Southern California Attractions and Santa Monica Events Calendar

A Fairytale Sing-a-Long Afternoon

• Date(s): 07/03/2010 - 09/26/2010
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday
• Times: 12:30 & 3:00 pm
• Location: Santa Monica Playhouse Main Stage, 1211 4th Street
• Contact: Santa Monica Playhouse Box Office
• Phone: 3103949779ext2
• Admission: $10.50 for kids (12 and under); $12.50 for adults

A sing-the-songs, dance-the-dances, get-on-the-stage, win-the-prizes, good-old-fashioned English Music Hall musical revue for kids 2 to 102! ALL JOIN IN is a delightful, interactive world premiere musical afternoon of favorite songs and scenes from such popular Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre productions as Cinderella, Alice and the Wonderful Tea Party, Barnyard Madness, All the World’s A Stage, The Amazing American Melodrama, Beauty and the Beast, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz and more.

Like the British Musical Hall events of olde, audience members all “join in” as they sing along with their favorite characters to projected lyrics or follow along in activity-song books which they get to keep. There are prizes to win, and the chance to actively participate on stage. Guest performers, songs and stories change regularly, sometimes even from week-to-week, so come often – it’s always a different show!

26th Annual Twilight Dance Series

• Date(s): 07/08/2010 - 09/02/2010
• Recurring weekly on Thursday
• Times: 7pm
• Location: Santa Monica Pier
• Phone: (310) 458-8900
• Admission: Free

The 26th Annual Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series. Enjoy free concerts ever Thursday night at 7pm July through September 2010.

Elena Perrotta Photography Exhibit

• Date(s): 07/18/2010 - 09/15/2010
• Recurring daily
• Location: Santa Monica Pier Carousel
• Admission: Free

An exhibit featuring photographs by Elena Perrotta are on display in the Carousel Building through September 15, 2010. The exhibit is open during normal Carousel business hours and closed on Tuesdays.  It is FREE!

Moonlight Madness: the 50's musical!

• Date(s): 08/20/2010 - 09/26/2010
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
• Times: Fri 8pm; Sat 7pm; Sun 6:30
• Location: Santa Monica Playhouse - The Other Space - 1211 4th Street
• Contact: Santa Monica Playhouse Box Office
• Phone: 3103949779ext1
• Admission: $25 gen adm; $20 students, teachers, seniors, military; $17.50 groups of 8 or more; $15 for under 15's

A toe-tappin’, finger-snappin’, be-boppin’, sock-hoppin’ world premiere Rudie-DeCarlo musical about life, love, laughs and lipstick, guaranteed to have the whole family dancing in the aisles – conceived in the 50’s and 50 years in the making! With a complimentary Sweets and Coffee buffet served at intermission, this family-friendly musical comedy is the coolest theatre deal in town – the genuine article, not a parody, not a spoof, but a loving tribute to those simple days of yore from those who lived them.

Written and directed by the internationally acclaimed writing team of Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie. Original songs by E. Rudie with arrangements by Matthew Wrather and musical direction by Serena Dolinsky. Featuring Kim Dalton, Serena Dolinsky, Nicole Foti, Melissa Gentry, Claudia Gómez, Eli Kennedy, Kristin Levoy, Josiah Lipscomb, Chad Neace, Erin Perkins, Tyler Thomas, Kit Tyler and Katherine Washington. Choreography by Cydne Moore.

Elizabeth Shakespeare and the Astute Detective

• Date(s): 08/28/2010 - 10/03/2010
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
• Times: Fri & Sat 8pm; Sun 6pm
• Location: Santa Monica Playhouse Main Stage, 1211 4th Street
• Contact: Santa Monica Playhouse Box Office
• Phone: 3103949779ext1
• Admission: Gen admission $25; students, teachers, seniors, members of the military $20; groups of 8 or more $17.50

A world premiere romantic comedy! Sexy Stratfordian Elizabeth Shakespeare says she is a descendant of the Bard and is willing to kill to protect his name. But, with a simple key-stroke on his computer, the astute detective, an Oxfordian, can prove Shakespeare didn’t write a single word of the plays and sonnets. Via his computer he conjures up The Bard and The Earl from their four centuries’ demise. And finally, after 400 years, the truth is revealed. Who really wrote those “Shakespeare” plays? It gets down to a duel of wits about wills and Wills (with a goodly amount of romance along the way). With much at stake, the eventual outcome will surprise, and delight Oxfordians, Stratfordians, and even those who don’t know their Othello from their Pericles.

