Photos: Tim Street Porter

On Saturday, Oct. 19, Santa Monica will celebrate the opening of its Civic Center Parks. The two new centrally-located parks include Tongva Park, located between Ocean Avenue and Main Street, and Ken Genser Square, a new public gathering space in front of City Hall.

The event is free and open to all. Festivities will last from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include music, indigenous dances, food trucks, park tours and more.

There are multiple transit options for getting to the Civic Center Parks. Big Blue Bus 8 to Main/City Hall is one, Metro Bus 20, 33 and Rapid 733 to Colorado/Ocean are a few others. There will also be free bike valet available for anyone who wants to cycle in.

Keep reading after the jump for a schedule of the performances taking place on Gathering Hill. For the full program, check the park’s website.

Masters of Ceremonies
Paul Apodaca, Chapman University Professor & Rich Caparella, KUSC Host

11:15 – 11:30 a.m.                  Procession of Gabrieleno Tongva Dancers from City Hall to Gathering Hill
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.                  Blessing by Andy Morales
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.          Park Welcome by Mayor Pam O’Connor and James Corner
12:15 – 12:30 p.m.                  Performance by the Gabrieleno Tongva Dancers
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.                      Flute Performance by Sarah Thomson & Gary Lemos
1:45 – 2:00 p.m.                      Aztec Dance Performance by Cabeza de Vaca Cultura
2:15 – 2:30 p.m.                      Kuruvungna Tongva Music by James Igo
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.                      Chumash Storytelling with Ted and Dennis Garcia
3:45 – 4:00 p.m.                      Closing performance by the Gabrieleno Tongva Dancers