Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes the return of Outdoor Movies on the Promenade, 626 Night Market and more
Neutrogena Pop Up: Neutrogena is hosting a pop-up event on the Promenade to promote sun protection. Get ready for freebies and learn about skincare. Thursday, Apr. 11th, 12–4pm.
Breaking Fast: Screening and Panel Discussion Featuring Mike Mosallam: Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month with a FREE screening of the romantic comedy, Breaking Fast, followed by a panel discussion followed by a panel discussion follows with director Mike Mosallam, Producer Seth Hauer, and Actor Amin El Gamal. Thursday, April 11, 5pm at Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Movie Fridays on 3rd St. Promenade — High School Musical: Free outdoor movies are back on Third Street Promenade on the second Friday of each month. Bring your pompoms and get ready to sing along with the Wildcats. Join for a family- and pet-friendly outdoor movie experience like no other in Downtown Santa Monica. Get ready for themed photo ops, snacks and giveaways, and the best sing-along session of your life. Friday, April 12, doors open at 6:30pm, movie starts at 7pm at 1200 Block, Third Street Promenade 1200 Block of Third Street Promenade (between Arizona & Wilshire).
Fight the Cis-Tem: Drag Spectacular — Fundraiser for the LA LGBT Center: Join for a fabulous night of drag performances. All proceeds raised will go towards supporting the Center’s work in the LA community. Friday, April 12, 8–11pm at Sorry, Not Sorry, 11520 W. Pico Blvd.
SaMo Pier Pressure Scavenger Hunt: The legendary Santa Monica Pier and the lively Third Street Promenade are the twin anchors of a hunt that reveals history, movie locations, fun stores, and, of course, great views of the beach and beyond. You and your team will follow a trail of clues and answer fun, funny questions that uncover the secrets and quirks of the area. Saturday, April 13, 2pm.
Sound Bath at the Church in Ocean Park: “Join us inside the historic sanctuary of the Church in Ocean Park for a restorative and relaxing Sound Bath. The beautifully restored space has offered people of various or no faith traditions restoration of their own for over one hundred years.” Admission is $10 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Sunday, April 14, 1:30pm at 235 Hill St.
Big Band Bonanza: Popular songs and classic big band tunes will be featured at this Big Band Bonanza concert where lawyers and judges come together in harmony. Sunday, April 14, 4–6pm at Moss Theater 3131 Olympic Blvd.
Ocean Park Branch Library Open House: The Open Park Branch Library will make a “splash” with an ocean-themed Open House. They’re also celebrating the 105th year of this landmark historic Carnegie library. Patrons can learn the history of the branch during their visit, check out books and other materials, enjoy crafts and games with the kids, as well as partake in a few light refreshments. For children and families, the Library will also feature two special children’s programs during the day, starting with a storytime at 11:30am for children aged 2 to 5 and their guardians. Later in the afternoon, the Library presents an after-school event at 4:00pm with ventriloquist and puppeteer Marc Griffiths. Wednesday, April 17, 12–8pm at 2601 Main St.
What to Eat & Drink?
626 Night Market Pop-Up Returns: It features a variety of Vietnamese food vendors, including All Dat Dumpling, All Dat Noodle, Café 949, Ridges Churro Bar, and The Ugly Bao, as well as merchandise vendors such as Steve Minty. This one is sponsored the new HBO show “The Sympathyzer” so expect “branded elements and photo opportunities inspired by the series and traditional night markets in Asia.” Saturday, April 13, & Sunday, April 14, 1–10pm.
Esters Grilled Cheese & Champagne Party: Yes, National Grilled Cheese Day is a thing, and since Esters has one of the best in town, that’s a reason to celebrate…with Champagne. They are “jazzing up our classic Grilled Cheese with fun add-ons—tomatoes, caramelized onions, prosciutto, ‘nduja and a truffle version with Point Reyes’ TomaTruffle Cheese. Plus, we’re pouring a variety of certified organic or biodynamic Champagnes by-the-glass or as a flight of 3 for $50.” Friday, April 12, 5pm.
Crudo e Nudo 3rd Anniversary Celebration: “We are over the moon to mark three wonderful years at our Main Street outpost, and what better way to celebrate than with a daytime soiree for our cherished regulars and friends?! The support we have received from everyone who has graced our doors has truly made Crudo e Nudo what it is. We are immensely grateful for the community that has embraced us, making Crudo e Nudo a home for unforgettable memories and bringing us through turbulent times with creativity and community.” The event that costs $40 and includes oysters, crudos and wine. Sunday, April 14, 12–4pm at 2724 Main St. I will be there at 12:30pm.
Burgette is a new French wine bar featuring Parisian inspired burgers, cheeses, cured meats and small plates, next door to Bar Monette in downtown SaMo. Opening day is Saturday, April 13.
Jane Goodall Celebrates her 90th Birthday with Urth Cafe’s Vegan Chocolate Cake: Urth and the famous primatologist and anthropologist have some shared gorilla history.
Further Afield — PaleyFest: Geek out with fellow TV nerds, the annual weeklong festival of exclusive episodes, clips and panel discussions with the cast and creators of the hottest TV shows. Now in its 41st year, the Paley Center for Media-hosted festival is headed back to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood from April 12 to 21.
Looking Ahead Around Town: CicLAvia West LA (4/21), Santa Monica Wine Auction (4/21), KCRW’s “Good Food” PieFest (4/28), MAINopoly (5/19), Make Music Day (6/21)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com