𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡: Muscle Cars and Lowriders Steal the Spotlight at Santa Monica Pier’s Locals' Night

 

SANTA MONICA — A parade of chrome, horsepower, and culture rolled onto the Santa Monica Pier Thursday night as part of Pacific Park’s monthly “Locals’ Night” celebration. Dozens of muscle cars, custom lowriders, and vintage cruisers lined the pier’s wooden planks, drawing in car enthusiasts, photographers, and curious passersby under the glow of the Pacific Wheel.

The impromptu car show served as a centerpiece attraction for this month’s community event, which featured live music across two stages, youth performances, salsa dancing, and a bustling Art Mart showcasing over 40 local vendors. While bands like the Tom Nolan Band and House of Vibe filled the air with sound, the rumble of engines and sparkle of polished fenders added a raw, kinetic energy to the night.

From classic Chevelles and Impalas to hydraulics-equipped lowriders dancing to the beat, each vehicle on display was a tribute to Southern California’s rich automotive and Chicano heritage. Visitors took selfies with hood ornaments, chatted with proud car owners, and admired meticulous paint jobs, chrome spokes, and custom interiors.

Hosted every third Thursday from September through May, “Locals’ Night” aims to reconnect Santa Monicans with their iconic pier through a mix of art, culture, music, and community-driven activities. This month’s festivities also included a fundraiser for Concrete Queenz, a nonprofit supporting girls in South Los Angeles through skateboarding programs.

Pacific Park and the Santa Monica Pier Corporation continue to support hyperlocal creativity and expression, turning the historic boardwalk into a stage for community pride.

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Santa Monica Closeup will continue documenting the vibrant culture and stories unfolding on the Westside. Follow for more behind-the-scenes coverage from the ground.

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Classic Cars Shines at Santa Monica Pier to Benefit Local Youth Programs

Santa Monica Pier, Sept. 14, 2024 - The Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) is currently hosting the 4th Annual Westside Unity Classic Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier. The event, which kicked off at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. today, features over 200 classic cars, with makes and models dating back to the 1930s, on display.

This family-friendly event is free for all spectators and guests on foot. All proceeds from the show will go toward youth services and after-school programming for underserved youth in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County. 

Solo Riders and Classic Car Clubs can still register for $60 at the Pier. Roll-in time is strictly enforced between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The event aims to promote unity and highlight the thriving lowriding culture on the Westside of Los Angeles. "At a time when low-income residents of all backgrounds, especially Latino and African American residents, are being pushed out of Westside communities due to gentrification, we feel that unity, awareness, and visibility are needed more than ever," said Oscar de la Torre, Santa Monica City Councilman. "This car show celebrates our region’s cultural diversity, which is at risk of extinction."

For more information, email carshow@picoyouth.org or call (310) 804-3965 or (424) 480-8716. Video clips from previous Santa Monica Classic Car Shows on the Pier are available.