Summer Twilight Concerts at the Santa Monica Pier

Cool spot to go enjoy some music. My friends and I had an awesome little picnic with delicious food of course (and choice beverages)! That’s how we Unilocalers roll, right?! It was good seeing the extra police presence in the area (both LASD and SMPD). Aside from the loser pot heads smoking that garbage, we had a blast. Will return next time.
Cheers!

Concerts at the pier are big fun. When they have a good group, there can be tens of thousands of people milling around on the pier and on the beach surrounding.
How much you are going to enjoy a particular concert depends a lot on what band is playing. I saw Dick Dale play here, which was excellent. Concerts by the Animals and Jefferson Starship were also fun and a bit of a blast from the past. But there are lots of other groups and lots of other styles of music at these concerts.
On the downside, beer stands are overpriced and a large portion of the open area is reserved for beer consumption. I just don’t think anything at a publicly sponsored event should be overpriced. I just can’t see spending $ 8 for a paper cup full of beer.
Another problem is that the beach areas are over-​policed during concerts. I know the promoters want to make sure there are no safety issues but roping all the people into one small crowded area and then chasing them away when the concert is over, doesn’t seem necessary. The beach should be open for anybody who wants to use it, for any legal activity, including midnight picnics and watching the moonbeams. As long as people aren’t violating the law the police should leave them alone.

Came out for some music, vendors, and free stuff and accomplished almost all. On the website it mentioned an array of vendors would be on hand but when I showed up it was mostly beer vendors. They did have some actual vendors but for the most part it was in the alcoholic section. We did visit during the «free» night so the music was not the best and there were many breaks in the span of an hour.
I think they should have more vendors for those that aren’t there to drink and want to look and buy items instead. Don’t bother bringing something to sit on the group with because 90% of people stand so you cant see bands playing anyways. If you just rather listen than that would work for you.
Parking is a nightmare and expensive but if your lucky and willing to walk then you can find street parking around Colorado or Broadway and walk down to the pier.

Who doesn’t love free?!
Went with my girls & bf tonight. Parking is horrible & expensive. Park at the Civic Center parking structure on 4^th street. It was only $ 3 at the end of the night!
Live music by the beach, a beer garden, friendly people with cute dogs, awesome vendors with cool free stuff & games (like Snapchat!!), & yummy food. What’s not to love?
Really dug the chill vibes. I would definitely come again with friends!

Great performers again this year! Lot’s of diversity and it’s fun watching the bands on the pier or listening to them on a blanket while feasting on a picnic with friends from the beach. Lot’s of bike parking and people have been mellow so it’s easy getting around.

Who doesn’t like something that’s free?
Saw Ariel Pink and The Mynabirds this last Thursday. We had been thinking about bringing a picnic but decided at the last minute not to picnic on the beach — and boy was I happy I didn’t. There were so many people on the beach it was crazy! We ended up sitting on the pier and watching the music.
Sound quality was pretty good. Once the night went on and Ariel Pink went on, you could hear him all over the pier (even at the amusement park). I couldn’t really hear the Mynabirds besides sitting in the designated area, but it was also earlier in the day and their music isn’t as loud and out there as Ariel Pink.
Stage was cool. Lots of colors and lights. Kind of weird that the whole thing is being filmed. There’s like a billion cameras on cranes flying around.
It was fun but what really killed the vibe for me was the 30 minute-​ish commercial between acts. Yes I get that you have sponsors and YES I get that that’s what makes it possible … but seriously I do not want to hear about car ads, fandango, and beer/​wine we are not allowed to drink at the concert. Also they spent a lot of time talking about snapchat. It’s cool that snapchat has it’s own Twilight Concert story, but we don’t need a big snapchat advertisement. I’m pretty sure everyone is snapping this as we speak.
Didn’t stay for the whole thing but I had fun going. I’d check out some other bands next year, probably!

Another beautiful Thursday on the pier. Wonderful feeling to be here. Gotta love the magical trips in LaLa.

Waiting for the new season to open up. The line up has not yet been posted yet. Can’t wait to spend some evenings on the beach chillin. I just wish they started before July. Parking is a pain but you can find cheap parking lots if you look.

Fun and low key! The best part is being able to be with a group of friends and enjoy the entertainment!

Free concert? Score!
I think the whole idea of a free concert series on the pier during the summer is great! The one problem I had was that the sound quality is SO bad! Super muddy sounds, especially when you’re surrounded by people who are all carrying on their own conversations, the music gets even more muddled.
Thursday nights from 7−10pm, I came to see OK Go. We got there close to 8pm since that’s when the headliners come on. We parked in one of the SM city lots and walked over and we only paid $ 2.50 for parking rather than the $ 12 – 15! We walked over to the pier, security will check whatever bags you’re bringing in.
We packed a blanket a picnic and spread it out towards the back with the other blanket picnic-​kers. We ate while we waited for OK Go to come on. They started playing around 8:10pm. More people arrived, but it never got uncomfortably crowded. Sound quality wasn’t great so we didn’t stay the whole time.
Technically, you’re not allowed to bring alcohol into the space, but we had a thermos of wine and got through just fine. No glass!

