An eclectic musical lineup, healthy culinary demonstrations, heart-pounding fitness activities, crafts, games, and food trucks – that’s just some of the highlights for the Santa Monica Festival this Saturday.
Now in its 24th year, the City of Santa Monica will present the free family-friendly event from 11 am to 6 pm at Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica.
The festival honors the City’s vibrant creative community and commitment to sustainability and wellbeing through a wide range of activities and performances.
Parking, bike valet, and Big Blue Bus rides on Route 8 are free.
The Ocean Stage presents all new performances, ranging from Americana rock and soul to Mexican folk music and Hawaiian dance. Kicking off the day’s lineup is two-time Grammy winning Mariachi Divas, a dynamic all-female mariachi band from Los Angeles.
Next up is Angelou, combining the Zulu harmonies of Paul Simon’s Graceland and gritty delta blues, for a soulful blend of music, followed by QUITAPENAS, mixings tropical Afro-Latin sounds with warm California vibes.
The day ends with the vibrant songs and dances from the Polynesian isles led by internationally acclaimed teacher, dancer, and choreographer, Keali’i Ceballos and his troupe Halau Keali’i O Nalani.
In addition to the stage performances, look out for the percussion and drumming powerhouse P.O.P. Unplugged, a roaming five-piece drumline group, as well as hands-on play featuring interactive twists on traditional games by Wise Guy Events and Play Folk. Take a piece of the Festival home with you at one of the many workshops and demonstrations for both adults and children.
Learn how to sew with Sew Cranky and how to make Japanese Quick Pickles with 1450 Ocean. Capture how you feel about Santa Monica at the Santa Monica Is…Photography Project, or build a cardboard boat with the Annenberg Community Beach House.
Break a sweat at the festival’s Active Stage, which features a hip-shaking lineup of dance and fitness routines that will get the crowd moving, making everyday solutions for fitness and a healthy lifestyle fun. From hip hop dance and salsa, to festival favorite Zumba, the Active Stage offers something for all ages and abilities.
The Family Bike Hub is a celebration of all things bicycle related, from a Bike Exhibition featuring new and vintage bikes to a bicycle skills course and instructional clinics, the hub will help improve one’s bicycle knowledge and boost riding confidence through a combination of education and practice. Be one of the first to take a spin on the City’s new bike share system – Breeze. Plus there will be prize drawings, helmet decorating, and more.
Back by popular demand is reDiscover Center’s Cardboard Playground. This area is stocked with a mind-boggling assortment of everyday “loose parts” like cardboard boxes, fabric, and other open-ended materials to allow limitless play where the only boundary are those of the imagination.
Join Santa Monica’s very own eco-advocate Treeman, who will be riding the Big Blue Bus Route 8 at 11:30 am from Ocean Park and Main Street.
The Santa Monica Farmers Market Culinary Stage will get things cooking with local chefs and culinary experts who will share their secrets to sourcing and preparing meals that are healthy, budget-friendly, and delicious.
Taste buds can be satisfied with over a dozen gourmet food trucks and carts, including: Artesana Pops, Cousins Maine Lobster, Farmers Belly, Gastrobus, Hawaiian Delight, India Jones, Let’s be Frank, Luckdish, Mandoline Grill, Middle Feast, Surfer Taco, The Deli Doctor, The Urban Oven, Waffles de Liege, and Zugo Liquitarian.
And don’t miss pedal churned ice cream by Peddler’s Creamery.
Just in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday – find affordable, guilt-free shopping in the marketplace, from earth friendly, artistic wares, to handmade jewelry and unique crafts, including: A Real Treat, Aesthetics L.A., Adornments, Artful, The Church of Type, Gear-wise, Kamu Kamu, Kathmandu Boutique, Lisa Ann Sparks, Little Green Me, MCKnits, Nicci B, Random Oasis, Rio to Babylon, Teru Ai Ceramics, Soaptopia, Souloarte and others.
For more information, visit smgov.net/festival.