The Pier Kicks Off Summer

Ah, it’s June – a perfect month to visit the Pier and ignore the June Gloom. Why? Anticipation. No matter the color of the sky, Summer is undeniably here. School is out and people embark upon their family vacations, whether to or from Santa Monica. Despite our morning marine layer, we know that our beautiful blue Summer skies will ultimately break through and confirm that Summer is, indeed, here. We have a full slate of activities, offering something unique and special every week!

Our Wellness & Waves fitness series is already well into its 26-straight-week of Saturday morning group runs and yoga sessions (and sometimes mat Pilates sessions). There is no better way to start a weekend than joining us for an invigorating fitness session at the Pier’s beautifully serene west end. Pick a Saturday, any Saturday, and come join us!

On June 21, inside the national landmark Merry-Go-Round Building, we will showcase our second annual SaMo Pride event, Fabulous Fables, featuring a children-focused theatrical performance by Miles Playhouse, with face painting, and a fun community fair. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And, on June 28 and 29, we produce my personal favorite Santa Monica Pier event – the one which is most true to the Pier roots as an integral part of the development of Southern California beach culture. It is our 15th Annual Pier 360 Beach Festival. This fun-filled weekend features paddleboard races, swim races, beach volleyball, a skateboard half-pipe, roller skating, and a strongman competition. What is the Pier’s historical attachment to each of these sports? I’m glad you asked, for there will be a pop-up Museum of Beach Culture in and next to the Merry-Go-Round Building where you can learn about it.

So never mind the grey skies, and please come enjoy June in the way that we celebrate it at the Pier!

By Jim Harris

Jim Harris is the Executive Director of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.