Santa Monica Pier Celebrates 50 Years Of Dogtown And The Z-Boys With Special Locals’ Night Drive-In

The Santa Monica Pier will celebrate 50 years since the emergence of the legendary Dogtown/Z-Boys era and its enduring influence on skateboarding and Southern California culture with a special edition of Locals’ Night on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 3:30–10 p.m.

Presented by Pacific Park, the free, all-ages celebration will feature a 7:30 p.m. drive-in screening of “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” the acclaimed documentary chronicling the pioneering Zephyr skateboard team, along with a live vinyl DJ set by legendary skateboarder and original Z-Boy Tony Alva, a skate ramp, live music by Cycotic Youth, Cheer performances from St. Monica and SAMOHI a classic car meet, DJ, Books & Cookies Musical Storytime and more.

Emerging from the Westside in the mid-1970s, the Z-Boys brought a radical surf-inspired style to skateboarding that helped redefine the sport. Fifty years later, their influence continues to resonate through skateboarding, music, art, fashion and Southern California culture.

Locals’ Night Lineup

Pier Parking Deck Opens for Drive-In
3:30–5:30 p.m. | Pier Parking Deck

Guests with Drive-In tickets can drive onto the Pier to secure their movie viewing spots. General Chair Seating guests can bring blankets and chairs for the designated seating area.

Books & Cookies Musical Storytime
3:30 and 4:30 | Merry Go-Round Building

Interactive storytelling and music for families and young guests.

Skate Ramp
3:30–7:30 p.m. | Pier Parking Deck

Skaters can take to the ramp before the movie. A free “Skate Ticket” and signed waiver are required.

Classic Car Meet + DJ
4–8 p.m. | Pier Parking Deck

Classic cars celebrate Southern California car culture accompanied by DJ Cee Rock.

Main Stage
5 p.m. and 9 p.m. | Main Stage - Pier Parking Deck

- 5 p.m. – Cheer performances from St. Monica and SAMOHI

- 9 p.m. - Live music by Cycotic Youth

Salsa at the West End
6 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Behind Marisol

- 6 p.m. – Salsa Lessons with Courtney Parisi

- 7 p.m. - Live music by Chino Espinoza Y Los Duenos Del Son

Live Vinyl DJ Set by Tony Alva
6:30 p.m. | Main Stage - Pier Parking Deck

Skateboarding legend and original Z-Boy Tony Alva takes over the turntables for a special live vinyl DJ set celebrating five decades of Dogtown and the Z-Boys.

50 Years of Dogtown: “Dogtown and Z-Boys” Drive-In Movie
7:30 p.m. | Main Stage - Pier Parking Deck

The evening culminates under the stars with a special drive-in screening of the acclaimed Stacy Peralta documentary chronicling the rise of the Zephyr skateboard team and Westside surf and skate culture.

Guests can watch from their vehicles or reserve General Chair Seating and bring blankets and chairs.

Route 66 Centennial Spotlight

October’s Locals’ Night also shines a light on the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, the legendary highway that leads directly to the Santa Monica Pier with the moniker, “The end of the road is just the beginning.” For 100 years, the most iconic road trip in America has brought travelers through Downtown Santa Monica to the Santa Monica Pier. Learn more at www.santamonica.com/route66

Locals’ Night At The Santa Monica Pier

Locals’ Night is the Santa Monica Pier’s recurring community celebration, transforming the landmark into a gathering place for live music, arts and culture, family activities and programming. While many enjoy the magic of Locals’ Night and other free events at the Pier, few realize that this programming is made possible by Santa Monica Pier Corporation—a nonprofit that isn’t fully funded by the City of Santa Monica.

Locals’ Night is presented by Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier and Playland Arcade. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required for designated event experiences:

• Drive-In Ticket: One vehicle onto the Pier for the movie. Vehicles must arrive between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.
• General Chair Seating Ticket: Guests should bring blankets or chairs for the designated movie viewing area.
• Skate Ticket: Required for anyone on the skate ramp. A signed waiver is also required.

Free tickets and complete event information are available at dogtowndrivein.eventbrite.com.

Guests are encouraged to arrive by rideshare, Metro, Big Blue Bus or bike. The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401.