Entertainment

28 Ways to Catch a Free Performance This Summer

6.18.26

Summer in LA might make you break a sweat, but we won’t let it break your budget. A frugal queen (of any gender) knows the rundown on these free summer performances.

  • City of Dance
    • Various locations throughout LA
    • June 17-18, 20-21
    • We very nearly missed the opportunity to enjoy the free 72-minute dance performance from the LA Dance Project and Paris Dance Project. This is the first time LA has been graced with these free performances, and only the second time globally! 
  • KCRW Summer Nights
    • Various locations throughout LA
    • Fridays & Saturdays through September 5
    • On top of live music and DJs keeping the party going from 6-10pm, KCRW Summer Nights also feature special exhibits put on in collaboration with iconic host sites like the La Brea Tar Pits and Union Station. Don’t miss this all-ages dance party!
  • Shakespeare in the Park
    • Griffith Park
    • Wednesdays - Sundays June 24 - September 6
    • Enjoy Shakespeare in the round at Griffith Park this summer. The Independent Shakespeare Co will be bringing Coriolanus to the stage through July, then The Comedy of Errors through September. Free RSVPs are encouraged, and donations are welcome.
  • Jazz at LACMA
    • Mid-Wilshire
    • Fridays through October
    • Featuring the very best of LA’s jazz musicians, this iconic summer series is now in its 35th season. We recommend you grab tickets to LACMA (free for LA County residents after 3pm) and enjoy the art before basking in the live music from 6-8pm.
  • Grand Performances
    • Downtown LA
    • Fridays & Saturdays through August 29
    • From cabaret to opera to tribute concerts, this free annual summer performance series has graced this city since 1986. Every performance is different and brings top notch performers to public spaces throughout Downtown LA. Check their calendar for performer details, locations, and to RSVP.
  • Off the 405
    • Brentwood
    • Saturdays July 11, July 25, and August 22
    • The Getty has hosted this summer concert series since 2009, usually featuring 5-6 up and coming performers. This year you’ve got only 3 chances left to catch a concert through August! The Getty is also hosting a summer kids concert series the first three weekends of August. Bear in mind that parking is $10-$20 at The Getty, so we suggest a carpool!
  • Shakespeare by the Sea
    • Various locations throughout LA
    • Varying Wednesdays-Sundays June 26 - July 25
    • While not all of their locations are strictly “by the sea,” this touring Shakespeare troupe is dedicated to bringing admission-free theatre to Southern California every summer. This year the troupe will be performing Macbeth at locations throughout LA and the surrounding area. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
  • Sunset Concerts
    • Brentwood
    • Thursdays July 16 - August 6
    • The Skirball Cultural Center hosts this annual themed concert series every summer. This year’s theme is celebrating the US’s 250th anniversary with American Jazz. Catch one of the four performances this year! Entry is free, of course, but parking is $20 so consider carpooling or taking the Metro!
  • Summer of Salsa
    • Downtown LA
    • Saturdays July 10, August 7, and September 11
    • Each event in this annual series begins with a free salsa lesson from 6-7pm, followed by live and DJ’d music until 11pm. Dance your worries away at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, and grab some food or drinks during your breaks from the on-site vendors!
  • Tiny Porch Concert Series
    • Agoura Hills
    • Sundays July 19 and August 16
    • Peter Strauss Ranch hosts this free concert series in the Santa Monica Mountains. Admission is free, but an RSVP is required and donations are encouraged. All funds raised go to the Santa Monica Mountains Fund. There are only 2 dates left in this year’s series, so act fast!
  • The Original Farmer’s Market Summer Music Series
    • Fairfax
    • Thursdays through September 3
    • From jazz to americana to hip hop, this concert series is hosting a rainbow of musical genres for the public to enjoy. Between hitting the shops and grabbing a bite, stop for live music from 7-9pm at the Market Plaza.
  • Torrance Summer Nights
    • Torrance
    • Saturdays through September 12
    • Mostly featuring concerts - including some intriguing cover bands - this summer series also includes the occasional free family-friendly movie. Most, but not all events are held at Wilson Park, so check the schedule to make sure you’re heading to the right place.
  • Free Neighborhood Concert Series around LA County
    • La Mirada @ Neff Park: Thursdays through August 6
    • Lakewood @ Del Valle Park: Thursdays through August 6
    • Santa Clarita @ Central Park: Saturdays July 11 - August 29
    • Alhambra @ Alhambra Park Bandshell: Fridays July 10 - August 7
    • Calabasas @ Calabasas Lake Greenbelt: Sundays July 19, August 2, August 23 
    • Woodland Hills @ Warner Center Park: Sundays through August 24
    • Thousand Oaks @Conejo Community Park: July 4 & 19, August 7, & September 7
    • Marina Del Rey @ Burton Chase Park: Saturdays July 11 - August 15
    • Beverly Hills @ Beverly Cañon Garden: Thursdays through August 20
    • La Cañada Flintridge @ Memorial Park: Sundays through August 30
    • El Segundo @ Library Park: Irregular Sundays June 21 - August 9
    • Manhattan Beach @ Polliwog Park: Sundays July 5 - September 6
    • Redondo Beach @ Redondo Beach Pier: Thursdays & Saturdays through August 29
    • Agoura Hills @ Chumash Park: Sundays July 5, August 2, August 16
    • Diamond Bar @ Sumitridge Drive: Wednesdays in July
    • San Gabriel @ Mission Playhouse Plaza: July 9 & 23

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