OPA Update 10/2/25: Huge Areal Space Update, OPA is Looking for 2026 OPA Board Nominations, & Things To Do This Weekend

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OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading, please help our efforts by becoming a member or making a donation. Most memberships are $20/year but there is also a $10/year option. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE.

OPA is Looking for 2026 OPA Board Nominations: Nov. 1 is the deadline for 2026 OPA Board Nominations: Reply to this email asap if you’re interested in joining the board and want to learn more about it and/or want to nominate someone else.

Areal Space @ 2820 Main St. Finally Rented! CasaLena has filed for an alcohol exemption permit for a 196-seat restaurant in the former Areal space that has been vacant for more than 7 years! There is a Casaléna in Woodland Hills (link here) and this seems to be a 2nd location for the popular eatery. We will share more details as we learn them.

Codos Bringing Coffee From Germany To Main St: There’s window paper and a sign on the diminutive space at 2665#B Main St announcing the arrival of Codos Coffee Roastery. Codos began in 2014 in Hamburg and has since spread across Germany. Their focus is on “exceptional coffee” served in a “warm and welcoming space where every guest feels at home”. Willkommen! No official opening date has been announced. More details here.

Third Street Promenade Enjoys First-Ever Oktoberfest Event: Here is a SaMoMirror video recap of the event that was marketed as the first for larger scale activation of the new ‘Entertainment Zone’. I attended it and was impressed with the turn out and how many things there were to do both for adults and kids.

History of Public Art in Santa Monica: This Instagram video discusses how “Public art is woven into Santa Monica’s DNA. From the “Percent for Art” law in the 1980s to today, it’s shaped how we experience our city. We now have over 150 permanent installations and countless temporary projects — plus more than 170 murals that turn our neighborhoods into an open-air gallery.” 

Volunteer and Docent Meetup (Thursday, October 9 3-5pm): Learn about upcoming Conservancy events and connect with others interested in local history. October’s meet-up will include a special interactive activity on Main Street! To sign up or learn more email Alissa: alissa@smconservancy.org 

Free VITA Tax Assistance Preparation Services At SaMo Public Library: Haven Services is offering free VITA Tax Assistance preparation on two dates at the Santa Monica Public Library. These services are in response to the Federal and California State tax filing deadlines being postponed to October 15 for LA County residents due to the January wildfires. VITA services are available by appointment only:

Things to Do This Weekend

Offbeat Musings Poetry Workshop: There will be journals, wine, yummy bites, and live acoustics for people looking to express new creativity, make a friend, and hang. Thursday, Oct. 2, 7 – 9p.m., 222 Main

OLA Beach Tennis Club’s Three-Year Anniversary Bash: Three years ago, OLA was just a dream on the sand. Today, it’s a community, a family, and a movement that keeps growing. 🎾 Join an evening at Perry’s Beach Club filled with aloha vibes, community love, and the energy. Friday, Oct. 3, 5 – 9p.m., 2400 Ocean Front Walk instagram.com/olabeachtennis 

Venice Beach Wine Club’s Anniversary Party: They are turning 3 and to celebrate We will have a full wine list, lite bites, and sounds by David Ramos. Ticket includes entry and open wine bar 🍷Friday, Oct. 3, 7p.m., 940 Palms Blvd., Venice More details here

Penmar Oktoberfest: Enjoy authentic food, revelry, and oompah music of the season! Tickets are available here and include a free beer, wine or n/a. A limited number of newsletter subscribers are invited to use the coupon code OPA25 for 25% off. Friday, Oct. 3, 1233 Rose Ave, Venice https://tickets.thepenmar.com/ 

SMC Glass Pumpkin Sale: Santa Monica College will host three fundraising glass pumpkin sales with proceeds benefiting its art department and community organizations. The first is Saturday, Oct. 4, 8a.m. – 3p.m. at Virginia Ave. Park during weekly Pico Farmers Market (2200 Virginia Ave.). Other dates are Oct. 9 and 11. More details here.

Gather & Grow: Remembering: Songs of Home, Stories of the Heart: This biweekly series at Christine Emerson Reed Park invites families to enjoy hands-on artmaking, live music and interactive performances. Saturday, Oct. 4, 4p.m., 1130 Lincoln Blvd. More details here.

Absolutely Halloween Returns to Santa Monica Playhouse: “The heartwarming tale of the aptly named “Candy,” a sweet young girl who learns some surprising lessons about life, love, laughter and sugar, from a delightful array of colorful costume-come-to-life characters who take her on a magical All Hallows’ Eve adventure.” Saturday, Oct. 4 – 26, Saturdays at 2p.m. and Sundays at 12:30p.m., 1211 4th St. More details here.

Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): We are excited to invite you to another amazing Kids’ Day at the Main Street Farmers Market with special guests Miss Me and the Music Castle 10am-1pm.  Also joining us is the Santa Monica Fire Department and Climate Action Santa Monica.  And on the lawn Fit4Moms hula hoops and jump ropes and My Gym Kids Obstacle Course!  Special pop-up Buon Gusto Olive Oil!  See you there! 

Santa Monica Place Debuts The Makers Hive Market: Family-friendly artisan market to feature more than 35 independent makers, artists, vintage curators and food concepts. Sunday, Oct. 5, 12- 5 p.m. More details here.

Cinema Sundays at Sunset on the Promenade: Willy Wonka: This summer, Third Street Promenade transforms into Santa Monica’s most charming outdoor movie theater every weekend. Sunday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m., in front of the Apple Store, 1415 3rd Street Promenade More details here.  

Upcoming Events

  • October OPA Meeting (Monday 10/13)
  • Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (Sunday 10/19)
  • OPA Halloween Mixer (Tentatively Monday 10/27)

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