Discover free park events this summer and fall celebrating Santa Monica’s 150 years
July 10, 2025 9:39 AM
7/30/25 UPDATE: The date for Americana in the Park was previously Sunday, Sept. 21. The date has been changed to Sunday, Sept 14.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 10, 2025) – A vibrant lineup of free, family-friendly park events happening throughout the city is set for July through Oct. 2025 and will feature live performances, cultural experiences and creative programming, all at no cost to the public.
These summer and fall park activations are part of Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary celebration, which kicks off July 17 with the State of the City event and complement a diverse array of community-based programming all designed to honor the people, places and stories that have shaped Santa Monica over the past 150 years.
“Our parks are more than green spaces; they are places where our community connects and celebrates,” Mayor Lana Negrete said. “As we mark our city’s 150th anniversary, bringing free programming to neighborhoods across the city ensures that everyone has the opportunity to experience joy, connection and culture right in their local park, all while feeling safe and welcome.”
The upcoming season brings together new and beloved favorites in refreshed formats, offering residents and visitors opportunities to gather, explore and celebrate the best of Santa Monica’s public spaces:
- Gather & Grow – this biweekly series at Christine Emerson Reed Park invites families to enjoy hands-on artmaking, live music and interactive performances on select Saturdays July through Oct.:
- July 19 ¡Viva La Cultura!
- Aug. 2 Rooted Together: Healing in Nature
- Aug. 16 Sunshine & Strings
- Sept. 6 The Stage Speaks
- Sept. 20 East Never Loses with Feminist Center for Creative Work
- Oct. 4 Remembering: Songs of Home, Stories of the Heart
- Oct. 18 Vinyl Vibes
- Endless Summer C.A.M.P (Community | Art | Music | Picnic) – this festive afternoon in Tongva Park on Aug. 23 produced in partnership with Community Arts Resources (CARS) brings together a variety of music, dance and performance from all around Los Angeles in one of Santa Monica’s most iconic green spaces.
- Americana in the Park – in partnership with McCabe’s Guitar Shop, this musical afternoon on Sept. 14 in Gandara Park celebrates Americana music from traditional roots, blues, jazz and folk to its modern forms.
- Vamos Al Parque – a lively cultural activation in Palisades Park produced in partnership with Go As If Productions, this family-focused event on Oct. 12 highlights Indigenous and Latinx heritage with music, dance and art installations near the historic Camera Obscura.
“This season, we’re being thoughtful and innovative in how we activate our parks,” Director of Recreation and Arts Jenny Rogers said. “Instead of concentrating events in one location, we’re bringing programming to parks across the city, encouraging residents to explore our diverse public spaces. We’re proud to offer a season of community programming that brings people together, promotes outdoor play and celebrates the creative spirit of our city.”
Attending a park event is the perfect opportunity to explore all that Santa Monica’s neighborhoods have to offer. Whether grabbing a coffee before morning art activities, enjoying dinner after an evening concert or picking up picnic treats for the park, supporting local restaurants and small businesses helps sustain the vibrant local economy that makes Santa Monica unique.
In addition to free events, Santa Monica continues to offer a wide variety of Community Recreation classes and camps year-round, including dance, fitness, arts and youth programs. Registration dates and full listings are available at santamonica.gov/recscape.
Also this summer, July is Parks and Recreation Month, a national celebration that highlights the vital role parks and community programming play in promoting health, wellness and social connection. It’s the perfect time to get outside, try a new class or attend a free event in one of Santa Monica’s parks.
For more information, visit santamonica.gov.
Support for Gather & Grow is provided by Los Angeles County Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. Endless Summer C.A.M.P, Americana in the Park and Vamos Al Parque are supported by the city’s Art of Recovery grants program, which supports artists, arts producers and community partners in transforming public spaces and fostering artistic engagement throughout Santa Monica.
Media Contact
Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov
Categories
Arts, Culture & Fun, City Parks, Library, Programs, The Arts, Youth And Seniors