With a handful of thoughtfully-chosen changes and much-needed improvements made for this season, the 34th annual, FREE, and all-ages cool concert series held at the world-famous Santa Monica Pier is booked and ready to launch in September.
What’s different this year?
Sometimes change is good. This is one of those times! To help make this annual event more enjoyable not only for everyone attending the event, but also for people working at the event and for the residents living and driving in the area, there have been a handful of changes made for this 2018 season. Here’s what’s different:
For starters, the name has changed; however, the music will still be phenomenal. This year’s festival is called the Twilight on the Pier!
While the free concert series at the Santa Monica Pier was traditionally held in June each summer, this year it’s been moved to September — with the first concert launching on September 5th and the last event being held on October 7th.
Instead of the 10 events that were held in 2016, and the 8 events in the series that were held in 2017, the 2018 concert series will include 6 events.
Another big change is that this year there will now be three stages spread out across the Pier instead of just one main stage in one area.
Music enthusiasts will not be able to boogie to the concerts, set up there picnic, or even view the event from the beach as in past seasons.
This season, the bands have been booked to play in loosely-themed music nights like: Latin, R&B, and Indie.
The event is FREE each week; however, you must RSVP!
Places to get some grub before the music starts
There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat to bring to the concert; here are just a few:
Seaside on the Pier – a sandwich shop, grill, and rooftop lounge
The Albright – a seafood specialty eatery with an open-air patio
Pacific Park Food Court – fries, pizzas, tacos, chicken wings, and all your classic favorites
Soda Jerks – handmade soda fountain treats
Japadog – delicious hot dogs uniquely topped with Japanese ingredients
Bubba Gump Shrimp – serving southern-influenced shrimp (and ribs!)
Pier Burger – besides mouth-watering burgers, they’ve got custards, shakes, and other perfect-for-picnic treats
The Lineup
Each Wednesday, the music starts at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m.
- September 12th: Betty Who w/ Touch Sensitive at the Santa Monica Pier (FREE w/ RSVP)
- September 19th: Judy Mowatt w/ Bokanté, Twilight Steel Drums, & DJ Danny Holloway at the Santa Monica Pier (FREE w/ RSVP)
- September 26th: Brazilian Girls w/ Sudan Archives, Capyac, & Yoya at the Santa Monica Pier (FREE w/ RSVP)
- October 3rd: FELA! the Concert w/ Tiffany Gouche, Twilight Drum Circle, & DJ Nnamdi at the Santa Monica Pier (FREE w/ RSVP)
- October 7th: Red Baraat w/ Vidya Vox, DJ Rekha, & Discostan at the Santa Monica Pier (FREE w/ RSVP)
Spotlighting the absolute best and brightest musicians and artists from SoCal and even around the world, the 2018 Twilight on the Pier includes immersive art, food offerings, a beer and spirits garden, games, and interactive activations! With its two new stages and the new art-walk vibe, this season’s Twilight on the Pier is certain to be a fun and cool way to enjoy Wednesday nights in September and October! Bring your blankets, chairs, and snacks and plan to attend each of the six concerts! Be sure to RSVP for each week’s event!