Enjoy Open Streets At Santa Monica's COAST Festival

SANTA MONICA, CA – Santa Monica is closing two of its main streets to traffic on October 1 for the COAST Open Streets Festival, which will celebrate a new model of mobility, environmental sustainability, and the arts. The City of Santa Monica will host a day of biking, skating, and strolling with bands, performers, art, and food along the route. COAST is free to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The route will close Ocean Ave. from Wilshire Blvd. to Tongva Park, and Main St. from Colorado Ave. to Marine St.

Last year 's first-ever Santa Monica open streets event had more than 50,000 in attendance, the press release said.

"We invite our local and neighboring communities to join us for COAST, one of the biggest block parties in the region,” said Mayor Ted Winterer in a statement. "Two miles of Southern California’s most desirable streets will be closed to cars for the enjoyment of bikers and pedestrians with lively entertainment on every block. Please stop by City Hall to say hello to me and the Council.”

How to get there:

Residents can travel to COAST via the Expo Line, Big Blue Bus or by Santa Monica's 110 miles of bikeways. However, you do not need a bike to come to COAST. You can walk, check out a Breeze bike located at 85 stations throughout Santa Monica or rent a bike at multiple locations along the route, according to the City of Santa Monica. Free bike valets will be offered.

An overview of what to expect and where:

Ocean Avenue:

• The COAST stage in this zone will have KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez, hip hop dance troupe Antics, and salsa group Rumbankete.
• Shakey-Quakey House earthquake simulator will make an appearance, and Santa Monica's Office of Emergency Management will share earthquake preparedness information.
• The City's Community Recreation team will have drop-in dance classes for Zumba, Cali Soul, and African Fusion.
• Public Works vehicle showcase will be on display and featured community organizations will share information.
• The festival's Art Zone at the Camera Obscura Art Lab will feature live art making, a sing-a-long lounge, group karaoke and collaborative drawing.

Colorado Esplanade:

• The direct connection to the route for Expo riders will be here.
• Stilt walkers, brass bands, and dance troupes throughout the day
• Public art from HOTTEA, bike rentals/repairs from Santa Monica Bike Center

Santa Monica Pier:

• Pier Stage will include performances by Sister Speak and Rod Lightning & the Thunderbolts of Love.
• Pier businesses are offering special discounts and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium has activities and giveaways for visitors.
• For kids: bike decorating at 12 p.m. and a bike parade at 2 p.m.
• Tours focusing on the Pier's rich history.

City Hall:

• Sustainability Zone will have DJs called The Sycons and a community art project to create a "dream tree" with artist Kiel Johnson and the reDiscover Center.
• The Santa Monica City Council will host a fun photo booth and meet and greet, and commissioners will be on hand for "Ask a Commissioner".
• Other elected representatives will also have teams on site to share information.

Civic Auditorium (outside):

• Trip planning in the Mobility Zone with free bike valet and repair and music by Venice Beats.
• Free live t-shirt screen printing
• Check out new transportation options like “Free Ride.”
• Grab a bite from food trucks and watch the kids try out the Bike Rodeo and helmet decorating.

Main Street:

• Extended hours at the Santa Monica Farmers Market with cooking demos and live music.
• Strolling performers, workshops and gardening tips at the Community Garden
• Scavenger hunt of historic landmarks and tours of the Shotgun House hosted by the Santa Monica Conservancy.
• The Ocean Park Library will have crafts and games on the front lawn.

Visit the COAST Facebook Event for more information.

Photo courtesy of the City of Santa Monica Office of Communications