COAST, Santa Monica’s Open Streets Event, is back for its third year to celebrate the City’s commitment to art, sustainability, and mobility. The annual open streets festival takes place on Sunday, October 7th, 2018 from 10AM-4PM. Locals can enjoy over two miles of car-free city streets in Downtown Santa Monica that are open for people to stroll, bike, and roll all over. Participants will be able to experience the community’s public spaces in a new, reimagined way and connect with local businesses, friends, family, and neighbors.
Last year, over 50,000 visitors came to Downtown Santa Monica for COAST. Changes this year include interactive exhibits and activities, live performances, and a live human art installation. Participants can also learn bike and scooter safety skills at the Bike Rodeo from Santa Monica Spoke, as well as have the opportunity to decorate their helmets.
Ocean Avenue from Wilshire Boulevard to south of City Hall and all of Main Street to Marine Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for the day. The Expo Line and Big Blue Bus are great ways to get to Santa Monica that day. If you must drive, parking will be available at the downtown structures and Civic center. Attendees are encouraged to ride their bikes, skateboard, or walk along the route. Bike rentals will be available in several locations along the route with free bike valets. Many businesses along the COAST route will be offering discounts and specials. See the full list at https://www.buylocalsantamonica.com/Coast.
Immediately following COAST is the final installment of Twilight on the Pier featuring South Asian Sounds.
Although many downtown streets will be closed for the event, there will still be several ways to access the beach parking lots and Pier. If you’re taking I-10W, you can get off on the 4th/5th Street exit, turn left on 4th and then right on Pico Blvd, and end up turning right on Appian Way. This will lead you directly to Lot 1 N. If you’re coming from Malibu and already on the PCH, just take the exit before the tunnel and turn right into the lot. Read more information on parking and directions here.
COAST is presented by Metro in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica. Coast is produced by Community Arts Resources for the City of Santa Monica. Thanks to the Santa Monica Department of Cultural Affairs, the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, the Transportation Management Office, and many others.