Pacific Park is officially turning 30, and the iconic seaside amusement park is celebrating with a week of community events, nostalgic moments and a major new opening on the Santa Monica Pier.
The six-day anniversary celebration begins May 21 with a special “Locals’ Night” honoring the Santa Monica residents, Pier tenants, and longtime supporters who helped shape Pacific Park over the past three decades.
A community-focused kickoff
Presented under the theme “30 Years of Fun — Built by the Community, Shared with the World,” the kickoff event will bring together local families, visitors and community organizations for an evening celebrating the Pier’s lasting legacy.
Partners for the event include Santa Monica Pier Corporation, local Pier businesses and the Santa Monica Police Activities League.
Sweet Rose Creamery opens at Pacific Park
The celebration will also mark the official opening of Sweet Rose Creamery at Pacific Park.
As part of the “Any Way You Scoop It” activation, guests attending Locals’ Night will receive complimentary scoops during the event, adding a classic California summer touch to the festivities.
A tribute to Santa Monica
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments will be a special lighting of the Pacific Wheel displaying the message “Thank You Santa Monica.”
The tribute recognizes the community and preservation advocates behind the historic “Save the Pier” movement of the 1970s, which helped protect the Santa Monica Pier and paved the way for Pacific Park’s opening on May 26, 1996.
Looking ahead
The anniversary celebration continues through May 26 with the release of “Sp30tlights: 30 Years of Fun,” a three-part series highlighting major milestones from Pacific Park’s 30-year history.
For many Angelenos, Pacific Park remains more than just a tourist attraction. It’s a proud symbol of Los Angeles beach culture, nostalgia and community that continues to define the Santa Monica coastline.
