If there’s one thing West Los Angeles knows how to do, it’s throw a good event. Whether it’s a beachside film festival, a food truck showdown, or an art walk under string lights, the Westside always has something happening—every weekend feels like its own mini-festival.
From Santa Monica to Culver City and Venice to Brentwood, here’s your go-to lineup of upcoming events and festivals in West Los Angeles (Late 2025) that capture the energy, creativity, and flavor of LA’s coastal heartbeat.
November–December 2025: The Westside Goes Festive
1. Santa Monica Holiday Market & Tree Lighting
When: November 23–24, 2025
Where: Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica
Details: Kick off the season with twinkling lights, carolers, pop-up art vendors, and local food stalls. The 40-foot Christmas tree lights up at dusk, followed by live jazz and cocoa stations.
Cost: Free
Website: santamonica.gov
2. Culver City Winter Wonderland Festival
When: December 7, 2025
Where: Town Plaza, Culver Blvd
Details: A family-friendly event with an ice rink, craft booths, and local performances. Expect Culver City’s iconic “snow zone,” where real snow (yes, real) covers downtown for the day.
Cost: Free admission
3. West LA Art Walk: Holiday Edition
When: December 14, 2025
Where: Sawtelle Blvd between Olympic & Santa Monica Blvd
Details: Local galleries open their doors late, with live music, sake tastings, and street food. Perfect for last-minute gift shopping that’s actually cool.
January–March 2026: Culture, Fitness, and Film
4. LA Marathon 2026 (Westside Finish Line)
When: March 16, 2026
Where: Ends on Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica
Details: One of LA’s biggest annual events. Whether you’re running, volunteering, or cheering, the finish line energy on Ocean Ave is electric.
Pro Tip: Stake out a spot early near the pier for the best views.
Website: lamarathon.com
5. Santa Monica Restaurant Week
When: January 13–20, 2026
Where: Various Westside restaurants
Details: Over 40 restaurants craft limited-time dishes featuring a local seasonal ingredient—think Meyer lemons or avocados. Great excuse to sample high-end dining without breaking the bank.
Website: santamonica.com/restaurantweek
6. Venice Art Crawl – Winter Edition
When: February 6, 2026
Where: Venice Beach Boardwalk & Abbot Kinney
Details: A colorful celebration of local art, music, and performance. Expect installations tucked into alleyways, live DJs, and plenty of barefoot dancing.
Spring 2026: Beachside Creativity Blooms
7. Santa Monica Film Festival
When: April 11–13, 2026
Where: Aero Theatre & Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center
Details: Indie meets ocean breeze. The festival showcases short films, documentaries, and LA-based directors with Q&As. It’s small but influential—perfect for discovering the next breakout filmmaker.
Website: santamonicafilmfestival.com
8. Mar Vista Farmers’ Market Earth Day Fair
When: April 20, 2026
Where: Venice Blvd & Grand View Blvd
Details: The city’s greenest market doubles as an eco-festival, featuring sustainability vendors, plant swaps, and composting demos. Bring your tote and reusable cup.
9. Culver City Film Festival
When: May 1–8, 2026
Where: Cinemark 18, Culver City
Details: A major stop for indie and short filmmakers, with workshops and panels for aspiring directors.
Summer 2026: Sun, Sound, and Street Food
10. Twilight Concerts at the Pier
When: June–August 2026 (Fridays)
Where: Santa Monica Pier
Details: Sunset concerts featuring indie, soul, and world music acts. Bring a blanket, grab some beach snacks, and enjoy one of LA’s most iconic summer traditions.
Cost: Free
Website: santamonicapier.org/twilight
11. Eat|See|Hear Outdoor Movie Series
When: May–September 2026
Where: Santa Monica High School & Brentwood Country Club (rotating)
Details: Food trucks, live music, and movie screenings under the stars. Family-friendly, pet-friendly, and peak summer-in-LA energy.
Tickets: ~$20
Website: eatseehear.com
12. Abbot Kinney Festival (Venice)
When: September 28, 2026
Where: Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
Details: Venice’s biggest street fair—250+ vendors, local art, gourmet food, and a hint of chaos. It’s quintessential Westside: beachy, bohemian, and overflowing with good vibes.
Website: abbotkinney.org
Fall 2026: Food, Film, and Neighborhood Spirit
13. Taste of West LA
When: October 11, 2026
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Westwood
Details: A one-day food festival featuring the best bites from over 30 Westside restaurants and pop-ups. Pairings with local craft beer and wine make it a foodie’s dream.
14. Santa Monica Pride Festival
When: September 6–7, 2026
Where: Third Street Promenade & Ocean Ave
Details: A two-day celebration of love and inclusion with live music, parades, drag shows, and beach parties.
Website: santamonicapride.com
15. Culver City Art Walk & Roll Festival
When: October 25, 2026
Where: Washington Blvd Arts District
Details: Galleries, street performances, and open studios. Bonus: a family-friendly “bike parade” that tours local murals.
Community Favorites (Recurring Monthly)
| Event | When | Where | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Street Farmers Market | Every Sunday | Main St, Santa Monica | Live music + fresh local produce |
| Downtown Culver City Third Wednesday | Monthly | Downtown Culver | Themed nights with food trucks & art |
| Venice Art Walk | Monthly | Venice Blvd | Galleries and pop-up shops |
| Mar Vista Farmers Market | Sundays | Venice Blvd | Organic produce + community stage |
| West LA Night Market | 2nd Saturday | Sawtelle Blvd | Street food, music, anime vendors |
What’s Trending in West LA Events for 2025–26
- Eco-Festivals: Sustainability and wellness dominate—expect electric vehicle expos and climate fairs.
- Hybrid Cultural Experiences: Film screenings meet live music or culinary pop-ups.
- Neighborhood Block Parties: Smaller, hyperlocal gatherings replacing massive citywide events.
- Wellness & Mindfulness Fairs: Outdoor yoga, cold plunges, and breathwork sessions are popping up everywhere.
- Pet-Friendly Events: Nearly half of Westside festivals now include dog zones, pet adoptions, or “yappy hours.”
FAQs:
Are most events free to attend?
Yes—many festivals, especially outdoor and city-sponsored ones like Twilight Concerts and Art Walks, are free or donation-based.
What’s the best family-friendly festival?
The Culver City Winter Wonderland and Eat|See|Hear outdoor movie nights are perfect for kids.
Are dogs allowed at most Westside events?
Absolutely. Santa Monica and Venice are famously pet-friendly—just check each event’s website for leash rules.
