Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes multiple Pride and Juneteenth celebrations, the annual Cardboard Yacht Regatta, Montana Avenue Summer Kick-Off and much more!
Family Pride Celebration at Annenberg Community Beach House: Trailblazing Queer Chicana graphic novelist Kayden Phoenix will host “Draw Your Own Superhero and Storytime aimed at giving kids of all ages the opportunity to dream up and express themselves through art. Pickle, the first Drag Laureate of the City of West Hollywood, returns to host an interactive Drag Storytime that delightfully challenges restrictive gender stereotypes and encourages self-expression. Friday, June 14, 10am at 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. More info here.
Free Movie Fridays on the Promenade —Rent, on Friday, June 14, the events begin at 6:30pm with fun photo ops, complimentary popcorn and a DJ playing music before the movies, which include singalongs, start at 7:30pm. Guests can bring low chairs (tall chairs are not permitted), pillows, blankets and picnic essentials to relax with family, friends and even furry companions. Details here.
Children Story Time at Ishihara Park Learning Garden: Every 15 minutes, a new enchanting tale will delight kids. Plus, participate in our Youth Book Swap: bring gently used or new books to exchange for exciting reads. Enjoy stories, share books and spark young imaginations at this event. And grab a cup of coffee and wander around the garden and orchard. Saturday, June 15, 9–11am at 2909 Exposition Blvd. Email gardens@santamonica.gov for more information.
Annual Cardboard Yacht Regatta: The raucous Annenberg Beach House summer kick-off is an all-ages event for two-person teams to race-themed cardboard and duct tape yachts across the historic pool while spectators cheer them on. Saturday, June 15 from 9am–1pm at 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. More info here.
SMPL Summer Reading Kickoff Party: Celebrate the first day of summer reading with fun activities and a magic show. Get dazzled by the amazing Zany Zoe, enjoy sweet treats, and take pictures with special guests. The Summer Reading program helps prevent “summer slide” by ensuring that youth retain reading and learning skills over the school break. Parents can sign up their babies and receive a free board book. Kids and teens can sign up for 10 and 20-hour challenges, and receive a tote bag, coupon from the Friends of the Library Bookstore, and log to track reading minutes and activities during the summer. Saturday, June 15 10:30am–12pm. Details here.
Family Pride Comedy Fest: The institution is hosting a series of family-friendly comedy shows featuring top LGBTQIA+ comedic talent. Programming will be appropriate for all ages including stand-up sets and improv acts inspired by queer experiences. The Crow’s weekend events will also include Fierce Fables, a drag queen and king storytelling corner taking place at the historic Carousel on the Santa Monica Pier, as well as a comedy show developed specially for parents and babies and a finale event showcasing star LGBTQIA+ comics taking place at The Crow comedy club. Friday & Saturday, June 14–15. More info here.
Pedals For Progress Juneteenth Celebration: Ready, set, pedal! Join Juneteenth Bike-a-thon, starting from Virginia Avenue Park on Pico Blvd every hour on Saturday, June 15 , from 10am–1pm. They’re offering a grand tour of black landmarks in Santa Monica, ending Santa Monica Black Empowerment Association offices at 520 Arizona Avenue with a resource fair.
32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Virginia Avenue Park: Enjoy an afternoon of music, food and craft vendors, kid’s activities and more. This year’s theme is “Rising Above Racism: A Legacy of Empowerment & Pride.” Saturday, June 15, from 2–7pm. Details here.
Murder at the Getty Scavenger Hunt: “A curator has been murdered, leaving behind a trail of cryptic clues connects with secrets in the museum’s masterpieces. Do you have what it takes to solve his murder? Explore the museum to unravel a sordid tale of greed, lust, pride, and revenge — all revolving around a long-lost painting by Leonardo da Vinci.” Saturday, June 15, 4pm. Save $5 on tickets when you use the promo code JuneLA5 at checkout.
Montana Avenue summer kick-off & big gay bake sale: Enjoy activities for kids, a refreshing margarita garden, delicious food from your favorite Montana restaurants, guest vendors, and more. Saturday, June 15. More info here.
What to Eat & Drink?
Breadhead grand opening: The acclaimed sandwich pop-up that Los Angeles Times listed as one of their favorite new sammies last year now has it’s first brick & mortar location. Drop in on Saturday, June 15 at 1518 Montana Ave to taste their offerings. Details here.
NBC4 visits plant-based B&T’s deli on Montana: This video story visits the husband-wife duo Terrence and Britt Caldwell who left their Bay Area tech jobs to open this deli. The two share the best plant-based swap options that will totally fool meat-lovers and satisfy flavor cravings. More info here.
Bar Monette’s Vanilla Salt: This Los Angeles Times write-up shares the background and recipe for a sweeter sale. “I’m a big advocate of putting finishing salt on desserts just to have little bites,” MacDonald said. “You have a sweet bite and then the next one, you get a little bit of savory, and the next one, you highlight a flavor with a little bit more intensity from the salt.” More info here.
Where to eat in Pacific Palisades: The Infatuation lists “seven solid places to eat in LA’s sleepiest (and richest) little beach town.” Would you like to know more?
The Infatuation’s 2024 Pride Bake Sale: 100% of proceeds benefit the Queer Food Foundation. Participating bakeries include the Best Cookie Shop in the Whole Wide World at 2625 S. Robertson Blvd. More info here.
Further afield around town: The Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival returns to kick off summer on June 15-16. More info here.
Looking ahead around town: Make Music Day (6/21), Pride on the Promenade (6/22), Pier 360 Beach Festival (6/29-30), Main St. 4th of July Parade (7/4), Summer Solstice Festival: (7/13)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me atsean@smdp.com
