Southern California Attractions and Santa Monica Events Calendar

"Emerging Artists for Emerging Collectors" Art Opening / Artist Reception

• Date(s): 01/06/2012
• Recurring every 2 weeks on Friday
• Times: 5 - 8 pm
• Location: haleARTS S P A C E
• Contact: Sean Hemeon
• Phone: (310) 314-8038
• Admission: Free

"Emerging artists for emerging collectors" - New local artist featured every other friday with reception.

Saturdays with LA Opera

• Date(s): 01/21/2012 - 06/16/2012
• Recurring monthly on the 3rd Saturday
• Location: Main Library’s Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd
• Phone: (310) 458-8600

Saturdays with LA Opera - Talks presented by LA Opera Community Educators that allow you to learn about the operas before attending them. The season continues February 18, 2012 with a talk about the coming of age comic opera Albert Herring. On April 21 the classic, La Bohème will be discussed. The 2011/2012 series will close on Saturday, June 16, at 3:00 p.m. with a Grand Finale event, LA Opera Artists in concert singing some of opera’s greatest hits. The concert will take place in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. 

These programs are free and all ages are welcome. Space is limited and on a first-arrival basis. This is an event of The Living Room …a place for adults program series. For more information, visit www.smpl.org or contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600. The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair-accessible. For special disabled services, call Library Administration (310) 458-8606.

Child's Play Photography Exhibit at Santa Monica Pier

• Date(s): 04/03/2012 - 05/28/2012
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
• Times: The exhibit is open during regular Merry-Go-Round business hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It's closed on Tuesdays.
• Location: Santa Monica Pier
• Phone: (310) 458-8901

The historic walls of the Merry-Go-Round Building at the Santa Monica Pier will be home to a new photography exhibit called "Child's Play" starting April 3 The exhibit will run through May 28 and explore the fun, awkward, whimsical, magical memories, and moments of childhood featuring the collaboration of three local photo-artists: Ellen Freyer, Judy Raffel, and Eileen Rapke. A reception for the photographers is set for Sunday, April 15 from 2-5 p.m.  The exhibit is open to the public and children are welcome.

How I Became A Pirate

• Date(s): 05/12/2012 - 05/27/2012
• Recurring every 3 weeks on Sunday, Saturday
• Times: 11 a.m.
• Location: Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Boulevard (Pico @ 27th Street), Santa Monica, CA 90405
• Contact: Box Office
• Phone: (310) 828-7519
• Admission: Adults $10 ($7 for children 12 and under). All seats reserved

AARRRRGH! But these aren’t your average pirates! There’s the meanest pirate on the seven seas -- actually a sensitive guy who likes ballet and is a member of Mensa -- and the pirate who thinks the stuffed plush parrot on his shoulder is actually real. And the pirate who serves French cuisine. And the pirate who has a cleanliness obsession. And the pirate who barks like a dog. And yes, even the pirate who is an intellectual and is constantly referring to his iPad.

Michael's Monthly "Market Meet-Up"

• Date(s): 05/16/2012
• Times: 8:30 am - 11:30 am
• Location: 1147 Third Street
• Contact: Michael's Restaurant
• Phone: (310) 451-0843
• Admission: $75

Michael McCarty and Executive Chef John-Carlos Kuramoto lead an exclusive tour of Santa Monica Farmers’ Market to introduce guests to his favorite farmers, pay homage to ingredients of the season, and show how he picks the best ingredients. Guests will then head back to the restaurant and enjoy dishes specially created by Chef Kuramoto featuring the monthly ingredient, as well as wine pairings and recipes to take home. Includes freshly made cinnamon rolls and cappuccinos, Farmers’ Market tour with Michael McCarty and Executive Chef John-Carlos Kuramoto, tastings and wine pairings, autographed copy of owner/chef Michael McCarty’s latest book, Welcome to Michael’s: Great Food, Great People, Great Party!