One of the greatest things about living in Los Angeles is the abundance of fun and free things to do.
One of those great things to do is to grab a beach chair or a blanket and go listen to a free concert on the sands of Santa Monica Beach while unique bands perform for you and hundreds of others who have also decided to join with food, drinks and picnic baskets. They usually have the best bands at the beginning and the end of the season. Jimmy Cliff closed off the summer one year and it was amazing.
Tips.
1. Park by the Mall in one of the multiple multi-​story parking towers. Its alot cheaper and easier than parking near the beach. The best tower is on the corner of Colorado blvd and 2^nd I believe.
2. Bring a beach chair or a Blanket. I prefer small cheap chair over a towel because its easier on my lazy back.
3. Bring Snacks, if Hungry stop at some fast food and bring fast food. Nothing is better than enjoying a meal under the Stars, listening to the waves and live music.
4. Don’t bring Glass. I don’t think the cops walking around try to look for liquor but they do look for any kind of glass because of concerns for potential broken bottles. Bring it in plastic or any other container and they will smile and tell you to have a good time.
5. If you are generally ok with crowds come anytime you want but if you are trying to avoid big crowds and want to get setup early come before 5pm or 6pm and setup before traffic starts to build up. I use to come early but then I decided why stress it. So now we come strolling in 6 to to 7pm and listen to the music which usually ends at 9.30pm or so.
Get out there, go have a good time. Great place for a date or just for some friends to hangout and have a good time.

This is a great event down at the pier. With the cool breeze coming off of the ocean, the music in the air, the excitement of the kids on the rides, and the chatter of the folks eating outside at the nearby restaurants, the pier felt like the place to be. A huge crowd of people were standing in the pier parking lot facing the stage and enjoying the concert. On the night that I went, a latin band was performing and the rhythms were enough to get the crowd moving. The quality of the music was good and it was hard not to think that we were getting something great for free! If you head down to Santa Monica on a Thursday night this summer, it’ll be packed but make your way through the crowd to the pier to enjoy the Summer Twilight Concert Series. You’ll be in for a treat!

My friend and I were invited to birthday party that was being held on the beach during the Twilight summer Concert series which is ‘free’ to attend, of course we said yes.
I suggested we leave early in order to find parking and that is exactly what we did. We both reside in the South Bay and were able to take the 405 north carpool lane to the 10 west and exited on 4^th Street during rush hour and hit zero traffic.
My friend suggested we park in a parking lot just adjacent to the Pier which was charging $ 15 dollars. I was not paying the fee; I noticed right away the traffic was being reduced to one lane for both entrance & exit which leads to the end of your night being extended because of frustrating traffic. I surf in the general area from time to time and knew exactly where we could park for ‘free’ without any time restrictions. It took a couple times of going around the block but right where I expected parking spaces to open, they did.
We were early so I suggested we hit up a Starbucks which is located just across the grounds of the park. My friend and I took our drinks down to the beach and still had time to kill before the party started. While waiting we went over to the swings and rode them for a bit before moving up onto the Pier to check out the warm-​up bands. There was a huge Santa Monica Police presence EVERYWHERE. If you attempt to go up onto the Pier from the beach your bag is searched. We walked around the Pier, listened to the music, rode the Ferris wheel and from the Ferris wheel we spotted out friends and their balloons which were needed to spot them in the large crowd.
After we got of the ride we moved onto the beach again. As we walked through the crowd we noticed some folks had some pretty elaborate layouts on their beach blankets. Alcohol is prohibited on the beach but as long as you are hiding things properly (plastic cup) not getting belligerent, there is basically ‘NO WAY’ you are going to run into a problem with the Police especially once it starts to get dark out.
Once it does get dark folks are busting out the glowing hula-​hoops, tree man more than likely is going to show up, people will be dancing on the sand and most importantly everyone will have a good time.
This evening the music was great, the crowd was awesome, the party was fantastic and the vibe was spectacular.
For those who do not know you can either watch the concert on the Pier where the band is or from the beach where the party is. Please be advised the band is on the pier so the music is a tad muted while sitting below the the band.
Everyone these days has an Iphone with a flashlight attached which you will need when walking around the picnic /​beach grounds because it is DARK. As I stated above some people have some pretty amazing layouts which you might not want to step on.
Go, enjoy, have a great time, leave with all the trash you brought with, if you see someone who has left trash behind please prevent it from being blown into the ocean. My friend and I left an hour early to beat the traffic to the 10 freeway and I am glad we did because even leaving an hour early it still took quite a bit of time to get onto the freeway from street parking now figure into the equation if you are stuck in one of those parking lot nightmares.
If you are coming early there are plenty of restaurants surrounding the pier that are off the beaten path and prices are reasonable.
There is no question with the information we have now that my girlfriend and I will be attending another Summer Concert before the season ends.
If you are looking for a good time with a good crowd look no further than this AMAZING CONCERT series. If you attending this concert series by bicycle which I have done from El Segundo there is a manned parking lot dedicated to parking your bicycle. The last time I rode my bicycle here this parking lot was ‘free’ now I am not sure.

