May 31, 2013 --Santa Monica will showcase its culture and diversity and celebrate its status one of Southern California’s most innovative cities during the 22nd annual Santa Monica Festival, City officials said.

The annual event – which will be held between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Clover Park – is a showcase for “sustainable living and culture through an array of fun, family-friendly activities and performances,” officials said.

“This free festival provides an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together, to connect, create, and celebrate Santa Monica,” they added. The festival “aims to inspire participants to live a greener, healthier, and more sustainable lifestyle.”

The City's largest event, the festival features live music, dance performances, art workshops, food trucks, cooking demonstrations, fitness classes, and other interactive activities for people of all ages.

One of the most popular features of the festival is the Eco Zone, which showcases organizations that “offer smart solutions to daily living,” officials said.

How do you dispose of hazardous household waste or make non-toxic cleaning products? The answer is in the Eco Zone.

The event also offers so many food options, it easily could be called a Taste of Santa Monica. This year’s “Food Salon” features the Chef Challenge cooking competition, with local chefs preparing “affordable and delicious meals” using locally sourced produce.

In the Chef Challenge, Chef Josie Le Balch of Josie Restaurant will take on returning champion Chef Nyesha Arrington of Wilshire restaurant to create a tasty meal for a family of four for under $15.

In addition, more than a dozen food trucks and carts will park at the event for the day to offer “a wide range of healthy fare and tasty treats,” officials said.

The Art Zone will feature a kid-friendly painting workshop using recycled latex house paint collected from the City’s Household Hazardous Waste facility, officials said. The Art Zone also features mural painting, drawing workshops, games, storytelling, and face painting

There also will be plenty of music, with live performances by songwriter, singer, and accordionist Jessica Fichot, the reggae-infused soul sounds of The Lions and the 12-piece party band Boogaloo Assassins.

A number of workshops -- ranging from square dancing and salsa, to yoga, Zumba and self-defense -- will help get the body moving. The classes are “part of the City’s commitment to enhancing the community’s wellbeing through fitness, recreation, and healthy lifestyle choices,” officials said.

True to its billing, all the energy used at the event comes from solar and renewable sources, while zero-waste stations maximize recycling and composting, officials said. 

Free bike valet will available on 25th Street at Ocean Park Boulevard. Bikers will receive a free raffle ticket for participating.