It’s National Feral Cat Day!
🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Actor Tim Robbins (68), singer John Mayer (49)
📅 ON THIS DATE: Queen Marie Antoinette of France is beheaded by guillotine. (1793)
The heat is back –– just in time for a big weekend of local events. Expect temperatures in the 80s through Monday. You’ll still find plenty of cool events & activities –– including a block party for dogs and a one man play about a teen who meets David Bowie –– in today’s edition of The Cheat Sheet!
FUN IN THE SUN
Sydney Sweeney shows off new look during outing at Santa Monica Pier
The controversial star posted photos of her afternoon at Pacific Park.
“NOBODY WAS WATCHING”
Family of slain Cheyenne Zampino sues Santa Monica treatment center.
Her parents say The Manor was unable to provide a safe environment.
CRIME WATCH
City offers more attractive Pier lease deal to Santa Monica Brew Works than California Roadhouse
After ending negotiations with one operator, the City appears to be close to a deal to take over a restaurant and nightclub space on the Pier.
“DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS”
The tortured, true story of Tar & Roses
The popular restaurant will close after 15 years. In that time it has survived lawsuits, looting, a fire and more.
MAKE IT A LANDMARK?
Can Mel’s Drive In be saved from the wrecking ball?
The site of the former Penguin diner may soon be leveled to make way for an eight story apartment building.
10/19: Architectural Review Board meeting
10/20: Mid City Neighbors meeting
10/21: Planning Commission meeting
10/27: City Council meeting
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Smartless: Live @ Hollywood Bowl
A live taping of the popular podcast with hosts Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman and Will Arnett and two mystery guests.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
Main Street Block Party & ‘Day of the Dog’
A full afternoon of pup-friendly events including races, swimming and more.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
‘Letter From David’ opens at Santa Monica Playhouse
Magician Albie Selznick’s one man show is inspired by the unlikely connection he formed with rock god David Bowie in the early 1970s.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 – 18
Awareness Film Festival returns to Santa Monica
Celebrating 17 years of films driving social awareness and positive change.
10/17: Charlie XCX @ Kia Forum
10/17: Halloween on the Boardwalk @ Washington Place, Venice
10/17: Movie in the Park: ‘The Princess Bride’ @ Clover Park
10/17: Opera at the Beach @ Santa Monica Pier
10/17: Science Fiction & Horror Costume Ball @ SM Bay Women’s Club
10/18: ‘Into The Woods’ (Closing) @ Morgan-Wixson Theatre
10/20: Bonnie Raitt @ Pantages Theatre
10/20: Clever Girl Trivia @ The Venice West
10/21: Sacramento Kings v. L.A. Clippers @ Intuit Dome
10/22: Doja Cat @ Kia Forum
ONGOING EVENTS:
- Into The Woods @ Morgan-Wixson Theatre (ends 10/18)
- Olivia Rodrigo: The Cure @ Grammy Museum
- Brits in L.A. Trivia @ O’Brien’s Pub (Wednesdays)
- Bunny Hoppy Hour @ The Cook’s Garden (Wednesdays)
- Western Line Dancing @ Santa Monica Place (Wednesdays)
- Hang Ten Comedy Night @ Gladstones (Wednesdays)
- ‘Survivor’ Watch Party @ Lula Cocina (Wednesdays)
- Live Band Karaoke @ Harvelles (Wednesdays)
- Music Bingo @ O’Brien’s Pub (Thursdays)
- Tulum Thursdays @ Lulu Santa Monica (Thursdays)
- Mission IMPROVable @ Westside Comedy Theatre (Fridays)
- Magic By The Sea @ Illusion Magic Lounge (Fridays)
- The Toledo Show @ Harvelles (Sundays)
- Karaoke @ The Gaslite (Nightly)
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23 & 24
Ghosts of the Miles: Historical Haunt
Immersive haunted house experience. Ages 16+
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 & 31
‘Cinema by the Sea’ returns for two weeks only
The Regent Santa Monica will present screenings of Hocus Pocus (Oct. 24) and Practical Magic (Oct. 31)
BANANA BALL IS COMING TO LOS ANGELES! America’s most entertaining baseball team, The Savannah Bananas, will play two games against their arch rivals The Firefighters, on Friday & Saturday, April 23 & 24, 2027. Join the ticket lottery now.
Week 9 features several key matchups that could impact the rest of the season.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Samohi @ El Segundo
Brentwood @ Jefferson
Verbum Dei @ Saint Monica
Hamilton @ Palisades
Remember to check the Santa Monica Sun each weekend for scores and game recaps.
This newsletter is curated by The Santa Monica Sun and is intended as a resource for the Santa Monica and Westside communities. We encourage you to “opt-in” to receive weekly updates—please share this email with a friend!
If you would like to provide feedback or have news to submit, please reach out to CheatSheet@SantaMonicaSun.com.
- Cheat Sheet 10/16: Santa Monica news, entertainment, sports, events - October 16, 2026
- Why are so many dead pigeons hanging under the Santa Monica Pier? - October 15, 2026
- Family of slain Cheyenne Zampino sues Santa Monica treatment center - October 14, 2026