Set for Saturday, May 30 at Santa Monica Pier, PIER PLAY is continuing to redefine the modern festival experience by blending electronic music, immersive brand activations, culinary experiences, and interactive art into a vibrant seaside celebration of lifestyle and culture.
Headlined by Afro-house star AMÉMÉ and the global debut of Âme Live Presents… featuring newly announced special guest RHYE, this year’s edition transforms the iconic boardwalk into a fully immersive playground where music, fashion, wellness, art, and nightlife collide.
Since launching in 2023, PIER PLAY has carved out a unique identity as the first and only dance music festival of its kind hosted directly on the Santa Monica Pier. Working in partnership with Santa Monica Pier Foundation and the City of Santa Monica, the event has evolved into one of the city’s most anticipated annual electronic gatherings, celebrated for its colorful, playful, and highly experiential atmosphere.
This year’s edition extends far beyond the stage itself. Across the pier, attendees will encounter interactive carnival installations curated by Santa Monica experiential company Something New, alongside immersive sponsor activations designed to create a multi-sensory environment throughout the festival grounds.
Among the featured experiences, AlphaTheta — the company behind Pioneer DJ technology — will host interactive learn-to-DJ stations where attendees can experiment with mixing and gain hands-on exposure to DJ fundamentals.
Festivalgoers will also be able to sample functional mushroom beverages from Psilly Goose, while Cherry Coke presents its interactive “Cherry Charm Experience,” complete with themed photo installations, on-site printed keepsakes, and custom cherry-themed keychain stations.
Beauty and wellness continue to play a major role in the festival’s evolving identity. vitaminwater will host the “Vitamin Glow Station,” offering complimentary hair tinsel installations alongside beverage samples, while VIP and backstage guests can access complimentary haircuts and styling through the KYE – Mark the Barber Hair Experience Lounge.
Additional sponsor activations include the -196 Vodka Seltzer Lounge from Suntory, featuring frozen-fruit vodka seltzers created using the company’s signature Freeze Crush Infusion process, as well as a cocktail experience hosted by Hornitos Tequila.
Guests can also recharge at the AWAKE Chocolate Energy Oasis, offering caffeinated chocolate samples, games, and interactive photo moments designed to keep attendees energized throughout the event.
For VIP attendees, the culinary programming leans further into luxury hospitality. Dear Caviar will host exclusive caviar tastings, while Delicious Minis Cannolis will provide complimentary handmade cannolis.
Additional interactive experiences include charging stations from ChargerGoGo, tooth gem applications from Hood Gems Tooth Gems, nail art from Pinklicious Nails, and hair care stations hosted by Silk the Rich.
Musically, PIER PLAY 2026 continues emphasizing globally curated electronic programming rooted in melodic house, Afro-house, and forward-thinking club sounds. Alongside AMÉMÉ and Âme Live Presents…, the lineup features a back-to-back performance from AWEN and Xinobi, as well as appearances from French melodic house artist Notre Dame and rising selector Darina Chuz.
By combining immersive experiential design with high-level electronic programming, PIER PLAY continues positioning itself as more than a traditional music festival — transforming one of California’s most recognizable landmarks into a daylong celebration of sound, creativity, nightlife culture, and community. Tickets are on sale now.
Pier Play: Instagram