Event Details
As Santa Monica joins communities across the nation in celebrating the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66, Main Street's beloved Summer Soulstice Festival returns on Saturday, June 20, transforming the neighborhood into a vibrant, car-free celebration of music, community, local businesses, and Southern California beach culture.
From noon to 7 p.m., Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Strand Street and Pier Avenue, creating a walkable festival corridor filled with live music, family activities, outdoor experiences, local food and drinks, classic Volkswagen displays, pickleball, pet-friendly programming, and interactive activations.
While Route 66 is known as America's most famous highway, Summer Soulstice Festival celebrates the destinations, local businesses, and communities that made the Mother Road an American icon. For one day, Main Street trades traffic for people, inviting residents and visitors to experience one of Santa Monica's most vibrant neighborhoods in a uniquely festive setting.
"Summer Soulstice Festival is all about bringing people together to celebrate everything that makes Main Street special," said Jenny Rice, event producer for the Main Street Business Improvement Association. "From live music and local businesses to family activities and community experiences, the festival captures the spirit of Main Street while creating an unforgettable day for residents and visitors alike."
Presented by Gerber Kawasaki, Summer Soulstice Festival will feature live performances on two stages throughout the day:
-The Strand Stage lineup includes Noble Creatures from 1 to 2 p.m., This Whole Time from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and Black Sage Burn from 5 to 6 p.m.
-The Pier Stage lineup features Brig Band from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Westside Crew from 3 to 5 p.m., and fan-favorite Petty Theft from 5 to 7 p.m.
In recognition of the Route 66 Centennial, festivalgoers can visit the Route 66-inspired Roadhouse Beer Garden, featuring country house music, a variety of refreshing beverages, giveaways, and activations from Santa Monica Brew Works, Divine Vintage Wines, JuneShine, Sokē & Soula, and Tap Truck Beach Cities. DJ MOZO will provide music throughout the afternoon. Children accompanied by adults are admitted free to the beer garden area.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is a sponsor of Kids’ Zone. Families can enjoy the popular Pump Station Kid Corner, presented in partnership with Pump Station & Nurtury. Activities from noon to 5 p.m. include the Ten Women Craft Station, Sunnyside Music & Kids Entertainment, Rainbow Painted Smiles Face Painting, Super Soccer Stars, Do, Say, Play, and Musical Story Time with Books & Cookies.
Additional Summer Soulstice Festival Experiences
-SUPERGIRL Intergalactic Rest Stop Tour featuring immersive photo opportunities, giveaways, beauty activations, snacks, and branded experiences as part of a national promotional tour.
-Volo Sports Pickleball offering public play and community programming throughout the afternoon.
-VW Classic Car Show celebrating automotive culture and the upcoming Route 66 Centennial.
-VCA Pet Party featuring pet-friendly activities and a photo booth by Venice Paparazzi.
-Edgemar Day Rave bringing outdoor DJ performances and dance programming to the festival.
Throughout the day, Main Street restaurants, bars, retailers, fitness studios, and local businesses will activate storefronts and outdoor spaces along the festival corridor. Attendees can purchase beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them throughout designated festival areas.
Summer Soulstice Festival attracts thousands of attendees annually and has become one of Santa Monica's signature summer traditions, serving as a major economic driver for local businesses, a showcase of local culture and entertainment, and a celebration of the community spirit that defines Main Street.