The Santa Monica Pier’s monthly Locals’ Night returns Thursday, Nov. 19, with Santa Monica Pier Fest, a free, all-ages celebration featuring two stages of music and entertainment, free Bob Baker Marionette Theater performances, local artists, food vendors, a beer garden and a special giveaway of complimentary tickets to the new Swiss Winter Village.
Presented by Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier and Playland Arcade, the community celebration will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. throughout the Santa Monica Pier, with entertainment and activities at two locations: the Pier’s east end deck and the historic Merry Go-Round building.
Produced by Yappy Studios in collaboration with Santa Monica Pier Corporation, the November event will bring together local artists, musicians, DJs and community members for an evening celebrating Santa Monica’s creative culture. The festivities will feature electronic dance music, house music and other entertainment across two stages, with participating artists and performers to be announced.
The Pier’s east end deck will feature a beer garden and food vendors, while additional activities will include arcade games and a full bar for guests ages 21 and older with valid identification. The Santa Monica Pier Local Art Mart will also showcase local artists and creative vendors in partnership with Yappy Studios.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater will present two free performances of Bob Baker’s Pier-Side Jamboree at 5 and 6:30 p.m. across from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on the Santa Monica Pier. The puppet shows are made possible in part by an AoR Microgrant from the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs.
A Special Holiday Addition: Swiss Winter Village
November’s Locals’ Night coincides with the opening week of the Swiss Winter Village, a new seasonal holiday experience transforming the Pier’s upper parking deck into an Alpine-inspired destination.
Opening Nov. 18 and continuing through Jan. 3, the Swiss Winter Village features traditional Swiss Raclette, seasonal food and beverages, local artisans, handcrafted gifts, holiday entertainment and a synthetic eco ice skating rink.
As part of the Nov. 19 celebration, Locals’ Night will offer complimentary tickets to the Swiss Winter Village, giving attendees an opportunity to experience the new holiday attraction.
The Swiss Winter Village is presented by Swiss Xmas Inc. and Fever in partnership with the City of Santa Monica.
“Locals’ Night is all about bringing our community together and celebrating the artists, musicians and creative spirit that make Santa Monica special,” said Jim Harris, executive director and historian of the Santa Monica Pier. “This month, we’re especially excited to expand the celebration across two stages and introduce our neighbors to the new Swiss Winter Village as we kick off the holiday season.”
November Locals’ Night Lineup
Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026
- 5-10 p.m. — Santa Monica Pier Fest: Two stages of music, DJs, local art and community entertainment at the Pier’s east end deck and historic Merry Go-Round building.
- 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. — Bob Baker’s Pier-Side Jamboree: Free Bob Baker Marionette Theater puppet performances across from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- 5-10 p.m. — Food and Beverages: Beer garden and food vendors on the Pier’s east end deck, with additional arcade entertainment and a full bar for guests 21 and older.
- Swiss Winter Village Ticket Giveaway: Complimentary tickets available to Locals’ Night attendees.
Location: Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Admission: FREE for Locals’ Night. All ages welcome. Guests must be 21 or older with valid identification to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Route 66 Centennial Spotlight
November’s Locals’ Night also shines a light on the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, the legendary highway that leads directly to the Santa Monica Pier with the moniker, “The end of the road is just the beginning.” For 100 years, the most iconic road trip in America has brought travelers through Downtown Santa Monica to the Santa Monica Pier. Learn more at www.santamonica.com/route66
Locals’ Night is the Santa Monica Pier’s recurring community celebration, transforming the landmark into a gathering place for live music, arts and culture, family activities and programming. While many enjoy the magic of Locals’ Night and other free events at the Pier, few realize that this programming is made possible by Santa Monica Pier Corporation—a nonprofit that isn’tfully funded by the City of Santa Monica.
