MAIN ST. CLOSED TO TRAFFIC THIS WEEKEND FOR SUMMER SOULSTICE EVENT: The event is Saturday, June 21, 12 – 7pm from Strand Ave to Pier Ave. and the street is closed to vehicles from 5am – 10pm.
Saturday June 21 Main St. Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events:
- This Saturday is going to be a big day on Main St.! The street will be closed to vehicular traffic as we again transform the street into a pedestrian paradise. The iconic Summer Soulstice event returns with live music, vendors, beer garden, activities for kids & more.
- And we are moving Make Music LA Main St. on the West side of Main St. just across from the Ocean Park Library so the events are combined.
- The events start at noon on Main St. from Pico Blvd. to the Venice border. FREE!
- Edgemar: Their courtyard will be activated into an all-day celebration with food booths, satellite bars, and DJs playing throughout the day.
- HELP NEEDED for Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events: We NEED volunteers to staff our table/tent at the Soulstice event and to help with set-up and take-down from both Soulstice and Make Music LA. PLEASE CLICK HERE OR REPLY TO THIS EMAIL TO VOLUNTEER!
Today is Juneteenth!
- 33 years ago, LaVerne Ross approached the City to commemorate a holiday that her family celebrated in Texas. Juneteenth is known as America’s second Independence Day, the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.
- The first Juneteenth in Santa Monica was held in 1992 as a small observance. Over the years, thanks to LaVerne’s dedication and leadership, the event has grown into an important annual tribute that brings together Santa Monica’s Black community.
- In March 2022, Santa Monica City Council designated Juneteenth as an official City holiday, one year after President Biden acknowledged Juneteenth nationally.
OPA Board Member Jeff Jarow Among Trio Honored as Hometown Heroes for Dramatic Apartment Fire Rescue: This SMDP story details how “three Santa Monica residents risked their lives to rescue an elderly woman from a burning apartment were formally recognized by the American Red Cross last month at the 20th Annual Hometown Heroes Awards Luncheon, held aboard the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach.” Their lifesaving actions during an October 2023 fire on Euclid Street were cited by Red Cross officials as a shining example of community spirit, teamwork and selflessness in the face of danger. And here’s a must watch three minute YouTube video the Red Cross created in honor of the Hometown Heroes. Well done Jeff!!!!
SMDP Profiles VCA Main St.: This write-up details the clinic that opened in November 2022, stating “VCA Santa Monica Main Street animal hospital has committed to building lasting relationships with clients and their pets. Located in the heart of Main Street, it has become a neighborhood sanctuary for pets and their families.”
June 22 Deadline to complete the Airport Conversion Project CoMap Survey: What do you want to see on the Santa Monica Airport property after the Airport closes at the end of 2028? Contribute your thoughts and ideas! Click here to take the survey.
How did Pasjoli flip from being a fancy prix-fixe restaurant to reopen as casual in just two weeks? This LA Times report is a play-by-play coverage of the project where Pasjoli reopened last weekend after a two-week closure meant to reset and rebrand the lauded Main St. restaurant.
Things To Do This Weekend:
- 2025 Pride on the Promenade: Enjoy live music, free swag, games, and more as local orgs + service providers will be out showing love and support. This is a space to celebrate our vibrant identities, uplift one another, and connect with the services that help us thrive! The Entertainment Zone will be fully activated for the first time so kick off the day with a drink from participating businesses starting at 11a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2 – 7p.m., Third St. Promenade More details here.
- The Venice Fest: This is your go-to celebration for the first day of summer — a free, all-ages community event that brings together the best of the Westside in one unforgettable day. Enjoy live music, outdoor yoga, wellness experiences, local artisan vendors, delicious eats, and good vibes under the sun. Saturday, June 21, 12 – 7p.m., 12257 Venice Blvd. https://www.thevenicefest.com/
- Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): Continue celebrating the Summer Solstice weekend at the Main Street Farmers Market this Sunday with special guests Telephone Tag 10am-1pm and on the lawn, join Bambola Shoppe for a super fun upcycling workshop! Plus, we’ve got all of your favorite summertime fruits and veggies for the perfect picnic here on the lawn or at the beach! See you there!
- Pride on the Pier Dance (Sunday 12 – 8pm): With the ocean as the backdrop and the Pier as the stage, this unforgettable event brings together the entire community to celebrate love, unity and the beautiful diversity of Santa Monica’s LGBTQIA+ family. A portion of the proceeds from this spectacular event will go directly back into the community, supporting local LGBTQIA+ organizations and initiatives to ensure that the spirit of Pride continues long after the celebration ends. @ Santa Monica Pier More details here.
