Embrace the Spirit of Los Angeles: Your Guide to Unforgettable Summer Celebrations!

Unwind with Evening Wine Tastings on a Historic Hilltop

For over a decade and a half, this highly anticipated summer gathering has become a beloved tradition in the City of Angels. Each Friday throughout the warmer months, guests are invited to partake in an evening of wine sampling, courtesy of Silverlake Wine, complemented by offerings from local food trucks, energetic DJ sets, captivating art displays, and breathtaking sunset panoramas. All this unfolds against the magnificent backdrop of Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House, perched majestically on Olive Hill. As California's pioneering modern architectural landmark and Los Angeles' sole UNESCO World Heritage Site, this location provides unparalleled vistas, including iconic views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. Limited tours of the renowned Hollyhock House are also available for those interested in exploring its legendary interiors, with tickets sold separately. Every dollar generated from these events directly benefits Barnsdall Art Park, supporting Hollyhock House and its wide array of cultural programs, artistic initiatives, and educational community efforts. In 2025, the festivities extend until September 26, offering additional opportunities to immerse yourself in one of LA's premier summer events. Admission is $47.75, or $84.50 if combined with a house tour. For non-drinkers, tickets are available at $21.50.

Experience Community Vibrancy at KCRW Summer Nights

For those seeking the lively ambiance of a community celebration, the KCRW Summer Nights series is an absolute must-attend. Over nearly two decades, these events have established themselves as an iconic part of the LA summer scene, thanks to their eclectic mix of DJ performances, live musical acts, engaging exhibits, and a diverse selection of food and beverages. Hosted at various distinctive venues across Los Angeles, KCRW Summer Nights offers an ideal experience no matter where you are in the city. This year's schedule features locations such as Union Station, Downtown Long Beach, Chinatown, the flourishing Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge, and the renowned Hauser & Wirth gallery in the Arts District, among others. These complimentary outdoor gatherings cater to all age groups, promising an enjoyable time for everyone. This summer's events are scheduled through September 20, taking place on various Fridays and Saturdays with varying start times. Detailed schedules and RSVP options are available online.

Relax by the Ocean at Sunday Sessions on Malibu Pier

Malibu, with its exquisite beaches and world-class surfing waves, is an essential stop on any Los Angeles excursion. Situated directly on the renowned Malibu Pier, the Sunday Sessions event offers one of the area's most cherished summertime community experiences. Held on the second Sunday of each month from June through September, this event features live music on the pier, alongside an array of pop-up retail, food, and beverage vendors, all set against the backdrop of Los Angeles' most stunning coastal views. Beyond leisure, Sunday Sessions also carries a significant social mission. While admission is free, every purchase from participating vendors directly contributes to California State Parks and supports local Malibu businesses, which are still recovering from devastating wildfires earlier in 2025. Due to limited parking, it is advisable to consider ride-sharing services or public transportation.

Immerse Yourself in Cinematic History at Cinespia Cemetery Screenings

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery stands out as one of Los Angeles' most distinctive attractions, making it a compelling destination for visitors. As the ultimate resting place for cinematic icons like Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, it fittingly hosts Cinespia, one of LA's most cherished outdoor movie events, right on Santa Monica Boulevard. These summer screenings occur on Saturdays through August 23, presenting a diverse cinematic lineup that includes classics and contemporary films such as "It," "The Addams Family," "Zoolander," and "Psycho." The festivities extend beyond the film, with a live DJ and photo booth adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic, with beer and wine permitted. Screenings typically commence between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., but early arrival is recommended to secure a prime viewing spot. General admission is $29.99, with additional fees for parking. The complete schedule and ticket purchases are available online.

Enjoy Free Shakespeare Amidst Nature at Griffith Park

While Los Angeles is globally recognized for its film industry, it also boasts a thriving performing arts scene, including several complimentary theatrical events during the summer. A particular local favorite is the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival, an annual tradition since 2010. Located within the Old Zoo Picnic Area, visitors can experience free performances by the Independent Shakespeare Company from Wednesday through Sunday until August 31. This year, the company will present Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost" through July 27, followed by Christopher Marlowe's Elizabethan drama "Doctor Faustus" throughout August. Given the festival's popularity, advance RSVP is highly recommended due to limited capacity. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or low chairs (with the area closest to the stage reserved for blankets only) and snacks. While admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated, underscoring the community's support for the performing arts beyond the silver screen.

