This post by Santa Monica’s public information coordinator Joseph Vandenorth originally appeared at santamonica.gov.
COAST is just around the corner on Sunday, October 1 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. You might be wondering, “what’s COAST?” Back for its second year, Santa Monica’s COAST Open Streets Festival marries the open streets event concept with a robust cultural festival. This year, the City of Santa Monica is programming even more live music, interactive art, and local food for the public’s pleasure. The route is two-miles long, making it easy to walk, bike, or skate throughout Santa Monica with great views of the Pacific along the way.
COAST is free and open to everyone. We encourage you to come out for a lively Sunday in Santa Monica. Here’s a short list of what COAST’s organizers are most excited for. RSVP on Facebook or read the full program and event map for COAST.
Five Things You Shouldn’t Miss
- All-string female Mariachi band Las Colibrí (Main St 10-12:30; Ocean 1:30-4)
- Hip-hop dance group Antics (COAST Stage, 1)
- Samba Reggae and Afro-Brazilian Dance (Ocean & Santa Monica, 11, 12)
- Kiel Johnson and reDiscover Center build Dream Tree from repurposed materials (Sustainability Zone, 10-4)
- Twenty Minute Treks, guided tours from poets and historians (Ocean & Broadway, 11-4)
Want more? Here’s an overview of what you can expect at different points along the route.
On Ocean Avenue
The COAST Stage is the main spot for live music throughout the day including sets by KCRW’s DJ Anthony Valadez (noon and 2 p.m.), soft beach rock by Yachty by Nature (11 a.m.), hip-hop dance performances by Antics (1 p.m.), and music from progressive salsa orchestra Rambankete (3 p.m.). For the kids, the Shakey Quakey earthquake simulator will be out!
Wake up and get active at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Ocean Ave. with Zumba Fitness (10 a.m.), Samba Reggae and Afro-Brazilian Dance (11 a.m., 12 p.m.), African/Jazz fusion dance and rap workshop (1 p.m.), and Hoopfit Fitness (1:30 p.m.). Bonus for the kids: tour public works trucks!
Head over to the Art Zone around Camera Obscura Art Lab for Twenty Minute Treks with guided tours from poets and historians (11 a.m. – 4 p.m., every 15 mins) or belt out your favorite tune with karaoke alongside pianist Robbie Fontana.
At the Santa Monica Pier, get a tour of the historic pier all day or join the bike parade (2 p.m., Aquarium). There’s another music stage at the Pier with modern folk artist Sister Speak (12 p.m.) and classic rock band Rod Lightning & the Thunderbolts of Love (2:15 p.m.).
Civic Center
The Civic Center includes the Mobility Zone with a bike rodeo that challenges riders of all ages and free t-shirt screen printing. In front of City Hall, meet your local leaders from City Council and elected officials, and other community leaders. Remember the day with the Santa Monica-themed photo booth. Join artist Kiel Johnson and the reDiscover Center and use repurposed materials to embellish a Dream Tree at the Sustainability Zone.
Main Street
JumpLA jump roping and Double Dutch workshops at the Santa Monica Farmers Market with extended hours from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Plus, local businesses will have deals as part of Buy Local.
Along Main Street, there’ll be live music throughout the day, including New Orleans’ Critical Brass Band, all-string female Mariachi band Las Colibrí, saxophone quartet S4X, and stilt walkers Eros Biox and friends. The Santa Monica Conservancy is orchestrating an architecture scavenger hunt on Main Street throughout the day!
There’s so much more happening at COAST. Download the full program at www.smgov.net/coast. We encourage you to explore the route however you are most comfortable whether that’s on foot, a bike, or rollerblades.
