By Lookout Staff

September 3, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Pier -- which inspired an iconic cartoon character and has appeared in more than 100 films, videos and video games -- is preparing for its close-up.

On Friday, the eyes of Santa Monica, and maybe the world, will be trained on the long and narrow wooden structure as it celebrates its 115th year with "an epic birthday party."

Popeye's first appearance in Thimble Theater on January 17, 1929 (with color subsequently added)

"From live performances by the world’s first Barbiecore band, Pinkstastic Plastixx," to an outdoor screening of the movie "Barbie," "the day promises to be one for the history books," Pier officials said.

While the special event is free, tickets are required for entry. To secure a FREE ticket, visit smpierbirthday.eventbrite.com.

The celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. with live music, followed at 7:30 with "Barbie" screening as the sun sets. Guests are welcome to bring "blankets and chairs for a cozy and unforgettable experience on the pier deck."

Pier Burger will be serving up special birthday treats, including a "custom Pier-themed cake for the first 115 attendees and a limited-edition Concrete (custard) flavor available for purchase throughout September."

Local vendors will be selling a variety of food, drinks and treats, while the Beer Garden will offer "a refreshing brew by the beach" for those 21 and over.

In addition, there will be "an array of kids’ activities," including games" and face painting, and a reading by Santa Monica’s first Poet Laureate, Anne Carmack, of a birthday poem for the Pier.

Guests can purchase exclusive merchandise commemorating the birthday and can take home a few memories snapped with instant Polaroids
by the INSTAX Fujifilm brand ambassadors.

It's a fitting tribute to what is likely the most filmed venue of its kind -- from Charlie Chaplin's “Tillie’s Punctured Romance” in 1914 to the Academy Award-winning films "The Sting" and "Forrest Gump" to the disaster comedy series "Sharknado."

Then there is the cartoon character Popeye, the one-eyed sailor born in a typhoon off of the Pier who made his first appearance in a comic strip when the original structure turned 20 in 1929.