There’s no better city to spend a summer than Los Angeles. From free outdoor concerts to World Cup 2026, LA’s summer calendar is one of the best in the country – Here are some outdoor events and activities worth adding to yours:
Enjoy free live music all summer at these iconic L.A. spots
Some of LA’s best summer nights cost nothing at all. The city’s free outdoor concert scene spans cultural institutions, museum courtyards, and community spaces across the region. Here’s where to catch live tunes outside this summer:
- KCRW Summer Nights is a free, all-ages outdoor parties across Southern California featuring DJs, live bands, food, and special exhibitions at cultural partners like the Bowers Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits.
- LACMA Jazz Nights is LACMA’s beloved free summer series and the weekly event returns this summer with live performances in the museum’s outdoor spaces. Check our Jazz Nights’ full guide for dates and lineup details.
- Off the 405 at the Getty is The Getty Center’s free outdoor summer concert series takes place in the courtyard atop the hills overlooking LA. Bring a picnic, arrive early for the opening DJ set at 6 p.m., and reserve your free tickets on the Getty’s website three weeks before each show as reservations are required!
- The seventh annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival takes over the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza rooftop on August 29 for a free, community-rooted celebration of live jazz, with an art competition and college scholarship awards on top of the music. And if you can’t wait, the festival’s monthly Sunday Jazz series runs year-round at The World Stage in Leimert Park.
Watch one of the world’s biggest sporting event, FIFA World Cup 2026, as it lands in Los Angeles this summer
The FIFA World Cup is coming to Los Angeles this summer, with games taking place at SoFi Stadium. The first game in Los Angeles, Paraguay v. United States, play on June 12 at 6 p.m. PT.
Whether you’re attending the actual match or cheering from a fan zone in the city, there’s plenty of chances to catch the game in unique ways. Check out our full guide to things to do and fan zones across LA during World Cup 2026.
To celebrate 25 years of the wizarding world, DroneArt is bringing the World Premiere of the Harry Potter drone show at Dodger Stadium with 1,200 synchronized drones set to the films’ iconic score, recreating memorable film moments like the flying Ford Anglia and the Goblet of Fire above the LA skyline.
Grab a Butterbeer™ at the stadium beforehand, stick around for themed-merch on site – and yes, costumes are encouraged!
Catch a movie at these beloved outdoor screenings in L.A.
Los Angeles has one of the most special outdoor cinema scenes in the country, with a range of series running from beloved cemetery screenings to rooftop double features. Here’s where to catch a film outside this summer:
- Cinespia is LA’s longest-running outdoor film series, celebrating its 25th anniversary season at Hollywood Forever Cemetery this year! This LA institution draws up to 4,000 guests per night with DJ sets, photo booths, and other special surprises for fans. May screenings include E.T., Moulin Rouge, and Mulholland Drive, the latter screening at the very cemetery where the late and great David Lynch now rests. The Matrix and Fast Times at Ridgemont High plays in June.
- Street Food Cinema is a beloved outdoor film series that brings food trucks, sit-down lawn atmosphere, and a solid lineup to Grand Hope Park and The Autry this summer, with screenings including Mamma Mia!, Bend It Like Beckham, Muppet Treasure Island, and The Birdcage.
- Rooftop movies at The Montalban is a chance to catch films on one of LA’s most fun rooftop setups at this historic theater, with a lineup running from Barbie and The Royal Tenenbaums through La La Land, Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, and more into July.
And be sure to follow @secret.filmclub for more things film & TV!
LA’s Pride season runs from May through August across seven festivals citywide, with colorful parades, live music, art installations, and community events honoring the LGBTQ+ community’s history and culture.
L.A. is home to 7 Pride festivals, drawing thousands of attendees from all backgrounds to celebrate over the summer.
Watch free Shakespeare performances at Griffith Park’s historic Old Zoo all summer
The Independent Shakespeare Co. returns to Griffith Park’s Old Zoo for a full summer season of free performances of Shakespeare in the park, with free parking and two productions running through early September.
This summer features Coriolanus (June 24–July 26) followed by The Comedy of Errors (August 5–September 6), both running Wednesday through Sunday at 7 p.m. Registration is requested to help organizers plan.
Experience the 45th Lotus Festival at Echo Park Lake this July
One of LA’s most beloved summer traditions, the Lotus Festival, returns to Echo Park Lake on July 11 to 12, 2026, honoring Sri Lanka.
Expect a full weekend of live music, dance performances, food, and cultural experiences set against the backdrop of blooming lotus flowers.
Spend a summer evening under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl or The Greek Theatre
Two of LA’s most legendary outdoor venues have great shows lined up for this summer.
The Hollywood Bowl hosts The Roots Picnic experience and a Santana show, while the intimate Greek Theatre has a packed lineup including La La Land in Concert, Death Cab for Cutie, and Ella Mai.
Summer is the perfect time to find your new favorite rooftop bar in the city. From downtown skyline views to breezy spots above the Westside, check out our full roundup of the best rooftops in LA.
LA is right on the ocean, and the best spots are often the ones you have to work a little harder to find.
El Matador in Malibu, with its dramatic rock formations and tide pools, is a perfect example. Check out our roundup of the most stunning hidden beaches around Southern California.
If you haven’t been to your local farmers market yet, summer is the perfect time to make them a weekly ritual. From the iconic Original Farmers Market on Fairfax that’s been operating since 1934, to the community-rooted Prosperity Market, check out our roundup of our favorite farmers markets in the city.
Cheer on your favorite Los Angeles sports team this summer
From baseball to soccer, LA is one of the best sports cities in the country.
Catch the Dodgers at iconic Dodger Stadium (including the very cute Pup in the Park event for dog owners), or plan to head to BMO Stadium for LAFC or Angel City FC, or out to Dignity Health Sports Park for the Galaxy.
The city is home to some breathtaking botanical gardens that are absolutely worth an afternoon of your summer. From the Arboretum LA in Arcadia, with its tropical forests, peacocks, and meditation events, to the world-renowned Huntington, check out our roundup of gorgeous botanical gardens around LA.
