Things are heating up this month — both literally and figuratively. So to help you cope with the soaring temperatures while ensuring you make the most of the summer, we’ve curated a list of incredible happenings to fill your calendar with. Whether it’s a trip out of town, finding refuge at a lush sky-high oasis or a magical show, here are all the best things you can do this August in L.A. below!
1-15. Visit these 15 museums & galleries for free
Get your cultural fix at one of these world-class galleries and museums in L.A. You can marvel at masterpieces from around the world from various decades or take in poignant contemporary works from the voices of our time, and you can do it all for free every day of the week. See some of our top choices below:
- Get lost in Yayoi Kusuma’s infinite worlds
- Explore 6,000 years’ worth of artistic expression and take in free jazz concerts in front of Urban Light at LACMA this summer
- And so much more! Check out the full list of museums and galleries here.
16-20. Take in an enchanting Candlelight Concert at a gorgeous venue in Los Angeles
The wildly popular Candlelight Concerts have never ceased to captivate audiences across the globe. The series brings you talented musicians who perform live shows in beautiful settings, all bathed in Candlelight. While the virtual performances during the lockdown were just as magical, the exclusive event is now taking over iconic indoor spaces for a unique evening.
- August 4, 2023: LeAnn Rimes – An Intimate Song & Chant Experience
- August 11, 2023: A Tribute to Beyoncé
- August 12, 2023: An Evening with Vitamin String Quartet
- August 15, 2023: A Tribute to Juan Gabriel
21. TheFitExpo invites you to break a sweat and get inspired with your favorite fitness celebs, interactive classes, and all the latest health food & gear!
Calling all fitness fanatics! Get pumped for the ultimate fitness event coming to the Anaheim Convention Center on August 5-6. TheFitExpo is a massive gathering where you can exchange gym tips with bodybuilders, perfect your form with pro trainers, and even get cooking tips from nutritionists. Plus, meet inspiring fitness celebs like Jay Cutler, Ronnie Coleman, Ana Cheri, and many more! There’s also free samples from the industry’s top products and brands. Learn more about this family-friendly event here.
22. Let it all out at the hottest Latin dance party: BRESH
Put on your best fit and get ready to dance your heart out at the hottest party known as BRESH — featuring confetti and incredible DJs. From reggaeton to pop to disco, there’s something to get everyone moving. The dancing will start, the glitter will fall, and the drinks will pour, get your tickets to BRESH here!
📅 When: Saturday, Aug 5, 2023
📍 Location: The Vermont Hollywood, 1020 N Vermont Ave, 90029
23-42.Sip on craft cocktails and indulge in delicious eats at one of these 20 lush rooftops around L.A.
Elevate your cocktail hour with a lush, plant-filled rooftop. It makes for a perfect tropical hideaway without leaving the city limits. Head up to one of these sky-high sanctuaries and watch the sun sink into the L.A. skyline while sipping on mouthwatering cocktails and nibbling on delicious snacks. Get the full list of these thirst-quenching rooftops here!
43. Upgrade your wine tasting experience with the stunning cabaret SAVOR After Hours
If you’re in need of a weekend getaway, a road trip to see this one-of-a-kind wine tasting show in Napa Valley might be in order. Starring Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy</strong> from Dancing with the Stars, the stunning performers of SAVOR After Hours will walk you through a delectable evening of wine in the most entertaining way possible. With dance numbers paired to each label, you’ll experience wine in a whole new way! Click here to learn more about SAVOR After Hours.
44. Pivot on over to The FRIENDS™ Experience
Ever wanted to be part of your favorite TV Show? Well, now you can! Pose in front of the iconic fountain, push up that legendary couch up those apartment stairs (PIVOT!) and recreate Joey “Could I BE wearing anymore clothes” moment! Step straight onto the FRIENDS set at the ‘The FRIENDS™ Experience’ near Long Beach. Grab your tickets to The FRIENDS Experience here!
