The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica
Santa Monica is marking 150 years with a citywide celebration from July through December 2025, and the entire community is invited to reflect on Santa Monica’s shared history.
This milestone marks 150 years since July 14, 1875, when the town of Santa Monica was first mapped out and the initial plots of land were sold.
“Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary is a powerful opportunity to reflect not only on our history and our progress, but also on the stories and voices that haven’t always been heard,” Mayor Lana Negrete said. “The next six months provide a chance for all of us to listen, learn and lead with compassion as we celebrate the people and stories that make Santa Monica special.”
By honoring achievements and sharing stories while acknowledging the injustices that have shaped the city’s past, the anniversary serves as a launchpad for imagining Santa Monica’s future.
In the past 150 years, Santa Monica has been a hub of innovation and collective civic engagement. From trailblazing advancements in art, culture, sports, technology, architecture and environmentalism to bold, community-driven solutions, Santa Monica has long been a place of pushing boundaries and breaking new ground.
The official kickoff event for this months-long celebration will be the State of the City: A Celebration of Resilience and Growth on July 17, featuring a reception in the newly revived Miles Memorial Playhouse and free performances in Reed Park.
A community events calendar will showcase citywide happenings hosted by residents, artists, nonprofits and neighborhood organizations, all designed to honor the people, places and stories that have shaped Santa Monica over the past 150 years.
Highlights include multiple free events in parks citywide. Event details will be shared soon.
Community members can submit and host their own public events that align with the spirit of the anniversary. Click here to submit an event.
The city is offering microgrants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support hosted community events that align with one or more of the anniversary goals:
- Celebrating community history and diversity
- Honoring achievement
- Addressing historical inequities
- Fostering connection
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Eligible applicants include:
- Artists and artist collectives
- Arts producers
- Nonprofits and community groups
- Neighborhood and business associations
- For-profit organizations based in Santa Monica
- City departments and staff affinity groups
A marketing toolkit that includes templates for posters, social media graphics and a unifying campaign graphic will be shared with event presenters for marketing and promotion.
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) plays a central role in promoting the city’s history, culture and unique identity throughout the anniversary year. As a leading partner, SMTT is helping to amplify the campaign’s reach, encourage responsible tourism and invite visitors to engage meaningfully with Santa Monica’s past and present.
“For 150 years, Santa Monica has been a beacon on the California coast,” SMTT President and CEO Misti Kerns said. “From the early days of the Pacific Electric Railway and Route 66 bringing visitors to the beach, to today’s vibrant blend of culture, wellness and innovation, our city has always embraced travelers from near and far. In fact, many of our residents first discovered Santa Monica as visitors and, like so many before them, fell in love with its spirit. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to continuing Santa Monica’s legacy as a world-class destination where all are welcome.”
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) is also a cornerstone partner in the 150th celebration, working to activate the heart of the city with engaging public events, placemaking initiatives and community programming that reflect Santa Monica’s spirit of innovation and inclusivity. DTSM ensures the downtown area remains a vibrant gathering space for residents and visitors alike during this historic year.
“We’re proud to celebrate the city of Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary and the vital role Downtown Santa Monica has played ― and continues to play — as the heart of our city’s cultural, economic and civic life,” DTSM Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas said.
Additional partners uplifting the Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary celebration include: Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library; Friends of Sunset Park; Main Street Santa Monica; Montana Avenue Merchants Association; North of Montana Association; Ocean Park Association; Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals; Pico Improvement Organization; Pico Neighborhood Association; Santa Monica Arts Commission; Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce; Santa Monica Conservancy; Santa Monica Heritage Museum; Santa Monica History Museum; Santa Monica Landmarks Commission; Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors; Santa Monica Northeast Neighbors; Santa Monica Pier Corporation; Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission; Santa Monica Sister Cities Association; Transient Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee; Virginia Avenue Park Advisory Committee; Wilmont Neighborhood Association; and Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition.
Together, these partners are helping bring Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary to life through events, storytelling and shared community pride.
For full details on events, microgrant applications and how to get involved, visit SantaMonica150.com.
