Fall is a meaningful season at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica. It is a time to gather again, reconnect after summer, welcome neighbors, and celebrate the life we share as a faith community.
This October, we invite you to join us for our annual Harvest Festival, a family-friendly fall church event in Santa Monica filled with activities for kids, fellowship for adults, food, photos, and opportunities to support children and youth ministry.
Whether you are already part of our community, looking for a church in Santa Monica, or simply hoping to attend a welcoming local event with your family, Harvest Festival is a joyful way to experience community, connection, and the spirit of the season.
Join Us for Harvest Festival in Santa Monica
The First Pres Spiritual Growth Ministry Team is excited to host this year’s Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., following worship.
The event will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, located at 1220 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, and will include activities for children and adults, space to gather with friends and neighbors, and ways to support a meaningful cause within the church community.
Harvest Festival is one of the many ways we celebrate life together. It is a chance to enjoy the season, spend time with others, and welcome people of all ages into a warm and joyful church community in Santa Monica.
A Fall Event for Kids, Families, and Neighbors
Harvest Festival will include a variety of fun activities for children, families, and adults.
For kids, activities will include:
- Pumpkin painting
- Face painting
- A petting zoo
- A puppy party
- Carnival games
- Arts and crafts
For adults, the Food Garden will offer free coffee and donuts, with lunch available for purchase. There will also be a Harvest Festival-themed photo area where individuals, families, and groups can take seasonal photos together.
Children’s wristbands are required for access to kids’ activities, and food tickets can be purchased for lunch items at the Food Garden.
For families looking for family-friendly events in Santa Monica, Harvest Festival is a welcoming way to enjoy the fall season while connecting with the First Pres community.
Why Presbyterians Celebrate Harvest Festival
Harvest festivals have deep roots in Christian tradition. For Presbyterians, Harvest Festival is a time to thank God for physical and spiritual provision.
The celebration reflects biblical rhythms of gratitude, including Old Testament agricultural festivals such as the Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These festivals reminded communities that the harvest was not only the result of human work, but also a gift from God.
At First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, Harvest Festival is a time to celebrate God’s provision, the beauty of creation, and the many ways we are called to live with gratitude, generosity, and care for one another.
This year’s Harvest Festival Bible verse is Psalm 67:6:
“Our God has blessed the earth with a wonderful harvest!”
Gratitude, Generosity, and Community
Harvest Festival is about more than seasonal fun. It is also a reminder that gratitude should move us toward generosity.
In the biblical harvest tradition, communities were called to leave part of the harvest for the poor, the stranger, the widow, and the orphan. Thankfulness was never meant to stop with personal blessing. It was meant to become active care for others.
That spirit continues at First Pres. Through worship, fellowship, children’s ministry, community outreach, and local events, the church seeks to be a place where people can gather, give, serve, and grow together.
Harvest Festival gives us an opportunity to celebrate abundance while also supporting the ministries that help children, youth, and families experience belonging and faith.
Supporting the Rebecca Hall Children’s Fund
This year’s Harvest Festival will raise money to support the Rebecca Hall Fund, which was founded in memory of First Pres’ late Children’s Ministry Director, Rebecca Hall.
The fund supports ministry activities for children and youth, helping create meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, grow, connect, and take part in the life of the church.
Those who are unable to attend Harvest Festival can still support the Rebecca Hall Children’s Fund through a donation.
Fall Church Events and Community Life at First Pres
Harvest Festival is one part of a larger season of connection at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica.
Throughout the fall, First Pres offers many ways to participate in church life, including Sunday worship, children’s and youth faith groups, Bible study, fellowship gatherings, community events, outreach opportunities, and seasonal programs.
For those looking for church events in Santa Monica, First Pres is a place to gather, worship, serve, and build meaningful relationships.
Fall is a wonderful time to explore what is happening at the church, whether you are a longtime member, a returning visitor, a family looking for children’s programs, or someone searching for a welcoming Presbyterian church in Santa Monica.
Celebrate Fall With Us at First Pres
We invite you to join us for Harvest Festival and experience the joy of community at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica.
Come for the pumpkin painting, games, food, photos, and fall fun. Stay for the fellowship, the welcome, and the opportunity to support children and youth ministry through the Rebecca Hall Fund.
Harvest Festival is a celebration of gratitude, generosity, and life together, and we would love to welcome you.
Register now to purchase children’s wristbands and food tickets for the Food Garden, or visit the event calendar to explore more upcoming fall church events in Santa Monica.
