Santa Monica’s iconic pier will once again transform into a lively seaside culinary hub as the Off the Hook Seafood Festival makes its annual return on Sunday, October 19, 2025. This year’s event promises to be bigger than ever, honoring National Seafood Month, marking the 150th Anniversary of the City of Santa Monica, and serving as the official finale of LA Tech Week. With the sparkling Pacific Ocean as its backdrop, the festival is more than just a feast—it’s a celebration of food, community, sustainability, and the coastal city’s vibrant culture.
A Festival with a Purpose
At its heart, Off the Hook is a cause-driven event. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Heal the Bay, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting coastlines, restoring waterways, and safeguarding Santa Monica Bay. This year, proceeds will also support efforts to help coastal ecosystems and communities rebound from the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
Emily Parker, Senior Marine Scientist at Heal the Bay, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “Protecting what we love starts with science, community, and smart policy. Events like Off the Hook bring awareness to ocean conservation while giving people a fun and delicious way to get involved.”
The festival’s green ethos is evident in its zero single-use plastic policy and its commitment to showcasing innovation around environmental sustainability. For attendees, this means indulging in incredible seafood and drinks with the added benefit of knowing their participation supports a cleaner, healthier ocean.
The Culinary Stars of the Sea
Off the Hook is known for spotlighting Santa Monica’s finest restaurants and chefs, and this year is no exception. More than 25 restaurants will serve up their best ocean-inspired creations, featuring oysters, lobster, shrimp, tuna, and sushi. Participating establishments include Al Dente Pasta Shop, Blue Plate Oysterette, Sushi Roku, Sweetfin Poké, Mastro’s Ocean Club, The Lobster, Killer Shrimp, The Albright, Fogo de Chao, SoCalo, Emporium Thai, and Santa Monica Seafood, among many others.
In addition to diverse seafood tastings, guests will have access to curated cocktails, craft beer, and extensive wine selections from brands like Duvel, Hampton Water Rosé, PRP Wine International, Harken Chardonnay, and Ysidro Sake Spritz. Festivalgoers can sample everything from refined wines to spirited tequila cocktails, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Entertainment on the Pier
True to its West Coast vibe, the festival offers more than food—it’s an immersive coastal experience. Highlights include:
- Live Music: A Yacht Rock Party with The Windbreakers, who will bring smooth sounds of the ’70s and ’80s to keep the crowd swaying all evening.
- Oyster Shucking & Slurping Competitions: A crowd favorite, where chefs and brave amateurs battle it out with speed and skill.
- Games & Photo Ops: Interactive activities and ocean-inspired photo booths add playful charm to the event.
- Artisan Vendors: Local makers and creatives showcase unique products that reflect coastal culture.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the Sustainable Seafood VIP Lounge, sponsored by Santa Monica Seafood, offers exclusive tastings from select chefs, a full beverage bar, premier seating, curated cocktails, and a swag bag. VIP ticket holders also receive a free unlimited ride pass to Pacific Park, making it a family-friendly perk.
Ticket Options
The festival offers two ticket tiers, both all-inclusive:
- Little Fish (General Admission) – Starting at $80, this pass includes over two dozen seafood tastings, beverage experiences (wine, sake, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks), games, and live music. Entry begins at 4 PM.
- Big Fish (VIP) – Starting at $175, VIP tickets include all GA benefits, plus early entry at 3 PM, access to the exclusive VIP Lounge, additional restaurant tastings, curated drinks, premium seating, take-home swag, and the valued $40 amusement ride pass for Pacific Park.
Celebrating Santa Monica’s 150 Years
This year’s festival carries an added significance as the city celebrates its 150th anniversary. Off the Hook captures the spirit of Santa Monica—its love for food, the ocean, and community connection. By merging local culinary talents with cultural festivities, the event honors the city’s legacy while looking toward a more sustainable future.
Partnerships That Make Waves
The festival is backed by a strong list of sponsors and community partners, including Santa Monica Seafood, City of Santa Monica, Pacific Park, LA Magazine, KTLA, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Office of Sustainability & the Environment, Syndicate, Green Goddess Pedicabs, and LA Tech Week. These collaborations help create a festival that is as socially conscious as it is entertaining.
ABOUT HEAL THE BAY
Heal the Bay is the leading ocean protection group in Greater Los Angeles. The grassroots nonprofit uses science, advocacy, community action, and education to keep Santa Monica Bay and local waters healthy, safe, and clean. In addition to establishing Marine Protected Areas off the Southern California coast, Heal the Bay is actively supporting cleanup and restoration efforts in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires to ensure our coastal ecosystems and communities remain resilient.
Why You Can’t Miss It
From delicious bites and live entertainment to supporting ocean conservation, the Off the Hook Seafood Festival is more than just an outing—it’s an experience that ties together food, fun, and philanthropy. Whether you’re a local seafood lover or a tourist eager to soak up coastal culture, October 19, 2025, is the perfect day to head to the Santa Monica Pier for one of Southern California’s most anticipated culinary celebrations.
Tickets are currently available at here and via Eventbrite. With limited availability and growing excitement, the festival is expected to sell out quickly.
So grab your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready to dive into a Santa Monica institution that celebrates the sea, the city, and sustainable living—all in one unforgettable evening.
Learn more at healthebay
