Southern California Attractions and Santa Monica Events Calendar

Green Living Workshop

• Date(s): 06/17/2009 - 07/15/2009
• Recurring weekly on Wednesday
• Times: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
• Location: Santa Monica Public Library Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd
• Phone: (310) 458-8600

Be part of the solution - educate and empower yourself with simple steps that save our environment and you money. This six-week workshop covers: Water, Energy, Waste, Chemicals, Transportation & Travel, and Shopping & Food. Presented by Sustainable Works.

COOL GLOBES AT AIRPORT PARK

• Date(s): 06/19/2009 - 07/31/2009
• Recurring daily
• Location: Airport Park (corner of Bundy and Airport drives)

The spirit of Earth Day continues through July at Airport Park through a temporary art exhibition, Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet. Part of a larger exhibition in Chicago’s Exposition Park, the globes carry different messages about what ordinary citizens can do to combat global warming.

To view these works, visit Airport Park at the corner of Bundy and Airport drives in Santa Monica. The works will remain on display through the end of July.

Life Leap Workshop

• Date(s): 06/20/2009 - 07/18/2009
• Recurring weekly on Saturday
• Times: Workshop dates 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, & 7/18 from 1:00pm-3:30pm
• Location: Shaarei Am, 1448 18th St
• Phone: (310) 433-6602
• Admission: $500 with coaching, $350 without coaching

Move leaps and bounds in the next phase of your life! A self-growth workshop for young women between the ages of 16-20. In a fun and supportive environment Aria and Clarissa will guide you to discover who you are, what you want, and how to get there.

Why this workshop? At your age you are being pressured by outside influences such as adults, college choices, and figuring out the dreaded question "who do I want to be when I grow up?" These are big decisions that will affect the rest of your lives. It is very common for young women at this time to become stressed, in denial, and very anxious or even depressed. We want to help you create a life action plan that you feel good about and that brings you success in your choices!

Each week is filled with informative information and interactive exercises in areas such as College Direction and Majors, Careers and career panel with women telling their stories, Individual and Group coaching, Personality Assessments-Don't worry this is way more fun than the SAT's, and Finance Strategies!

Robert McGinley - "Topography, Light and Magic"

• Date(s): 06/27/2009 - 07/31/2009
• Recurring daily
• Times: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• Location: Blue Seven Gallery, 3129 Pico Blvd
• Contact: CA&A PR
• Phone: (323) 936-1447
• Admission: Free

Conservation photographer Robert McGinley will be exhibiting his latest work at Blue Seven Gallery in Santa Monica June 27-July 31. Titled “Topography, Light and Magic,” the exhibit explores natural landscapes that are threatened by development, and captures these environments at their most beautiful and vulnerable. The exhibit’s proceeds will benefit both Heal the Bay and Santa Monica Baykeeper, organizations devoted to protecting California’s water resources. There will be an opening reception Saturday, June 27, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

25th Annual Twilight Dance Series

• Date(s): 07/02/2009 - 09/03/2009
• Recurring weekly on Thursday
• Times: 7pm-10pm
• Location: Pier parking lot
• Admission: Free

The 25th Annual Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series will begin on July 2 and will run through September 3, 2009. Thursday evenings during the summer from 7-10pm, prepare to sing, dance, or just rock out to the best in Reggae, folk, rock and eclectic world music. Admission is and has always been free! No alcohol is allowed. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. 