Penned by noted playwright/novelist Abraham Alan Ross and helmed by acclaimed director Chris DeCarlo, this delightfully buoyant evening of theatre features stage and screen personalities Tony Perzow and Pia Pownall in the title roles, with the versatile James Schendel in a host of roles that includes, of course, William Shakespeare. Produced by Santa Monica Playhouse in conjunction with Andy Rodman and Bonnie Sanders.

5th Annual White Party to Benefit Heal the Bay

• Date(s): 09/03/2010
• Times: 7pm-9pm
• Location: Hotel Shangri-La, 1301 Ocean Ave
• Admission: $40 cash donation

"The White Party" has raised over $50,000 in proceeds for Heal the Bay over the past 5 years, and they need ongoing support more than ever. Please join us again for The event of the summer to Party with a Cause, with poolside dancing under the stars at Shangri-La Hotel, Santa Monica.

This is a RSVP guest-list only event. $40 cash-only donations at the door with a selection of sponsored cocktails, tray passed appetizers and the groovy beats from 7pm-9pm. The first 150 guests will receive a special gift bag from Strange Invisibles Perfumes.

Steppin' Out at the Miles - Swing Cats Big Band

• Date(s): 09/04/2010
• Times: 8pm
• Location: Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd
• Phone: (310) 458-8634
• Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Students & Seniors

Swing dance the night away to this 13-piece outfit led by trumpeter Dan Methe and featuring the Swing Kittens vocal trio. The Swing Cats play the ageless melodies of Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and other favorites. Turn the clock back and enjoy this high energy ensemble! Dance lessons at 7:30pm and at intermission.

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.

Downtown Farmers' Market

• Date(s): 01/02/2008
• Recurring weekly on Wednesday, Saturday
• Times: Wednesday 8:30am-1:30pm; Saturday 8:30am-1:00pm
• Location: Arizona Avenue between Second and Third Street
• Phone: (310) 458-8712
• Admission: Free

Enjoy one of Santa Monica's farmers markets, widely considered to be among the best on the west coast and featuring field-fresh produce, hundreds of kinds of vegetables, brilliant cut flowers, breads, cheeses, delicious foods, live music and more.

Farmers' Market Locations: Wednesdays at Arizona Ave & 2nd St and Saturdays at Arizona & 3rd St

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.

Pico Farmers' Market

• Date(s): 01/05/2008
• Recurring weekly on Saturday
• Times: 8:00am-1:00pm
• Location: Virginia Park at Pico and Cloverfield
• Phone: (310) 458-8712
• Admission: Free

Enjoy one of Santa Monica's farmers markets, widely considered to be among the best on the west coast and featuring field-fresh produce, hundreds of kinds of vegetables, brilliant cut flowers, breads, cheeses, delicious foods, live music and more.

Main Street Farmers' Market

• Date(s): 01/06/2008
• Recurring weekly on Sunday
• Times: 9:30am-1:00pm
• Location: Main Street at Ocean Park Boulevard
• Phone: (310) 458-8712
• Admission: Free

Enjoy one of Santa Monica's farmers markets, widely considered to be among the best on the west coast and featuring field-fresh produce, hundreds of kinds of vegetables, brilliant cut flowers, breads, cheeses, delicious foods, live music and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Running is Fun

• Date(s): 07/15/2009
• Recurring weekly on Wednesday
• Times: 6:30pm
• Location: Top to Top, 2621 Wilshire Blvd
• Phone: (310) 829-7030
• Admission: Free

Whether you're training for a marathon or just starting the running thing, join Top to Top for a fun way to stay in shape. Runners meet in front of the Santa Monica store ever Wednesday for announcements and special guests before the run. Participants choose between 5k, 5 miles or 10k loops. Food and water are provided.

Call (310) 829-7030 for more information.

First Presbyterian Features Works of Laddie John Dill

• Date(s): 07/20/2009
• Recurring daily
• Location: 1220 Second St
• Phone: (310) 451-1303
• Admission: Free

Painter/sculptor Laddie John Dill was born in Long Beach, California in 1943. He graduated from Chouinard Art Institute, Los Angeles, in 1968 with a BFA degree. Dill was influenced by Rauschenberg, Keith Sonnier, and environmental artists Robert Smithson, Dennis Oppenheim and Robert Irwin, who were exploring alternatives to easel painting.

