Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival 2023

Published on June 6, 2023

The free ocean sports and lifestyle festival returns to Santa Monica Pier and beach to kick off the summer season with live music, sports, and family-friendly activities.

Pier 360 will feature family entertainment and activities for all visitors highlighted with live paddleboard races, ocean swims, beach volleyball, head-to-head life guard competitions, sand castle building contest, the TANDM Surf bodyboarding contest, and skateboarding. Taking pace over the last weekend of June, Pier 360 is Santa Monica official kick off to summer time with free activities for guests of all ages, live music, and a celebration of beach culture.

WHAT
Pier 360 Beach Festival

WHEN
June 24-25, 2023
7:30 AM – 5 PM

WHERE
The beach festival will take place on the Santa Monica Pier with sporting events taking place on the beach south of the pier

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) began at the Santa Monica Pier over 90 years ago. Pier 360 is an opportunity for you to see some of the sports greatest competitors in action in the waters of the Pacific Ocean around the world-famous Santa Monica Pier. SUP races include the one-mile Fun Paddle for beginners, Sprint Racing for fast-paced action, and the Long Distance race of 5 miles around the western reaches of the Pier.

On the sand, you can enjoy the California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) volleyball tournaments. With a $4,000 grand prize, athletes from all over Southern California will compete in multiple divisions including Co-Ed, men’s and women’s doubles, and an unrated division for beginner and novice teams. For those who prefer to remain as spectators, be sure to catch the Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Hall Of Fame Legends Exhibition.

At Santa Monica Pier 360, top lifeguards from around the world face off against each other in a series of winner-takes-the-glory events. Lifeguards will compete in a series of challenges including sprints in and out of the water, men’s and women’s Iron Man, relays out to the deep waters west of the pier. This annual crowd-favorite is an opportunity for you to see the heroes of the beach in action and show your appreciation for their skills and dedication.

On the pier deck, a half pipe will be set up so skaters can shred with the sights and sounds of the pier and amusement park in the background. You can catch demos from some of LA’s most legendary skaters do flip tricks and jumps, or get in on the action with demos and workshops led by top local skaters. No advance registration necessary.

When visiting Pier 260 in Santa Monica you will have loads of beach activities to enjoy as both spectator and participant. Some of the other activities to expect at this year’s Pier 360:

Live Music

Pier 360 kicks-off with South Sea rhythms, slack guitar and hula dancers to celebrate the Aloha Spirit. In the afternoon the beat drops, with live performances and DJ beats to keep you grooving, dancing and singing all weekend.

Stand Up Paddle Board Lessons

A training pool will be open to the public on the pier deck where you can try your feet on a Stand Up Paddle Board. This shallow pool staffed by SUP professionals is a great way to see if SUP is for you without worrying about renting a bunch of gear or being out on the open water. Additional activities at the pool will include SUP Yoga clinics throughout the weekend.

Museum of Beach Life

From Paddle to Surf and Skate, learn about the evolution of beach sports through this educational, hands-on museum pop-up. Some of California’s original boards from the legends who rode them will be on display. Curated displays will illustrate the stories of some of the legendary personalities that pioneered active beach lifestyle at the Pier. The unique attraction features surf and paddle memorabilia curated by local legends and notable collectors (Rich Wilken, Jeff Ho, Cary Weiss, Mike Young) and exhibits celebrating the birth of mainland paddleboard racing, 2-person beach volleyball, life guearding the waters of the Pacific, and the original Muscle Beach.

Beer Garden

Spirits and brews will be served to guests 21 years and over. The outdoor bar will feature beers from Kona Brewing, based in Kona, HI, and curated cocktails from Nutrl Vodks.

Ninja Nation Obstacle Course

See if you have what it takes to be a ninja by jumping, swinging, and climbing through this challenging course of trampolines, platforms, and swinging ropes. Ninja Nation is more than just an obstacle course – it’s a community of kids, adults, and parents encouraging one another, pushing their limits together and enjoying the friendships formed through dedication, hard work and positive energy.

Sand Sculpture Competition

You and up to 7 of your friends can challenge some of Southern California’s best sand sculpture artists at Pier 360’s newest competition. Build a tall, unique sand castle to win a cash prize. Sunday Only. Register here. (https://www.santamonicapier.org/pier-360-sand-castle-competition)

Kids’ Zone

Bring your youngsters and beach-babies to enjoy free games, arts & crafts, and family-friendly activities on the pier deck.

Be sure to pack your flip-flops and sunscreen and prepare to spend a day at the beach in Santa Monica at this annual celebration of Southern California beach culture. The event starts at 7:30 AM on Saturday, June 24, with a traditional Hawaiian blessing followed by SUP Yoga in the pier deck training pool. Main Stage entertainment will start at 9 AM with a Mexican folklorico dance performance from the Cabeza de Vaca Cultural Dance School. Paddle, swim, and volleyball competitions also begin a 9 AM followed by the opening of free activities including the Museum of Beach Life pop up, half-pipe, and ninja course.

For more information and links to register for the competitions, please visit santamonicapier.org.

Santa Monica Pier Corporation

The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) is a 501c(3) non-profit public benefit corporation that was founded in 1983. SMPC was formed for the purpose of assisting the City in the rehabilitation, preservation, protection, development, operation, and management of the Pier. SMPC produces Pier 360 as well as other cultural and entertainment programing for the Santa Monica Pier.

California Beach Volleyball Association

Founded in 1962 by a group of passionate beach volleyballers, the CBVA was created to bring together the local beach volleyball communities and maximize the opportunities to play through a unified schedule. As the sport grew, the official rulebook, skill divisions, and our rating system developed into the CBVA as it is today. This year, the schedule will have nearly 1000 tournaments, 10+ skill or age divisions, 21+ locations, and nearly 8000 active members.

Amateur Athletic Union

The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. During its early years, the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the U.S. in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. The philosophy of “Sports for All, Forever,” is shared by more than 720,000 participants and over 150,000 volunteers.

Ninja Nation

Ninja Nation is the leading provider of world-class obstacle course arenas across the country, serving America’s youth and adults with the most exciting facilities for developing skills, strength, and confidence. We love the sports of Ninja and Obstacle Course Racing and support every aspect of their growth. We believe everyone across the U.S. should have access to such an incredible activity.

Feature image courtesy of the Pier Corp