Lineup includes: July 2-Playing for Change Band, Bushman; July 9-Joan Baez with special guest Tift Merritt; July 16-Sgt. Garcia, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca; July 23-Squirrel Nut Zippers, Johnny Vana & The Big Band Alumni; July 30-Thomas Mapfumo & the Blacks Unlimited; August 6-Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women, Paul Thorn; August 13-Idan Raichel Project, Elijah Emanuel; August 20-Social Action and Surfboards Venice, Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real; August 27-Lila Downs, Very Be Careful; Septmeber 3-An evening with Patti Smith and her band

Healing Aloud Santa Monica Festival

• Date(s): 07/02/2009 - 07/05/2009
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday
• Times: Thursday and Friday at 8:30pm, Sunday at 2pm and 7pm
• Location: Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd
• Phone: (310) 998-8765
• Admission: $20 General, $15 Students and Seniors. Discounts available for groups 5

Teadaworks new performance festival series: Healing Aloud featuring Healing Mars written and performed by Marcella Pabros-Clark, directed by John Clark Carrie’s Web written and performed by Shyamala Moorty, directed by D’L.

3rd Annual 4th of July Parade

• Date(s): 07/04/2009
• Times: 9:30am
• Location: Main St
• Phone: (310) 564-1968

Santa Monica's 3rd Annual 4th of July Parade on Main Street with Honorary Grand Marshal Chief Jim Hone from the Santa Monica Fire Department. Presented by the Ocean Park Association.

American Cinematheque Screenings: Aero Theatre

• Date(s): 01/01/2008
• Recurring daily
• Location: 1328 Montana Avenue at 14th Street
• Phone: (323) 466-3456
• Admission: Tickets $10 or $7 for members

Movie presentations by American Cinematheque, a non-profit, viewer-supported cultural organization, dedicated to the public presentation of the moving picture in all its forms, from classics to the outer frontiers of the art form. Weekly screenings of art, independent and classic films. Also sneak peaks of upcoming movies with celebrity guest appearances and discussions with film-makers. Call for program information: 323-466-3456. Tickets $10 or $7 for members.

Farmers Markets

• Date(s): 01/02/2008
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday
• Times: WEDNESDAYS: Arizona Ave & 2nd St. 8:30am - 1:30pm, SATURDAYS: Arizona & 3rd St. 8:30am - 1:30pm and 2200 Virginia Ave 8:00am-1:00pm, SUNDAY: 2460 Main Street 9:30am-1:00pm.

Santa Monica's four weekly farmers markets are widely considered to be among the best on the west coast and feature field-fresh produce, hundreds of kinds of vegetables, brilliant cut flowers, breads, cheeses, delicious foods, live music and more. WEDNESDAYS: Arizona Ave & 2nd St. 8:30am - 1:30pm. SATURDAYS: Arizona & 3rd St. 8:30am - 1:30pm and 2200 Virginia Ave 8:00am-1:00pm. SUNDAY: 2460 Main Street 9:30am-1:00pm.

Downtown Walking Tours of Santa Monica

• Date(s): 01/05/2008
• Recurring weekly on Saturday
• Times: Every Saturday morning, 10am
• Location: 1436 2nd St (between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd)
• Phone: (310) 496-3146
• Admission: $5 for members, $10 for public

Presented by the Santa Monica Conservancy, discover more than 130 years of Santa Monica history. In approx. 2 hours and six blocks, the walk traverses more than 130 years of Santa Monica History, from its Wild West frontier beginnings to the sophisticated metropolis of today. RSVP the Thursday prior to the tour at (310) 496-3146.

Tours are every Saturday morning, $5 for members, $10 for public. Parking is available in the city parking structure opposite the hostel on the east side of 2nd Street. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Note that this tour is not suitable for young children.

Tours are rain or shine, but "rain checks" are offered if you call or email to reschedule.

The People's Voice

• Date(s): 01/06/2008
• Recurring weekly on Sunday
• Times: Every Sunday, 10am-12noon
• Location: Palisades Park at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulveard and Ocean Ave.
• Admission: Free

Emulating the centuries-old tradition of Speaker's Corner in London's Hyde Park, the People's Voice puts up a weekly soap box and microphone for anyone to freely speak his or her piece. The sky's the limit! Free. Every Sunday.

