With temperatures rising, Southern Californians either stay cool indoors or embrace the outdoor heat. What better way to get a splendid balance of both than at The Penmar Sunset Sessions in Venice, California? On warm spring and summer nights, The Penmar hosts live music, food and drinks on their green golf course every Friday evening while the sun cools. With an early bird $11.99 entrance fee ($12.75 with additional fees), no age requirement and no dress code, visitors can enjoy a pleasant picnic on the grass with a sunset background. From dogs to children, all are welcome. Bring your friends, a camera and good vibes to The Penmar every Friday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In Los Angeles, the sun is scorching, which makes the summer months unbearable for many and it ends up putting a wrench in most outdoor plans. However, Sunset Sessions plan around summer’s sun by organizing their Friday social gatherings at 6 p.m., when the heat cools down. Now, you can freely enjoy the outdoors without agonizing over an incoming sunburn and can even bring a jacket, as it may get breezy! With a young demographic, this popular activity is catered to people in their 20s and 30s who are looking for a classy, fun and no-pressure social scene.
The Penmar Sunset Sessions are where local talented musicians meet the people of Los Angeles, providing a cheerful hub for everyone to mingle, eat fresh food, sip on a delicious drink and make new memories. Fourth-year economics student Erinn Fiedler, said, “Coming here for the general vibe is a huge selling point. You don’t get a good outside concert venue like this in LA all the time, so you gotta take advantage of it while you have it, especially for so cheap.” An event like Sunset Sessions feels like a hidden gem in the expensive city of LA. The fact that tickets are less than minimum wage is a huge plus in itself! The Penmar utilizes its golf course for this venue, which allows plenty of sitting room and open air to enjoy the activity. Think of a concert in the park or a Fourth of July event, but elevated, more sophisticated and filled with people bringing good energy all around.
When asked what she would tell someone who has never experienced Sunset Sessions, fourth-year economics student Jordan Saidoffsaid, “Just come in with open expectations, and bring cards.” As Saidoff said, break down some of your walls, leave your expectations at home and go into the night broad-minded. Going to The Penmar Sunset Sessions is an opportunity to reset your social standards and look for new ideas for a good time — grab a card deck and head on over!
With the live music playing in the background, many of those enjoying Sunset Sessions feel that the music allows the activity to be a form of mindless entertainment. Watching groups of friends meet up after a daunting week, observing a first date hit it off or sitting with a couple of strangers to make new friends are all made easier with the sound of a band strumming away in the distance.
While The Penmar’s Sunset Sessions provide an abundance of positive attributes, multiple people felt that there needs to be a designated area for people to make new connections and mingle. The event is set up to have people come in their groups, sit in a circle on a blanket and chat amongst themselves. However, many individuals are looking to make new friends or find a future partner. How can this be done if everyone is grouped up in a circle and seems unapproachable? First-timer Rachel Meltzer said, “It needs a space for mingling — who is here for the games, who here is single and who here is looking to make new friends in Los Angeles.” Having the venue designate specific areas based on “reasons people come to Sunset Sessions” could allow people to easily make those connections they are looking for without awkwardly addressing a group of people who might not even be looking to socialize.
The Penmar’s Sunset Sessions are relaxing, young and blissful. Filled with good energy, smiles and head bops to the awe-inspiring live band, you won’t feel out of place here. Bring a blanket, some friends and prepare to people-watch under a beautiful Venice sunset.
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Featured Image Photographed by Leah Aviram/BruinLife