2012 FILManthropy Festival

• Date(s): 05/17/2012 - 05/19/2012
• Recurring daily
• Location: Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave, Building I

The 2012 FILManthropy Festival Showcasing Films that Inspire and Raise Awareness to Create a Better World. Open your eyes and your heart at the FILManthropy Society' s 3rd annual FILManthropy Festival. This unique event is a canvas for instigating and inspiring change by showcasing films that inspire, educate, raise awareness and motivate, so that audiences may open their minds and their hearts to creating a better world. The FILManthropy Festival encourages patrons to not only watch these inspiring films, but to do something – to work for change. Each filmmaker attaches a charity to his/her film and 100% of the Festival' s net proceeds are distributed between the winning filmmakers' charities.

Bike to Work Day

• Date(s): 05/17/2012
• Location: Throughout Santa Monica and LA

Dust off your bikes and join the City of Santa Monica, The Bike Center, our local bike shops and community bicycle partners in celebrating the annual Bike to Work Day on the 17th. There will be several Pit Stops in the City, including an all-day Bike Valet at City Hall and a light breakfast with gift bags for the first 100 bikers. Win fantastic prizes by biking to work on May 17th.

CVB-Main Street Location (1920 Main Street, Suite B) is a Bike to Work Day Pit Stop on May 17th from 6:30am - 9:00am. We will have water, maps, and Metro giveaways for cyclists.

Fresh Canvas Party

• Date(s): 05/17/2012
• Times: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
• Location: Museum of Flying, 3100 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405
• Contact: Call 310-314-2555 for more information
• Phone: (310) 314-2555
• Admission: Open to the public, $250 dollar entry ticket, all proceeds benefit the Cancer Support Community

In honor of its 30-year anniversary celebration, on Thursday, May 17, 2012 the Cancer Support Community–Benjamin Center is bringing together two exceptional artists, Janet Roberts and Billy Zane, for an exclusive gallery event to benefit the organization. The event will take place at the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica. Showcasing fifteen environmentally friendly paintings from each artist, proceeds will help sustain free-of-charge programs offered at the CSC-Benjamin Center.

The organization is at the forefront of patient-centered cancer care, which incorporates the idea that the body and mind are connected, and psychosocial support is a key element for quality of life and may even help with recovery. As a four-time cancer survivor and active participant at the CSC-Benjamin Center, Janet Roberts uses her art as a means to help others affected by cancer. She paints with an emotional energy that forms a mental, physical and spiritual relationship between artist and canvas, canvas and audience. Roberts explains that many professionals and experts within the cancer community speak openly about genetics and medicine but rarely emphasize the correlation between quality of life and health outcomes. In her words, “the CSC-Benjamin Center is a sanctuary; a place where people can nurture their mind body and soul.” Roberts has partnered with her good friend, social activist, actor, and artist Billy Zane for this enriching event. Innovators at the forefront of the sustainable art movement, both share a passion for constructing their pieces with recycled or eco-sustainable materials. Zane began painting during the filming of “Titanic,” utilizing only local materials to create his abstract works. Items like old signage, shipping crates, and shelf liners become his canvas and soil, clay or wine become his paint. Roberts creates her pieces with eco-friendly supplies by infusing soy, milk, clay and organic elements onto organic cotton and linen canvas. Each will bring their distinctive style and vision to create an incredible display of masculine and feminine perspective.

My Favorite Bead Show

• Date(s): 05/18/2012 - 05/20/2012
• Recurring daily
• Times: Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 10-6pm, Sunday 11-5pm
• Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St
• Contact: Intermational Gem & Jewelry Show, Inc.
• Phone: (301) 294-1640

Admission $6.00. Children 9 - 16 years are free when accompanied by an adult. Children 8 years and under are not permitted.

