Grand Performances at California Plaza
In Los Angeles, summer means free outdoor summer concerts are in full force, beckoning visitors to get outside and enjoy LA’s epic music scene. From blowout shows to Sunday afternoons in the park, the following free summer series in Los Angeles ought to keep you tapping your feet. So get out there, enjoy the weather and tune into the music.
Farm Fresh Summer Music at Farmers Market
When: Thursdays and Fridays through early September
Where: Farmers Market, West Patio
The Groove: It's all about jazz and wholesome family fun at this annual summer music series. Combine great food from LA's original farmers market with groups hailing from traditions such as Latin jazz, country swing, funk jazz and more.
Sunset Concerts Series at the Skirball Cultural Center
When: Thursdays, late July through late August
Where: Skirball Cultural Center
The Groove: Kick back and groove or get up and dance to a diverse lineup of leading musicians who represent the best in world music. In addition, get free access to the Skirball’s galleries, dine at Zeidler’s buffet before the concert, pick up grab-and-go light fare from Zeidler’s cart, or bring your own picnic dinner to enjoy during the concert.
Grand Performances Summer Festival
When: Mid-June through September
Where: California Plaza
The Groove: Grand Performances presents 40-plus free performing arts events — music, dance and theater — as multicultural as their audience, giving local talent a chance to shine and bringing global stars to this Downtown center of government, business and culture. Some performances take place at lunchtime, when hundreds of Angelenos put down their work and take a cultural break with a bit of fresh air.
Pershing Square Summer Concert Series
When: Mid-July through late August
Where: Pershing Square, Downtown LA
The Groove: In the high-rise heart of Downtown, Pershing Square brings neighbors, tourists and professionals together for local up-and-coming musicians on Wednesdays, Thursday night rock shows curated by Spaceland nightclub, movies on Fridays and more live music on Saturdays.
Live Music at Hollywood & Highland
When: June through late August on Tuesdays
Where: Babylon Courtyard at Hollywood & Highland Center
The Groove: Wine, jazz and moonlight…what more could you ask for? This summer series gives you a chance to hobnob with the coolest cats of jazz while sampling the gifts of Bacchus and helping to end world hunger, all at the same time. Although it is a free event, wine tasting donations benefit Project Angel Food.
Twilight Dance and Music at the Santa Monica Pier
When: Late July through early September on Thursdays
Where: Santa Monica Pier
The Groove: Hawaii, Jamaica, Britain, Argentina, Africa…these are just a handful of the exotic locations represented by the Twilight Dance and Music concert series this summer. So when you are finished taking in the city lights on the Pier’s famous Ferris wheel, check out the rock, pop, jazz, blues and plenty of dance music rocking the boardwalk. Due to limited parking, the Santa Monica Pier is offering a bike valet starting at 6:30 p.m. on concert nights.
Culver City Music Festival
When: Early July through late August on Thursday
Where: City Hall Courtyard, Culver City
The Groove: The sun’s not the only thing that’s going down in Culver City during the summer. When the day ends, the music begins, bringing you an eclectic array of musical offerings including classic rock, bluegrass and even zydeco. Steps away from convenient parking and plenty of restaurants, this series gives you no excuse to miss out on the music.
Hammer Presents
When: June through late August
Where: Hammer Museum
The Groove: The Hammer hosts emerging performers for an exciting roster of free concerts all summer long. The Also I Like to Rock series turns the museum courtyard into a hip nightclub, while the JazzPOP series hosts jazz performers ranging from solo saxophonists to avant-garde ensembles.
Saturdays Off the 405 at the Getty Center
When: May to October
Where: Getty Center
The Groove: Saturdays Off the 405 brings musicians who regularly pack indie-rock clubs into the museum’s courtyard, which boasts incredible nighttime views of the city. Make a night of it by taking a Spotlight after Dark gallery tour, grabbing a drink at the cash bar and then checking out the musical guests.
Levitt Pavilion Pasadena
When: Late June through late August
Where: Levitt Pavilion at Memorial Park
The Groove: Enjoy 50 free concerts throughout the summer at this renovated band shell in the heart of Old Pasadena. Bring a picnic and relax on the grass for live Latin, Americana, jazz, family events and more.
