Browse some of Santa Monica’s major events and festivals taking place throughout the year. They’re among the best events found in Southern California and the Los Angeles area. For an up-to-date daily event guide, visit the Santa Monica events calendar.

March to May (Spring)

This slate of outdoor movies kicks off in May (and runs through Sept), taking place around L.A., including at Santa Monica High School, and is accompanied by some of the best food trucks in SoCal. Bonus: Leashed pets are welcome!

June to August (Summer)

Main Street Summer Soulstice (June)

Live music takes over Main Street, with multiple stages and acts performing throughout the day.

4th of July Parade (July 4th)

A true slice of local life, this beloved patriotic annual community celebration draws thousands of spectators along Main Street.

Cinema on the Street (July to August)

Friday nights feature free outdoor movie screenings on Third Street Promenade.

Sunset Swims (July to September)

Enjoy summer evenings at Annenberg Community Beach House’s sunset swims. These adult-only pool sessions happen on select dates so be sure to check their website for details.

Twilight Concert Series (July to September)

Keep the beat all summer with a diverse mix of mainstream headliners and up-and-coming indie bands.

Jazz on the Lawn (August)

The 11th anniversary of this free, family-friendly sampling of jazz happens Sunday evenings in Stewart Park.

Farmers Markets

Santa Monica’s four farmers markets run year-round, but summer is high season, with great people watching, not to mention an array of sweet seasonal fruits and delicious berries.

September to November (Fall)

Off-Season Beach Escapes

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy Santa Monica’s sandy beaches and stunning sunsets with typically smaller crowds and sunny, warm weather into November. In October, don’t miss Front Porch Cinema, outdoor movies hosted by Santa Monica Pier.

Fall Flavor

Get holiday ready with autumn-inspired cooking/baking classes at The Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories.

Farmers Markets Halloween

Get your pumpkin and carve it, too—every year, the downtown farmers market hosts an “all-you-can-carry” pumpkin patch, in which you get to keep as many pumpkins as you can hold, all for one price. Don’t miss the kid-favorite no-carve pumpkin decorating event at the Main Street and Pico markets.

Thanksgiving

Skip the cooking and savor Santa Monica’s culinary scene with family and friends—many local restaurants and hotels host special Thanksgiving meals.

December to February (Winter)

Pico Holiday Hop (December)

Pico Boulevard’s Yuletide festivities include refreshments, art, entertainment, and shopping specials.

Downtown Santa Monica and Santa Monica Place Holiday Events (November to January)

Downtown Santa Monica transforms into a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, tree lighting, Santa visits, and much more.

Holiday Shopping

Santa Monica’s holiday shopping scene boasts sunny outdoor shopping areas like Main Street, Montana Avenue, Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place.

Eat Well Week (January)

The city’s most celebrated chefs create healthy, New Year’s resolution–friendly cuisine.

Valentine’s Day (February 14)

Couples can share a romantic dinner, sip cocktails at sunset, and soak in spectacular ocean views at one of many esteemed dining destinations.

Originally posted on SantaMonica.com.