Main Street closes to cars Sunday, Oct. 18, for a free block party and dog festival billed as Santa Monica's last street festival of 2026.
The Main Street Business Improvement Association, led by Executive Director Hunter Hall, is presenting the Main Street Block Party + Day of the Dog from noon to 6 p.m. between Pier Avenue and Pacific Street. The Day of the Dog portion, produced by Pet-A-Palooza, occupies the stretch between Pacific Street and Ocean Park Boulevard from noon to 5 p.m., according to the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Dogs are the draw. The festival includes a canine costume contest, a haunted house for pups, breed-specific races and more than 100 pet exhibitors, according to the Ocean Park Association newsletter. A VCA and Venice Paparazzi pet photo booth rounds out the animal attractions.
Humans have plenty to do, too. Live music plays on the Main Street Stage from noon to 5 p.m. A classic car meet runs from 2 to 6 p.m. The WRX offers free fitness classes at noon and 3 p.m. at 2215 Main St. A Kids' Corner from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Pump Station features sports demos, free face painting, crafts and musical story time with Books & Cookies.
At 3 p.m. on the Main Street Stage near Pier Avenue, Ina Bakes Studio and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism will mark the Route 66 centennial with a community cake. Complimentary mini cupcakes and dog treats will be available while supplies last.
Admission is free. The one paid option is a $10 Tito's cocktail ticket for the Ashland Hill Beer Garden at 2807 Main St., open 1 to 6 p.m. Eight dollars from each ticket goes to the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation. Organizers hope to raise $4,000. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Getting there: Main Street will be closed from Pier Avenue to Pacific Street from 5 a.m. to about 10:30 p.m. Big Blue Bus Routes 1 and 8 will detour for the day. Metered and garage parking are available nearby.
