The coming days in and around Santa Monica and Malibu offer a diverse range of experiences, from celebrating local heritage to discovering emerging comedic voices and indulging in culinary delights. This weekend brings the 25th Annual Chumash Day Powwow, a vibrant cultural event honoring the region’s original inhabitants, alongside the Bergamot Comedy Festival, showcasing up-and-coming talent. A flurry of other events, from wine tastings to art workshops, promise something for everyone.
Among the highlights is the continued celebration of Women’s History Month, with a candid conversation featuring several former and current Santa Monica mayors. The area’s burgeoning food scene also takes center stage, with modern restaurant openings and unique culinary festivals adding to the vibrant local landscape. These events underscore the area’s commitment to arts, culture, and community engagement, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to connect and experience the best of what the region has to offer.
The Bergamot Comedy Festival, running from March 24–28 at The Crow (2525 Michigan Ave), aims to amplify voices often underrepresented in comedy. The festival provides a platform for emerging comedians through showcases, panels, and networking opportunities. More information can be found at bergamotcomedyfest.org.
Honoring Indigenous History with Chumash Day
Malibu’s 25th Annual Chumash Day Powwow, taking place Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29, from 10 a.m. To 6 p.m., is a significant event for the city and the wider region. The event acknowledges the Chumash people as the original inhabitants of the land, with the name “Malibu” itself deriving from the Chumash word “Humaliwo,” meaning “where the surf sounds loudly.” According to Malibu Mayor Bruce Silverstein, the Powwow is an opportunity for the city to honor this heritage. The city’s website details the event, which will feature singing, dancing, socializing, and healing practices led by Chumash elder Beverly Folkes.
A Conversation with Santa Monica’s Women Leaders
Celebrating Women’s History Month, Santa Monica’s Main Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd) will host “Making Herstory at City Hall” on Saturday, March 28, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 p.m. The panel discussion will feature current Mayor Caroline Torosis alongside former mayors Gleam Davis, Judy Abdo, Lana Negrete, and Pam O’Connor. They will share their experiences, offer advice to aspiring female politicians, and answer questions from the audience. Details and registration information are available at santamonica.gov.
Culinary Adventures and Creative Pursuits
Beyond these cornerstone events, a diverse array of activities are planned. Juneshine, located at 2914 Main St., will host a “Watercolor In The Wild Afternoon” workshop on Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m., combining painting with kombucha. Details can be found on their Instagram page: instagram.com/reels/DUkKVJxkeaL/. The Santa Monica Playhouse will present “Matty,” a play recounting the life of Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Christy Mathewson, on Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m. And Sunday, March 29, at 1:30 p.m. (santamonicaplayhouse.com/matty.html).
For those seeking a more lively evening, Mas Vino Please (700 Wilshire Blvd) will host a “Wine & Wax” event on Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m., featuring DJ @daisyodell and curated wine selections (instagram.com/p/DWPbSFwEizF/). A Singles Only Social Club Mixer is scheduled for Monday, March 30, at 7 p.m. At Bodega Wine Bar (814 Broadway) (instagram.com/p/DWAoraik44l/). Wine enthusiasts can also participate in a “Wine Tasting 101 Class” on Wednesday, April 1, at 6 p.m. At the Gourmandise School (395 Santa Monica Place) (cookingschoolsofamerica.com).
New Flavors and Ongoing Attractions
The local dining scene is also experiencing a surge of activity. Moo Korean BBQ has opened in Downtown Santa Monica (231 Arizona Ave), offering an all-you-can-eat tabletop grilling experience. Jeni’s Ice Cream (64 Winward Ave., Venice) has released its “Grand Dessert” tour flavors, featuring nostalgic takes on classic desserts (jenis.com). FIG (101 Wilshire Blvd) is hosting “Wine Camp,” an introductory wine tasting series, on Saturday, March 28, at 3 p.m. (instagram.com/figsantamonica). Chelsea (2460 Wilshire Blvd) is offering Prime Rib Sundays, starting with a soup or salad, followed by a roast prime rib dinner for $65 per person (chelseasm.com). A new café, ¡Salud! Venice (417 Washington Blvd), has opened, offering coffee by day and tequila-focused cocktails by night (saludvenice.com). Venice Boardwalk’s Castanea Sicilian Cafe is offering hands-on espresso and coffee classes on select nights (eventbrite.com).
For those seeking larger-scale events, the Yes Chef Food Fest LA Debut will capture place on Saturday and Sunday, March 28 & 29, at Reframe Studios (4561 Colorado Blvd), promising an immersive culinary experience (yescheffoodfest.com). The Vegan Street Fair will also be held in Westwood on the same weekend (veganstreetfair.com/losangeles).
Ongoing attractions include the Museum of Illusions, The CUBE VR, and Splatter Studio, alongside the month-long celebration of Arts, Culture & Creativity.
Looking Ahead
As the spring season unfolds, several major events are on the horizon, including the U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship (April 2-5), the Santa Monica Film Festival (April 11-13), the SaMo International Jazz Festival (May 1-9), and the Netflix Is A Joke Fest (May 4-10). These events promise to continue the momentum of cultural and entertainment offerings in the region.
The city continues to prioritize community engagement and cultural enrichment, and residents are encouraged to explore these diverse opportunities. Updates on future events and initiatives will be available through official city channels.
What events are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word about these exciting happenings!
