August 3, 2026
Outdoor summer banner announcing Tongva Twilight Sounds & Cinema with a starry night background and the tagline 'Celebrating music, movies & community'

Santa Monica is firing up the final stretch of summer with a new weekly outdoor event series designed to wrap up the season in style.

Tonga Twilight: Sounds & Cinema kicks off August. 8 and runs six consecutive Saturdays, bringing free live music, outdoor film screenings, and community gatherings to Tongva Park’s main lawn each evening starting at 7 p.m.

A Nod to a Santa Monica Classic

The title is a deliberate wink to the city’s iconic Twilight Concert Series that historically drew massive crowds to the Santa Monica Pier.

“It’s no accident this series’ title hints at the City’s much-loved Twilight Concerts of the past,” said Martin Fleischmann, producer of Tongva Twilight and founder of local concert company Rum & Humble. “Once again, we can gather in the cooling breeze under the stars and within earshot of the waves to enjoy specially curated concerts and films.”

Mayor Caroline Torosis noted that the series builds on recent city activations, including May’s Santa Monica International Jazz Festival and recent FIFA World Cup fan events.

Parking is available in the Santa Monica Civic Center structure.  There is also metered street parking along Ocean Ave., Main St., and Olympic Blvd.

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The Initial Lineup

Events begin at 7:00 p.m. each Saturday. The initial schedule includes:

  • Saturday, Aug. 8: All-star ska jazz ensemble Western Standard Time
  • Saturday, Aug. 15: New Orleans funk group The Rumble
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: High-energy salsa orchestra Son Mayor (includes a free pre-show salsa dance lesson)
  • Saturday, Sept. 5: ’70s yacht rock hits from The Windbreakers

Additional musical acts and film screening titles will be announced on the city’s website in the coming weeks. Free popcorn will be provided during movie nights while supplies last.

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Know Before You Go

  • When: Saturdays, Aug. 8 – Sept. 12, 2026 | Starts at 7:00 p.m.
  • Where: Tongva Park (1615 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica)
  • Cost: Free admission
  • What to Bring: Blankets, low-back lawn chairs, and picnic.
  • More Info: santamonica.gov
Sean Daly
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