“Save The Pier” play 2025

Presented by Playland Arcade

Event Summary

October 16,17,18 & 19 | West End of the Pier

Travel back to the 1970s and experience the true story of how a group of passionate locals banded together to save the Santa Monica Pier. This free live reenactment brings the drama, determination, and community spirit of the era to life, when the City Council had plans to build a 35 acre artificial island in the bay and tear the Pier down for good. From rallies to city meetings to one unforgettable grassroots movement, The Save the Pier Play tells the tale of how the Pier was saved and became the icon it is today.

This Santa Monica Pier Corporation production of the "Save the Pier" play is supported, in part, by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan.

Tickets Coming Soon...

THE Pier STORY

Can you imagine Santa Monica without the Pier?

50 years ago, that unimaginable scenario almost became a reality! City officials, seeking a solution for the aging, high-maintenance old landmark, unveiled plans for a 35-acre manmade island with a resort hotel, convention center, and other amenities. Not included in these new plans was the Santa Monica Pier, which was to be torn down and replaced with a conventional bridge.

The community fought back and, while it was not an easy fight, ultimately won!

Save the Pier is our one-hour retelling of that dramatic battle, and a tribute to the colorful collection of people who so diligently and bravely fought City Hall. The names of the play’s characters are those of the real people who participated, but behind each character in the play stands many more people. After all, in a fight to gain community support, you need a cast of thousands.

We are forever grateful to all those who saved the Pier. A half-century later, it still brings joy to millions of people every year!