Santa Monica steps it up this weekend. For the COAST Open Streets Festival, the city is creating one of the biggest block parties in the region. On Sunday, October 1 both Main Street and Ocean Avenue will be closed to auto traffic.
That’s a 2-mile stretch open for biking, skating, and strolling amongst bands, performers, art, and food. The festival stretches from Wilshire Boulevard on the north end to Marine Street on the south end. The schedule is expanded from the 2016 initial COAST celebration. In 2017, there will be even more entertainment focused on art, culture, mobility and sustainability.
The programming is almost overwhelming. Check out some of the following highlights along the two mile car-free route:
COAST Open Streets Santa Monica
Ocean Avenue
The COAST Stage on Ocean Avenue will feature KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez, hip hop dance troupe Antics, and salsa all-stars Rumbankete, plus drop-in dance classes on the street. You’ll find the Shakey-Quakey House earthquake simulator, and the Camera Obscura Art Lab open for making art. These various activities here are perfect choices for families.
Colorado Esplanade
Expo riders in the area of the Esplanade will find stilt walkers, brass bands, and dance troupes throughout the day. Bike rentals and repairs are available from the Santa Monica Bike Center, and all you’ll have to to is take a short stroll to discover more activities at Santa Monica Place and the Third Street Promenade.
Santa Monica Pier
The Pier Stage will include performances by Sister Speak and Rod Lightning & the Thunderbolts of Love. Families can enjoy activities and giveaways bike at Santa Monica Pier Aquarium plus bike decorating at noon followed by a bike parade at 2 p.m.
City Hall
The Sustainability Zone will feature beats from solar DJs The Sycons, a community art project with a photo booth, and meet-and-greet with commissioners and other elected representatives. Stop in to meet the Mayor!
Civic Auditorium (outside)
All things GoSaMo in the Mobility Zone with free bike valet and repair and music by Venice Beats. Free live t-shirt screen printing, food trucks, and a Bike Rodeo and helmet decorating for kids.
Main Street
Enjoy strolling performers, extended hours at the Santa Monica Farmers Market, workshops and gardening tips at the Community Garden, and a scavenger hunt of historic landmarks. Crafts and games for all on the front lawn of the Ocean Park Library.
Go green to get to COAST
Check out a Breeze bike at any of the 85 stations, rent a bike at multiple other locations, take a bus or the Expo Line to Santa Monica. Last year’s attendance was 50,000! The fun goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn More: santamonica.gov/blog/what-not-to-miss-at-COAST-open-streets-festival
Karen Henry is an Associate Editor at LA YOGA who volunteers in a variety of capacities for nonprofit organizations and artists around Los Angeles. She practices yoga as a counterbalance to her daily impact sports and is a mother of four grown children who also practice yoga . Now, she’s working on teaching yoga and joy of life to the grandkids!