Sideways The Play

• Date(s): 05/18/2012 - 07/28/2012
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
• Times: Friday and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2PM
• Location: Ruskin Group Theatre
• Contact: Ruskin Group
• Phone: (310) 397-3244
• Admission: General Admission: $25.00 Seniors/students/guild- $20.00

Sideways The Play, adapted by Rex Pickett from his own novel, is the story of two friends - Miles and Jack - and their journey across the Santa Ynez wine country, on one last blowout trip before Jack gets married. Miles and Jack must face their uncertain futures...just as soon as they figure out how to survive their chaotic present. Previously adapted as a major motion picture, Sideways garnered numerous nominations and awards, including an Academy Award win, two Golden Globe Awards, four NY Film Critics Circle Awards, a SAG Award, six IFP Independent Spirit Awards, and is one of Motion Pictures Top Ten Films of 2004. Pinot Tasting included.

21st Annual Santa Monica Festival

• Date(s): 05/19/2012
• Times: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Location: Clover Park
• Contact: General Info
• Phone: (310) 458-8350
• Admission: Free

Featuring an Eclectic Mix of Live Music & Dance, Food, Workshops, Local Artists, Community Resources and More The Santa Monica Festival is a unique event that highlights the dynamic connection between the City’s communities, businesses, arts and environment while offering ideas and solutions for a greener, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. Presented for California’s most celebrated beach city, the 21st annual Santa Monica Festival offers an eclectic mix of live music and dance, delicious food, DIY art workshops with recycled and repurposed materials, guilt-free shopping featuring earth-friendly artistic wares, as well as information about local resources offered by a variety of City, environmental and local non-profit organizations.

Interactive activities include: - Marketplace of Local Artists featuring Earth-Friendly, Artistic Wares and Merchandise - Interactive Art Workshops - Environmental Demonstrations - Food Salon featuring over 15 local Food Trucks and Carts (ie. Border Grill, Coolhaus, Let’s Be Frank) - City Divisions featuring information on upcoming projects and new initiatives live musical performances by - Dustbowl Revival, La Santa Cecilia, Vaud & The Villains, Lux Aeterna Presented by: City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division, Community and Cultural Services Department, and Office of Sustainability and the Environment (OSE). Produced by: Community Arts Resources (CARS).

Circuit Works BeneFIT

• Date(s): 05/19/2012
• Times: 8:00 pm - 12:00 am
• Location: Sanata Monica Women's Center 1210 4th St.
• Contact: drew@circuitworksla.com
• Phone: (310) 664-1017
• Admission: Ticket Donations starting at $15

The Circuit Works BeneFIT is an hour and a half-long variety show and party benefitting: Autism Society National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) Boys & Girls Club of Venice Tickets prices are as follows: Yellow Wristband - $15/ticket Green Wristband - $30/ticket Red Wristband - $60/ticket Blue Wristband - $90/ticket Exclusive wristbands will be distributed the night of the event depending on contribution level. Best of all, you can choose which of the three charities your ticket goes to. Can't decide? No problem, select the appropriate option to evenly distribute your contribution. Featuring music by: Arian Saleh - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vVCk2tfoAg Echo - http://youtu.be/IZDuNt5p20k ...teamed with a variety of hilarious comedic acts. Show Schedule: 7:30pm - Doors 8:00-9:30pm - Show 9:30pm-12am - After-party This event is open to EVERYONE. Feel free to invite friends! - in fact, all attendees who have never taken a CW class at either location will receive: 2 COMPLIMENTARY classes! *tickets are limited*

Los Angeles Arthritis Walk, held at Santa Monica Pier

• Date(s): 05/19/2012
• Times: 7:30 a.m. - Registration Opens; Walk begins at 9AM, 1 or 3 mile option
• Location: Santa Monica Pier, Lot 1 North, next to the Pier
• Contact: Katie Holmes
• Phone: (323) 954-5760
• Admission: Free; donations appreciated

The Arthritis Walk Village will feature live entertainment, Kids Zone, activities, refreshments, and food. At the Event...Choose either a three-mile or one-mile walk route, Glenn Frey, the Eagles, will entertain, Enjoy the fun, festivities, food and free health information, Live Entertainment at the Festival Zone and along the route, Children are welcome; City of Santa Monica does not permit animals at this event

We welcome all Los Angeles and Santa Monica area residents and business colleagues, Community and business leaders, local dignitaries and political leaders will be walking. “Let’s move together…” More than 50 million Americans, one in five adults, suffer daily from some form of arthritis and chronic joint pain. There are 1.2 million adults in Los Angeles County, and 42,000 children in California, who suffer from Arthritis. The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s signature event that takes place in communities nationwide to raise funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s number one cause of disability.

