Screen Shot 2014-06-04 at 8.30.07 AM

This week, get your tickets for Santa Monica Next’s second-annual cocktail fundraiser, head to the Pier for the next installment of the Twilight Concert Series, and get out of the office for a Picnic on the Promenade.

Join us at our summer cocktail party

Santa Monica Next will be hosting its second-annual summer cocktail party fundraiser on Saturday, July 30, so if you like Next, cocktails, parties, or any of the above, get your tickets today here.

As a nonprofit news site, we rely on the generosity of our readers to support our work, and this year, we have an extra reason to celebrate: the Los Angeles section of the American Planning Association (APA) honored Santa Monica Next this year with an Award of Excellence in its “Communications Initiative” category.

Your donations support the award-winning content you have come to expect from us. From our in-depth looks at our growing housing crisis, to our spotlighting local businesses, to keeping tabs on how our city is making it easier for us to get around sustainably, we strive to keep you informed about the issues facing the community.

Help us keep up the good work and join the Santa Monica Next steering committee, Abby Arnold, Juan Matute, Damien Newton, Grace Phillips, Joni Yung, Carter Rubin, and Scott Schonfeld, and the site’s editor, Jason Islas for a festive summer cocktail party with signature drinks at Abby’s Ocean Park home. Drinks will include the Expo-tini, High Rise Highball, and Manhattan by the Beach.

BØRNS and PORCHES at the Pier

This Thursday, July 14, there will be another installment of the free Twilight Pier Concerts featuring performances by BØRNS and Porches.

You can sample the two performers’ sounds below.

BØRNS:

Porches:

This year, there are more options than ever for getting to the Pier concerts without driving. If you’ve ever driven to a Pier concert, you probably know that if you can avoid driving, you should.

In addition to the new Expo light rail stop at 5th and Colorado (about four blocks from the Pier), concert-goers can ride Santa Monica’s bike-share system, Breeze. There will also be a free bike valet at the Pier for those who ride their own bikes. And, of course, most Big Blue Bus lines serve Downtown Santa Monica or connect with one of several Expo stations. Find out more at on Metro’s website, at GoSaMo.net, or on Breeze Bike Share’s website.

If you have to drive, you are better off carpooling, since it will get you a discount on parking.

“Parking is available for the Twilight Concert Series for $10 – 20. The rates apply to vehicles entering the below lots after 4 p.m. Any vehicle entering one of these three lots with 4 or more people of any age will receive a voucher that they can turn in to the bike valet stand for a $5 rebate,” according to the city. Just make sure there aren’t more people in your car than there are seat belts.

When: Thursday, July 14 at 7 p.m.
Where: Santa Monica Pier

Picnic on the Promenade

On Friday, July 15, Downtown Santa Monica Inc. is inviting people out of their offices and onto the Promenade for music, games, and a generally fun lunch.

Every Friday through August 26, Downtown Santa Monica Inc. will have tables, activities and entertainment out on the Promenade between Wilshire and Arizona from 12 to 3 p.m.

“This annual summer series eases locals and Promenade walkers into the weekend every Friday afternoon with music, classic board games, Ping-Pong, interactive challenges, and free services from Downtown merchants. Bring a lunch or grab-and-go from one of Downtown’s award-winning eateries and soak in the sun,” the Facebook event invite for last week’s event reads.

When: Friday, July 15 from 12 to 3 p.m.
Where: Third Street Promenade, between Santa Monica Blvd. and Arizona Ave.

Learn More