Locals’ Night Returns with Community Pep Rally, Student Performances, and Playland Arcade

The community’s favorite monthly tradition is back! Locals’ Night returns to the Santa Monica Pier on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 3:30 to 10 p.m., featuring a Community Pep Rally with Santa Monica High School, St. Monica High School and Palisades High School, and honoring the 71st anniversary of the Playland Arcade with Mario Kart and Air Hockey competitions, among other activities at one of the Pier’s most iconic destinations.

Presented by Pacific Park and Playland Arcade, this “Third Thursday at the Pier” event unites the local community and all Angelenos with an evening of free, family-friendly programming—including live music, student performances, car club displays, interactive booths, and beachside dancing.

October highlights include:

- Main Stage & Live Music Highlights, 4–9:30 p.m.:

Hosted by Santa Monica High School’s ASB student leaders, the main stage will feature a lineup that celebrates the local school spirit:

- 4–5 p.m. – Santa Monica High Jazz Combo

- 5–5:20 p.m. – St. Monica Prep and Elementary student performances

- 5:20–5:30 p.m. – ASB Vice President acknowledges athletic teams and clubs

- 5:30–5:45 p.m. – Santa Monica High Pep Squad

- 5:45–5:50 p.m. – Guest speaker Tony Todd, a local featured in the recent Netflix Charlie Sheen documentary, recognizes the homecoming court and presents a ceremonial check to the Santa Monica Education Foundation, with remarks by Raymur Flinn, Executive Director

- 7–8 p.m. – Westside Crew brings the funk

- 8:30–9:30 p.m. – La Compañia closes the night with Latin soul

- Main Parking Deck, 5–8 p.m.:

- Classic Car Club showcase

- DJ Devil-Los spinning nostalgic vibes

- Santa Monica Clubs Booths, including sports teams and art displays

- Paint:Lab hands-on creative activities for all ages

- Carousel Activities, 3:30–5 p.m.:

- 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. - Books & Cookies Musical Story Time

- 3:30–5:00 p.m. - Heal the Bay Education Station

- Interactive booths from Playland Arcade, Kaleo Marketing, the Santa Monica Rent Control Board, and more

- Special Celebrations

- Playland Arcade’s 71st Anniversary will be celebrated throughout the night with throwback games, tokens, and fun surprises

- SM Pier Corp Donation Flash Match benefitting the Santa Monica Education Foundation—doubling your impact in support of local students

While many enjoy the magic of Locals’ Night and other free events at the Pier, few realize that it’s made possible by Santa Monica Pier Corporation—a nonprofit that isn’t fully funded by the City of Santa Monica.

“Locals’ Night is our way of saying: the Pier belongs to the people,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian of the Santa Monica Pier. “Whether you're a student cheering for your school, a neighbor stopping by after work, or someone who grew up playing games at Playland Arcade, this is your moment. The Santa Monica Pier Corporation may be a nonprofit, but we run on the passion of this community—and nights like this prove just how strong that spirit really is.”

Presented by Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier and Playland Arcade, Locals’ Night is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for residents to rediscover the magic of the Pier while connecting with their community. Whether dancing to live music, shopping local artisans, or enjoying the stunning ocean views, this event is designed to bring Santa Monicans and all Angelenos together in a fun and festive outdoor setting.

FREE tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/locals-night-at-the-santa-monica-pier-tickets-1035331714027?aff=oddtdtcreator

Arrive by Rideshare, Metro, Bus or Bike, the Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to preserving and enhancing the Santa Monica Pier experience for every visitor. Through impactful, location-specific programming offered year-round, SMPC ensures that the Pier remains a vibrant, world-class destination that is accessible to all. For more information on happenings at the Pier, please visit santamonicapier.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, or Threads.

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, LA’s only admission-free amusement park, offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, Snackville with five fun food offerings and seaside retail shopping. Prices and operating hours are subject to change. For more information and operating hours, please call 310-260-8744, visit pacpark.com, and go to Facebook.com/pacificpark, Instagram.com/pacpark or X.com/pacpark.

Playland Arcade is located at 350 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica CA 90401. The arcade is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. In the summer, the arcade opens even earlier, at 9 a.m. For questions, call (310) 451-5133 or visit www.playlandarcade.com. For more information about small or large groups contact info@playlandarcade.com.