Santa Monica Pier Revs Up The New Year With First-Ever Drive-In Movie Night Featuring ‘Grease’

Get ready to rev your engines and relive the golden age of drive-ins as the Santa Monica Pier transforms into a nostalgic beachfront cinema for “Locals’ Night” on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 3:30-9:30 p.m., offering a special, first-ever drive-in movie on the Pier featuring the beloved film “Grease” presented by Pacific Park.

As part of the immersive drive-in experience, a limited number of vehicles will be able to drive onto the upper Pier deck, recreating a nostalgic drive-in movie night right above the Pacific Ocean. Guests watching from their cars can tune in via a dedicated radio station simulcasting the film’s audio, offering a true retro viewing experience under the stars. Movie begins at 6:30 p.m.

Tell Me More, Tell Me More

From 3:30-9:30 p.m., the event will include benefits for early Car and Chair arrivals, along with:

-Drive-In Screening of “Grease”

• Watch Sandy, Danny, and the whole Rydell High gang light up the screen in a magical, oceanside setting.

·Car arrival window: 3:30–5:30 p.m., early arrival recommended for best parking

·Movie begins: 6:30 p.m.

·Guests must remain in place for the full screening

·Exit permitted after 8 p.m.

- No Car, No Worries - Bring Your Own Blanket & Chair (BYOB&C). Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

-Costume Contest - Guests are encouraged to dress in their best 1950s-inspired attire for a chance to win special Pier prizes during the evening.

-Live DJ Sets - Oldies and classic hits spun before the movie from a car-club-style DJ setup on the east side of the Pier deck.

-Classic Car Club Setup - Vintage car enthusiasts will showcase their wheels alongside the event, adding to the 1950s ambiance.

-Live Music - SAMOHI Acapella performances from 6-6:30 p.m.

-Free Popcorn – On the house for the first 200 moviegoers.

-Bar Service – Available for guests 21 and over.

-Books & Cookies Musical Storytime – Family-friendly sessions inside the Merry Go-Round Building at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

-Stay Informed, Drive-In Movie Night – Go to the Locals' Night website for more information. Guests can also follow the Santa Monica Pier for live updates regarding tickets and other details via its social platforms at Facebook, Instagram, X, or Threads.

Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis with advance RSVP required, for FREE tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/locals-night-drive-in-movie-at-the-pier-tickets-1980013059361?aff=oddtdtcreator

“This ‘Locals’ Night’ is unlike anything we’ve done before,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian of the Santa Monica Pier. “We’re recreating a classic California drive-in experience—only this time, it’s on top of the Santa Monica Pier. It’s going to be a blast for families, film lovers, and car enthusiasts alike. It’s nostalgic, it’s joyful, and it brings generations together in a way only the Pier can.”

While many enjoy the magic of “Locals’ Night” and other free events at the Pier, few realize that it’s made possible by Santa Monica Pier Corporation—a nonprofit that isn’t fully funded by the City of Santa Monica.

Presented by Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, “Locals’ Night” is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for residents to rediscover the magic of the Pier while connecting with their community. Whether dancing to live music, watching movies, shopping local artisans, or enjoying the stunning ocean views, this event is designed to bring Santa Monicans and all Angelenos together in a fun and festive outdoor setting.

Arrive by Rideshare, Metro, Bus or Bike, the Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to preserving and enhancing the Santa Monica Pier experience for every visitor. Through impactful, location-specific programming offered year-round, SMPC ensures that the Pier remains a vibrant, world-class destination that is accessible to all. For more information on happenings at the Pier, please visit santamonicapier.org, or follow us onFacebook, Instagram,X, orThreads.

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, LA’s only admission-free amusement park, offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, Snackville with five fun food offerings and seaside retail shopping. Prices and operating hours are subject to change. For more information and operating hours, please call 310-260-8744, visit pacpark.com, and go to Facebook.com/pacificpark, Instagram.com/pacpark or X.com/pacpark.