Highlights from the Santa Monica Elks Lodge 906 Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards Dinner on Thursday, January 31, 2019. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE; also often known as the Elks Lodge or simply The Elks) is an American fraternal order founded in 1868 originally as a social club in New York City. The Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.

Guests ride on pop-up #zipline during W Hotels Costa Rica launch party at the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. W Hotels is celebrating the opening of its newest resort in Costa Rica.

Artist James Shepard from Markhan Designs paints a mural at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken on 2309 Main St., Santa Monica, Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

Tatiana Zamir and Isokan Arts Collective perform during the 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the SGI-USA World Peace Auditorium on Monday, January 21, 2019. The multi-ethnic, interfaith program — attended by hundreds of community members including local leaders and elected officials — featured Derric J. Johnson, the founding director of Crossroads Schools new Equity & Justice Institute as keynote speaker. In addition, there were performances by Tatiana Zamir and Isokan Arts Collective, 21st Street Singers of Crossroads School, and inspirational readings by local faith and community leaders.

The Venice Electric Light Parade rolls along the #SantaMonica Beach Bike Path on Sunday, January 20, 2019

Strong men compete at the Santa Monica Pier during the Arnold Sports Festival Pro Strongman USA on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Martins Licis won the Strongman competition. 

The Arnold Strongman USA consists of disciplines designed to demonstrate a balanced combination of complete and extraordinary body strength.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is hosted the event and a portion of the proceeds will benefit California Firefighters. Special Guests included 2018 Arnold Classic Strongman champion Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson and two-time Arnold Strongman Classic champ Brian Shaw.

Santa Monica Place commemorates the Year of the Pig with its annual Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 16, from 2 – 6 p.m. Hosted by comedian Paul “PK” Kim, celebrations will include authentic cultural performances and activities such as the traditional Chinese lion dance, Korean fan dance, stilt walkers, traditional dough artist, balloon twister, classical folk music from a Chinese musical duo, New Year’s Wishing Trees and family-friendly arts and crafts for all to enjoy. New this year is the addition of popular K-pop dance group, First Bite.

“Santa Monica Place is an international destination and the Lunar New Year holiday is meaningful to our local community and visitors," commented Stephanie Eglin, Senior Manager, Marketing, Santa Monica Place. "Bringing the cultural traditions of the holiday to life through activities and entertainment offers a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate." 

Santa Monica Place’s Lunar New Year celebration features a variety of free cultural activities for the whole family to experience. Patrons are invited to hang a wish on the branches of the two New Year’s Wishing Trees for a donation. The proceeds will benefit Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) at UCLA. CSSA-UCLA is an officially registered on-campus organization devoted to organizing activities for Chinese student groups and promoting traditional Chinese culture on the UCLA campus.

More information about Santa Monica Place and the annual Lunar New Year celebration is available here.

Santa Monica Place is located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, at Broadway and Third Street Promenade. The event will be held on level one in Center Plaza.

Here is a short documentary video featuring the Santa Monica Pier buskers