Santa Monica Celebrates Vibrant Live Shows and Cultural Experiences in California
(IN SHORT) Santa Monica, often dubbed Hollywood by the Sea, is a cultural hotspot that offers an extensive lineup of live entertainment, including theatre, music, and comedy events. Renowned venues such as the Eli and Edythe BroadStage, Ruskin Group Theatre Co., Morgan-Wixson Theatre, and Santa Monica Playhouse host everything from blockbuster theatre performances to intimate readings and workshops. Live music venues like Harvelle’s Blues Club, Terrazza Lounge, McCabe’s Guitar Shop, and The Georgian Room provide a rich mix of genres and unforgettable experiences, while TRiP Santa Monica and the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows offer neighborhood and upscale musical delights. Comedy lovers can enjoy varied shows at The Crow and M.i.’s Westside Comedy Theater. Additionally, community events such as the monthly Locals’ Night at Santa Monica Pier, the Sunday Main Street Farmers Market, and Sounds of Santa Monica at Santa Monica Place highlight the local culture. Organized by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, these events underscore the city’s enduring appeal as a premier destination for both residents and travelers.
(PRESS RELEASE) SANTA MONICA, CA, 2025-Apr-8 — /Travel PR News/ — Known as Hollywood by the Sea, Santa Monica offers an array of live performances and unique shows that light up its glamorous coastal nights. As the sun dips below the horizon, the city transforms into a vibrant hub of cultural experiences, drawing locals and visitors alike into its dynamic entertainment scene.
The city boasts a diverse selection of live theatre venues. At the Eli and Edythe BroadStage, located within the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center in Mid-City, audiences can enjoy a variety of performances from theatre and dance to opera and symphony. This premier venue, which has hosted acclaimed stars such as Sutton Foster and Patti LuPone, features a 500-seat Mainstage and a smaller 100-seat black box theater called The Edye, where emerging talent takes center stage. Over in Ocean Park, the Ruskin Group Theatre Co., set in a renovated airplane hangar, offers intimate shows including its inventive monthly LA Café Plays where writers collaborate on 10-minute plays in just one day. Additionally, the historic Morgan-Wixson Theatre on Pico Boulevard, the city’s oldest theatrical organization, continues to charm audiences with family-friendly productions, musical comedies, and engaging drama workshops. Downtown, the Santa Monica Playhouse stages a range of productions that span beloved fairy tales like Snow White and Cinderella to creative renditions of classic plays such as Romeo and Juliet.
Live music is equally thriving in Santa Monica. Harvelle’s Blues Club in Downtown, with its storied past dating back to Prohibition, continues to serve up blues, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop on a stage once graced by icons like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, now featuring live band karaoke nights. At Hotel Casa del Mar’s Terrazza Lounge on Ocean Avenue, guests are treated to live jazz, pop, and blues performances paired with breathtaking sunset views over the Pacific, all set against the backdrop of exquisite Spanish, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine. In Ocean Park, McCabe’s Guitar Shop doubles as a store and an intimate live music venue where folk, bluegrass, Americana, and world music fill the air—a venue that has welcomed performances by legends including Bruce Springsteen and Etta James. The Georgian Room at the iconic Georgian Hotel offers an exclusive speakeasy experience with craft cocktails, Italian cuisine, and surprise musical guests that transport visitors back to the glamour of Old Hollywood. For a true neighborhood vibe, TRiP Santa Monica on Main Street hosts open mic nights that encourage spontaneous jam sessions, reinforcing its reputation as one of the best neighborhood music venues in the area. High-end experiences are also available at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, where Lobby Lounge Live features master pianist Jason Pelsey and live jazz evenings. Meanwhile, the Santa Monica Proper Hotel offers its Proper Presents series, which spans DJ sets and classical performances hosted in stylish, design-forward spaces and even a rooftop oasis.
The city’s comedy circuit adds even more flavor to the local entertainment scene. The Crow in Mid-City offers a playful mix of family-oriented comedy shows, teen stand-up, and workshops where audiences can craft their own routines, all set against an artsy backdrop that includes nearby dining hotspots and galleries at Bergamot Station. Downtown’s M.i.’s Westside Comedy Theater, with over a decade of hosting stand-up, sketch, and improv sessions, regularly features talent from Netflix, HBO, and Comedy Central, appealing to a crowd that ranges from locals to visiting celebrities.
Moreover, Santa Monica’s streets are teeming with other lively events. The monthly “Locals’ Night” at the Santa Monica Pier, held every third Thursday from September through May, showcases local DJs, live bands, and art exhibits. The Sunday Main Street Farmers Market presents not only fresh produce and artisanal goods but also live musical performances in a festive, car-free street fair atmosphere, perfect for families and pets. For shopping and casual entertainment, Santa Monica Place in Downtown hosts weekly Sounds of Santa Monica events, offering a mix of local music, emerging art, and culinary delights, including special “Kids Edition” programs that feature sing-alongs and dance sessions.
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, a non-profit organization committed to boosting tourism and supporting local employment, continues to spotlight the city as a top travel destination. Through its dedicated promotion of Santa Monica’s vibrant live entertainment and cultural heritage, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the city’s unique blend of sun, sea, and soul.
Media Contact:
Emily Ohara
Public Relations Manager
eohara@santamonica.com
SOURCE: Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