Montana Avenue Sidewalk Sale

• Date(s): 05/19/2012
• Times: 10am-6pm
• Location: Montana Avenue, 6th to 17th streets

The annual sidewalk sale featuring sales and deals, ten upscale blocks, 150 great stores.

SuperSMASH Annual Neighborhood Fair and Silent Auction

• Date(s): 05/19/2012
• Times: 11:30am-5:30pm
• Location: SMASH Campus - 2525 5th Street
• Admission: FREE ADMISSION - tickets sold for food and activities

Affordable fun for the whole family! Kids can enjoy fun crafts, games and rides that are exciting or tame, art projects that kindle their inner Kandinsky, live music (by SMASH kids and parents), a car that you can paint or SMASH (yes, a real car!), a rockin’ BBQ and delicious food. The SMASH Silent and Live Auction (open to bidding by the public) is known for its remarkable deals and steals. Don’t miss it! All fair proceeds will help fund much-needed educational programs that are being exceedingly reduced by budget cuts. Help Santa Monica public schools while having fun with the family! (Bring sunscreen and swimsuits for our water activities!) SMASH (Santa Monica Alternative School House) is a public k-8 school of choice that has been in existence for over 35 years.

V.I.P. Spoke Card Art with SMMoA at the Santa Monica Festival

• Date(s): 05/19/2012
• Times: 11 am to 5 pm
• Location: Santa Monica Festival, Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Boulevard
• Phone: (310) 586-6488
• Admission: FREE

SMMoA at the Santa Monica Festival V.I.P. Spoke Card Art Workshop with the Santa Monica Museum of Art Create a beautiful drawing and laminate it into a transportable card. Hang it around your neck with a lanyard like a V.I.P. (Very Imaginative Person) or insert it into your bike spokes as decoration. Recommended for all ages. Admission to the Santa Monica Festival and the workshop is FREE.

Yoga For Hope

• Date(s): 05/19/2012
• Times: Registration 7:30 - 9 am, Yoga 9:30 - 11:30 am, Vendors 8-1pm
• Location: Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Pl
• Contact: Kathy Guervara
• Phone: (213) 241-7308
• Admission: Adults $40, Students $30, Yoga Instructors $30

Yoga for Hope is an event for yoga beginners and experts alike to bring awareness to the benefits of yoga practice for patients with life-threatening illnesses. Yoga for Hope is a nationwide initiative born out of City of Hope's awareness of the vital role complementary and integrative therapies play in healing the whole person. City of Hope seeks to understand the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection to the prevention, treatment and recovery of those battling cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. A portion of the funds raised support the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center's Supportive Care Program and will also be earmarked for the early detection, prevention and cure of cancer, HIV/AIDS and diabetes.

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

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.

Santa Monica Conservancy Walking Tours of Downtown 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.

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.

Main Library Docent Tours

• Date(s): 12/19/2008
• Recurring monthly on the 3rd Friday
• Times: 12:30pm
• Location: Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd
• Phone: (310) 458-8600

On the third Friday of every month, docents will lead tours of the Main Library. Tour will include not only the library collections, but also history, sustainability, art and architecture!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Monday Night Jazz at Typhoon

• Date(s): 11/22/2010
• Recurring weekly on Monday
• Times: 8-9:30pm
• Location: Typhoon, 3221 Donald Douglas Loop South, 2nd Floor
• Phone: (310) 390-6565
• Admission: No cover - No Minimum

Join us for the best live jazz on the Westside every Monday Night!

