Coachella organizer Goldenvoice to bring new major music festival to Santa Monica Beach

Goldenvoice is planning a Santa Monica Beach festival for 2026, bringing a major live music event to the iconic coastline near the Pier.

Goldenvoice’s proposed Santa Monica Beach festival could soon bring a major live music experience to one of Southern California’s most recognizable coastlines. The Coachella organizer is working with Santa Monica city officials to stage a large-scale beachfront event near the Santa Monica Pier. If talks move forward, the festival could debut in fall 2026. As a result, the proposal has gained attention across the live music industry.

Goldenvoice, the promoter behind Coachella and Stagecoach, is exploring a lease for roughly 12.5 acres of beachfront property south of the pier. The site spans about 550,000 square feet of sand and nearby space. Because of this size, the plan points to a multi-day festival rather than a single concert. While Goldenvoice has not announced a name, lineup, or dates, the footprint suggests capacity for tens of thousands of fans.

At the same time, negotiations remain in early stages. City officials and Goldenvoice have discussed logistics in both public meetings and closed City Council sessions. Goldenvoice has confirmed it is in active talks with the city. However, no final agreement exists. Before moving forward, the City Council would need to approve the proposal. In addition, the event would require environmental review and standard permits for beach use.

City leaders are considering the Goldenvoice Santa Monica Beach festival as part of a broader plan to raise the city’s global profile. The timing is significant. Los Angeles will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl in nearby Inglewood, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Therefore, officials see large cultural events as a way to attract visitors and support local businesses.

Still, hosting a major festival on a public beach presents challenges. City leaders continue to stress environmental protection and public beach access. They are also reviewing sound levels, crowd flow, and traffic plans. Because of these factors, community impact will remain central to future discussions.

If approved, the Goldenvoice Santa Monica Beach festival would mark a clear expansion for the promoter. Goldenvoice would bring its large-scale festival model from desert and urban settings to the Pacific coastline. With strong production experience and an iconic backdrop, the event could become a standout addition to Southern California’s live music scene.

Featured Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock

About The Author

Claire Ciserella

Hi, I’m Claire! Originally from Chicago and now based in Los Angeles, I work in the entertainment industry as both a dancer and assistant at an Agency. Along the way, I’ve taken on a wide variety of roles that have allowed me to grow both creatively and professionally. I’m excited to be writing for Exron Music, where I’ve been especially enjoying the travel section. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me at raves and festivals catching sets from Moore Kismet, Pauline Herr, Adventure Club, and many others. I’m passionate about traveling, discovering new adventures, and finding creative expression in everything I do.

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