Featured work is displayed outside on the First Presbyterian gate. 

Meditation For Health & Well-Being with Rebecca Underwood

• Date(s): 07/30/2009
• Recurring weekly on Thursday
• Times: Weekly, Thursday's at 1:00 pm
• Location: Santa Monica Senior Center - 1450 Ocean Ave
• Contact: Jaime Fiallos
• Phone: (310) 458-8644
• Admission: Free, must be at least 50 years of age to attend

In this Guided Meditation, participants engage in a process that is very restful and rejuvenating and that may free old emotions and thoughts lodged in the body and/or mind. In addition, participants learn to use this Meditation in their everyday lives. It is also fun and has immediate and well as long-term benefits. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the community of people who are enjoying life and stepping into true health. Look forward to seeing you there!

The Mission IMPROVable Show

• Date(s): 10/02/2009
• Recurring weekly on Friday
• Times: 10pm
• Location: M.i.'s Westside Comedy Theater, 1323-A Third Street Promenade (in the alley!)
• Contact: Sean Monahan
• Phone: (310) 451-0850
• Admission: $10

The nation's #1 touring improv show comes home to the theater that bears it's name. The Mission IMPROVable Show is the fastest and funniest improv show you've ever seen. Come see the show that's delighted audiences across the country for the last 9 years. 

Better Body, Better Life Nutrition and Weight Loss Seminar Series

• Date(s): 01/23/2010 - 09/30/2010
• Recurring every 6 weeks on Thursday, Saturday
• Times: Saturdays at 10am and Thursdays 7pm
• Location: Santa Monica Sports Medicine, 900 Wilshire Blvd #410
• Contact: Joanne Lee
• Phone: (310) 704-6569
• Admission: Free

Santa Monica Sports Medicine and Venice Nutrition are pleased to invite you to our Seminar Series. Each presentation will build upon the last. To gain the full benefit of this series we ask that you try not to miss any of the presentations. We will repeat each Saturday presentation on the following Thursday to help towards this goal. There is no charge and we welcome all feedback.

This is a unique opportunity to gain a complete understanding of the facts and pure physiology behind weight loss, body composition, energy, performance, health and well being. Facts that are presented in a format that is understandable and made enjoyable to anyone at any level.

Santa Monica Food Tour From Six Taste

• Date(s): 05/15/2010 - 09/25/2010
• Recurring weekly on Saturday
• Times: 10am
• Location: Exact meeting location details will be provided upon purchase of tickets
• Contact: Zerve
• Phone: (800) 979-3370

Venture into West Los Angeles and take a stroll through the famous Santa Monica Farmer's Market. View the Santa Monica pier while walking along sandy beaches. Sample delicious baked goods from Tudor House or take a bite from a Godmother Sandwich at Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery. Further explore Santa Monica's diverse culinary landscape by nibbling on famous Belgian chocolate from Leonidas, or by snacking on authentic Spanish tapas from famous Chef Joe Miller's Bar Pintxo.

Annenberg Community Beach House Docent Tours

• Date(s): 06/19/2010 - 09/06/2010
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Times: 10am-4pm (Free tours 11am, Noon and 2pm)
• Location: Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway
• Phone: (310) 458-4904

Learn about the rich history of the Beach House from a Santa Monica Conservancy docent. Tours are free, last approximately 30 minutes, and no reservations are required.

The Marion Davies Guest House will be open the following hours: June 19 - September 6, 10am - 4pm (Free tours at 11am, Noon, and 2pm) Closed on Wednesdays. *The Guest House will be closed on July 15, 2010.

Heal One World Free Yoga

• Date(s): 06/22/2010
• Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday
• Times: Tuesdays 5:15-6:20pm, Wednesdays 1:00pm-2:00pm
• Location: 1318 2nd St, #21
• Phone: (310) 826-1971
• Admission: Free (donation only basis)

FREE (donation only basis) classes for beginners in need of Wellness Help.

Paint, Wine and Cheese Weekends

• Date(s): 08/14/2010 - 09/04/2010
• Recurring weekly on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Times: 6pm - 9pm
• Location: Paint:Lab, 2912 Main Street
• Contact: Joanne
• Phone: (310) 450-9200
• Admission: $25, Reservations Required

Paint, Wine and Cheese weekends at Paint:Lab. Come paint with us, invite your friends! Must be 21+ Uninstructed $25 + Canvas (includes paints, wine & cheese).