Jazz at LACMA
Leading Southern California artists come out for the annual celebration of jazz from April through November. More than 42,000 visitors come through to see jazz’s finest musicians play, but the venue is gorgeous enough to make the trip out. Click here for more information.
Twilight Concerts
Every Thursday, the Santa Monica Pier will bring out up-and-coming artists to showcase their talent. This summer, you can expect Khalid, Miami Horror, and Warpaint to make an appearance. Bring a picnic, pick your spot in the sand, and head down to Santa Monica for the perfect L.A. Thursday night. For more performers and information, click here.
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Sound in Focus
Sound in Focus is a collaboration between KCRW and the Annenberg Space of Photography for the coolest free concerts. Nas, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and more will play this space. You can also grab a beer, take a tour of Skylight Studios, and try out a line of food trucks. The concerts are free as long as you RSVP beforehand, with entry depending on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, check it out here.
Made in L.A. Music
KCRW is spreading the love around L.A. this summer with a hot lineup at the Hammer Museum. The venue will be hosting weekly July concerts outdoors with a beer garden, DJ sets, and cash bars starting at 8:15pm. Click here for more information.
Summer Concert Series at the Grove
The Grove is pulling out free concerts every Wednesday night in July at the popular mall. This summer, the Grove is the perfect place to shop, dine, and listen to some tunes. Here's more information on the concert series.
Skirball Cultural Center Sunset Concerts
Indie, folk, and world music will collide at Skirball’s free concerts this summer. If you come early, you can check out the museum, dine, and later jam out to a wide variety of interesting performers. Parking is $10 cash, and the concert is free. Click here for a list of performers.
Levitt Pavilion Pasadena
From June 6 to Labor Day, Memorial Park will be hosting Levitt Pavilion Pasadena’s summer concert series. The concerts run Thursday through Sunday, giving Los Angelenos all the music they can wish for. With more than 50 concerts this season, it’s a good time to grab a chair and start planning out your best summer yet. Here's a closer look at what to expect this summer.
Off the 405
Off the 405 is the Getty Center’s pride and joy of the summer. This annual outdoor concert series is bringing artists like Steve Gunn, Savoy Motel, and Nite Jewel out for an experience you won’t want to miss. With shows running from 6pm to 9pm, you’ll be fully stacked with local beer, agua fresca cocktails, and more. Click here for times and performances.
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Friday Night Flicks at Pershing Square
From July 14 through August 18, you can catch six action-packed films in the center of Los Angeles every Friday night. Screenings include “World War Z,” “The Mortal Instruments,” and “Underworld.” For more information, check it out here.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach
Head down to Long Beach for an entire summer of free movies from “Mean Girls” to “Rogue One” thanks to Alfredo’s Beach Clubs. With popcorn, free parking, and movies showing across three beaches, this is a great place to create the picture perfect movie night with the family. Click here for more information.
Santa Monica Camera Obscura
This is one of the most hidden hotspots in Los Angeles. Tucked away inside the Senior Recreation Center at 1450 Ocean Avenue is a tiny room with a camera obscura machine that’s over 100 years old. To get there, you have to trade your identity (or driver’s license) for a key, then take narrow steps into a room where a large white disk gives you a peak into the daily lives of people passing by outside. It’s free and worth a stop if you’re in Santa Monica for the day. For nearby food recommendations and more, click here.
The Music Center Dance DTLA
It’s time to pull out those dancing shoes! Every Friday night, bring friends and dates to The Music Center in Grand Park where you can learn new dance moves from 7pm to 11pm. Each week offers a new genre, from Bollywood to Disco to the Argentine Tango, and the party doesn’t stop until September 1. Click here for more information.
Grand Performances at California Plaza
California Plaza is known for being a fully submersive outdoor experience surrounded by water, and tons of it. This summer, an eclectic collection of music performances, poetry, films, and more will be showcased at the venue, all of which are free. Click here for more information and schedules.
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Public Star Party at Griffith Observatory
It’s finally time to live out your “La La Land” dreams. If you’ve never been to the Griffith Observatory, this is the perfect chance to check out the stars (for free!). The Observatory hosts public star parties once a month (this summer’s dates are July 29, August 26, and September 30) from 2pm to 9:45pm. You can look through telescopes for the prettiest stars and planets in the sky. If stars aren’t your thing, the Observatory rests high and mighty above Los Angeles so the gorgeous view won't hurt either. For more information, click here.