By Lookout Staff

April 9, 2026 -- The City has selected two dozen partners to produce "activations" that range from World Cup celebrations to neighborhood events held across the city.

The producing partners will "reimagine" community events as part of the two-year Realignment Plan approved by the City Council to support Santa Monica's "economic vitality and growth," City officials said.

The "diverse group of regional cultural producers" was identified through a "robust" request for proposals process launched in October 2025.

A panel of four professionals with expertise in event production, public programming, community outreach and grantmaking made the selections.

"These agreements establish a five-year eligibility list of qualified producing partners who may be considered for upcoming city activations and event opportunities," City officials said.

The selected 24 producing partners include local cultural staples such as McCabe's and the 18th Street Arts Center, as well as entertainment companies such as the Blue Note Entertainment Group that operates famous jazz clubs worldwide.

Other partners include dublab, Los Angeles Nomadic Division, Encompass Music Partners and Los Angeles Performance Practice.

The activations are being set up aross the City, with several taking place in June, including the 3rd annual Ocean of Sound, an evening at the historic Annenberg pool with "meditative" and "underwater" listening on June 6.

On June 19, the Blue Note Entertainment Group will be a producing partner for a free Juneteenth concert at the Miles Memorial Playhouse and Reed Park.

The new program will enhance the three-year large-scale events plan announced in late 2025 with community focused events over the next five years, including those associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Summer Olympics.

“Santa Monica is open for business, and these producing partnerships are proof of that,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said in a statement Wednesday.

“Through the Realignment Plan, we’re bringing in creative partners who will deliver fresh activations, grow our local economy and make sure our residents and visitors have more reasons to enjoy Santa Monica," Torosis said.