jiraffe and Ray Garcia's farm-to-table hit FIG, you'd have to book four different meals to sample these super-stars' talents. Exclusively for Los Angeles Food & Wine attendees, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience culinary collaboration in a luxe, beachside setting that's pure Santa Monica.  Tickets must be purchased ahead of time for $350.  For more information visit http://www.lafw.com/index.cfm/santa_monica.htm.

SUMMER AT THE SHORE: EVENT AT THE FAIRMONT

On August 10, 2012 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm The Fairmont will host “Summer at the Shore” as part of the Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival.  Gourmet finger foods from 16 chefs from around the nation and prestigious wines from 18 award-winning wineries will be highlighted at the event.  Admission is $150.00 and VIP admission is $195.00.   For more information visit http://www.lafw.com/index.cfm/santa_monica.htm.

LORNA JANE SUMMER WORKOUT SERIES AT SANTA MONICA PLACE

Every Sunday through August 19th Australian activewear label Lorna Jane, which just launched in the USA, is celebrating the opening of its flagship store at Santa Monica Place with a summer workout series co-hosted by Lorna Jane and Equinox. Equinox group fitness manager and Lorna Jane ambassador Amy Dixon has curated a workout series on the dining deck.  Hours are 9:00am – 10:00am and admission is free!  For more information visit http://www.santamonicaplace.com/Events.

PLAYS IN THE PARK AT SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE

Each weekend, Saturday and Sunday, through August 18th Plays in the Park presents an evening of plays at the Santa Monica Playhouse, consisting of 3 different one acts and starring Esai Morales (Fairly Legal, NYPD Blue, Caprica) and Mark Rydell (Director of The Rose, The River, Gunsmoke and more).  Each weekend features a different guest artist. Past celebrity guests have included Ed Asner, George Segal and Allan Miller.  Please note that one of the acts, entitled "Oxymorons" includes some PG-13 language and is not suitable for children under 13. Hours are 3pm & 7pm. Admission is $20.  For more information visit http://www.santamonicaplayhouse.com.

SRI LANKA DAY AT THIRD STREET PROMENADE

On August 25th, 2012 Sri Lanka Day returns to Downtown Santa Monica.  This one-day event presented by the Sri Lanka Foundation, will be held at the Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica. This special day will showcase Sri Lankan musicians, dancers, food and businesses. Since the first event in 2006, Sri Lanka Day has grown to become the largest event promoting Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan culture in U.S.A. In 2010, Sri Lanka Day attracted more than one hundred thousand visitors.

Performances will be held from 10.00am to 10.00pm near Broadway on Third Street Promenade.  More than twenty booths along the Promenade offer the best and most unique Sri Lankan foods, goods and services to the visitors attending Sri Lanka Day.  At 4.00pm, the "Pageant of Lanka" will parade through the Promenade with beautifully dressed Sri Lankan performers and theatre elephants. Additionally, there will be a Costume Parade with traditional and colorful Sri Lankan clothing.  For more information visit http://www.slday.com.

PHAROAH’S FESTIVAL AT THIRD STREET PROMENADE

On September 4th and September 5th, 2012, from 10:00am – 10:00pm, the first annual Pharaoh’s Festival will be held at the Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica.  Visitors will enjoy a unforgettable weekend of delicious Middle Eastern food including Baklava, Falafel and Kebab, as well as arts & crafts such as hand-painted papyrus and Egyptian jewelry, and photo-ops with the Pharaoh!  Admission is free. For more information visit http://www.pharaohsfestival.com/index.php.

DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA SUMMERTIME HAPPY HOURS

Throughout the summer restaurants and bars in Downtown Santa Monica are offering up an eclectic mix of Happy Hour Specials. From drink discounts to $5 appetizers, it's the perfect way to explore Downtown Santa Monica's flavor palate with prices worth toasting. For a list of over 20 restaurants in Downtown Santa Monica that feature summertime Happy Hours visit http://www.santamonica.com/visitors/what-to-do/nightlife/happy-hour/#downtown.

— By Kim Sudhalter