Santa Monica Downtown Walking Tours

• Date(s): 02/04/2011
• Recurring daily
• Times: as early as 7:00am up until dark
• Location: Downtown Santa Monica, Main St., &/or Montana Ave
• Phone: (310) 595-4526
• Admission: $20.00 per person

Guided, exciting & informative "Daily" Santa Monica Walking Tours in Downtown Santa Monica, Main St., &/or Montana Ave. All Walking Tours honor the greatness of our popular city by the beach! Energetic, year around, varied Walking Tours, Shopping Tours, Walking Fitness, "Talk Walks", etc., highlight Santa Monica's "Hottest" Stores, Restaurants, Art, Entertainment, Sustainability, City Involvement, New Happenings, Special Events, & History, with entertaining stories/surprises designed to create lasting memories! Our Walking Tours promote fitness as well! Individuals/Groups/Privates are welcome! Approximately 2 hour Walking Tours. The "Santa Monica Downtown Walking Tours" (varied walking tours) are "open hours" by schedule via phone or e-mail scheduled appointments.

Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club Artists League

• Date(s): 02/15/2011
• Recurring weekly on Tuesday
• Times: Tuesdays 10 am to 1 pm
• Location: 1210 4th Street
• Contact: Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club
• Phone: (310) 310-2273
• Admission: free

Join fellow artists every Tuesday from 10 am to 1 pm to work on your own projects in watercolor, gouache, acrylic or collage. Our historic building provides a quiet space that will allow your creativity to blossom and working with other artists will provide you with valuable feedback and new inspiration.

Naturalist Presentation at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

• Date(s): 03/05/2011
• Recurring weekly on Saturday
• Times: 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk
• Phone: (800) HEAL-BAY

Join us every Saturday at 3:30 p.m. for a naturalist presentation. Learn awesome facts about the animals as you watch us feed the octopus, create your own marine themed craft, or listen to a story about one of the other amazing animals here at the Aquarium.

Shark Sundays at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

• Date(s): 03/06/2011
• Recurring weekly on Sunday
• Times: 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk
• Phone: (800) HEAL-BAY

Shark Sundays are a favorite weekly feature at the Aquarium. At 3:30 p.m. every Sunday, you can watch and listen to an informative presentation about these often misunderstood animals while our horn and swell sharks cruise around the tank, noses out of the water, mouths open, anticipating the meal to come.  Expect a splash of seawater if you’re close enough to the exhibit. Watch a shark-themed film – they’re shown at scheduled intervals throughout the afternoon. Also, stop by our pier exhibit, and see if you can find our Pacific angel shark. Everyone is invited to make a fun shark craft project to take home.

Santa Monica: A Journey Into An Extraordinary Past Permanent Exhibit Gallery

• Date(s): 03/30/2011
• Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays 12pm - 8pm Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 10am - 5pm
• Location: The Santa Monica History Museum, 1350 Seventh Street
• Phone: (310) 395-2290
• Admission: $5 general, $3 seniors & students, free for children under 12

Come experience the remarkable chapters of Santa Monica’s history in the permanent exhibit gallery. Place yourself in the front-page news of a past era, explore Santa Monica landmarks, or step into a re-created section of a Douglas C-47. Here you will discover the compelling people and stories that have shaped the extraordinary city of Santa Monica.

Four themed exhibit rooms delve into the rich and colorful history of Santa Monica: A Town in the Arts, A Town in the News, A Town at Work, and A Town at Play. Each themed exhibit showcases original artifacts, photographs, and documents. In addition, there are three hands on interactive exhibits that bring the history to life.

The Punk House - Standup Comedy @ M.i.'s Westside Comedy Theater

• Date(s): 06/22/2011
• Recurring weekly on Wednesday
• Times: 9:00-10:30 PM
• Location: 1323-A 3rd Street Promenade
• Contact: Sean Casey
• Phone: (310) 451-0850
• Admission: $8.00

Westside Comedy Theater's weekly cutting-edge standup show hosted by Ed Galvez! Every week features a hot new set of headlining comics, as well as hardcore up-and-comers and selected musical guests.

