More than 20,000 people packed Third Street Promenade for Santa Monica Block Fest in June. Founder Peter Trinh says the fifth edition, set for Saturday, July 11, will be even bigger.

Block Fest Vol. V will take over all three blocks of the Promenade with multiple stages of live electronic music, a food night market on Arizona Avenue, and screenings of two FIFA World Cup quarterfinal matches: Norway vs. England and Argentina vs. Switzerland.

"Each edition of Santa Monica Block Fest raises the bar," Trinh said in a statement released by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. He said Vol. V will expand on June's format with more performers and new activations across the Promenade.

The lineup includes MOONLIGHT, Distant Matter, Sam Silver, and Marzi, spanning house, bass house, and tech house. The night market is anchored by Villa's Tacos, a Highland Park taqueria that appeared in Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime show, according to event organizers. Local makers will sell merchandise throughout an Entertainment Zone.

Admission is free, but attendees must reserve tickets in advance at posh.vip/e/santa-monica-block-fest-vol-v-free-music-festival. Start times had not been announced as of publication; check the ticket page for updates.

The festival is produced by YAPPY STUDIOS, Quickserve, and Beat Repeat in partnership with the City of Santa Monica and Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Debbie Lee, CEO of DTSM, said the event supports local businesses while drawing residents and visitors downtown.

Waymo is offering 30 percent off the first three rides to the event with promo code SMBF26.

The Santa Monica City Council is scheduled to vote on DTSM's fiscal year 2026–27 budget and work plan at its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 14, three days after Block Fest.

Upcoming Santa Monica community events

  • Saturday, July 11 — Free Yoga at Reed Park, 8:30–9:30 a.m. (Wilshire-Montana Neighborhood Coalition)
  • Monday, July 13 — Candidate workshop, 10 a.m., City Hall Council Chambers. Nomination period opens for City Council, Rent Control Board, SMMUSD Board, and Santa Monica College Board seats. Filing deadline: Friday, August 7, at 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 14 — Santa Monica City Council regular meeting, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street
  • Thursday, July 16 — Montana Branch Book Group, 6 p.m., Montana Branch Library. July selection: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng