March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Picnicking on the Promenade

By Charles Trepany

Teenagers laughing over a game of Apples to Apples. Parents showing their children how to toss a bean bag. Store employees enjoying their lunch break under a bright blue umbrella.

Such are the sights and sounds of the fourth annual Picnic on the Promenade, a weekly outdoor summer event organized by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. and recurring until Aug. 31.

Every Friday from noon to 4 p.m., passersby on the north block of the Third Street Promenade can find classic games – like cornhole, ping pong, giant Jenga, tic-tac-toe and Apples to Apples – to enjoy for free. Although the games are available only on Friday afternoons, the colorful tables, chairs and umbrellas stay out for visitors to enjoy Monday through Friday.

Photos: Downtown Santa Monica Inc.
Playing cornhole is a great break away from shopping!

Downtown Santa Monica’s senior marketing and communication manager Kevin Herrera said the goal is to allow visitors to make the space their own.

“It gives locals as well as visitors another reason to visit downtown and to really enjoy the Promenade as the community’s living room,” he said. “You can shop, dine, enjoy the beautiful weather and just hang out and watch our performers and people watch as folks come through the area.”

On Friday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., visitors can enjoy free performances from the Promenade’s most established street performers invited by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

“We really pride ourselves on having a really diverse and talented group of street performers on Third Street Promenade, so we really strive our best to highlight that talent,” Herrera said. “It’s all organic talent. Every week we’ll have different acts.”

On Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Picnic on the Promenade becomes Ping Pong on the Promenade. Also free to visitors, this event includes PongFit representatives who organize ping pong matches, offer tips on technique and spread awareness about the game.

Former Santa Monica resident Vetzy Ferreira said the games at Picnic on the Promenade appeal to all ages.

“I’m taking care of the kids, and the parents are shopping,” she said. “They’re great for kids because you can entertain them while other people go shopping.”

Belgium tourist Maxim Demoor said the games at Picnic on the Promenade were a nice way for him to relax during his visit.

“We started with Ping Pong,” he said. “It’s a very nice idea, and the weather is also nice. It’s cool.”

Herrera said the best part about Picnic on the Promenade is how it brings families together.

“For me personally, it’s just seeing all the people enjoying the space, whether it’s little kids or adults,” Herrera said. “It seems that the atmosphere brings out the kid in all of us.”

For more information head to: www.downtownsm.com

in News
Related Posts

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...