By Lookout Staff

September 11, 2026 -- Following three successful Santa Monica Block Fest (SMBF) events that drew an average of more than 20,000 attendees each night, Downtown officials are continuing the events as a monthly series through the end of the year, starting Saturday.

The SMBF events -- which will take place on the second Saturday of each month -- transform the three blocks of the Third Street Promenade “into an open-air celebration of music, food, and local culture, anchored by a food night market on Arizona Avenue,” Downtown officials said.

“Santa Monica showed up all summer, and the response was strong enough to keep the celebration going,” said officials of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM), the non-profit that runs the Downtown.

Since launching in October 2025, the community and cultural event has turned the Promenade into “Santa Monica’s biggest free block party, bringing world class DJs, full production, and thousands of music lovers to downtown Santa Monica.”

SMBF Vol. VII moves through house, bass house, and tech house, with Belters Only, EC Twins and Nate Band headlining, organizers said. The 1200 Stage will feature an open mic night during a takeover by Broke Artist Nation.

Inside Barney’s Beanery, live band Dirty Monday’s "will turn up the energy with a high-spirited bar performance featuring musicians above the crowd, big choruses, and a room full of people singing along."

Back by popular demand, the SMBF night market returns with fan favorites Dave's Hot Chicken, Luckyball BBQ, Bar Xuntos, and more lining Arizona Avenue with a rotating roster of new and returning vendors.

The Promenade held events during this summer's FIFA World Cup that helped kick-start Santa Monica's lagging economy. The events increased foot traffic on the struggling walk street by 40 percent, with parking revenues Downtown and the beach seeing a more than 40 percent increase.

During the Promenade events guests ages 21 and over can enjoy a drink outdoors in the Promenade's Entertainment Zone. Unanimously approved by the Council in May 2025, the Entertainment Zone is designed to "activate nightlife programming, boost foot traffic and drive economic activity for local businesses."

To get a free ticket to Saturday's Block Fest CLICK HERE