The team behind the renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is set to introduce a new annual music festival at the Santa Monica Pier. Scheduled for fall 2026, this event will mark the city’s first large-scale beachfront music festival, approved recently by the Santa Monica City Council. The festival is anticipated to attract between 30,000 and 35,000 attendees, offering a unique experience on the sand near the iconic Pier.
In an official statement reported by Time Out Magazine, Melissa Ormond, the Chief Operating Officer of Goldenvoice and AEG Presents, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Santa Monica. “Partnering with the city of Santa Monica to bring a yearly music festival to the Pier is a true honor for us,” Ormond stated. “We can’t wait to bring world-class music and artists to one of the most beautiful urban locations in the state.”
Festival Details and Future Plans
The inaugural festival will feature performances from 12-15 artists, along with a selection of food and beverage vendors, merchandise stalls, art installations, and brand activations that emphasize local culture. Designed as a single-day event, the festival is intended to return annually in 2027 and 2028.
This new festival aligns with a broader city strategy aimed at revitalizing the Pier and surrounding areas, preparing for a series of significant international events heading to Los Angeles. These include the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition to the music festival, Santa Monica will host a World Cup fan club at the Pier and an ESPN fan festival in 2027, along with various international hospitality and broadcast hubs during the Olympic Games.
City officials have clarified that the festival will be privately funded. The producers will cover expenses related to property use, services, and security, ensuring that no public funds from the City of Santa Monica will be involved. The city emphasizes that the focus will remain on community benefits, economic impact, and maintaining public access wherever feasible.
As the festival’s debut approaches, further details, including specific dates and the artist lineup, are expected to be announced via social media platforms. The anticipation surrounding this event highlights Santa Monica’s growing role as a destination for major cultural happenings, promising an exciting addition to the local community and economy.
