Santa Monica is welcoming the summer with an active weekend of competitions that are all about beach culture.
The Pier 360 Beach Festival returns to the city’s famous pier June 28-29 with a mix of beach sports, live music and a historic look at the city’s coastal history.
“It’s a tribute to the unique culture that was born right here on the Santa Monica Pier,” said Jim Harris, executive director and historian of the Santa Monica Pier.
The competitions will all be visible from the pier and will include classic beach sports featuring some serious athletes.
“Some are professional, some are amateurs and many will probably be in the 2028 Olympics,” he said.
The Pier 360 Beach Festival returns to the city’s famous pier June 28-29 with a mix of beach sports, live music and a historic look at the city’s coastal history. (Photo courtesy Santa Monica Pier)Some of the competitions will include paddleboard races, beach volleyball tournaments, lifeguard challenges and — given the city’s skateboarding roots — there will be skateboarding competitions, clinics and demos.
“With skateboarding we’re honoring Dog Town and Z-Boys, who were Santa Monica and Venice kids who changed skateboarding forever,” Harris said.
With another nod to the area’s culture there is also a strongman contest with more than 80 male and female athletes competing across multiple weight classes.
“it’s a great fit and a the best way for us to give a nod to the original muscle beach,” he said.
Regular people can get into the athletics too since there will be a pop-up roller rink on the pier. Live music is planned starting each day with Polynesian performances followed by bands throughout the day. Visitors will also be able to learn more about the city in a pop-up museum that will be set up near the merry-go-round that will look at the history of surf and Muscle Beach made up of items like paddleboards, surf boards and more.
“Everything that we do here, competition wise and activity wise, ties back to Santa Monica beach being the birthplace of Southern California beach culture,” Harris said.
Pier 360
When: June 28-29
Where: Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier
Cost: Free
Information: santamonicapier.org
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