Photos: Open Main Street Draws Hundreds To Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Main Street closed to cars and opened for hundreds of pedestrians this weekend in Santa Monica.

The event Saturday and Sunday featured activities for families, dancing, fitness classes, music and art all in the middle of Dogtown.

People cruised along the open road as kids had their faces painted and climbed a giant rock wall. Each time they hit the top they rang the bell — the crowd cheered each time.

Locals dined al fresco along the walkway, stopping for coffee and brunch at the sidewalk tables, grabbing beers at local bistros, and relaxing as people strolled by.

The event is part of a car-free pilot program and citywide business revitalization effort amid the pandemic. It's hosted by the Ocean Park Association, Main Street merchants, the city of Santa Monica and LA Metro.

The celebration welcomes neighbors to reconnect and get outside on Main Street, closing the two blocks between Hill and Kinney. The next event will be Sept. 18 to 19, and Oct. 16 to 17.

“This is a pilot that builds on the creative ways we’ve adapted our sidewalks and public spaces during the pandemic,” Santa Monica Mayor Sue Himmelrich said in a statement.

“Now that we can safely gather again, Main Street is a perfect backdrop for a summer block party in support of the small, local businesses that kept us going throughout the last year," Himmelrich said.

“For years, merchants and residents have wanted to explore the possibility of making Main Street more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. This is our opportunity and we’re very excited to be a part of it,” said Hunter Hall, Executive Director of the Main Street Business Improvement Association.

During the event, vehicle traffic is detoured from Main Street to Neilson Way for the pedestrian plaza. The traffic light at Main Street and Ashland Avenue remain operational to support passthrough traffic to and from the public parking lots.

Visit the website for more information about road detours and parking.

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