SANTA MONICA—Santa Monica’s summer event, “State of the City 2026: From Realignment to Renaissance,” will take place Thursday, July 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ocean Park Branch Library located along Main Street between Hollister Avenue and Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica.
This family-friendly event invites residents and visitors to support local businesses, explore the corridor, and even take part in fun activities and exhibits celebrating the city of Santa Monica’s accomplishments. There will even be special meet-and-greet opportunities with ESPN personality and NFL Network reporter Taylor Bisciotti to celebrate the launch of ESPN Beach next year.
ESPN Beach is scheduled to launch next year as the state-of-the-art multiplatform hub for Super Bowl coverage and will simultaneously serve as an immersive fan experience. ESPN Beach will be located at the Santa Monica Pier and Beach.
Goldenvoice, a division of AEG Presents and creator of Coachella, will offer a preview of Ocean Way Festival, a new music festival coming to Santa Monica this September.
Mayor of Santa Monica, Caroline Torosis, will deliver a speech during the event addressing its importance and attendees. Torosis explains the significance of “State of the City” being held on Main Street.
“Santa Monica is on stronger footing than we’ve been in years, and this year’s State of the City is about what we do with that. We’re holding it on Main Street, outside the newly reopened Ocean Park Branch Library, because the future of this city gets built in neighborhoods like this one. I’ll be sharing where we’re headed on housing, public safety, and a local economy that works for the people who live and work here,” said Torosis.
The city of Santa Monica will also distribute a limited number of vouchers that are redeemable for one eligible purchase per person, excluding alcohol, at participating Main Street businesses while supplies last.
The Main Street Entertainment Zone will allow adults 21 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating businesses and consume them on sidewalks between Strand Avenue and Pier Avenue as well as in the closed section of Main Street. Wristbands are required, and outside alcohol is prohibited.
Due to the event, Main Street will be closed from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information on “State of the City,” including parking, transportation, and accessibility, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/state-of-the-city-2026-tickets-1991414932671
By Ryley Metten