Free events in Santa Monica, CA

Monday Trivia Night at Blue Palms Brewhouse in Northridge features Trivia Tycoon, a free to play, gamified quiz with segments such as a fast paced Lightning Round, Oh My Word word scrambles, the strategy focused Mindsweeper round, and Hear Me Out, an audio challenge. The night blends brain teasing fun with a lively vibe, happy hour deals, and a menu that includes items like the Brew Burger.

A spirited trivia night at SoCal Vibes Surf Club in Santa Monica blends good eats, drinks, and brainy fun. Entry is free, prizes are up for grabs, and teams may include up to six players. Arriving early helps secure a great spot. Held on Tuesdays, this event keeps the questions coming and the energy high.

General Admission Restaurant hosts Trivia Tycoon, a gamified trivia night with no cost to participate. Expect a mix of fast-paced lightning questions, word puzzles and scrambles, a Mindsweeper-style brain teaser, an audio identification round, and other rotating features. The atmosphere blends spirited competition with an energetic setting, complemented by happy hour deals and a menu that includes items like Buffalo Cauliflower.

Test your knowledge at a free team trivia night at Wall ST Pizza in Los Angeles. Groups of up to six players can compete for prizes while enjoying something to eat and drink. Arriving early is recommended to secure seating.

Open Garden Hours welcome the community into the Granada Hills Salad Bowl Garden Club’s garden for volunteering, tours, harvest activities, and time in nature. The club supports self-sufficiency and healthy living by teaching practical gardening skills through a community-centered space. During this time, visitors can volunteer, drop off vegetable scraps for compost, ask about plot availability, and take a tour. Volunteers may help with weeding, removing grass, mulching, planting, composting, harvesting, and other new projects as needed. No experience is required. Activities take place outdoors, so bring a sun hat, pants, long sleeves, and comfortable closed toe shoes. Tools and garden gloves will be provided. Bring your own drinking water. No dogs are allowed. Street parking is available, and walk-ins are welcome.

Food Forward recovers surplus produce in Los Angeles through its Backyard Harvest Program and Farmers Market Recovery Program so fresh food reaches local communities. Volunteer opportunities range from general shifts focused on collecting and distributing produce to ongoing Event Leader roles for those who want to guide efforts more regularly. Event Leaders help run farmers market gleaning as Glean Team Leaders, organize neighborhood backyard fruit picks as Harvest Leaders, or represent the mission at outreach events as Community Ambassadors. This recurring effort happens year-round across LA and centers on reducing food waste while helping nourish neighbors, one piece of produce at a time.

Explore the Hawthorne Certified Farmers' Market for farm-fresh produce, tasty food options, and offerings from artisanal makers, with musicians performing to create a welcoming community feel. It is a friendly place to meet neighbors, enjoy good food, and support local vendors.

Vegan Street Fair returns to Westwood and is now a monthly happening at a new location in collaboration with the Westwood Village Improvement Association. Billed as the largest vegan festival in the world, it celebrates plant-based food and community with a welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere where everyone is invited, whether vegan or simply curious. Explore more than 30 vegan and vegan-friendly vendors, enjoy DJ sets and other entertainment, and find activities tailored for kids. Admission is free, the event is open to all ages, and families and dogs are welcome. The event is accessible to all. Sponsor and vendor announcements will be shared soon.