📍 Location: 4661 Silva St, Lakewood, 90712
45. Enter the totally pink World of Barbie
It’s no secret that BARBIE is the hottest film of the summer! Not only has your favorite doll stepped onto the big screen, but she has now come to life at World of Barbie in Santa Monica — and she’s welcoming everyone from every age to explore her iconic Dreamhouse, stylish Camper Van, and so much more. This experience is full of plastic nostalgia! Learn all about the World of Barbie experience and get your tickets here.
📍 Location: 395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica, CA 90401
46. Experience Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour without tickets in Los Angeles
Some of us Swifties weren’t lucky enough to snag tickets to Taylor’s 6-day run at SoFi Stadium… but fret not. There are still many magical ways to experience the Eras Tour even without tickets while Blondie is in town. From a Taylor Swift-themed menu to a Swiftie rave, get the full list of 10 ways to experience Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour here!
- Get enchanted at this Taylor Swift Candlelight Concert
- Break out your inner pop star and sing along to Shake It Off at World of Barbie
- Full list here!
47. Enter the mesmerizing world of Van Gogh at this incredible Van Gogh Exhibit
Calling all art lovers! The mesmerizing Van Gogh Exhibit has opened its doors and they are calling your name. Get ready to step into the world of the Dutch genius and behold his art in a whole new way with a state-of-the-art technology. Their 360-degree digital projections engulf you and highlight his vibrant use of colors and expressive brush strokes that define his legendary artistry. Get your tickets to the Van Gogh Exhibit here!
📍 Location: 1345 N. Montebello Boulevard, Montebello, CA
48. Explore an interactive out-of-this-world dreamland at Bubble World
Straight out of a dream, Bubble World is a multi-sensory experience featuring 10 stunning rooms—each with their own imaginative bubble theme. From diving into a ball pit of bubbles to wandering through a room of bubbles — no doubt you’ll feel as if your daydreams have come to life. This is an unforgettable experience perfect for all ages, friends, and family. Grab your tickets to Bubble World here!
📍 Location: 1345 N. Montebello Boulevard, Montebello, California, 90640
49. Discover compelling art at CONTROL Gallery’s two new solo exhibitions
CONTROL Gallery is presenting two solo exhibitions this month by Shaniqwa Jarvis — Everywhere You Go There You Are, and Othelo Gervacio — Mind Flowers. From Jarvis’ yearning to reconnect with a sense of belonging to Gervacio’s dark romanticism that explores the powerful dynamic between flowers and humans — the two thought provoking exhibitions will surely leave an impact on you. Find more info here!
📅When/Duration: On view from July 29, 2023 through August 26, 2023 — Wed. to Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍Location: CONTROL Gallery, 434 N La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA
50. Pack a picnic and head out to one of these gorgeous parks in Los Angeles
The best things in life are free — and romantic. A valid criticism of our city is that we don’t have enough parks. While this statement does hold true to an extent, the more you search, the more you’ll find that L.A. does have hidden pockets of greenery waiting to host you. No need to go search for yourself, because we found best parks in Los Angeles for picnicking, reading, romantic dates, hanging out with friends, and more. From a dreamy rose garden to a hidden oasis right in the middle of the city, these are the best parks for picnicking in Los Angeles here!
51-60. Cool off without heading to the beach at one of these 10 swimming spots
SoCal is home to some breathtaking beachside scenery, but in the height of summer, you’re likely to see more bronzed bodies than sand. So, taking a little trek through incredible local landscapes to these little swimming havens might be a good alternative. Sure, they can get a little crowded, but if you time it right and go the distance, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing pool to dip in. Find the full list here!
61. Sunday afternoon concerts return to the iconic Mount Wilson Observatory
Catch a cosmic concert 5,700ft above L.A. in the Mount Wilson dome. You can head up the mountainous landscape for these magnificent classical performances led by some of the best around. There’s hardly a better way to expand your cultural horizons than with musical journeys in the vaulted dome housing the huge Hooker 100-inch telescope. Find out more here.
62. Enjoy KCRW’s beloved Summer Nights around our city with L.A.’s hottest DJs
Finally, KCRW Summer Nights are back! Angelenos get to dance the warm nights away with some of KCRW’s best DJs and musical guests at our favorite L.A. locations like The Hammer Museum, Descanso Gardens, Chinatown, MOCA, and more! Find the full schedule here and more details here.