MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND – Santa Monica Pier
The Pacific Wheel will be lit red, white, and blue on Friday, May 27 to Monday, May 30 in recognition of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday each May in the United States as an opportunity to recognize military personnel who died in service. The national holiday is celebrated widely as an extended weekend and opportunity for family and friends to get together. Memorial Day is considered by some as the start of summer while Labor Day, the first Monday of September, marks the unofficial start of fall.
Pacific Park celebrates Memorial Day each year with a special light program on the Pacific Wheel with brilliant patterns in red, white and blue. The nightly program features an animated, waving American flag.
This special light program will run dusk (around 7:30 PM) to midnight on Friday, May 27 to Monday, May 30. The best views of the Pacific Wheel light programs are from the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk just west of the amusement park or on the beaches south of the Pier. If you can’t make it down for this special lighting event, you can always check out the lights on the Pacific Wheel viewing Pacific Park’s live-streaming webcams. Click here to view the live webcam of Santa Monica Pier.


Welcome to the Santa Monica Pier!
Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean at the intersection of Ocean and Colorado, it symbolizes the heart of Santa Monica and is one of the most photographed locations in the world. Discover more than just a Pier, we are a destination where people come together to enjoy local culture and to reconnect with the Pier’s storied past. Whether you are here to take in the incredible views, ride Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel, hosting an event, or joining us for another family-friendly activity, we can’t wait to welcome you to the Santa Monica Pier.

Stroll Along the Pier
Enjoy a walk down the Pier and experience the breathtaking views amidst the sounds of crashing waves and the ocean breeze. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll, or just want to hang out with a group of friends, make sure to stop, take a breath, smell the salty air, and enjoy the atmosphere only the Santa Monica Pier can provide.
The Pier’s history
Believe it or not, The Santa Monica Pier has been around since 1909! A rich and illustrious past is what makes the Pier so enchanting. Originally built as a public utility for the city of Santa Monica, the Pier has undergone an incredible transformation since it was first constructed. As a National Historic Landmark, the Santa Monica Pier retains a nostalgia of days long past and remains a true icon today.
Fun on the Pier
The Santa Monica Pier offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family. Enjoy the rides like the West Coaster and the Pacific Wheel, carnival games, and food at Pacific Park. Purchase a seashell necklace from one of our vendor carts, catch a show from one of our many street performers, or treat yourself
to a thick and creamy milkshake. The options are endless, so no matter how you choose to spend the day, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!
For additional information, visit the website @
santamonica.com/event/memorial-weekend-ferris-wheel-lights
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