Santa Monica Outdoor Antique Market

• Date(s): 01/27/2008
• Recurring monthly on the 4th Sunday
• Times: Every 4th Sunday of the month, 6am-3pm
• Location: Santa Monica Airport, in the parking lots at Airport Ave and Bundy Drive
• Phone: (323) 933-2511
• Admission: $7 grants early access from 6am-8am. $5 general admission, seniors $3, kids and dogs free.

A high-end flea market specializing in furnishings and interior decor. Every 4th Sunday of the month, early admission 6am-8am $7, general admission $5, Seniors $3, kids free. Free parking. Smaller antique market held in the same lot on the first Sunday of every month, 8am-3pm, $4 admission.

For info: Call 323-933-2511

Stephen Courtney Exhibition

• Date(s): 08/30/2008 - 08/30/2009
• Recurring daily
• Times: 7:00pm-10:00pm
• Location: James Coleman Gallery, 1431 Ocean Ave
• Phone: (310) 456-7151

World renowned modern artist Stephen Courtney (www.stephencourtney.com), whose work resides everywhere from the Smithsonian’s National Gallery of American Art to celebrity homes, is exhibiting his fine art furniture and black and white photographs in the permanent exhibition “Affair in the Garden” at Santa Monica’s brand new James Coleman Gallery.

Comfort Food Nights

• Date(s): 11/19/2008
• Recurring weekly on Wednesday, Thursday
• Times: Wednesday and Thursday nights
• Location: Cezanne at Le Merigot Beach Hotel and Spa, 1740 Ocean Ave
• Phone: Reservations: 310-395-9700

Come and cozy up with us at Cézanne restaurant this season where Chef Desi Szonntagh has created a new “comfort foods menu” with French specialties. This menu includes a delectable array of recipes to tantalize your palate. Comfort Food Nights are every Wednesday and Thursday with weekly rotating specials. Come hungry and we promise to leave you feeling warm, fuzzy and delightfully full!

John Muir Art, Antique and Flea Market

• Date(s): 12/06/2008
• Recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday
• Times: 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month 8am - 3pm
• Location: 2510 Lincoln Blvd, corner of Ocean Park and Lincoln in the school parking lot
• Contact: Diana Rodgers
• Phone: (310) 570-6483
• Admission: $1

A long standing collectibles event with many high quality vendors selling items ranging from antique jewelry, furniture, music, books, antique crystal collectibles and novelties from around the world. A traditional flea market with real deals and real finds. All proceeds are used to support essential educational opportunities throughout the Santa Monica and Malibu Unified School District.

Bridge & Scrabble for Everyone!

• Date(s): 12/15/2008
• Recurring weekly on Monday
• Times: 1pm-3pm
• Location: Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd
• Contact: Fairview Branch Library
• Phone: (310) 450-0443
• Admission: Free

Have fun, meet new people and challenge your mind playing Bridge or Scrabble! All levels are welcome.

Learn to Knit!

• Date(s): 12/15/2008
• Recurring weekly on Monday
• Times: 5:00pm-6:30pm
• Location: Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd
• Contact: Fairview Branch Library
• Phone: (310) 450-0443

Learn to Knit! For all ages, beginners should bring #8 needles and simple worsted yarn.

Tango Afficionado

• Date(s): 01/05/2009 - 07/26/2010
• Recurring weekly on Monday
• Times: 9:30pm-1:00am
• Location: Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club, 1210 4th St
• Phone: (213) 503-6191
• Admission: $10

Located at the historic Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, Vladimir’s and Dmitry’s milonga is a beautiful, spacious place with a magnificent wooden floor and a very classic and authentic atmosphere of Buenos Aires Tango Clubs!

Light snacks and refreshments are served.

