Your Guide to Summer in Santa Monica
Roque & Mark has called Santa Monica home since 1965 and remains part of the city’s long-standing local fabric, rooted in the neighborhoods we serve and the community we’ve grown alongside.
Summer is just around the corner, and Santa Monica is preparing for a season packed with community events, beachside fun, and cultural celebrations. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the weekend, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the city this summer.
World Cup 2026
Santa Monica will join the excitement of the FIFA World Cup with a series of community events. The festivities kick off on June 12 at Santa Monica Place’s Center Plaza with a free public viewing party for Team USA’s first match. Soccer fans can gather to enjoy the live broadcast on large screens, along with DJs, games, trivia, giveaways, and interactive activities throughout the evening.
Additional watch parties and themed events will take place across the city during the tournament, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to join the celebration and experience the global energy of the World Cup right by the beach.
The Annenberg Community Beach House
The Annenberg Community Beach House is once again hosting a full lineup of summer programming for all ages.
The season begins on Saturday, June 6, with the third annual Ocean of Sound, a unique evening of restorative listening experiences featuring a variety of artists and immersive underwater and beachside sound installations.
The following weekend brings back the fan-favorite Cardboard Yacht Regatta, where two-person teams race handmade cardboard and duct tape “yachts” across the pool in a fun and lighthearted competition.
In celebration of SaMo Pride, the PRIDE Sunset Swim returns on June 26 with swimming and s’mores by the beach. Sports fans can also enjoy World Cup-themed programming on June 25, including soccer inspired activities and live screenings of the Türkiye vs. USA and Paraguay vs. Australia matches.
Throughout July and August, the Beach House will continue its popular Sunset Swim series alongside community events, including an evening of art on July 26 and the annual Community Picnic on July 30. Regular public swimming hours and family-friendly programming will also continue throughout the summer season.
For more information, visit annenbergbeachhouse.com.
Celebrate Juneteenth
Santa Monica will honor Juneteenth with a weekend dedicated to culture, wellness, education, and community connection.
Festivities include the inaugural Juneteenth Gathering, highlighting healing arts, music, film, and wellness-focused experiences designed to celebrate Black creativity and community.
Visitors can also attend a special screening of BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions at Miles Playhouse. Created by artist and filmmaker Kahlil Joseph, the project has been described by the Sundance Institute as “a massive, hypnotic tapestry of the Black experience across the diaspora.”
The weekend continues with the 34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, themed “A Legacy of Liberation: Honoring Our Resistance and Resilience.” The event will feature live music, local food vendors, family-friendly activities, storytelling, and cultural performances celebrating freedom, history, and community spirit.
Metro Make Music Day
On June 21, the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station and adjacent Kiss and Ride lot will transform into an energetic celebration of music and culture for Metro Make Music Day.
Inspired by the international spirit of the World Cup, this free event invites the community to come together through live performances, jam sessions, and interactive music and art workshops. Guests of all ages are encouraged to participate, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates both global cultures and Santa Monica’s role as the western gateway to Route 66.
Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival
One of Santa Monica’s signature summer events returns with the Pier 360 Beach Festival, a full day dedicated to classic Southern California beach culture.
The festival features ocean sports competitions, live music, food and drinks, games, and activities for all ages. Whether you’re interested in athletic competitions, family-friendly entertainment, or simply spending the day soaking up the beach atmosphere with friends, Pier 360 offers something for everyone.
From sunrise to sunset, it’s the perfect way to experience the energy and spirit of summer in Santa Monica.