Santa Monica is quickly becoming a go-to destination for all things Southern California lifestyle. More than just a warm-weather location with a renowned beach, this L.A. hotspot offers an abundance of cultural events and celebrations.
During your stay at Shutters on the Beach or Casa del Mar this fall, be sure to check out some of the city’s hottest happenings—from Vegan Oktoberfest to the Beer, Art, and Music Festival.
Vegan Oktoberfest | October 4
Munich meets Santa Monica in LA’s newest, and most unique, celebration of Oktoberfest. Set to the sprawling sights of the Pacific, this festival combines a hint of California—vegan food—with all the staples of Germany’s most beloved tradition—Oompah bands, authentic dancing, Bavarian maidens, and (what else?) delicious beer.
No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating | October 18-19
On top of its delicious produce, Santa Monica’s highly regarded, year-round farmer’s market also provides great educational and festive events for families. One such event is the annual No-Carve Pumpkin Decoration, offering free pumpkins for children to decorate to their heart’s desire. It’s not fall without pumpkins, and this popular event has them in abundance!
Beer, Art, and Music (BAM) Festival | October 25-26
The 25th edition of Santa Monica’s BAM Festival promises to be the best one yet. A celebration of Southern California’s blossoming arts scene, this ever-popular event features open art studios, contemporary art “crash courses,” live music, and 40+ craft breweries. Grab a beer—maybe a Witbier by Santa Monica Brew Works or a Stone IPA—and get your artist on!
Annual Halloween Hop | October 31
Back for its seventh year in a row, the Halloween Hop is a must-see for all visiting families—if they dare! On the spookiest day of the year, bring your mini pirates or princesses to Montana Avenue for a fun-filled afternoon of trick or treating, holiday activities, and more. Candy for everyone!
ICE at Santa Monica | Starting November 1
Santa Monica is known for its year-round beachside lifestyle, but that doesn’t hinder a little holiday festivity! Starting November 1st, the city opens its annual ice rink on the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue. Whether as a family or a couple, this is the perfect place to bring in the “cold” season, California style.
Don’t miss out on the fantastic event schedules at Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar either!
SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH
Happy Hour | Monday-Thursday, 4-7PM
Swing by Coast Beach Café & Bar for special pricing on food, cocktails, beer & wine every Monday through Thursday from 4-7p.m.. Excludes holidays.
Jazz Piano | Sunday-Tuesday, 6-9PM
Relax to the sounds of live jazz piano in the Living Room every Sunday and Monday evening while catching an ocean sunset.
Coast Hatch Chile Festival | Sept 5-Oct 8
In New Mexico, the season of Hatch Chile’s is a revered one! Enjoy Chef Isaac Gamboa’s limited-time menu celebrating this Southwest tradition. Featuring culinary creations centered around the Hatch Chile, this three-course flavor festival is best paired with a new specialty cocktail – the “Chefs Smoky Bandito” – a fiery blend of mescal, pineapple ice, hatch chile, & ginger beer.
One Pico Lobster Brunch | Weekends 10am-3pm
One Pico has a new 2-course brunch menu featuring amazing Lobster dishes that is available from 10am-3pm on weekends.
Burgers & Burgundy | Oct 8-Nov 26
Enjoy the ultimate pairing of juicy burgers and rich Burgundies at Coast Beach Cafe & Bar. Four mouth-watering burgers and four unique Burgundy wine selections (from France & the U.S.) make for an awesome $25 dinner on the beach. With a choice of golden fries, house made chips or baby greens, Burgers & Burgundy is a tasty event the whole family will love.
Photo by Dan Douglas
HOTEL CASA DEL MAR
Happy Hour | Monday-Friday, 3-6PM
Monday through Friday from 3-6pm it’s Happy Hour at Terrazza! Specialty pricing on cocktails, craft draft & bottled beer, and select wines is offered. Foodie fare includes a selection of handmade artisan pizzas to enjoy along with the unbeatable panoramic ocean views. View the menu HERE.
Mix It Up Tuesday | 6-9PM
Casa will help you ‘Mix It Up’ on Tuesday nights with a special guest mixologist and DJ Raul Campos spinning his favorite music mixes. The voice of pirate radio in the mid-‘90s, this native Angeleno has come from the underground to represent the eclectic airwaves of KCRW and spin cool jazz gooves in Terrazza Lounge.
Raw Wednesdays | 7-10PM
Sure you’re a fan of sushi, but have you ever tried crudo? On “Raw Wednesdays” Terrazza features a lively crudo bar paired with craft cocktails from 6-9pm. Italian for “raw”, crudo is similar to its Japanese counterpart; however you may never go back to seaweed wrapped rolls after sinking your teeth into Fluke Crudo with fennel pollen, oranges, & chive salt or Spanish Mackerel Crudo with scallions, ginger, & ponzu. As a bonus, witnessing first-hand the precision skills of Casa’s amazing chef as he slices and prepares is reason alone to stop by. View the menu HERE.
Spirited Thursdays | 6-9PM
Start the weekend early with “Spirited Thursdays”! Terrazza hosts a rotating series of spirit ambassadors, seasoned mixologists, vintners, and more who will showcase a special spirit, beer, or wine each week.
Ribs & Hops | Sunday, 5:30-9:30PM
Come Sunday, Casa celebrates Southern hospitality with Ribs & Hops from 5:30-9:30pm. Chef Jason Bowlin mixes up his secret Oklahoma style BBQ pork ribs with a perfectly frothed pint of Santa Monica Brew Works “Witbier”. You may even forget that you are sitting directly on the beach overlooking the Pacific at sunset when tasting the Southern sides – cheddar biscuits, buttermilk onion rings, & sweet corn succotash. This is down-home-upscale-beach-BBQ like you’ve never experienced! View the menu HERE.
Live Music | Monday-Saturday
Casa del Mar is the headquarters for Santa Monica’s best live music 6 nights a week. From Bossa Nova and Jazz to Soul and Pop, this eclectic mix of incredible musical talent sets the mood for spirited evenings of handcrafted cocktails, world class eats, and magnificent beach sunsets. View the full music schedule HERE.
