LIVE FROM SANTA MONICA, IT’S YOUR NEXT NIGHT OUT
LIVE FROM SANTA MONICA, IT’S YOUR NEXT NIGHT OUT
Santa Monica Plays Host to Live Performances and Unique Shows
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 7, 2025) – There’s a reason why we call Santa Monica Hollywood by the Sea. Nights out in America’s most glamorous seaside city begin with cinematic sunsets that draw lovers to the shore, and when darkness has fallen, the stars come out.
Creative talent abounds in the coastal city that has deep roots in Southern California’s entertainment industry. Plan your next night out with friends, family or date night amid the city’s array of award-winning stage performances, intimate live music haunts and knee-slapping comedy clubs.
LIVE THEATER
The Eli and Edythe BroadStage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center (Mid-City) welcomes performances of many genres including theatre, dance, opera, symphony and more as a pillar of the city’s arts and culture landscape. The BroadStage is a leading destination in the region for live music and theatre, having hosted performances by stars like Sutton Foster, Patti LuPone and many more. The BroadStage welcomes patrons of the arts to its grand 500-seat Mainstage for striking theatre experiences, as well as hosts breakthrough performances by emerging artists in its 100-seat black box theater, The Edye.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/the-broad-stage
Ruskin Group Theatre Co. (Ocean Park) has been home to an award-winning theater company for more than 20 years, giving new life to a space that was once an airplane hangar. This intimate venue of about 50 seats hosts live music, plays and readings including their unique monthly LA Café Plays where writers come together to write 10-minute-plays from concept to stage all in one day for a truly one-of-a-kind theatre experience.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/ruskin-group-theatre
Morgan-Wixson Theatre (Pico Blvd.) is a cozy venue for comedies and dramas as well as youth workshops and performances. The oldest theatrical organization in the city, the Morgan-Wixson Theatre welcomes visitors to enjoy a neighborhood tradition of family-friendly productions with musical comedies like Bat Boy: The Musical, Legally Blonde The Musical Jr., Little Women and more having taken the stage at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/morgan-wixson-theatre
Santa Monica Playhouse (Downtown) presents plays, musical events and comedy performances in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica from family favorites like Snow White and Cinderella to iterations of classics including Romeo and Juliet and The Wizard of Oz. Established in 1960, the Playhouse seeks to spark a love for the arts through workshops and educational programs, and has presented productions by theatre groups from around the world with their celebrated international tours and cultural exchange program. From family favorites like Snow White and Cinderella to iterations of classics including Romeo and Juliet and The Wizard of Oz, the Santa Monica Playhouse shares the art of theatre with audiences of all ages.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/santa-monica-playhouse
LIVE MUSIC
Harvelle’s Blues Club Santa Monica (Downtown) has been playing blues, jazz, R&B, hip-hop and more since 1931. Beginning as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, Harvelle’s has hosted live performances by Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Bonnie Raitt and more as one of the region’s longest standing live music venues. Visitors can even enjoy live band karaoke nights to step into the spotlight during a stay in Santa Monica.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/harvelles-blues-club
Terrazza Lounge (Pier/Ocean Ave.) at Hotel Casa del Mar pairs live jazz, pop and blues performances with spectacular sunset views of the Pacific. Live music at Terrazza Lounge enjoyed over stunning Spanish, Italian and Mediterranean dishes makes for an only-in-Santa Monica moment that will envelope travelers in the sights and sounds of the coast.
santamonica.com/restaurants/terrazza-restaurant
McCabe’s Guitar Shop (Ocean Park) is both a store and a live music venue welcoming patrons to browse instruments from all around the world. With a performance calendar of folk, bluegrass, Americana, world music and more, visitors will enjoy a look into the local music scene in an intimate setting that has hosted concerts by legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Mick Taylor, Etta James and many more.
santamonica.com/shopping/mccabes-guitar-shop
The Georgian Room (Pier/Ocean Ave.) is an exclusive speakeasy experience at the famed Georgian Hotel, inviting guests to step into the intimate space’s Art Deco past for delicious Italian dishes, craft cocktails and surprise musical guests for a one-of-a-kind evening in the age of Old Hollywood.
santamonica.com/restaurants/the-georgian-room
TRiP Santa Monica (Main Street) presents a lineup of live music throughout the week with open mic nights inviting the audience to take the stage for the ultimate jam session. Visitors will settle into TRiP’s neighborhood pub vibe, named ‘Best Neighborhood Music Venue’ by LA Weekly, to experience Santa Monica’s music scene like a local.
santamonica.com/restaurants/trip-santa-monica
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows (Wilshire) has a sophisticated scene of live music and craft cocktails with Lobby Lounge Live every Friday and Saturday night from 7 – 10 pm. On Friday nights guests will find master pianist Jason Pelsey taking requests and playing classics before offering six lucky attendees the opportunity to join him at the piano for an unforgettable musical experience. Come Saturday nights, expect the soulful sounds of live jazz presented by the BroadStage.
santamonica.com/hotels/fairmont-miramar-hotel-bungalows
Santa Monica Proper Hotel (Wilshire) plays host to live music and performances throughout the year with their Proper Presents series showcasing cultural programming from vibrant DJ sets to smooth classical musicians, all within the property’s design-forward spaces and rooftop haven.
santamonica.com/hotels/santa-monica-proper-hotel
LIVE COMEDY
The Crow (Mid-City) truly creates laughs for all with comedy shows designed for babies (BYOB Comedy Show: A comedy show for parents with babies), teens and tweens (IRL Show: a pro-level stand-up show for teens 13 and up), a girls night (Laughaholics: female and non-binary stand-up) and more, including stand-up workshops welcoming guests to craft their very own comedy sets. Surrounded by delicious restaurants Le Great Outdoor and Birdie G’s as well as the art galleries of Bergamot Station Arts Center, The Crow is the perfect place to end an evening in Santa Monica.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/the-crow
M.i.’s Westside Comedy Theater (Downtown)has been hosting stand-up, sketch and improv comedy shows for over a decade inside an intimate wine and beer bar. Talent from Netflix, HBO, Comedy Central and more are common performers at this beloved comedy destination attended by locals, visitors and even celebrities.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/m-i-s-westside-comedy-theater
OTHER LIVELY EVENTS
Live entertainment can be found all throughout the city, with music and performances taking place at many community events. To learn more about upcoming live experiences, visit santamonica.com/events.
The Santa Monica Pier’s monthly “Locals’ Night” occurring every third Thursday from September to May features local DJs spinning, live music from local bands, art exhibits and more immersing travelers in the sounds and sights of neighborhood talent all at the iconic Pier.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/visiting-santa-monica-pier
The Sunday Main Street Farmers Market is not only known for California’s freshest produce, prepared food, artisan goods and more, but also features live musical performances throughout a car-free street fair. It’s the perfect family-friendly, dog-friendly Sunday morning activity just steps from the beach.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/main-street-farmers-market
Santa Monica Place (Downtown) hosts its weekly Sounds of Santa Monica showcases in the Center Plaza for an afternoon of shopping and entertainment. Visitors will discover local emerging artists and energetic DJs, as well as the latest styles and delicious dining options. Family travelers must not miss the “Kids Edition” program every Friday morning at 10:30 am for a joyful sing-along atmosphere with dancing for all ages.
santamonica.com/shopping/santa-monica-place
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About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com, email info@santamonica.com, or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
Media Contact
Emily Ohara
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