The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation.
The world-famous Santa Monica Pier welcomed children and families from underserved communities throughout Los Angeles County on Saturday, October 10, for its second annual Youth Day at the Pier, a special private community celebration featuring complimentary entertainment, interactive activities, youth performances and amusement park fun overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Presented by the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Youth Day at the Pier, made possible by Goldenvoice, is part of an expanded two-event series for 2026–27 designed to provide memorable experiences for young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy one of Southern California’s most iconic destinations. Approximately 200 youth, plus their caretakers, participated in the October celebration, with final attendance being confirmed.
The day’s festivities featured arts and crafts, interactive games, soccer activities, youth dance performances by Dance Arts Academy, rides on the Pier’s historic Merry Go-Round, rides and games at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, and gameplay coupons at Playland Arcade. From the excitement of amusement park attractions to the opportunity to explore the Pier and enjoy the Pacific Ocean, Youth Day provided children and families with a day of fun, friendship and discovery.
“Youth Day represents everything we believe the Santa Monica Pier should be — a place where every child and family feels welcome and has the opportunity to create wonderful memories,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian of the Santa Monica Pier. “As a nonprofit organization, we’re committed to making the Pier accessible to everyone, and programs like Youth Day are possible because of the generosity of our donors, community partners and supporters. Our goal is to continue growing this tradition and reaching even more children and families each year.”
Goldenvoice serves as the presenting partner for the 2026–27 Youth Day series, supporting two special celebrations that bring children and families from across Los Angeles County to the Santa Monica Pier. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to recreational and cultural experiences while creating opportunities for young people to connect with their communities.
The October event also received support from community partners Santa Monica Ocean Way Festival, Kaiser Permanente, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Kiwanis Santa Monica, Playland Arcade, Costco, Starbucks and the City of Santa Monica, whose participation helped provide activities and experiences for the children and families attending.
Launched in 2025 in partnership with the Hands and Hearts of Hope Foundation, the inaugural Youth Day welcomed children from underserved communities throughout Los Angeles County to the Santa Monica Pier. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to see the Pacific Ocean, despite living in the greater Los Angeles area. The program has since grown into an annual tradition dedicated to providing young people with memorable experiences while fostering community engagement and giving back.
Building on the success of its first two celebrations, the Santa Monica Pier Corporation will continue the 2026–27 Youth Day series with a second event planned for May 2027, further expanding opportunities for children and families to experience the Pier.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Santa Monica Pier Corporation relies on charitable contributions, sponsorships and community partnerships to support free programs and events that bring people together through arts, culture, education and entertainment. Youth Day is one example of the organization’s commitment to ensuring the Santa Monica Pier remains more than a world-famous destination — it is also a welcoming community gathering place where everyone can create lasting memories.
Community members and businesses interested in supporting future Youth Day celebrations and other free public programs are encouraged to make a donation at www.santamonicapier.org/
