Coastal Flavors & Ocean Conservation: OFF THE HOOK Seafood Festival Returns to the Santa Monica Pier

CAMPEBLL WELLMAN PROPERTIES OFF THE HOOK FESTIVAL SANTA MONICA

There is no venue in Southern California quite like the Santa Monica Pier at sunset, and this Sunday, October 11, from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM (with VIP doors opening at 3:00 PM), the iconic landmark plays host to the 8th annual OFF THE HOOK Seafood Festival.

Bringing together more than 25 of Santa Monica and the Westside’s finest culinary institutions, OFF THE HOOK celebrates National Seafood Month and the Route 66 Centennial while benefiting Heal the Bay and the Santa Monica Pier Corporation. It is an all-inclusive afternoon of culinary excellence, ocean advocacy, and coastal community energy—100% free of single-use plastics.

On the Menu: Culinary Heavyweights & Craft Tastings

The festival brings a dense concentration of Westside dining destinations together on a single afternoon.

  • General Admission Highlights: Enjoy endless seafood tastings and select beverage pairings from local staples including Water Grill, Rustic Canyon, Sushi Roku, The Lobster (Chef Govind Armstrong), Milo & Olive, Pacific Catch, BOA, Meat on Ocean, Huckleberry, and Sweet Rose Creamery.

  • The Sustainable Seafood VIP Experience: VIP ticket holders gain one-hour early entry (3:00 PM) into the Santa Monica Seafood Sustainable Seafood VIP Lounge, featuring curated craft cocktails, exclusive tastings from Michael’s Santa Monica, Mastro’s Ocean Club, The Penthouse at The Huntley, Vibe Caviar, and Shuck Brothers, plus a $50 Pacific Park ride voucher.

  • Craft Pairings: Beverage partners span craft brews, boutique wines, and spirits from Salt Point, Skyduster, AJA Vineyards, Dulce Vida Tequila, Chica Chida Tequila, Ballers Champagne, and non-alcoholic options like Giesen 0% Wine.

Live Entertainment & Festival Highlights

Beyond the food, OFF THE HOOK brings a distinctly festive, nautical atmosphere to the Pier:

  • Yacht Rock on the Water: 70s and 80s soft rock cover band The Windbreakers takes the main stage at 5:30 PM. Boat shoes, captain’s hats, and ascots are highly encouraged!

  • Oyster Shucking & Slurping Smackdown: Hosted by KTLA’s Wendy Burch and sponsored by the Westside Oyster Club, top shuckers compete live at 5:00 PM.

  • Ocean Conservation in Action: A portion of all ticket sales directly funds Heal the Bay’s coastal protection and water restoration initiatives across Santa Monica Bay.

Event Logistics & Planning Your Visit

  • Date & Time: Sunday, October 11, 2026 | VIP Entry: 3:00 PM | GA Entry: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM

  • Location: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA

  • Age Requirement: 21+ only (valid photo ID required at entry).

  • Getting There: Parking near the Pier fills quickly on weekend afternoons. Rideshare drop-off near Ocean Avenue and Colorado Esplanade or taking the Metro E Line to the Downtown Santa Monica station is strongly recommended.

  • TICKETS are selling out fast

The Campbell Wellman Take

Events like OFF THE HOOK showcase why Santa Monica real estate maintains its enduring pull. The lifestyle here is defined by direct access to world-class dining, iconic public spaces, and an active community committed to protecting the coastal ecosystem we call home. Supporting long-standing local partners like Heal the Bay reinforces the neighborhood pride that makes living along the Santa Monica coast so special.