Fantastic summer event from KCRW! This free concert series is held right on the pier and while the bulk of your commute will be spent in the construction laden streets right there in SanMo, once you find parking you are set. There are vendors offering free samples and most important there is great music. You can take in the tunes either from the pier or on the beach. After seeing these bands in clubs around the L.A. area, it was great to see PAPA and Cayucas in Santa Monica with a summer festival vibe.

Got to see Yuna for free!
These concerts are amazing! Why haven’t I attended these before?! Parking sucks if you arrive late but to be honest I thought it would be alot more crowded. The concert starts at 7 so be sure to get there early to grab a seat. When we arrived around 630, we were able to find a spot pretty easily up on the pier. The beach looked insanely crowded though.
Tip: you cant bring alcohol up on the pier. They check bags. If you want to drink, i would suggest camping out on the beach but be careful. COPS EVERYWHERE.
Great summer event! Go once! You wont be disappointed!

Parking: Parking: Crazy during concert nights. The pier parking lot is closed.
How can you not like free concerts on the beach?
Came here for an event. We sat on beach towels. Had some drinks.
We even tried the new fad: wonut: waffle donuts.
We watched the sun set over the water while listen to music.
The vibe has changed from last year (2013).
At last year’s event, people and the vibe was chill down at the beach.
There was even a large screen to watch the artist perform.
This year, vibe has changed. There tons of police. They had atvs and horses. The police was walking around and checking people out.
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the free concert. I heard the cults and Yuna so far this year.
If you like live music, you can come and enjoy live music for free.
Here is the link to their webpage: santamonicapier.org/twilightconcert­s/.
Thanks Audrey and Sandra for hosting another great event at the Santa Monica Twilight Concerts.

TBH, you’re here mostly to picnic with your friends on the beach below the pier, rather than go to the show itself. I mean you could go to the show but I feel its more for the atmosphere.
I went this past week on July 7^th to see Cults play, the show was going well earlier but later on the ran into some techical difficulties, you really couldn’t hear them on the beach any more and even when we got up on stage the sound was kind of muddled. But you know what I still had a great time! Go early save a spot and play in the ocean or toss a ball or frisbee around when its still light!
Parking can be kind of a pain, if you live near by or has a friend that does you may want to lyft or über in to avoid parking.
This place is good for groups or could also be like a romantic date. Just remember to bring the essentials… some sheets, a cooler with some munchies and wine and some plastic cups, a flag or totem if you have a group so that people an find you. Also bring a jacket or a blanket it can get chilly on the beach!
Remember no glass (or at least be discreet, this seemed to be the only thing the police were talking to people about.).

Bring food, wine, blankets, and preferably a cute someone who doesn’t mind live music and snuggling on summer nights. If that cute someone isn’t around, bring fun friends. If you live close enough, bikes or buses are worth avoiding parking hell. If you don’t live close enough, welcome to parking hell.
Concerts are now over for 2013, sorry you missed it. But now you can start planning for Summer 2014!

Nothing is better than FREE! A FREE outdoor music concert that is!
I actually came here for an event and I was blown away by the crowd that showed up. It took us almost 45 minutes to find parking and walk to the beach. Fortunately I had my handicap placard and we were able to park in the pier parking lot for free. Our friends found parking in the nearby 3^rd Street Promenade parking structures and walked over.
Since this is a free event, the place gets super crowded. People are drinking and smoking weed and it gets very rowdy. The music is great and for the best view, it is best to be seated on the beach facing the ferris wheel since they have a big screen set up to show all the bands performing on the pier. It seems that this event is taking place throughout summer every Thursday from 7−10pm.
Tip* Arrive early for best seating and bring a towel/​lawn chair to sit on the beach and since it gets chilly don’t forget a jacket!

Great Event. And it’s 100% FREE. This event is a concert which is held every Thursday in the summer (July — September) at the Santa Monica Pier. LIVE MUSIC!
More info here: (
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I first came here for their Salsa Concert. The show started at 7 and was still going strong after 10pm.
There were tons of people who showed up to dance. The had a dance floor right on the pier! Overall fun time.
Other concerts were just as good. My favorite was, Australia Rocks the Pier.
There are many other concerts that are coming up during the summer. Most of them start at 7pm. And the shows usually go on for about two hours.
I would suggest that you come early. Find a good spot to sit at. Bring a picnic blanket. A picnic basket… And have a picnic on the pier while watching live music. It doesn’t get any better than this.
There is also an option to picnic down below at the beach. It’s a little darker there. But there are tons of people who go there too. From down there you’re able to see the concert on a large jumbo-​tron that they have.
Parking for this place was pretty easy to find. I usually parked at the parking structure attached to the Santa Monica Place and walked down from there.