Indulge in Laughter and Culinary Delights at Belly Laughs Comedy and Food Festival

For a truly unforgettable weekend blend of comedy, culture, and extraordinary cuisine, the Belly Laughs Comedy and Food Festival on July 12 and 13 at the LA Live entertainment complex in Downtown is an essential experience. This two-day festival is a dedicated celebration of Asian-American cultures, featuring performances from 30 diverse comedians, including renowned names like Hasan Minhaj, Kumail Nanjiani, Margaret Cho, and Bobby Lee. This groundbreaking event uniquely combines comedic talent with an impressive selection of over 20 food and beverage vendors, expertly curated by MAMA's Nightmarket, a cherished night market that champions the city's immigrant communities. With both laughter and delectable food on offer, this festival is simply not to be missed. Seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and the lineup is subject to change. General admission for both days is $217, while a single-day ticket costs $129. For those primarily interested in the legendary market without the comedy, tickets are available for $50. Tickets can be purchased online.

Celebrate Asian-American Culture at the Annual Lotus Festival

On July 12 and 13, Echo Park will once again host its cherished annual Lotus Festival, a tradition that has graced the city since the early 1970s. Initially conceived as a one-day event to honor the contributions of Asian Americans in Los Angeles, the festival centers around Echo Park Lake, home to some of the largest lotus beds in the Western United States. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a premier celebration of Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, enriched with a diverse array of music, dance, and other cultural performances, alongside food vendors and the thrilling Dragon Boat Races, which attract competitors from across California. Each year, the festival shines a spotlight on a different culture, with 2025 dedicated to Korea. Inspired by the Korean Jinju Lantern Festival, a tradition dating back to the 1500s, this year's event will also feature a "Lights of Dream Festival," showcasing intricate rice paper lanterns and custom-designed lotus lanterns. While admission to the Lotus Festival is free, tickets to the Lights of Dream Festival cost $33.85 and are available for purchase online.

Discover Summer Music and Dance Amidst the Tranquility of Descanso Gardens

Just a short 20-minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles lies one of the county's most exquisite green spaces, Descanso Gardens, which also hosts another vibrant LA summer event. This 150-acre botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. However, for those seeking a rich cultural experience during their visit, Descanso Gardens offers an additional treat. After an afternoon exploring the serene gardens, stay for the Thursday night Summer Music and Dance event, providing a lively conclusion to your day. Held monthly from June through August, with the next event on July 10, the series features captivating performances of Brazilian dance, live music, and Afro-Brazilian traditions. On August 14, attendees can enjoy a Mexican folklórico performance. Performances run from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., and attendance is included with garden admission, which is $15 for a standard adult ticket.

Experience High-Energy Music at HARD Summer Festival

Since its inception in Los Angeles in 2007, HARD Summer has solidified its reputation as a prominent fixture in both California's festival landscape and the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. This year, the festival is set to electrify audiences on August 2 and 3. Over nearly two decades, HARD has showcased an impressive roster of artists, from Justice and The Weeknd to Major Lazer and Megan Thee Stallion. This year's exciting lineup promises performances from artists like Kaytranada, Busta Rhymes, Gesaffelstein, and Joy Orbison, among many others. While primarily an EDM festival, HARD has broadened its scope in recent years to include various genres, including hip-hop and R&B. After a decade of touring California, the iconic festival returned to Los Angeles a couple of years ago. This year, HARD will be held at Hollywood Park near SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Two-day general admission tickets start at $242.23, with single-day tickets also available for purchase online. Attendees must be 18 years or older.

Enjoy Outdoor Cinema and Culinary Delights at Street Food Cinema

Few experiences capture the essence of Los Angeles quite like attending an outdoor movie screening while savoring delectable offerings from local food trucks. Street Food Cinema, hosted at various venues across the county from spring through autumn, masterfully combines these two beloved pastimes, creating one of LA's most enjoyable festivals. The cinematic selection ranges from contemporary releases like "A Complete Unknown" to anniversary screenings of cherished classics such as "Almost Famous" (celebrating 25 years in 2025) and "Pretty Woman" (marking 35 years). Screenings are held at iconic locations, including Los Angeles State Historic Park and The Autry Museum of the American West, making Street Food Cinema an unforgettable highlight for any visit to the City of Angels. Some events also feature additional attractions like live music and engaging activities, such as audience trivia. Specific details vary by event, so it is advisable to check the full schedule and purchase tickets online. Advance adult tickets are $22, while admission at the door is $27.

