Following three consecutive sold-out installments that revitalized SoCal’s waterfront entertainment scene, Pier Play returns to the iconic Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, May 30, 2026 for its fourth edition. More than just a festival, the event reimagines one of the world’s most famous boardwalks as a playground for discovery, connection, and high-fidelity sound set against the Pacific coastline.
Global experience ecosystem RASA has unveiled a world-class lineup of dance music luminaries and experiential programming for the 2026 debut. Sign-ups for pre-sale passes are open now through Wednesday, March 4, with the public on-sale launching Friday, March 5 at 10 AM PT. Since 2023, Pier Play has stood alone as the first and only dance music festival of its kind on the Santa Monica Pier, working in close collaboration with Santa Monica Pier Foundation and the City of Santa Monica to evolve into one of the city’s most anticipated annual events.
Celebrated for its bright, colorful, and playful ethos, Pier Play blends music with immersive experiences included complimentary with each pass. Past editions have featured vintage arcades, mechanical bull sharks, bespoke art installations, and even pop-up barbershops, transforming the pier into a vibrant cultural playground. Details surrounding the 2026 experiential programming will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The May 2026 edition is anchored by the global debut of Âme Live Presents, marking a bold new chapter for the acclaimed electronic mainstay. Expanding on a two-decade legacy, Âme introduces an ambitious evolution of their celebrated live show, incorporating guest vocalists into the performance. By transforming their studio productions into an even more dynamic and emotionally resonant format, the addition of live singers enhances the spontaneity of real-time instrumentation with the expressive power of human performance, capturing both the energy and depth that define Âme’s sound.
Joining the oceanfront celebration is a curated lineup of global talent, including a special b2b set from AWEN and Xinobi, alongside French visionary Notre Dame and rising talent Darina Chuz. Additional surprise guests are set to be announced. They follow in the footsteps of past performers such as Shimza, Enamour, Henri Bergmann, Leila Benitez, Nandu, Gheist, Chambord, Magdalena, and Yammagucci.
RASA CEO and Co-Founder Ahmad Muhaisen reflects on the festival’s growth, noting that from the beginning the vision was to reactivate the Pier as a true cultural destination for Angelenos who grew up visiting with family and friends. With the support of the Santa Monica Pier Foundation and the City, Pier Play has grown over the past three years into a marquee festival with real momentum and community resonance.
Long regarded as a symbol of the quintessential California experience and one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, the Santa Monica Pier provides a fitting backdrop for the festival’s evolution. Pier Play stands as a vibrant crossroads for the adventurous, inviting guests from all walks of life to witness the Pier’s transformation into a reimagined day of music, art, and play set against Santa Monica’s sweeping ocean vista.
Pier Play: Instagram