Cinderella: The Musical

• Date(s): 01/17/2009 - 12/27/2009
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday
• Times: 12:30pm & 3:00pm Saturdays and Sundays
• Location: Santa Monica Playhouse Main Stage, 1211 4th Street
• Contact: Sandra Zeitzew
• Phone: 3103949779ext2
• Admission: $10.50 (Kids 12 and under), $12.50 (Adults)

Audiences help romance bloom in this internationally acclaimed musical for kids 2 to 102, featuring a charming prince, zany fairy godmother, silly stepsisters, zealously well-meaning stepmother and "an enchanting Cinderella" (L.A. TIMES). The single most requested Santa Monica Playhouse Family Theatre musical on three continents, voted Playhouse audience favorite for the thirteenth year in a row. Birthday and tea parties are available with every performance. “Cinderella” is the featured presentation of the Playhouse’s “Year of the Glass Slipper” – an entire year’s worth of special birthday and tea parties, workshops, Mommy or Daddy and me events, a Grand Masquerade Ball and alumni guest performances, celebrating the 25th anniversary of this enchanting theatre classic.

Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 and 3:00pm, January 17 through December 27, 2009. Tickets now on sale through March 9, 2009. Kids $10.50, adults $12.50. Call 310-394-9779 ext 2 or visit SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com. By public transportation: take the Santa Monica Blue Bus or the LA Metro Rapid #720 and exit at 4th and Wilshire.

Exhibit of Tiffany Windows

• Date(s): 02/04/2009
• Recurring daily
• Location: First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, 1220 Second St

In 1922 First Presbyterian Church commissioned the Tiffany Studios in New York to create seven windows for their Seventh and Arizona building. When the church built its current facility on Second Street, the center panels of the windows were placed into the façade. They are now being restored for display in and around the church buildings.

Overlooking the patio is the Immortality Window, depicting an Angel rising before the throne of God. Inside the lobby area are two windows, one called “Woodland Irises”, a landscape that was created to honor Mary R. Joslyn, a church member and gardener whose home was known as “Violet Cottage” because of the profusion of purple and violet blooms that surrounded it.

The second window is entitled “Crossing the Bar”, and honors the famous Tennyson poem.

Our other windows, “Immortality”, “Hospitality” “Blessed are the Peacemakers” and “Saint Cecelia” are currently being treated for conservation purposes by the Judson Studios. We will be bringing them back into the church as the work is completed.

Ballroom by the Bay

• Date(s): 03/04/2009
• Recurring weekly on Wednesday
• Times: 7pm-11pm, Dance Lesson 7-7:40 pm
• Location: Santa Monica Bay Women's Club, 1210 4th St
• Phone: (310) 487-0911
• Admission: $10, $8 Students and USA Dance with ID

Join us every Wednesday night for Ballroom Dancing at its finest.  We have a great crowd of dancers of all ages and levels of experience.  Dance to todays hits and old standards provided by our experienced DJ’s. Waltz, Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Tango, Salsa, Swing and more! Dance mixers and a drawing for free passes. Light snacks provided, bottled water for sale.

Live Music Wednesdays

• Date(s): 03/18/2009
• Recurring weekly on Wednesday
• Times: 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
• Location: First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica
• Contact: Michelle Jones
• Phone: (310) 451-1303
• Admission: Free

Enjoy beautiful live musical performances by various artists in the Sanctuary most Wednesdays. Shopping the Farmers Market around noon? We are on Second Street, between Wilshire Boulevard and Arizona. Work in the area? Drop in on your lunch break with your coworkers. For more information call 310.451.1303.

Forth Magazine's Open Poetry & Prose Readings

• Date(s): 03/19/2009
• Recurring weekly on Thursday
• Times: 8:00pm-10:00pm
• Location: Novel Cafe, 212 Pier Ave
• Phone: (310) 396-8566
• Admission: Free

Open poetry and prose readings every Thursday, 8-10pm. Come read, listen and enjoy! Everyone welcome, all genres (poetry, fiction, non-fiction, ect.), 1000 word max per reader. Hosted by Forth Magazine.

