Locals’ Night Returns To SM Pier To Kick Off 2026–27 Season With ‘Westside Punk Night’

Locals’ Night returns to the Santa Monica Pier on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 3:30-10 p.m., launching the 2026–27 season of the popular free community series with “Westside Punk Night,” featuring live music, salsa dancing, the new photography exhibition “Afterglow: Portraits by Sam Comen,” and community programming throughout the Santa Monica Pier.

The season opener puts a distinctly Westside spin on Locals’ Night, bringing together Southern California punk, salsa, art and contemporary programming that reflect the diverse communities of Santa Monica and greater Los Angeles.

Locals’ Night Lineup

Live Music

5:30 – 10 p.m. | Pier Deck

- 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. - Riptide

- 7 p.m. – Horny Toad

- 8:30 p.m. – Implicit Bias

Afterglow: Portraits By Sam Comen, Opening Reception
3:30–7 p.m. | Merry Go-Round Building

Photographer Sam Comen brings a new portrait exhibition to the historic Merry Go-Round building featuring 274 locals, travelers and international visitors photographed during three summer days at the Santa Monica Pier.

Books & Cookies Musical Storytime

3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. | Merry Go-Round Building
Interactive storytelling and music for families and young guests.

Classic Car Meetup & DJ Set

4 – 8 p.m. | Pier Deck
DJ Cee Rock spinning alongside a showcase of vintage cars, celebrating SoCal car culture.

Salsa Way at West End

5 – 10 p.m.

- Live music by Orchestra Son Mayor

- Free salsa lessons with Courtney Parisi and open dance floor over the ocean

- Super DJ Robby spinning on Salsa Way

Route 66 Centennial Spotlight

September’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

Westside Punk Night marks the beginning of a new season of Locals’ Night, the Santa Monica Pier’s recurring community celebration that transforms the landmark into a gathering place for live music, arts and culture, family activities, dancing and programming highlighting the people and organizations of Santa Monica and the Westside. Whether dancing to live music, watching movies, shopping local artisans, or enjoying the stunning sunsets and ocean views, this event is designed to bring Santa Monicans and all Angelenos together in a fun and festive outdoor setting.

The faces, stories and experiences of people drawn to one of America’s most iconic destinations will come together in “Afterglow: Portraits by Sam Comen,” a new photography exhibition opening inside the historic Santa Monica Pier Merry Go-Round building with a special reception on Thursday, September 17, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. In July, Comen transformed a corner of the Santa Monica Pier into a simple outdoor portrait studio and, over three days, conducted brief sittings with 274 people, including locals, travelers and international visitors.

Locals’ Night is presented by Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier and produced by the Santa Monica Pier Corporation with the generous support of these great community partners: NEFT Vodka, Harvelle’s and Costco.

FREE tickets are available at: http://pierlocalsnight.eventbrite.com/

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 onFacebook, Instagram,X, orThreads.

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.