Celebrating an Open Main Street

Santa Monica's Main Street

It's a time to head out and reconnect with friends and neighbors on an open Main Street for four weekends this summer and fall in Santa Monica: July 24-25, August 21-22, September 18-19, and October 16-17.

Join the community one weekend a month as two blocks of Main Street are transformed into an open pedestrian plaza where the community can safely enjoy al fresco dining, family-friendly activities, art displays, and of course, shopping galore. All in the name of celebrating the reopening of our neighborhood and its businesses.

Where to Celebrate an Open Main Street

Main St. between Hill and Ashland and Ashland and Kinney will be open to pedestrians, with space reserved for extra outdoor seating and activities.

Vehicle traffic will be detoured from Main Street to Neilson Way. The traffic light at Main Street and Ashland Avenue will remain operational to support pass-through traffic to and from the public parking lots. Barricades will protect the shared open space, with a dedicated fire and police lane. 

Restaurants and businesses will operate during regular weekend hours. Traffic control measures will be in place from Saturday 4 am to Sunday midnight. 

An Open Main Street: Getting There and Parking

Transit Riders: During the four weekends, five bus stops will be temporarily closed. Big Blue Bus riders will temporarily be served from the following three stops:

• Westbound Marine Street near side Neilson Way

• Eastbound Marine Street near side Main Street

• Southbound Main Street near side Ocean Park Boulevard 
  

Drivers: 

• All north-south Main St. traffic will be detoured to Neilson Way, with plenty of signs

• East-west streets will operate as usual.

Bikes & Scooters:

• Bicyclists and scooter users need to dismount within the area.

Parking:

Parking is available in the public lots west of Main Street and after 8 p.m. on the west side of Neilson Way.

Sharing an Open Main Street

"Sharing an Open Main Street” was initiated by the Main Street Business Improvement Association and Ocean Park Association to support local businesses and comprehensive community recovery.

It was approved as a pilot by the City Council and funded by grants, including Metro’s Open Streets program, to promote business recovery and community resilience after COVID-19.

Sharing an Open Main Street builds on the popular Al Fresco sidewalk and parklet dining program brought to you by the City of Santa Monica, Main Street Business Improvement Association, and Ocean Park Association. 

Sharing an Open Main Street webpage