Sign Up For The Loop!

First-Ever Drive-In Movie Night on The Santa Monica Pier

Published on January 9, 2026

Santa Monica Pier Revs Up The New Year With First-Ever Drive-In Movie Night Featuring ‘Grease’ On January 1

Get ready to rev your engines and relive the golden age of drive-ins as the Santa Monica Pier transforms into a nostalgic beachfront cinema for “Locals’ Night” on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 3:30-9:30 p.m., offering a special, first-ever drive-in movie on the Pier featuring the beloved film “Grease” presented by Pacific Park.

As part of the immersive drive-in experience, a limited number of vehicles will be able to drive onto the upper Pier deck, recreating a nostalgic drive-in movie night right above the Pacific Ocean. Guests watching from their cars can tune in via a dedicated radio station simulcasting the film’s audio, offering a true retro viewing experience under the stars. Movie begins at 6:30 p.m.

Car arrival window: 3:30–5:30 p.m., early arrival recommended for best parking

· Movie begins: 6:30 p.m.

· Guests must remain in place for the full screening

· Exit permitted after 8 p.m.

No Car, No Worries – Bring Your Own Blanket & Chair (BYOB&C). Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Costume Contest – Guests are encouraged to dress in their best 1950s-inspired attire for a chance to win special Pier prizes during the evening.

Live DJ Sets – Oldies and classic hits spun before the movie from a car-club-style DJ setup on the east side of the Pier deck.

Classic Car Club Setup – Vintage car enthusiasts will showcase their wheels alongside the event, adding to the 1950s ambiance.

Live Music – SAMOHI Acapella performances from 6-6:30 p.m.

Free Popcorn – On the house for the first 200 moviegoers.

Bar Service – Available for guests 21 and over.

Books & Cookies Musical Storytime – Family-friendly sessions inside the Merry Go-Round Building at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

 

Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis with advance RSVP required, for FREE tickets

Feature image courtesy of @santamonicapier

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Read more at pacpark.com/privacy.