2026 State of the City event to activate Main Street Entertainment Zone and showcase major event partners

July 20, 2026 3:42 PM

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 20, 2026) — “State of the City 2026: From Realignment to Renaissance” will take place on Thursday, July 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ocean Park Branch Library and along Main Street between Hollister Avenue and Ocean Park Boulevard.

This free, family-friendly celebration provides opportunities for community members to explore Main Street, support local businesses and enjoy interactive experiences that celebrate the city’s progress and highlight what’s next.

“Santa Monica is on stronger footing than we’ve been in years, and this year’s State of the City is about what we do with that,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “We’re holding it on Main Street, outside the newly reopened Ocean Park Branch Library, because the future of this city gets built in neighborhoods like this one. I’ll be sharing where we’re headed on housing, public safety and a local economy that works for the people who live and work here. I hope our residents, businesses and community partners will join us.”

Note: Main Street will be closed from Ocean Park Boulevard to Hollister Avenue from noon to 10 p.m. on the day of the event.

Major partner activations

In addition to previously announced programming, including the mayor’s annual State of the City address and a reading by Santa Monica Poet Laureate Jay Baldwin, attendees will enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, community exhibits and special activations from community partners ESPN, Fever and Goldenvoice.

Next year, ESPN will launch ESPN Beach, its state-of-the-art multiplatform hub for Super Bowl coverage and immersive fan experiences located at the Santa Monica Pier and Beach. During State of the City, ESPN will engage with community members with a meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with ESPN personality and NFL Network reporter Taylor Bisciotti, a live broadcast from “The D’Marco and Travis Afternoon Show” on ESPN LA 710AM, and branded giveaways.

Goldenvoice, a division of AEG Presents, will also participate in this year’s State of the City. Tickets for their inaugural Ocean Way Festival go on sale for Santa Monica residents on Wednesday, July 22, at 11 a.m., and to the public on Thursday, July 23, at 11 a.m. At the Goldenvoice activation, community members can learn more about the music festival, featuring headliners The Killers and Olivia Dean, alongside Jack White, Khruangbin, Sublime and more.

And community members will also get a sneak preview of Fever’s upcoming European-style holiday market. Anticipated to open in late November, the market will transform the Santa Monica Pier parking deck into a festive destination featuring European craftsmanship, food and design blended with Santa Monica’s unique cultural character and local business partnerships through January 2027.

Main Street vouchers

To encourage attendees to buy local, the city of Santa Monica will distribute a limited amount of vouchers that can be redeemed at participating Main Street businesses during the event.

City staff will distribute vouchers throughout the evening, while supplies last. Attendees may use one voucher per person toward an eligible purchase at participating businesses, excluding alcoholic beverages.

The program is designed to introduce residents and visitors to Main Street’s locally-owned restaurants, retailers and small businesses while supporting Santa Monica’s commercial district.

Participating businesses include Augie’s on Main, CoTo Imports, Dolcenero Gelato, Edgemar, Heartbreak Hill Running Company, Manchego, Rabano, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Sushi Vegan, Thai Vegan and Zona Little Italy. Attendees can also use vouchers to purchase mini tote bags at the Santa Monica Public Library booth and at the Ocean Park Branch Library.

Main Street Entertainment Zone

With the activation of the Main Street Entertainment Zone, adults 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them on the sidewalks on Main Street between Strand Avenue and Pier Avenue, and in the closed portion of Main Street between Hollister Avenue and Ocean Park Boulevard.

Wristbands from participating businesses are required. Outside alcohol is not permitted. Participating businesses include Ashland Hill, Circle Bar, Edgemar, Jameson’s Pub, JuneShine, La Vecchia Cucina, Library Alehouse, Lula Cocina Mexicana, Manchego, Tavern on Main, The Galley and The Victorian.

“This event is a great opportunity to showcase everything Main Street has to offer while welcoming residents and visitors to support our local businesses,” Main Street Business Improvement Association Board Executive Director Hunter Hall said. “The Main Street Entertainment Zone creates new ways for people to experience the area, discover local favorites and spend time in one of Santa Monica’s most vibrant neighborhoods.”

State of the City is free and open to all ages. Community members are encouraged to walk, bike or take Big Blue Bus to the event. For more details, including parking, transportation and accessibility information, click here.