Santa Monica is kicking off a fun-filled summer, starting with the first-ever Santa Monica International Jazz Festival. The nine-day event runs May 1–9, 2026 and brings music, community vibes and culture to spots like Third Street Promenade, Tongva Park and BroadStage.
The festival is just the beginning of a larger push tied to the city’s Realignment Plan, which aims to refresh public spaces, draw more visitors and boost the local economy. City leaders say the expanded lineup of events is expected to bring in a lot more attention from across the region and beyond.
“We bet big on ourselves and it’s already paying off,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “We’re making history this summer with a lineup of events, activations and partnerships that this community has not seen before. It’s no exaggeration to say that Santa Monica will be the place to be in Southern California.”
Inaugural International Jazz Festival Takes Center Stage
The inaugural jazz festival, created through a partnership between BroadStage, SM Festivals and the City of Santa Monica, reflects a shared vision championed by legendary bassist Stanley Clarke to reestablish the city as a premier destination for live music.
The inaugural Santa Monica International Jazz Festival includes:
- Free opening event (May 3): A community concert on the Third Street Promenade featuring:
- Billy Mohler
- Genevieve Artadi
- Elijah Fox
- Finale concert (May 9): A ticketed showcase at Tongva Park headlined by:
- Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kamasi Washington
- with performances by Stanley Clarke and Friends
- Miles Electric Band
- KNOWER
- Sam Smylie
City leaders hope the diverse lineup will not only draw visitors, but also create lasting experiences for residents while supporting local businesses and energizing public spaces.
A Destination for Summer 2026
With an expansive mix of music, arts and civic celebrations, Santa Monica is positioning itself as a focal point for cultural life along the Southern California coast this summer.
From large-scale festivals and beachfront events to neighborhood gatherings and free community programming, the city is offering something for just about everyone.
