ESPN and Goldenvoice join Thursday’s Main Street event in Santa Monica.
Main Street will transform into a “free, family-friendly celebration” this Thursday as Santa Monica hosts its annual State of the City address and a community block party.
Titled “State of the City 2026: From Realignment to Renaissance,” the free public event runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ocean Park Branch Library and along Main Street. Road closures will take effect from noon to 10 p.m. between Ocean Park Boulevard and Hollister Avenue.
In addition to the mayor’s address and a presentation by Santa Monica Poet Laureate Jay Baldwin, the event features major brand activations:
- ESPN: Ahead of its upcoming “ESPN Beach” Super Bowl project, the network will feature a live broadcast of ESPN LA 710AM’s “The D’Marco and Travis Afternoon Show,” meet-and-greets with reporter Taylor Bisciotti, and merchandise giveaways.
- Goldenvoice: Promoters will share details on the inaugural Ocean Way Festival, featuring headliners The Killers and Olivia Dean, with local ticket presales opening Wednesday at 11 a.m.
- Fever: Attendees can view a preview of a European-style holiday market scheduled to open on the Santa Monica Pier parking deck this November.
City staff will hand out shopping vouchers valid at participating merchants, including Augie’s on Main, Dolcenero Gelato, Manchego, and Zona Little Italy. Attendees can also use vouchers to purchase mini tote bags at the Santa Monica Public Library booth and at the Ocean Park Branch Library.
“Santa Monica is on stronger footing than we’ve been in years, and this year’s State of the City is about what we do with that,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “We’re holding it on Main Street, outside the newly reopened Ocean Park Branch Library, because the future of this city gets built in neighborhoods like this one. I’ll be sharing where we’re headed on housing, public safety and a local economy that works for the people who live and work here. I hope our residents, businesses and community partners will join us.”
The event also activates the city’s Entertainment Zone rules along Main Street. Adults 21 and older with required wristbands can purchase alcoholic beverages and can walk and sip their beverages from participating bars, including Ashland Hill, Circle Bar, Edgemar, Jameson’s Pub, JuneShine, La Vecchia Cucina, Library Alehouse, Lula Cocina Mexicana, Manchego, Tavern on Main, The Galley and The Victorian.
Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, or use public transit to access the event area.
