Superfun, Unforgettable Events Hitting Venice & Santa Monica This Month!
Photo: Venice Paparazzi
Get ready to soak up the sun and vibrant energy of our local coastal communities! As May winds down, Venice and Santa Monica are buzzing with an incredible lineup of events designed to delight locals and visitors alike. From pro skateboarding action to a delicious Monopoly-themed food tour and free live music in the streets, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars – you won't want to miss these.
Skate History in the Making: SLS Takes Over Santa Monica Pier
When: Friday, May 23rd (Doors open 2 PM; Men's Wild Card Jam begins ~3 PM) Where: Santa Monica Pier Cost: FREE to attend! (Preferred viewing tickets were offered in advance and sold out quickly!)
The world of skateboarding is returning to its roots in a spectacular fashion this Friday! Street League Skateboarding (SLS) is transforming the iconic Santa Monica Pier into a high-energy festival and elite skate competition. This marks SLS's first-ever outdoor "takeover" event, featuring a custom-built course modeled after the legendary Santa Monica Triple Set – a proving ground that has shaped generations of skaters.
Prepare to be amazed as global talents like Olympic champion Yuto Horigome, seven-time Super Crown World Champion Nyjah Huston, Chris Joslin, Braden Hoban, and even skateboarding icon Ryan Sheckler (in a special wild card jam!) battle it out for glory. Beyond the pro competition, you'll find a vibrant festival atmosphere complete with music, food vendors (think Prince Street Pizza, Heavy Handed, Tacos 1986, Uncle Paulie’s, and 27 Club Coffee!), and exclusive merchandise, including pieces co-designed with local legends.
Organizers are aiming for a packed pier, inviting everyone to come and experience this unique blend of culture, history, and thrilling competition. Arrive early, consider biking or public transit, and get ready to be part of a truly unforgettable cultural moment that celebrates the heart of skateboarding!
Roll the Dice for Deliciousness: 10th Annual MAINopoly in Santa Monica
When: Sunday, May 25th, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (VIP access at noon) Where: Five blocks of Santa Monica’s Main Street Cost: General Admission $30, VIP $55, Children (5-12) $20, Under 5 FREE! More Info & Tickets: www.mainopolysm.com or search "MAINopoly" on Eventbrite.
Get ready to play your way through Main Street's culinary scene! The 10th annual MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street returns this Sunday, turning five blocks of Santa Monica into a giant, delicious Monopoly board. This interactive, all-ages, and pet-friendly event invites you to sample incredible food and drinks from over 20 local restaurants, bars, and eateries using special "MAINopoly dollars."
Collect stamps from each location to complete your game board and you'll be entered to win a "Taste of Main Street" prize package valued at over $1,000! Beyond the fantastic food – like squash blossom puff pastry from Papille Gustative or crispy soy honey cauliflower from Library Alehouse – you can enjoy the "Go to Jail" Beer Garden (21+), live music from Superbloom Collective, fun lawn games, and a "Just Visiting" photo booth by Venice Paparazzi. There are even free pedicab rides from Green Goddess Pedicabs to help you navigate!
Don't forget to don your best Monopoly-inspired costume for a chance to win prizes in the themed contests. Check-in begins at Ashland Hill (2807 Main St.). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Main Street Business Improvement District’s community programming, so you're savoring tastes for a good cause!
Music by the Ocean: Last Thursdays Concert Series Returns to Venice Boardwalk
When: Kicks off Thursday, May 29th (4:15 PM - 8:00 PM); Future dates: June 26, July 31, and August 28. Where: Venice Boardwalk, by the pergolas at Dudley Ave. (300 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291) Cost: FREE!
Get ready to rock as the popular Last Thursdays Concert Series makes its highly anticipated return to the Venice Boardwalk! Starting Thursday, May 29th, enjoy free live music in a fantastic beachfront setting near the iconic Dudley Pagodas.
The inaugural concert will feature a vibrant lineup, with the talented School of Rock performing from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., followed by the dynamic sounds of The Brobots from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Future band lineups for the subsequent concerts (June 26, July 31, and August 28) will be revealed soon, promising a summer full of diverse musical talent.
This family-friendly series is a collaborative effort by Venice Paparazzi, Councilwoman Traci Park, the Venice Beach Business Improvement District, L.A. City Rec. & Parks, and Venice Neighborhood Council President Brian Averill, aiming to celebrate community spirit with fantastic performances and kids' activities. Bring your blankets, find a comfy spot on the sand, and enjoy the show! Street parking and the North City Parking Lot are available nearby.
Photo: Venice Paparazzi
Whether you're looking for extreme sports, culinary adventures, or relaxing live music, Venice and Santa Monica are serving up an exciting array of events this May. Get out there and enjoy all that our incredible coastal communities have to offer!