Thai Fest by the Beach Returns to the Santa Monica Pier September 19 and 20, 2026

Los Angeles has no shortage of food festivals, but very few of them come with an ocean underneath. Thai Fest by the Beach returns to the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, running 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. Admission is free.

The festival is produced by Buddy Production in collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles, with support from the City of Santa Monica and Amazing Thailand. Los Angeles has one of the deepest Thai dining scenes in the country, from Michelin Guide mainstays like Ayara Thai to the Southern Thai specialists on Sawtelle, and this is one of the few weekends a year that scene sets up shop on a pier over the Pacific.

A Two-Day Run on the Pier

Organizers describe the event as a curated celebration of Thai food, culture, and community rather than a straight food festival. Vendors are selected rather than open-call, which keeps the roster tight and the categories balanced across entrees, Thai barbecue, drinks, and dessert.

Plan around the crowd. September weekends on the Santa Monica Pier draw heavy foot traffic on their own, and a free festival stacked on top means mid-afternoon is the crush. The 11 a.m. open and the last two hours before 8 p.m. are the calmer windows.

What We Have Our Eyes On

The published vendor roster leans into regional specificity, which is the interesting part. A few that caught our attention:

• Saoha, serving khao soi, the Northern Thai curry noodle bowl that still turns up on far fewer LA menus than it should

• Pa Fah Boat Noodles, a Lao and Thai pop-up running boat noodle soup, yum salmon, crispy pork belly, and moo ping

• Kruang Tedd, cooking khao mok, the Thai answer to biryani, in chicken and pork

• On Crunch 88 and Yummy Crispy Pork, two vendors built almost entirely around crispy pork belly

• ChaTraMue, the Bangkok tea house pouring Thai tea, green tea, and Thai coffee under a label that dates to 1945

• Mango Sticky Rice Factory, serving mango sticky rice in cups

• Molly Kitchen, running teppanyaki with a Thai angle: sizzling squid, octopus, scallop, and takoyaki

• Moom Maam, making artisanal Thai gelato and a Thai tea float

• Roti Bangkok, frying roti to order alongside sticky rice with custard

Vendor lineups shift year to year, so confirm the final roster on the festival site closer to the date.

The Rest of the Programming

Beyond the food, the stage carries traditional Thai music and dance alongside Muay Thai demonstrations, plus sets from Thai and Asian American vocalists and musicians. There are photo installations, a kids' area with game zones and craft workshops, a roaming event mascot, and vendors selling Thai goods and handmade crafts.

If You Go

• Dates: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days

• Location: Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

• Admission: Free. Food, drinks, and merchandise are sold individually by vendor.

• Parking: The pier deck lot and the Santa Monica Beach lots fill early on September weekends. The Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica station leaves you about a ten minute walk from the pier entrance.

• Info: thaifestbythebeach.com

The pier keeps a busy fall food calendar. Off the Hook Seafood Festival returns to the same deck on October 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Thai Fest by the Beach 2026?

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days.

How much are tickets?

Admission is free. Food, drinks, and merchandise are purchased individually from vendors.

Where is Thai Fest by the Beach held?

Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

Is Thai Fest by the Beach family friendly?

Yes. Programming includes game zones, craft workshops, photo installations, and an event mascot alongside the food and stage.

What food is served at Thai Fest by the Beach?

Curated Thai vendors across entrees, Thai barbecue, drinks, and dessert. Lineups have included khao soi, boat noodles, khao mok, crispy pork belly, satay and Thai sausage, mango sticky rice, roti, Thai gelato, and Thai tea.

Who organizes Thai Fest by the Beach?

Buddy Production, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles and with support from the City of Santa Monica.

What is the best time to arrive?

Right at the 11 a.m. open, or after 6 p.m. Mid-afternoon is the busiest stretch on the pier.

Is there parking at the Santa Monica Pier?

Yes, on the pier deck and in the adjacent beach lots, but both fill early on festival weekends. Public transit or rideshare is the safer bet.