Santa Monica Block Fest Returns September 12 with 20,000+ Expected as Monthly Series Extends Through December
September 11, 2026 8:33 AM
This press release was originally shared by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
SMBF Vol. VII takes over all three blocks of Third Street Promenade with live electronic music, headline performances, and a sprawling food night market
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2026) – Santa Monica Block Fest (“SMBF”) returns Saturday, September 12, transforming all three historic blocks of Third Street Promenade into an open-air celebration of music, food, and local culture. Festivalgoers are expected to enjoy a multi-stage lineup of live electronic music, anchored by a food night market on Arizona Avenue.
Santa Monica showed up all summer, and the response was strong enough to keep the celebration going. Following three successful Block Fest events that drew an average of more than 20,000 attendees each night, SMBF will now continue as a monthly series through the end of the year, returning on the second Saturday of each month.
SMBF Vol. VII moves through house, bass house, and tech house, with Belters Only, EC Twins, and Nate Band headlining. The 1200 Stage will feature an open mic night during a takeover by Broke Artist Nation. Inside Barney’s Beanery, live band Dirty Monday’s will turn up the energy with a high-spirited bar performance featuring musicians above the crowd, big choruses, and a room full of people singing along.
Back by popular demand, the SMBF night market returns with fan favorites: Dave's Hot Chicken, Luckyball BBQ, Bar Xuntos, and more lining Arizona Avenue with a rotating roster of new and returning vendors.
DJs include:
BETTERS ONLY
NATE BAND
EC TWINS
ANDREW CALABRIA
JECKETT
AUSTIN MILLS
WESTSIDE V
ZAANEE
ARIEL BRAYY
SANTO
LEECIE PAIGE
Local food vendors include:
Dave's Hot Chicken
Bar Xuntos
Luckyball BBQ
WHEN: Saturday, September 12, 5 p.m. - Midnight
WHERE: Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
All three blocks and Arizona Avenue.
Media contact:
Sydney Kovach
sydney@downtownsm.com