The following submission is from the Pier Corporation.
The Santa Monica “Pier 360” Beach Festival returns June 27–28, 2026, bringing two action-packed days of ocean sports, live entertainment, beach culture, and community celebration to the iconic Santa Monica shoreline. The free, all-ages festival transforms the beach and Pier into the ultimate Southern California summer experience, welcoming thousands of locals and visitors for competition, music, food, interactive experiences, and nonstop good vibes.
Tracing its roots back to the 1930s, when paddleboard racing first took hold at the Santa Monica Pier, Pier 360 celebrates the rich traditions of California beach life while showcasing today’s most exciting sand and sea competitions. Festival activities begin at 9 a.m. daily, with festivities continuing throughout the Pier and beach until 5 p.m.
“Pier 360 captures everything that makes Santa Monica special—our connection to the ocean, our active beach lifestyle, and the incredible energy of the Pier,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian of the Santa Monica Pier. “From paddleboard racing traditions that began here nearly a century ago to skateboarding, volleyball, and strongman competitions, this festival celebrates the spirit of Southern California beach culture in one unforgettable weekend.”
“Pier 360” Main Attractions
– Paddleboard Races – Celebrate the birthplace of paddleboard racing with multiple competition formats open to athletes of all levels.
– Ocean Swims – Open-water swim competitions featuring multiple distances, divisions, and age categories.
– Beach Volleyball Tournaments – Pier 360 Beach Festival partners with Volo Sports to present a recreational 4-on-4 beach volleyball tournament, continuing Santa Monica’s proud tradition as one of the world’s most celebrated beach volleyball destinations with top athletes competing all weekend.
– Santa Monica Strongman Classic – One of Pier 360’s signature attractions returns with elite male and female athletes competing in high-energy strength events directly on the beach.
– Lifeguard Competitions – Historic surfboat races, Junior Guard events, and ocean safety competitions celebrate Santa Monica’s lifeguard legacy.
– Ghost Jam Skate – An energetic showcase of skateboarding culture featuring free skate, demos and skate lessons, clinics, competitions for cash prizes, and top regional skaters.
– POP SK8 Roller Rink – The popular community roller rink returns to the Pier deck with free skating and all-day sessions overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
– Beer & Spirits Garden – Festivalgoers 21-plus can relax with cold alcohol beverages while enjoying music, ocean views, and festival energy.
– Main Stage Entertainment – Live music and performances throughout the weekend keep the Santa Monica Pier energized with a soundtrack worthy of a California summer.
– Museum of Beach Life – An immersive exhibit exploring the history of surf culture, Muscle Beach, paddleboard racing, and Santa Monica’s enduring connection to the ocean.
– Family Activities & Interactive Games – Kids activities, beach games, brand activations, and hands-on experiences create a fun environment for guests of all ages.
– Beach Festival Experiences – While general admission is free, guests can upgrade with a Pier 360 Festival Pass, a $25 add-on that includes an official festival T-shirt, swag bag, one Pacific Park ride and one complimentary beverage ticket.
“Pier 360” Beach Festival is produced by Santa Monica Pier Corporation, along with these great community partners and sponsors including Toyota, Michelob Ultra, UCLA Health, Lifeway, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, NEFT Vodka, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Hot Dog on a Stick, Costco, Gatorade, Ryze, C4 Energy, Kinda Fit Kinda Fat, Sure Stay by Best Western, Volo Los Angeles, Sparkling Ice Caffeine, Raising Cane’s, Natalie’s, Bovita Health and Muscle Milk.
While many enjoy the magic of “Pier 360” and other free events at the Pier, few realize that it’s made possible by Santa Monica Pier Corporation—a nonprofit that isn’tfully funded by the City of Santa Monica.
Free to attend with some competitions requiring advance registration and entry fees. Beach activities begin at 8 a.m. Pier deck opens at 10 a.m. For full details, athlete registration, volunteer opportunities, vendor inquiries, and festival passes are now available online at https://www.santamonicapier.org/pier360
Arrive by Rideshare, Metro, Bus or Bike. The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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