When it comes to live music, Santa Monica is a great place to discover local artists and national talents in a picturesque setting. Wherever you are in the city, live music can be enjoyed on a daily basis. Here are some spots where you can kick back and experience Santa Monica’s vibrant music scene.
Annual Concerts
Santa Monica Pier hosts Wake Up with the Waves, a children’s concert series where the little ones can sing and jam out. Jazz on the Lawn at Gandara Park in Santa Monica is another concert series that’s perfect for the whole family. These concerts take place every Sunday in August and a number of food trucks will be in attendance, so get ready to relax on the grass, grab a bite to eat and have fun!
Live Music Venues
There’s no such thing as a bad seat at The Broad Stage, whose intimate setting ensures fantastic views and acoustics throughout. Book ahead for world-class opera, jazz, and classical performances. McCabe’s Guitar Shop isn’t just a guitar shop – it’s also a live music venue. Numerous artists have recorded albums at McCabe’s and if you want to learn how to play an instrument, they offer lessons as well. Named ‘Best Neighborhood Music Venue’ by LA Weekly, TRiP is a bar meets concert venue that offers live music seven nights a week including an open mic night on Saturdays. For a more intimate setting, Harvelle’s Blues Club is the place to be and the nightly performers will certainly have the entire place grooving.
Bars and Restaurants with Live Music
Enjoy delicious bar bites and drinks accompanied by live jazz, DJ’s, local bands and more at these spots in Santa Monica. Basement Tavern at The Victorian (temporarily closed) hosts live music throughout the week with everything from bluegrass to reggae. For some late night fun any day of the week, check out Tr!p Santa Monica and enjoy curated live music, or pop-in for an open mic night to make your own. For a cup of coffee or tea with your entertainment, check out Unurban Coffee House, which hosts live music on Thursdays and Saturdays along with an open mic night every Friday.
Other cool live music spots
Watch the sunset over the Pacific at Terrazza at Hotel Casa del Mar where the decor and ambience will set the mood for a relaxing night of live music. The Main Street Farmers Market doesn’t just feature some of California’s freshest produce, it is also a great place to enjoy musical entertainment for a day out with the whole family. If you’re shopping along Third Street Promenade, you are likely to come across many street performers showcasing their talents, from rapping to singing and more.
