Before Santa Monica became internationally known for its beach, pier and tourism, a Black community was building a life near the California coast.
That history takes center stage Sunday, October 11, during Continuum: Honoring Belmar History & Black Santa Monica, a free, all-ages celebration at Historic Belmar Park.
Presented in partnership with the City of Santa Monica and Goldenvoice, the afternoon will combine history with music, art, conversation, community and Black entrepreneurship.
Celebrating a History Many Angelenos Don’t Know
The event highlights Santa Monica’s history as home to one of California’s oldest African American settlements in a seaside community.
Award-winning journalist and podcast host Sam Sanders will join historian Alison Rose Jefferson, artist April Banks, Quinn Research Center archivist Carolyne Edwards and Bloom & Plume founder Maurice Harris for a conversation exploring Belmar history, Black Santa Monica, Black joy and the importance of preserving community legacy.
Visitors can also explore historical panels throughout the park and view archival images and multimedia installations connected to the history of the community.
Music, Art and a Black-Owned Marketplace
Continuum isn’t designed as a history lecture.
The celebration will include KCRW DJ Tyler “Boogie” Boudreaux, NPR Tiny Desk winner Cure for Paranoia, and a special Party In My Living Room experience hosted by THURZ with jazz, hip-hop and soul collective Katalyst.
A genre-blending Songs with Strings performance will bring together contemporary artists, classical strings, hip-hop, R&B and soul.
Black entrepreneurship will also be part of the afternoon through a vendor village curated by Black Market Flea, giving attendees an opportunity to shop and support Black businesses and creators.
Additional activities include art-making, floral activities and opportunities to explore the public art and historical interpretation throughout Belmar Park.
For Angelenos who know Santa Monica primarily as a beach destination, Continuum offers an opportunity to discover another layer of the city’s history while celebrating the Black community that helped shape it.
Continuum: Honoring Belmar History & Black Santa Monica
When: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Time: Noon–5 p.m.
Where: Historic Belmar Park, Santa Monica
Admission: Free and open to all ages
Official information: City of Santa Monica — Continuum: Honoring Belmar History & Black Santa Monica
