How the Third Street Promenade Plans to Celebrate Its 25th Anniversary

Third Street Promenade is celebrating 25 years this year, and we’ve got the line-up of silver anniversary celebrations.

The three scenic city blocks located between Broadway. and Wilshire Blvd. were re-imagined on Sept. 19, 1989 - not as a generic shopping mall or fabricated city environment, but instead as an authentic and dynamic gathering place for the people of Santa Monica and beyond, according to a press release for Downtown Santa Monica Inc., a nonprofit that works to promote the economic well-being of downtown Santa Monica.  

CEO Kathleen Rawson today announced just how the city will celebrate, starting this month and continuing through September.

Here’s the scoop:

1. Picnic on the Promenade – Every Friday beginning May 16, noon – 3 p.m.
2. Cinema on the Street – Friday nights – July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8 and 15.
3. A Promenade Symposium – “The Evolution of Third Street Promenade” – Sept. 10
4. The Grand 25th Celebration – Sept. 20-21, details to be announced

Rawson also unveiled a dedicated blog site (SantaMonicaCentric.com) and a limited edition 25th anniversary poster with sales to benefit homeless and mental health services provider Step Up on Second.