The Grind @ M.i.'s Westside Comedy Theater

• Date(s): 06/23/2011
• Recurring weekly on Thursday
• Times: 10:00 PM
• Location: 1323-A 3rd Street Promenade (in the alley between 3rd and 4th Streets)
• Contact: Sean Casey
• Phone: (310) 451-0850
• Admission: Free!

The WCT's hottest long-form improv show. The Grind features players from the Mission IMPROVable National Touring company and the owners of M.i.'s Westside Comedy Theater. CAST: Lloyd Ahlquist, Colin Sweeney, Sean Monahan, Sean Casey, Chris Gorbos, Bryce Wissel and Patrick MacIntyre

The Jam @ M.i.'s Westside Comedy Theater

• Date(s): 06/23/2011
• Recurring weekly on Thursday
• Times: 11:00 PM
• Location: 1323-A 3rd Street Promenade (in the alley between 3rd and 4th Streets)
• Contact: Sean Casey
• Phone: (310) 451-0850
• Admission: Free!

The Jam is the WCT's weekly open improv show where anyone from the audience can come onstage and try their hand at improv comedy. Hosts Cole Stratton and Morgan Christensen draw names at random to jump up on stage and perform 2-to-3-person scenes. After everyone has performed, all are invited onstage for a free-form montage.

The Mission IMPROVable Show

• Date(s): 06/24/2011
• Recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday
• Times: 10:00 PM
• Location: 1323-A 3rd Street Promenade (in the alley between 3rd and 4th Streets).
• Contact: Sean Casey
• Phone: (310) 451-0850
• Admission: $10.00

Now twice weekly due to popular demand! The nation's #1 touring improv show comes home to the theater that bears its 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 10 years. Can't make it out on Friday? Now see it on Saturday, too!

The Waterbrains @ M.i.'s Westside Comedy Theater

• Date(s): 06/24/2011
• Recurring weekly on Friday
• Times: 9:00 PM
• Location: 1323-A 3rd Street Promenade (in the alley between 3rd and 4th Streets).
• Contact: Sean Casey
• Phone: (310) 451-0850
• Admission: $10

The Waterbrains have performed their brand of improv comedy over 700 times in shows across Los Angeles. Now based in Santa Monica at M.i.'s Westside Comedy Theater, their trademark clap-in long-form style generally works into a comedy frenzy by the show's end. Conceived by director Stan Wells.

Marion Davies Guest House & Docent Tours

• Date(s): 06/25/2011
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Location: Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway
• Phone: (310) 458-4904
• Admission: Free

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. Tours at 11 am, noon and 1 pm on the dates listed below. Please note: Guest House hours are subject to change. Changes to the below schedule will be posted with as much notice as possible. Call 310-458-4904 to confirm hours.

Guest House open and docents available 11 am – 2 pm on dates below:

January - Friday 1/20 *first floor only + 6 – 8 pm, Saturday 1/21, Sunday 1/22, Monday 1/23 + Lucy Wang office hours 11 am - 1 pm + 5:15 – 6:30 pm, Thursday 1/26, Friday 1/27, Sunday 1/29, Monday 1/30 + Lucy Wang office hours 11 am - 1 pm.

February - Friday 2/3, Sunday 2/5, Monday 2/6 + Lucy Wang office hours 11 am - 1 pm + 5:15 - 6:30 pm, Thursday 2/9, Friday 2/10, Sunday 2/12, Monday 2/13 + Lucy Wang office hours 11 am - 1 pm, Tuesday 2/14* *5:15 - 6:30 pm only, Friday 2/17, Saturday 2/18 + Lucy Wang office hours 11 am - 1 pm, Sunday 2/19, Monday 2/20 + Lucy Wang office hours 11 am - 1 pm, Thursday 2/23, Friday 2/24 *first floor only, Saturday 2/25 + Lucy Wang office hours 11 am - 1 pm, Sunday 2/26, Monday 2/27 + Lucy Wang office hours 11 am - 1 pm + 5:15 - 6:30 pm.

