What to KnowLocals’ NightSanta Monica PierThursday, May 213:30 to 10 p.m.FreeThe event will serve as the kick-off to Pacific Park’s 30th anniversarySweet Rose Creamery will open at Pacific Park and Locals’ Night visitors will be treated to a complimentary scoopThe Rick Crocker 5K will take place during the event

If the start of the summer season, the stretch that begins in late May and sort of wraps around the start of September, though late August is also acceptable, had its own eye-catching logo, it might feature a boardwalk or pier.

The reason is clear and overexplaining it is not necessary: An afternoon or an evening spent on a pier is a warm-weather classic, and has been for well over a century at America’s most famous ocean-close attractions.

So the idea of lightly launching into summer at Santa Monica Pier, all while keeping two milestones in mind, and doing so for free? Along with, oh yes, free ice cream to sweeten the deal?

We’re vibing with all of that. If you are, too, saunter by Santa Monica Pier May 21 for the last Locals’ Night of the season, which began in September.

Once again, this community-focused festivity will include live music, vintage cars, and other surprises, like free ice cream scoops. Sweet Rose Creamery is opening at Pacific Park at 6 p.m. May 21, and gratis scoops will be given out to those attending Locals’ Night.

Santa Monica PierSanta Monica Pier

Cool cars on the pier: Admire older autos on the pier May 21.

And if you look up, at the Pacific Wheel, starting around sunset? The words “Thank You Santa Monica” will shimmer across the ride’s sizable side, courtesy of tens of thousands of bright LED lights.

“Locals’ Night is about community first — bringing people together to celebrate the stories, culture, and energy that make Santa Monica so special,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian of the Santa Monica Pier.

“This finale captures everything we love about the Pier, with a few extra moments that make the night even more meaningful.”

Enhancing that meaning in a major way? The May 21 celebration will put the spotlight on two milestones: The 100th anniversary of Route 66, the celebrated Mother Road that famously ends at Santa Monica Pier, and the 30th anniversary of Pacific Park.

In fact, the event will be the kick-off the Pacific Park anniversary, making this a special evening for those fans who went on a first date at the amusement destination, rode their first ride their, or enjoy it as often as possible.