Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade Hosts Events to Revive Foot Traffic

Ongoing safety concerns remain despite efforts to draw more visitors to the popular shopping district.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of people walking along a busy street, with warm, blurred pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene that captures the energy and activity of the Third Street Promenade.The city's efforts to revive foot traffic at the Third Street Promenade aim to support local businesses, but lingering safety concerns remain a challenge.Santa Monica Today

The city of Santa Monica is organizing a series of events at the Third Street Promenade in an effort to revive foot traffic and support local businesses in the popular shopping district. However, some residents say that safety concerns still linger in the area.

Why it matters

The Third Street Promenade has long been a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Santa Monica, but the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have led to a decline in foot traffic in recent years. These city-sponsored events aim to bring people back to the Promenade and give a much-needed boost to local businesses, but concerns about public safety remain an obstacle.

The details

The event series includes live music, food trucks, and other activities designed to draw more visitors to the Third Street Promenade. City officials hope that increased foot traffic will translate to more sales for the local shops and restaurants that have struggled during the pandemic. However, some residents say that safety issues, such as homelessness and petty crime, continue to be a problem in the area and may deter people from visiting.

  • The event series at the Third Street Promenade began in early April 2026.
  • The events are scheduled to run throughout the spring and summer months.

The players

Third Street Promenade

A popular outdoor shopping and entertainment district in Santa Monica, California.

City of Santa Monica

The local government responsible for organizing the events at the Third Street Promenade.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're hoping these events will bring more people back to the Promenade and support our local businesses that have been struggling.”

— Mayor Gleam Davis, Mayor of Santa Monica

“I still don't feel safe walking around the Promenade, especially at night. The city needs to do more to address the issues with homelessness and crime in the area.”

— Sarah Nguyen, Santa Monica resident

What’s next

City officials say they will continue to monitor the success of the event series and make adjustments as needed to address ongoing safety concerns from residents.

The takeaway

While the city's efforts to revive foot traffic at the Third Street Promenade are a step in the right direction, lingering safety issues remain a significant challenge that will need to be addressed in order for the popular shopping district to fully recover.