Free tours at 11 am, noon, and 1 pm

Gourmet Food Trucks at California Heritage Museum

• Date(s): 07/12/2011
• Recurring weekly on Tuesday
• Times: 5:30pm-9:30pm
• Location: California Heritage Museum, 2612 Main St
• Phone: (310) 392-8537

Gourmet Food Trucks, sit-down eating accommodations and facilities. Free parking in the Museum parking lot. Metered parking in the adjacent lots. Free bicycle valet! Proceeds benefit the Museum.

Prime Night Tours

• Date(s): 08/09/2011
• Recurring weekly on Tuesday
• Times: Registration and Appetizers from 6 PM-7 PM
• Location: Ozumo's
• Contact: Corinthian "D. Platinum" Kelly
• Phone: (310) 991-9938
• Admission: $30 per person

Prime Night Tours offers our guests a fun and energetic tour of Santa Monica's nightlife like you have never seen it before... We will be your official guides, ensuring that you are well taken care of and having the time of your life while partaking in the best bars and nightlife which Los Angeles has to offer. Our international and local guests makes it happen each Tuesday night. Good conversation, Good People, Good Times, and a safe environment. PRIME Night Tours and YOU will be the Life of the Party!!! Includes entry into all clubs, free welcome shots, and drink discounts!

Comedy Nights in the Basement

• Date(s): 10/05/2011
• Recurring weekly on Wednesday
• Times: 8pm-12midnight
• Location: Yankee Doodles - 1410 Third Street Promenade
• Contact: Jordan Reynolds
• Phone: (310) 985-4143
• Admission: Free w/ $20 minimum purchase during show

Stand-Up Comedy Night - Hosted by LA's #1 Comedy Show Producer Jay Davis. Talent from Comedy Central, Showtime Presents, and HBO specials. Many comedians have headlined their own US and International tours. Please join us at The Basement Under Yankee Doodles for great food, cold beverages, and superior service! No cover!

Gallery at Annenberg Community Beach House

• Date(s): 10/10/2011
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
• Times: 9-3pm, Gallery hours are subject to change. Upcoming closures will be posted here with as much notice as possible.
• Location: Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway
• Phone: (310) 458-4904

Cultural Abstraction, Contemporary Figurations: the Work of Seven Contemporary Figurative Painters in Santa Monica.

July 28 - December 4, 2011
An exhibition of work by seven artists from the Santa Monica College Art Mentor Program. Francisco Cabas, Quinne Larson, Abdul Mazid, Kathleen Melian, Jessica Nicol, Elizabeth Weber and Elena Wolek spin the narrative in their work into a thread that joins seemingly incongruent concepts in a visual dialogue, investigating and reporting ideas about cultural identity, gender empowerment, dislocation, consumption and human regeneration. The works display constant movement in delicate balance between figurative and abstract representations.

The Adventures of Little Red (Riding Hood, of course)

• Date(s): 02/19/2012 - 05/20/2012
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday
• Times: Saturdays at 3:00 PM; Sundays at 12:30 PM
• Location: Santa Monica Playhouse Main Stage, 1211 4th Street
• Contact: Santa Monica Playhouse Box Office
• Phone: 13103949779ext2
• Admission: $12.50 general admission; $10.50 for kids 12 and under

“An enchanting journey through the Black Forest replete with romance, lots of laughs, and musical and lyrical ideas brazenly borrowed from Gilbert & Sullivan…filled with ever-surprising delights that will lift up your spirits.” (This Week in Show Business). It’s the joyous Rudie-DeCarlo musical comedy, a hilarious, family-friendly reworking of the classic fairytale, featuring a sweetly independent Little Red (Serena Dolinsky), the discombobulated Huntsman Siegfried Spitznase (James Cooper), not one but three wayward Grandmamas (Betsy Albert, Christine Breihan and Cydne Moore – who do double duty as Little Red’s giggly girlfriends and not-so-giggly mama), and the debonair and oh so charming, not the least bit scary, Baron Wolfgang von Wolfgang, Junior (Garett Stevens) as the only “wolf” in sight. “Cheery and clever with a fuzzy feel-good feeling!” Backstage West.

