Montana Avenue Art Walk 2026: Free Family Fun, Art & Route 66 in Santa Monica!

Santa Monica families can spend a full day outdoors with art, live music, hands-on kids' activities, wellness experiences, classic cars, shopping and Route 66 nostalgia when the Montana Avenue Art Walk returns on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

The free, all-ages neighborhood festival will take over Montana Avenue in Santa Monica from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This year's celebration is especially notable because it is part of Santa Monica's Route 66 Centennial programming, marking 100 years of the legendary highway.

Why Families Will Want to Check It Out

The Art Walk is designed to be much more than rows of art booths. Families can stroll the avenue at their own pace while discovering artists, live performances, interactive installations, local shops and restaurants, and activities created specifically for children.

A dedicated Family + Kids Area is planned with hands-on creative experiences, family entertainment and the Give Hugz Teddy Bear Clinic, where children can play doctor with stuffed animals. Organizers also announced activities from Paint Lab, Drea's Doodles, Still Life Studio, Holey Moley and more, with additional family-stage programming expected closer to the event.

Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66

This year's Art Walk doubles as a Route 66 Centennial celebration. Families can expect Route 66-inspired artwork, interactive experiences and a classic car showcase that brings some road-trip nostalgia to the day.

That theme is a natural fit for Santa Monica, one of the places most closely associated with the western end of historic Route 66. For kids who love cars, history or roadside Americana, the centennial elements add another layer to an already busy festival.

Live Music and Free Fitness Classes

The day begins with complimentary fitness sessions before shifting into live music and performances. The announced Main Stage schedule includes Andrea White Pilates at 11:00 AM, Solidcore at 11:35 AM, and Mighty Pilates at 12:10 PM, followed by music from SOL-LA Music Academy, School of Rock, Asanabenche Band, Cats on the Stand, Regina Ferguson, and Henry Cornell.

Schedules can change, so check the official event information before you go if there is a particular performance your family does not want to miss.

Montana Avenue Art Walk 2026: Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

Location: Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, approximately 7th Street through 17th Street

Admission: Free

Ages: All ages

Tickets/RSVP: No ticket is required to attend the Art Walk.

Parking, Street Closures and Getting There

Montana Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic within the event area, making the festival especially walkable. The City of Santa Monica lists the October 3 event closure along Montana Avenue from 7th to 17th streets from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Street parking may be available in the surrounding neighborhood, but families should allow extra time and pay close attention to posted parking restrictions. Walking, biking, carpooling or rideshare may be easier than trying to park close to the festival. The organizer recommends rideshare drop-off near 9th or 14th Street.

Parent Tips Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes. The fun stretches across multiple blocks, so expect plenty of walking.

Arrive earlier in the day if younger children want the most time for activities. With art, performances, food stops, and the Family + Kids Area, it would be easy to spend several hours here.

Bring sun protection and water for a daytime outdoor event, and check the weather before leaving home. If you plan to eat on Montana Avenue, remember that restaurants and cafés may be especially busy during the festival.

Where to Find Current Event Information

For the latest schedule, participating artists, activities and any last-minute changes, visit the official Montana Avenue Art Walk page before heading out.

Takeaway

The Montana Avenue Art Walk is an easy pick for families looking for a free Westside outing. There is no admission fee or rigid itinerary, so parents can stay for an hour or turn it into a full afternoon of art, music, kids' activities, shopping and food. The Route 66 Centennial theme and expanded family programming make the 2026 edition particularly worth putting on the calendar.

Event information was verified by Fun With Kids in LA using the organizer's September 16 press announcement, the official Montana Avenue event page and current City of Santa Monica street-closure information. Event details can change, so confirm the latest information with the organizer before attending.