No matter when you visit, there’s always something happening in Santa Monica. From history and culture to wellness and outdoor adventures, the city offers a dynamic lineup of events throughout the year. The Ambrose Hotel puts you in the perfect spot to experience it all—close to the action while nestled in a tranquil setting.
Year Round: Dive Into Santa Monica’s Local Culture
Roots and Branches: A Tree’s View of Santa Monica | January 31 – December 14, 2025
Santa Monica marks its 150th anniversary with Roots and Branches: A Tree’s View of Santa Monica at the Santa Monica History Museum. This thought-provoking exhibition explores the city’s environmental history and how nature and urban development have shaped one another. Through interactive displays and historical artifacts, visitors can reflect on Santa Monica’s growth and its ongoing relationship with ecology.
Live Music at The Surfing Fox | Every Friday
Every Friday at 6:00 PM, The Surfing Fox sets the stage for an evening of live music. This relaxed gathering spot blends coastal California cuisine with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re winding down after a long week or kicking off the weekend, the variety of artists and styles provide the perfect soundtrack to a laid-back Friday night.
Pico Farmers Market | Every Saturday
Every Saturday, rain or shine, the Pico Farmers Market showcases the best of Santa Monica’s farm-to-table culture. This family-friendly market, located in the heart of the Pico neighborhood, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Explore an impressive selection of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, handcrafted breads, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Trivia at Bodega Wine Bar | Every Sunday
Bodega Wine Bar turns into a hub for friendly competition with Sunday Night Trivia. With free entry, happy hour specials, and exciting prizes, this is the perfect place to test your team’s know-how while enjoying a laid-back evening. Mix and match from a selection of wine, beer, and soju cocktails while sharing pizzas, salads, and small bites with friends—all while putting your niche trivia knowledge to the test.
Spring: Enjoy Art for a Cause
Art for Renewal: A Benefit Art Sale for Fire Recovery | April 1, 2025
This spring, the 18th Street Art Center will host Art for Renewal, a special sale of small artworks supporting fire recovery efforts. From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, visitors can purchase pieces created by local artists, with all proceeds benefiting the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. Each purchase directly supports artists affected by recent fires, helping them rebuild and continue their vital contributions to the cultural landscape.
Summer: Celebrate Pride and Soak Up the Sun
Fierce Fables: Drag Queen Pride for All Ages | June 21, 2025
Santa Monica’s Pride celebrations bring joy for all ages with Fierce Fables: Drag Queen Pride for All Ages. Held at the historic merry-go-round building on the Santa Monica Pier, this free event—hosted in partnership with The Crow—features vibrant storytelling by drag queens and kings, face painting, exciting dance performances, and a pride parade open to everyone.
Pier 360 Beach Festival | June 28 – 29, 2025
Kick off summer at Pier 360 Beach Festival, a celebration of Santa Monica’s iconic coastline. This high-energy event brings beach and ocean sports competitions, live music, family-friendly activities, and an array of local food vendors to the pier. Whether you’re cheering on athletes, sampling fresh local flavors, or enjoying the ocean breeze, this festival embodies the city’s unique beach culture.
Fall and Winter: Discover Local Gems and Holiday Traditions
Holiday Cheer on the Pier | End of November through December
As the year winds down, the Santa Monica Pier transforms into a festive wonderland. From late November through December, the historic merry-go-round windows are decorated with dazzling holiday displays, setting the scene for annually anticipated holiday traditions. While dates for Holiday Cheer on the Pier are yet to be announced, visitors can expect a lineup of seasonal celebrations, including live performances and family-friendly festivities.
Whether you’re visiting for a summer festival, a winter celebration, or something in between, The Ambrose offers a serene retreat close to Santa Monica’s most exciting events. Enjoy the best of the city while staying in a space designed for relaxation and comfort.