Centennial on the Coast: The 20th Annual Montana Avenue Art Walk Celebrates Route 66

CAMPBELL WELLMAN PROPERTIES LOS ANGELES MONTANA AVE ART WALK 2026

Santa Monica’s North of Montana neighborhood has long mastered the art of elevated coastal living, but this Saturday, October 3, its primary commercial corridor transforms into a 10-block cultural showcase. The Montana Avenue Art Walk returns for its 20th landmark year, bringing together more than 150 visual artists, live performers, local makers, and an expected 10,000 attendees from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

This year’s milestone carries a special historical weight. As one of the City of Santa Monica’s official celebrations marking the Route 66 Centennial, the 2026 festival pays tribute to a century of California road-trip heritage, mid-century design, and Westside culture. For ten pedestrian-only blocks between 7th and 17th Streets, the boulevard will closed to vehicle traffic, creating an open-air street festival where art, wellness, design, and neighborhood connection intersect.

A Reimagined Boulevard: What to Experience

Whether you are browsing fine art, catching live performances, or taking advantage of the neighborhood's dining and shopping, this year's expanded footprint offers curated destinations for every age:

  • Route 66 Centennial & Classic Cars: Immerse yourself in Mother Road nostalgia with Route 66-inspired installations, live art displays, and a curated classic car showcase paired with a MINI automotive vehicle experience.

  • Live Music & Expanded Stages: Soundtracks span the entire length of the avenue. Following morning fitness classes on the Main Stage, catch sets from local acts including the SOL-LA Music Academy, School of Rock, Asanabenche Band, Cats on the Stand, Regina Ferguson, and Henry Cornell.

  • The UCLA Health Family Pavilion: Located between 7th and 17th Streets, this immersive family destination presented by UCLA Health, NOMA, and Wilmont features hands-on art studios like Paint Lab and Still Life Studio. Kids can also participate in the Give Hugz Teddy Bear Clinic, donning doctor coats to care for stuffed animals through play.

  • The Outdoor Wellness Pavilion: Start the day with complimentary outdoor movement sessions led by Andrea White Pilates (11:00 AM), Solidcore (11:35 AM), and Mighty Pilates (12:10 PM), alongside activations from top local fitness studios and health brands.

  • VIP Agave & Art Garden: Hosted by Luna Nueva Tequila, guests 21+ can enjoy premium seating, tequila samplings, and shot tastings ($25 admission includes one drink).

Schedule & Event Logistics

  • Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Location: Montana Avenue (7th Street to 17th Street), Santa Monica

  • Admission: Free and open to all ages

  • Getting There: Montana Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic. Rideshare drop-off is recommended near 9th or 14th Street. Dedicated Bird scooter parking is situated at 12th and Montana, with residential street parking available north of Montana Avenue.

The Campbell Wellman Take

The strength of Santa Monica real estate—particularly in North of Montana—is anchored by the vitality of its walkable commercial pockets. The Montana Avenue Art Walk represents urban residential living at its finest: an event where neighbors can step out their front doors to engage directly with world-class local talent, legendary local merchants, and civic history. Closing ten blocks of Montana Avenue to celebrate a century of Route 66 highlights why this coastal enclave continues to command unmatched long-term value and neighborhood pride.