To celebrate its 5th Anniversary, the Annenberg Community Beach House will feature a variety of free family-friendly programs this Saturday and Sunday.
This two-day community open house will include beach activities and games, fitness and ballroom-style dance classes, music and dance performances, and tours of the original Marion Davies Guest House.
For anyone unfamiliar with the Annenberg Community Beach House, it is a five-acre public beach facility nestled along the Santa Monica coastline along the Pacific Coast Highway, with spectacular ocean views, a children’s playground, art gallery, and historic pool.
With so many free programs and activities happening throughout the weekend, the community is encouraged to drop in and check out the fun.
From a morning yoga class, to an interactive bubble making show, or a sunset picnic and screening of silent comedy “Show People” starring Marion Davies, the celebration offers an exciting array of activities with something for everyone to enjoy.
Guests are encouraged to bike or walk to the Beach House, since parking is extremely limited. Beach House parking is $3/hour or $12/day on a first come, first served basis. Parking at other City lots is $10/day to the north and south of the Beach House.
Free bike valet will be provided.
The Saturday celebration hours are 9 am to 9 pm while the Sunday hours will be 9 am to 4 pm.
The Annenberg Community Beach House is located at 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica.
Back on the Beach Cafe will be open from 8 am to 8 pm and will be serving a full menu for dine-in or takeaway, and will offer beach equipment rentals including sand chairs, umbrellas, and more.
For more information, visit www.annenbergbeachhouse.com or call 310.458.4904.
Schedule of events:
Saturday, April 26
• 9-9:55 am: Yoga on the Beach with Brad Keimach (bring a yoga mat or towel)
• 9:30-10:30 am: Paddleboard lessons ($15 fee and reservations required)
• 10 am-12 pm: Guided tours with the Beach House architects John Berley and Mia Lehrer
• 10 am-4 pm: Self-guided tours of the historic Guest House with Santa Monica Conservancy docents
• 10:45-11:45 am: Paddleboard lessons ($15 fee and reservations required)
• 11 am-4 pm: Pool passes available at Guest Services on a first come, first served basis on availability, pool deck opens at 12:15 pm, open swim begins at 1 pm
• 11 am-4 pm: Stilt Walkers
• 12-12:30 pm: 5th grade SMMUSD student ballroom dance showcase
• 12:45-12:55 pm: Aqualillies performance, the world’s most glamorous synchronized swimmers
• 12:55 pm: Welcome speech by Mayor Pam O’Connor and City staff
• 1-4 pm: Beach games and activities (a throwback to a simpler era: tug of war, sack races, and more)
• 1-4 pm: Pool open for swimming
• 1-7 pm: Snap Yourself Photo Booth
• 1:30-2:15 pm: Ballroom dance lessons, popular 1920’s dances taught by famed instructor Danny Ponickly: Tango, Waltz, and Foxtrot
• 2:45-3:30 pm: Ballroom dance lessons (more beginners-friendly dance: Swing and Salsa)
• 3:30-4:30 pm: Open dancing (Step out on the dance floor to show off newly acquired dance skills)
• 4-7:30 pm: BubbleMania and Company LA (hands-on bubble making experience for kids of all ages)
• 5:30-7:30 pm: Beach picnic (Bring a picnic, beach chairs, and blankets, and stay to watch the film)
• 6:15 pm-7 pm: Doozy (Prohibition-era pop musical performance)
• 7:45 pm-9 pm: Silent movie on the sand, screening of “Show People,” a 1928 comedy featuring Marion Davies, musically accompanied by Doozy
Sunday, April 27
• 9-9:55 am: Yoga on the Beach with Brad Keimach (bring a yoga mat or towel)
• 9 am-12:30 pm: BubbleMania and Company LA (hands-on bubble making experience for kids of all ages)
• 9:30-10:30 am: Paddleboard Lessons ($15 fee and reservations required)
• 10 am-12 pm: Volleyball Skills and Drills (workshops for all ages)
• 10 am-12 pm: Guided tours with the Beach House architects John Berley and Mia Lehrer
• 10 am-4 pm: Self-guided tours of the Guest House with Santa Monica Conservancy docents
• 10 am-4 pm: Snap Yourself Photo Booth
• 10:45 am-11:45 am: Paddleboard Lessons ($15 fee and reservations required)
• 11 am-4 pm: DJ’s spinning beach songs, along with dance contests
• 11 am-4 pm: Pool passes available at Guest Services on a first come, first served basis for open swim
• 12-3 pm: Stilt Walkers
• 12-4 pm: Pool open for swimming
• 12-4 pm: Beach games and activities (a throwback to a simpler era: tug of war, sack races and more)
• 12:30-2 pm: Beach picnic (bring a picnic, beach chairs, and blankets)
• 1-4 pm: Kite flying and kite making with master kite artists, coordinated by Otis College of Art & Design
