“Save The Pier” play 2024

Presented by Playland Arcade

Event Summary

October 17,18,19 & 20 | West End of the Pier

Join us in experiencing a FREE and live reenactment of the events that followed when two groups of passionate citizens in the 1970s worked to save the Pier from the Santa Monica City Council’s plan to build a 35-acre artificial island in the bay with a bridge connecting it to the Santa Monica freeway. After the new construction was complete, the Pier would be torn down. The Save the Pier Play will recount this 1972 grassroots fight to stop the demolition of The Santa Monica Pier.

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.

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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!