Join Free Dance Classes and Performances at Dance DTLA

Despite Los Angeles' reputation for being a costly city, it offers numerous exhilarating free activities. Among LA's hidden gems, the Dance DTLA summer dance class series has been a cherished tradition for over two decades. For those seeking a fun, pressure-free environment to refine their dance skills, head to The Music Center in Downtown LA any Friday until August 1. Located on the Jerry Moss Plaza, the festival provides complimentary, beginner-friendly dance classes with easy-to-follow steps, all led by professional LA dancers and instructors. Each evening highlights a different genre, with upcoming classes covering salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, and disco. Events run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., encouraging participants to stay after their lesson to showcase their newfound moves as live DJs take the stage. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and classes are open to all ages. RSVP in advance online.

Experience Open-Air Movies with a View at Rooftop Cinema Club

For a movie screening experience that foregoes ground seating and the hassle of lugging picnic gear, Rooftop Cinema Club offers the perfect solution. Situated atop the Level Hotel in Downtown, this unique cinema provides individual headphones for an enhanced viewing experience, all set against a spectacular backdrop of the Los Angeles skyline. Screenings occur daily, with two showings on select days, until September 1. The film selection caters to diverse tastes, spanning from the 90s classic "10 Things I Hate About You" to thought-provoking films like "Interstellar" and "Silence of the Lambs." Ticket prices vary by event and include options such as standard Adirondack chair seating or luxurious upgrades like a bucket of popcorn or a cozy loveseat for two. Some events feature exciting additions, such as the weekly Wine Wednesday, where tickets include a complimentary first glass of wine, or themed screenings like "Practical Magic" on July 27, which includes a tarot reading. Be aware that some movie selections have age restrictions, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The full schedule and booking options are available online.

Delight in Free Outdoor Concerts at Grand Performances

There's nothing quite like an outdoor summer concert, and Grand Performances, a Downtown LA staple since 1987, offers an unparalleled experience. Taking place at California Plaza on Saturdays through August 23, this complimentary concert series showcases an eclectic range of genres, from Latin ska to psychedelic bolero. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or low-backed chair, along with a picnic. For those seeking Friday entertainment, Grand Performances also presents various poetry readings, film screenings, and classical music events. Snacks and sodas are available for purchase, with alcoholic beverages offered at some events. Given Downtown's walkability, numerous local restaurants are also nearby. On-site parking is available for $10 cash or $17 with a credit card, though the venue is easily accessible via public transportation. Advance RSVP is recommended and available online.

Explore Local Delights at the Night Market at the Bungalow

If your Los Angeles itinerary includes a visit to one of the world's most renowned beaches, consider scheduling it for a Thursday. The Night Market at The Bungalow, a celebrated beach house-style bar located at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica, promises an enjoyable evening for all, every Thursday until the end of August. Visitors can anticipate a festive atmosphere filled with local food and beverages, live DJ sets, family-friendly entertainment, and even appearances by celebrity guests. For culinary enthusiasts, The Bungalow's Night Market features an array of offerings, including Tijuana-style tacos, empanadas, gourmet cookies, and more, making it a must-visit for those with a hearty appetite. The 2025 Night Market marks its fourth successful year, and admission is free. The event welcomes all ages, and pets are also permitted. The Night Market at the Bungalow runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with The Bungalow itself remaining open until 2 a.m. for guests over 21 (reservations required).

Indulge in Asian Street Food and Culture at the 626 Night Market, Arcadia

The nation's pioneering large-scale night market returns to Los Angeles for the summer season. Drawing inspiration from Asia's iconic open-air nighttime bazaars, the 626 Night Market brings together over 250 vendors offering Asian street food and beverages, complemented by live music, artisan crafts, retail stalls, and much more. Named after the area code for the San Gabriel Valley, a region celebrated for its unparalleled Asian cuisine in Southern California, the market will reclaim its original Arcadia location at Santa Anita Park from July 11-13, August 22-24, and August 29-31, with additional weekends at other California venues. While specific vendors will vary each weekend, visitors can anticipate a tantalizing array of culinary delights, from Japanese-style hot dogs and Korean bulgogi bowls to spicy wontons and shawarma, ensuring a memorable gastronomic experience. For the Arcadia events, presale tickets are available for $5.90, or $6.93 for general admission, which can be purchased online and are valid for one day of the event weekend. While tickets may be available at the door, supply can be limited. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., with early arrival before 8 p.m. recommended to avoid peak dinner crowds.