Anything but a Grimm fairy tale, audiences of all ages will love the playful and authentically designed costumes by award-winning designer Ashley Hayes, the singing woodland animals crafted by The Attic Room creature department, the lilting musical numbers, and the heartfelt romances that develop along the path to Grandmama’s house, all bringing the adventure to its deservedly happily-ever-after. “Evelyn Rudie and Chris DeCarlo have done it again with this magical fantasy.” (KPFK) Birthday and Tea Parties, hosted by a favorite fairy tale character from the show, are available in conjunction with every performance.

The Messed Up Show at M.i.'s Westside Comedy Theater

• Date(s): 03/03/2012
• Recurring weekly on Saturday
• Times: 11pm
• Location: M.i.'s Westside Comedy Theater
• Contact: Aaron Krebs
• Phone: (310) 451-0850
• Admission: $10

Where 80's Hair Metal, interactive comedy and drinking games all collide! You and your friends are are part of the show from beginning to end, led by a raucous host and 3 hardcore comedians. Come laugh as you party your face off at this Hard Rock Comedy show! Every Saturday night at 11pm (following the award-winning Mission IMPROVable Show).

Brett Young at Sonoma Wine Garden

• Date(s): 03/13/2012
• Recurring weekly on Tuesday
• Times: 6:30pm
• Location: Sonoma Wine Garden, 395 Santa Monica Place, 3rd Floor Dining Deck
• Phone: (424) 214-4560

Join Brett Young and special guests, every Tuesday night for a live music set at 6:30pm on our garden patio.

Zumba on the Deck at Santa Monica Place

• Date(s): 04/07/2012
• Recurring weekly on Saturday
• Times: 9-10am
• Location: Free
• Admission: Santa Monica Place, Level 2

Get your weekend workout here with an awesome Zumba instructor! Zumba is the new "IT" workout...Zumba is free to participate! Rain or shine, if it rains the classes take place on level 2 between kitson kids and Carlton Hair.

Arnold Schulman's Sleeping Ugly: A Very Adult Fairytale

• Date(s): 04/15/2012 - 06/17/2012
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday
• Times: Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7pm
• Location: Santa Monica Playhouse, The Other Space, 1211 4th Street
• Contact: Santa Monica Playhouse Box Office
• Phone: 3103949779ext1
• Admission: General admission $25; students, teachers, seniors and members of the military $22.50; groups of 8 or more $17.50. (Low-priced previews Apr 15-May 4, all seats $15 no further discounts). Rated PG-13 f

Two-time Oscar nominated show business legend Arnold Schulman’s delightfully humorous, intensely romantic world premiere comedy about love and lust, longing and belonging, sex and sensibility, parents and pediatrics, and the passion and pain of living with a werewolf - a marvelously funny, touchingly ironic surreal adult cartoon come to larger-than-life in a joyous theatrical explosion. Acclaimed director Chris DeCarlo takes audiences on a wild ride, combining the Playhouse’s signature Commedia-Circus style with physical theatrix, multi-media design and live underscore.

Ever felt less than perfect? Ever lain awake staring at that second pillow and wondered, “Will there ever be anyone lying there beside me?” (or wished the person lying beside you wasn’t)? Ever dreamed of finding, or keeping, the perfect partner? Sleeping Ugly will corroborate, with tongue firmly in cheek, your worst nightmares, and then lift up your spirits with the life-affirming discovery that there really is a Jack for every Jill and your wildest dreams really can come true.