Ready for school? We’re not! We are back on our regular Tuesday cadence starting this week.

Since everyone has classrooms on the brain, we spent some time doing a deep dive into the latest local test score data. If you are trying to make sense of how our local public schools stack up, check out our comprehensive breakdown of public school rankings on the Westside to see exactly where our neighborhood schools stand.

Mark your calendars for next weekend, August 28-29, for Culver City's massive Fiesta La Ballona, featuring carnival rides, live music, and food trucks. Buy your unlimited ride wristbands in advance for $41

Lastly, Santa Monica college fall registration closes soon. For parents of high schoolers looking for dual-enrollment or local teens heading to college, Santa Monica College is closing its registration window. Classes begin Monday, August 31, 2026.

Every spring, kids across California take the CAASPP - the Smarter Balanced tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. The state reports the % of students who Met or Exceeded Standard. It's an imperfect measure, but it's the same test everyone takes and it's the closest thing we have to an apples-to-apples snapshot.

The Culver Steps Summer Sunset Music Series: Afro Cuban Night | 7pm | Thu | 8/20 | The fourth year of this community favorite brings vibrant Afro-Cuban rhythms. Downtown Culver City. Free. First-come seating on the steps, small blankets welcome.

Family Movie Night at the Cayton | 5:30–8:30pm | Fri | 8/21 | Cayton Children's Museum at Santa Monica Place. One last summer after-hours access featuring a classic film, themed activity stations, dinner, ice pops, and open play. Geared for kids ages 4–8. Tickets required, early drop-off available at 4 PM.

Zine-Making Workshop with Elena | 1–3pm | Sun | 8/23 | Rediscover Center Venice (12958 W Washington Blvd). A hands-on, family-friendly creative session where kids can use upcycled collage materials and drawing to fold, cut, and write their own story zines. Free.

kids + families

Neighborhood Game Night at Chace Park | 5:30–7:30pm | Tue | 8/18 | Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey. Community board game night on the waterfront. Choose from a family-friendly stash (including Chess, Rummikub, and Magic: The Gathering) or bring your own. All ages welcome. Free.

Locals Night at the Santa Monica Pier | 3–10pm | Thu | 8/20 | Santa Monica Pier. A beloved local tradition on the third Thursday of the month featuring all-ages outdoor concerts, youth activities, and neighborhood pride. Free.

Virginia Avenue Park Saturday Pico Farmers Market | 8am–1pm | Sat | 8/22 | Pico neighborhood, Santa Monica. Widely praised as one of the best coastal family markets. Grab fresh produce and pastries, then head right to the park's excellent playgrounds and open green space. Free entry.

Samizdat Sundays: Hidden Pocket Workshop | 10:30am | Sun | 8/23 | The Wende Museum, Culver City. A practical textile craft workshop where families can learn basic sewing to add a hidden pocket into their clothes or build a small custom pouch. Free.

Marina Drum Circle | 11:30am & 12:30pm | Sun | 8/23 | Burton Chace Park, Marina del Rey. High-energy interactive drumming led by Freedom Drum Circles. Drums are provided on-site for all skill levels and ages. Two back-to-back 1-hour sessions. Free.

RUNWAY Summer Concert Series: Reggae Night | 6–8pm | Sun | 8/23 | The Turf at Runway Playa Vista. Live outdoor music featuring the Indica Roots Band. It is completely free, walk-up friendly, and an easy timeframe to manage with kids before bedtime.