Sunset Yoga on the Beach

• Date(s): 04/02/2009
• Recurring weekly on Thursday
• Times: 6:30pm to 8:00pm every Thursday
• Location: Head straight down ashland (think ashland and main street in santa monica - coffee bean is on the corner) and look to your right - you'll see a nice area of green and that's where we will be
• Contact: grace
• Phone: (310) 985-8395
• Admission: $12 suggested donation

Come out and get your yogi groove on... sunset yoga is a weekly mini-midweek yoga retreat to nourish your mind, body and soul...jot this down on your calendars and I look forward to seeing you all on the green at the beach 6:15-7:45pm!

How to find us: head straight down ashland (think ashland and main street in santa monica - coffee bean is on the corner) and look to your right - you'll see a nice area of green and that's where we will be. Bring your mats, dress warmly and let's flow to the rhythm of the ocean and the warm sun setting on the horizon. Classes will run on an extension of Bryan Kest's power yoga philosophy of a donation based class of $12...let's keep the cycle of good karma alive and see you all at sunset yoga on the green!

*Please note that the event status depends upon the weather. Please visit www.graceyogala.com or contact Grace to determine if a class will be postponed due to weather conditions.

Poetry and Verse

• Date(s): 04/07/2009
• Recurring weekly on Tuesday
• Times: 10:30am
• Location: Barnes & Noble, 1201 Third Street Promenade

Mixing enlightened analysis with innovative authorship, join Bill Robertson of Santa Monica Emeritus College and strengthen your poetry dedication, appreciation and creation. Please visit www.greenpoets.com for more information.

Thirty-Six by Twenty-Seven, Stories of Santa Monica Beach

• Date(s): 04/25/2009 - 09/30/2009
• Recurring daily
• Location: Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway
• Phone: (310) 458-4904

Thirty-Six by Twenty-Seven, Stories of Santa Monica Beach is on view through the end of September in the Annenberg Community Beach House Event House. The works assembled for this inaugural exhibit are particularly appropriate for the setting, as each image celebrates some facet of the Santa Monica coastline.

This exhibition is a part of a new ongoing series of cultural programs at the Annenberg Community Beach House, Beach = Culture: Tuesdays at the Beach House, which will include small concerts, readings, and lectures.

Annenberg Community Beach House Docent Tours

• Date(s): 04/26/2009 - 08/31/2009
• Recurring daily
• Times: Weekdays 11 am or 1 pm; Weekends 11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm
• Location: Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway
• Contact: Beach House Guest Services
• Phone: (310) 458-4904
• Admission: Free

The Annenberg Community Beach House at Santa Monica State Beach has stories and our Santa Monica Conservancy Docents are here to tell them. Explore the rich history of the Beach House site, from its days as a hot spot on Santa Monica’s Gold Coast to the present-day public beach facility. Docent tours start from the Marion Davies Guest House, open weekdays 11 am – 3 pm and weekends 10 am – 6 pm. The free tours last approximately 30 – 45 minutes. No reservations are required – check in at Guest Services prior to tour start time. Groups please call ahead – 310-458-4904.

Spin Cycle @ TRiP

• Date(s): 05/07/2009
• Recurring monthly on the 1st Thursday
• Times: 8pm until 2am
• Location: 2101 Lincoln Blvd
• Contact: Keith
• Phone: (310) 409-8001
• Admission: $5

A Monthly Showcase featuring the best local and regional jam bands, reggae, bluegrass, worldmusic, jazz, funk, and more.. Roots based, the local spot for real westside artists. Guest Dj's and games between sets. Great drink specials and the cover is only $5.

Paint, Wine & Cheese

• Date(s): 07/03/2009 - 06/25/2010
• Recurring weekly on Friday
• Times: 6pm to 9pm
• Location: Paint:Lab, 2912 Main St
• Contact: Melanie Cote
• Phone: (310) 450-9200
• Admission: $25

Every Friday evening from 6pm to 9pm PAINT:LAB hosts Paint, Wine & Cheese. For $25.00 we provide paint, brushes, easels, creative space, wine & cheese. Just purchase your canvas and transition from your busy work week into a creative weekend at PAINT:LAB! Express your inner artist and get creative!