Harlan Steinberger

Los Angeles County

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Venice-Mar Vista

California

Scott Snowden

Santa Monica

Marina Del Rey

Culver City

Los Angeles

Westwood-Century City

Chris Lindahl

Beverly Hills

Brentwood

West Hollywood

Pacific Palisades

Manhattan Beach

Studio City

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. during the Santa Monica Pier’s Locals’ Night.
In July, acclaimed photographer Sam 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. Photographing in California’s renowned summertime light, Comen captured a cross-section of the people who found their way to the Santa Monica Pier—locals, travelers and international visitors representing different ages, backgrounds and moments in life.
Alongside the portrait sessions, Comen invited participants into brief conversations about what brought them to the Santa Monica Pier and how they see America at this moment. Together, the photographs and conversations offer a distinctive glimpse of America in its 250th year through the people who happened to meet at the edge of the continent as three summer days turned toward evening. 
The location is an integral part of the exhibition's story. The Santa Monica Pier sits where Los Angeles meets the Pacific Ocean and marks the western end of historic Route 66—a place where generations of journeys have concluded and new ones have begun. Through Comen's lens, it also becomes a distinctly American gathering place where ideas of possibility, identity and America's place in the wider world come into view. 
“Afterglow: Portraits by Sam Comen” will be presented inside the Santa Monica Pier Merry Go-Round building through September 30. The free exhibition brings the portraits back to the place where they were created, allowing Pier visitors to encounter the people and stories that collectively reflect the extraordinary range of individuals who share this landmark every day.

Comen specializes in photographing human stories connected to American political and social issues. During his 20-year career, he has collaborated with civic institutions, labor unions, foundations and community organizations to document the people and policies shaping American society. His photographs are held in the collections of the Library of Congress, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs' Art Bank. His touring documentary exhibitions “The Newest Americans” and “Working America”
have reached more than 50,000 viewers at 26 venues nationwide since 2018, and his work has twice been exhibited at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. To see more of Comen's work, visit <a href="https://www.samcomen.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">samcomen.com</a>.
“I chose the Santa Monica Pier because it’s a place where so many different people and journeys come together,” said photographer Sam Comen. “Over three days, I had the opportunity to sit face-to-face with 274 people—locals, travelers and visitors from around the world—and hear a little about what brought each of them here and how they see America today. Taken together, these portraits reveal an America that is incredibly diverse, deeply personal and always changing. There’s something especially meaningful about capturing that at the edge of the continent, during the country’s 250th year.”

Afterglow: Portraits By Sam Comen

Opening Reception: 
Thursday, September 17, 2026 
3:30–7 p.m. 
During Santa Monica Pier Locals’ Night

Location: 
Santa Monica Pier Merry Go-Round Building 
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Free Exhibition and Hours: 
September 10–30, 2026

Monday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 
Thursday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 
Friday–Sunday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. 
“Afterglow” is a collaboration with the Santa Monica Pier Corporation and was made possible by Art of Recovery, an initiative of the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs. Art of Recovery is a post-COVID initiative created to harness the power of the arts in revitalizing community life. 
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.
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 <a href="https://www.santamonicapier.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">santamonicapier.org</a>, or follow us on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSantaMonicaPier/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/santamonicapier/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,<a href="https://x.com/SantaMonicaPier" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">X</a>, or<a href="https://www.threads.net/@santamonicapier" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Threads</a>.

Local Event: Afterglow: Portraits By Sam Comen Exhibition at the Santa Monica Pier

Afterglow: Portraits By Sam Comen Exhibition at...

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 Exhibition at the Santa Monica Pier

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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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: <a href="https://pierlocalsnight.eventbrite.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://pierlocalsnight.eventbrite.com/</a>
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 <a href="https://www.santamonicapier.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">santamonicapier.org</a>, or follow us on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSantaMonicaPier/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/santamonicapier/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,<a href="https://x.com/SantaMonicaPier" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">X</a>, or<a href="https://www.threads.net/@santamonicapier" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Threads</a>.

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 <a href="https://pacpark.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">pacpark.com</a>, and go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pacificpark" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Facebook.com/pacificpark</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pacpark/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Instagram.com/pacpark</a> or <a href="https://x.com/pacpark" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">X.com/pacpark</a>.

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

Locals’ Night Returns To SM Pier To Kick Off...

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...

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

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Afterglow: Portraits By Sam Comen Exhibition at the Santa Monica Pier

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