𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗖𝗬: Hundreds of Classics Roll on the Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — September 13, 2025 — More than 200 gleaming classics, from pre-war cruisers to chrome-laden lowriders, lined the historic wooden planks of the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday for the 5th Annual Santa Monica Classic Car Show. Hosted by the Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC), the free, family-friendly event transformed the pier into a rolling museum of automotive history and Westside culture.

The all-day showcase invited solo drivers and car clubs to display meticulously restored Chevrolets, Buicks, Fords, Cadillacs, Corvettes, and more—some dating back to the 1930s. Spectators strolled past candy-paint finishes, wire-rim wheels, and hydraulics demonstrations while the Pacific Ocean provided a dramatic backdrop. Organizers said the gathering drew thousands of visitors, echoing last year’s turnout of more than 3,000.

Beyond the polished chrome, the event carried a deeper mission. All proceeds support youth services and after-school programs for underserved families in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County. The show benefits the Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC), a Santa Monica–based non-profit dedicated to empowering at-risk youth ages 16–24. Serving hundreds of young people each year, PYFC provides case management, counseling, tutoring, job readiness training, leadership development, and creative outlets such as music, art, and computer training. Through these proven services and the dedication of a caring staff, the organization brings hope and opportunity to the lives of Santa Monica’s less fortunate youth while working to prevent violence and create lasting community connections.

“At a time when low-income residents, especially Latino and African American communities, are being displaced, unity and visibility are needed more than ever,” said Santa Monica City Councilman Oscar de la Torre. “This car show celebrates cultural diversity and keeps Westside lowrider traditions alive.”

The show continues until 4 p.m., with on-site registration available for late-arriving exhibitors. For details, visit picoyouth.org or email carshow@picoyouth.org.

Santa Monica Closeup will continue to document the day’s sights and sounds as the Pier celebrates the enduring artistry of lowrider culture and classic automotive design.

𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡’: Lowriders, Muscle, and Customs Turn Venice Into Car Paradise

VENICE BEACH — Car enthusiasts from across Southern California gathered at Windward Plaza on Sunday, August 31, 2025, for a free, family-friendly celebration of vintage automotive culture along the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk. The all-day event, hosted by the Westside Classics Car Club in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, showcased rows of classic vehicles, including lowriders, kustoms, street rods, rat rods, pre-1980s trucks, and muscle cars. From meticulously restored models to bold custom builds, the show offered a vibrant display of craftsmanship and nostalgia that drew a diverse crowd of car lovers, photographers, and curious beachgoers. Set against the unmistakable backdrop of Venice Beach, the gathering served as a lively tribute to Southern California’s enduring car culture. Throughout the day, attendees explored polished chrome and colorful paintwork, stopped for photo opportunities, and spoke with owners who traveled from across the region to showcase their rides. Food vendors and memorabilia booths added to the festive atmosphere, blending community spirit with the rumble of engines. Organizers said the show underscored their mission to preserve classic vehicles while creating a space for connection, storytelling, and appreciation of the region’s rich automotive history. The event added a nostalgic spark to the Labor Day weekend, with celebrations continuing through Monday.

𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡' 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗗𝗘: Santa Monica Hosts First-Ever Classic Car Show on Third Street Promenade

SANTA MONICA, CA — For the first time ever, the iconic 3rd Street Promenade was transformed into a boulevard of chrome and culture as classic car enthusiasts gathered for the inaugural Classic Car Show, held Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event was co-hosted by Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC), Downtown Santa Monica, and @310RidersCarClub, and stretched from Broadway to Wilshire, drawing in families, collectors, and car lovers of all ages. Organizers emphasized the event as a celebration of unity, community, and culture, offering a moment of positivity during challenging times.

The street filled with polished classics, lowriders, and custom builds as DJ Jason Gnarlee provided the soundtrack for a festive day that also featured games, a 50/50 raffle, and food and drink discounts at local restaurants. Entry was free to the public, though vehicle registration was coordinated through organizer Anthony Quinn.

“Bringing this show to the Promenade isn’t just about the cars — it’s about creating space for togetherness and celebrating Santa Monica’s diverse spirit,” said organizers in a joint statement.

With limited spots for vehicles and strong turnout from the community, the event marked what many hope will become a new annual tradition on the Westside.

𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗟: Venice’s Dogtown Super Show Dazzles With Lowriders and Lookers

VENICE BEACH, CA — Car enthusiasts from across Southern California gathered at Windward Plaza on Saturday, July 26, 2025, for the return of the Dogtown Super Show, a free, family-friendly celebration of vintage automotive culture along the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk. The all-day event, presented by the Dogtown Devils Car Club in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, featured more than 200 classic vehicles, including Lowriders, Kustoms, Street Rods, Rat Rods, pre-1980s Trucks, and Muscle Cars. From meticulously restored classics to creative custom builds, the show offered a vibrant display of craftsmanship and nostalgia that drew a diverse crowd of car lovers, photographers, and curious beachgoers. Festivities kicked off at 9:00 a.m. and continued through the afternoon with community-focused contests and entertainment. A corn-hole tournament sparked friendly competition at noon, followed by a vintage-style Pin-Up Contest at 2:30 p.m. The event concluded with an award ceremony at 3:30 p.m., recognizing standout vehicles in categories such as Best Classic, Best Kustom, Best Lowrider, Best Muscle Car, Best Paint, and Best Chop. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed food vendors, photo booths, and opportunities to interact with car owners, many of whom traveled from far beyond Venice to showcase their vehicles. Organizers emphasized the event’s accessibility and community spirit. “This is a 100% family-friendly event,” read one message from the Dogtown Super Show team. “Come down and experience the most fun you’ve had at the beach all summer.” The Dogtown Super Show continues to serve as a vibrant tribute to Southern California’s enduring car culture, set against the unmistakable backdrop of Venice Beach.

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.