Pier 360 Beach Festival Returns to Santa Monica This Weekend!
The ultimate celebration of our beloved Southern California beach culture is back. This weekend, June 28-29, the iconic Santa Monica Pier and its surrounding sands will transform for the highly anticipated Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival. This isn't just an event; it's a vibrant, free, all-ages community gathering designed to immerse you in everything that makes our coastal lifestyle so special.
From early morning ocean thrills to sunset festivities on the Pier deck, Pier 360 promises two epic days of competition, entertainment, and truly good vibes. It's a deep dive into beach life, celebrating 90 years of paddleboard racing history right where it all began!
Your Weekend Adventure Awaits:
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Ocean Sports Galore: Kick off your day on the sand with exhilarating Paddleboard Races (celebrating 90 years of tradition!), Ocean Swims (500m and 1-Mile), and intense Lifeguard Competitions including the historic Pete Peterson Surfboat 1-Mile Dory Race. Whether you're competing or cheering, the energy is infectious!
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Beachside Battles: Witness top-tier athleticism with the CBVA Beach Volleyball Tournaments offering a $4,000 prize pool, featuring both Men’s & Women’s Open play and a special Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame Legends Exhibition. Don't miss the high-octane Santa Monica Strongman Classic, showcasing over 80 male and female athletes, or the AAU Invitational with top 18:U girls teams.
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Roll & Glide: For those on wheels, the festival delivers! Experience the thrill at the Skate Experience with demos, clinics, and competitions featuring L.A.’s top skaters on custom ramps. Or, grab a pair of free skates and hit the POP SK8 Roller Rink on the Pier deck, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Sounds, Sips & Culture: Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the Westside with All-Day Music & Polynesian Dance performances kicking off each morning. The Fox Den Beer Garden, sponsored by The Surfing Fox, offers a place to chill with cold brews and vodka seltzers (21+ for alcohol, but all ages welcome in the garden). Plus, explore the Museum of Beach Life, a free, hands-on exhibit curated by local legends, delving into the rich history of surf, Muscle Beach, and paddleboard racing.
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Family Fun & Disney Magic: Bring the whole family! The Youth Zone (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) will have arts, crafts, and giant games. Even better, don't miss the Old Navy and Disney Road Trip pop-up, offering scenic photo ops, giveaways, and an exclusive Old Navy x Disney pop-up store. As a special highlight, the iconic Disneyland Band will perform on Saturday, June 28 at 11 a.m., bringing extra magic with a medley of songs, including the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration theme!
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Pet-Friendly Zone: Our furry friends are welcome too! The VCA Pet Zone will feature giveaways and pet vendors.
As Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian of the Santa Monica Pier, puts it, “Pier 360 is more than a festival; it’s a tribute to the unique culture that was born right here on the Santa Monica Pier. From racing traditions that started in the 1930s to the cutting-edge sports and experiences of today, it’s a weekend that captures the heart of SoCal beach life.”
Plan Your Visit:
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Dates: Saturday, June 28th & Sunday, June 29th, 2025
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Times: Beach action starts 8 a.m. daily; Pier deck opens 10 a.m.
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Location: Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401)
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Admission: FREE for all ages! (Some competitions require advance registration/fees; alcohol purchases are 21+).
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Getting There: Parking is extremely limited. We highly recommend using rideshare, Metro, bus, or biking for a stress-free experience.
Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate our unique coastal culture and kick off summer in quintessential Santa Monica style! For full details and athlete registration, visit: www.santamonicapier.org/pier-360-festivities .