Santa Monica is betting on a major beachfront EDM festival to revitalize its struggling economy and cultural scene. City Council member Dan Hall introduced the motion to partner with Goldenvoice, aiming for a one-day event in Fall 2026.
The proposed festival would transform "The Sandbox" south of the iconic Pier into a vibrant music destination.
Santa Monica, a city once defined by its vibrant culture, has faced economic challenges and cultural decline. The pandemic accelerated this unraveling, with tourism figures down and local jobs decreasing. Now, the city is taking bold action to reclaim its status as a premier destination.
A New Beat for the Pier
The plan involves transforming "The Sandbox," a 550,000-square-foot stretch of sand, into a major beachfront festival. Goldenvoice, the powerhouse behind Coachella, recently secured an exclusive negotiation agreement. They are evaluating a one-day festival in Fall 2026, featuring 12 to 15 artists and accommodating up to 35,000 attendees.
Influential DJ and producer Kaskade notes the city's shift. "I've watched it shift from a shared living room feeling, creative and alive, to a place that's slowed down," he tells EDM.com. "Music is still the fastest way to bring people back into a space together."
Councilman Dan Hall's Vision
City Council member Dan Hall is spearheading this ambitious project. He introduced the motion to launch the festival, aiming to celebrate the Pier's history and boost the local economy. Hall confirms the focus is on electronic dance music.
"Our Council has given direction to staff twice... that we are pursuing an EDM festival," Hall states. He believes the festival will bring back "the fun," generate new revenue, and showcase Santa Monica as a "cool place to be."
Why EDM and Santa Monica?
Hall addresses concerns about the current festival market, citing the unique setting. "Imagine vibing out to Above & Beyond while the sun sets over the Santa Monica Mountains," he explains. "It's the perfect setting for an incredible, memorable experience."
He emphasizes the Pier's iconic status. "No other beach on the West Coast is as iconic as right next to the Santa Monica Pier," Hall says. This unique ambiance, coupled with the ferris wheel lit up, could make the event truly irreplaceable.
Safety and Community Integration
Ensuring resident and festival safety is paramount. Hall clarifies that if a safe environment cannot be created, the festival will not proceed. Unlike past unticketed Pier Concerts, this event would be ticketed and controlled, with private security supplementing local authorities.
Hall is also focused on the festival's economic impact beyond the gates. He aims for "community benefits" as part of the deal. This could include a local vending program and encouraging attendees to patronize local businesses. He even hopes for a two-day festival to boost hotel and restaurant visits.
"The Pier and the businesses, nonprofits, workers, fishermen, and visitors who all make up the Pier community are the heart of our local tourism industry," Hall affirms. He is working with these groups to ensure the festival's success benefits everyone involved.
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