Things are heating up this month, both literally and figuratively, as we’re in the peak of summer. 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. Visit 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.
2. Come face-to-face with the ‘ghost with the most’ at Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience
Ready for a ghastly good time ahead of Tim Burton’s highly-anticipated sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice? Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience is an officially-licensed Warner Bros. event that opens on August 23. The massive interactive experience features recreated sets, themed food & drinks, photo ops to die for, & so much more. Learn more about the ghoulish experience here!
3. 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.
Make room in your schedule to enjoy one of the best Los Angeles August events, featuring live classical music versions of incredible artists from Taylor Swift to The Beatles and Luis Miguel.
- Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – Candlelight Sherman Oaks: Best of Video Games
- Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – Candlelight Sherman Oaks: Tribute to Luis Miguel on Strings
- Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – Candlelight Sherman Oaks: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
- August 12 and August 16, 2024 – Candlelight Downtown LA: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More
- Tuesday, August 20, 2024 – Candlelight Long Beach: The Best of The Beatles
- Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – Candlelight Long Beach: Featuring Mozart, Bach, and Timeless Composers
- Thursday, August 22, 2024 – Candlelight Santa Monica: A Tribute to Coldplay
- Thursday, August 29 – Candlelight Downtown LA: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More
- Friday, August 30, 2024 – Candlelight Downtown LA: A Tribute to Whitney Houston
- Friday, August 30, 2024 – Candlelight Downtown LA: Tribute to Bad Bunny
- Saturday, August 31, 2024 – Candlelight Downtown LA: The Best of Hans Zimmer
- Saturday, August 31, 2024 – Candlelight Downtown LA: A Tribute to Adele
4. Sip on avocado beer at Avocado Fest
Avocado Fest at Angel City Brewery returns for its 12th annual celebration! Join them on Sunday, August 4th, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. they showcase their Avocado Ale — a crisp and refreshing Kölsch-style brew that’s perfect for summer. This year, they’re also excited to offer a double release featuring both our Classic Avocado Ale and a new Guavocado Ale. Sample both on tap or take home a 4-pack of each for later enjoyment! Free to the public, more info here.
When: August 4, 2024
📍Location: 216 Alameda Street Los Angeles, CA 90012
5. Enjoy soccer season to the fullest with LA Galaxy giveaways
This August, you can seize every opportunity to experience LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park to the fullest. They’re offering fans an exciting array of stadium-wide giveaways and exclusive ticket promotion packages throughout the entire season. Explore the complete LA Galaxy promotional schedule here!
6. Explore the life of Leo Messi at this experience
Immerse yourself in the remarkable universe of soccer icon Leo Messi at The Messi Experience in Los Angeles! Explore his victories and challenges through interactive, technology-driven rooms that span from his early days to World Cup triumphs. Explore Leo’s childhood in Argentina, participate in activities, accumulate points for a chance to meet Messi, and even interact with him via artificial intelligence. Touring the United States this year, The Messi Experience has landed in Los Angeles — don’t miss this unprecedented journey into his remarkable life and career!
Tickets: Get your tickets to The Messi Experience here!
When: Now through September 2024
Location: 2800 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90039
7. Enter another realm at The Obscure
Embark on a mystical adventure into The Obscure, a unique distillery and cocktail bar where spirits and premium liquors blend in the dimly lit ambiance. Guided by candlelight, guests will journey through a multi-sensory experience steeped in history, myth, and mystery. Every cocktail and spirit narrates a compelling tale, whisking you away with each sip into forgotten narratives and untold myths. The Obscure offers an unmatched cocktail-tasting journey, brimming with delightful surprises for the inquisitive spirit.
Tickets: Get your tickets to The Obscure here!
When: Now through August 2024
📍Location: The Obscure, 1356 Palmetto Street, Los Angeles, CA
8. Experience a contemporary twist on a cult classic musical
Reefer Madness offers a contemporary twist on the beloved cult-classic musical, combining satire with captivating performances. Helmed by the original creative team and under the direction of Spencer Liff, this production guarantees an evening filled with memorable music, uproarious laughter, and immersive thrills. Cap off the night with an exclusive after-party at The Reefer Den for an unforgettable experience.
Tickets: Get your tickets to Reefer Madness here!
When: Dates through August
📍Location: The Whitley, 6555 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA, 90028
9. Escape to Prohibition-era Gotham City with The Batette Follies of 1939
Step into the captivating ambiance of Prohibition-era Gotham City with The Batette Follies of 1939 — an exhilarating parody that seamlessly combines vaudeville, burlesque, cabaret, and contemporary entertainment, crafted by the creative force behind The Empire Strips Back. Prepare to be transported into a lively world where Gotham’s characters come alive on stage, promising an evening brimming with laughter, excitement, and pure escapism at The Montalbán this summer.
Tickets: Get your ticket to The Batette Follies of 1939!
When: Dates through August
📍Location: 1615 Vine Street, Hollywood, 90028
10. Catch a concert with your favorite artists around Los Angeles
Our beloved city is considered an essential destination for the world’s most eagerly awaited concert tours and music festivals. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the major events happening in Los Angeles this August that you can’t miss!
- Aug. 3-4, 2024: HARD Summer
- Aug. 9, 2024: Luke Bryan
- Aug. 10, 2024: Alanis Morissette
- Aug. 11, 2024: Zach Louis
- Get the full L.A. concert calendar here!
11. Understand the essence of L.A. at the Teen Angel & Estevan Oriol: Dedicated To You exhibition
BEYOND THE STREETS (BTS) presents Teen Angel & Estevan Oriol: Dedicated To You, an extraordinary exhibition capturing the essence of Los Angeles through the lens of legendary photographer Estevan Oriol and the influence of the independent Chicano magazine, Teen Angel. This curation highlights Oriol’s raw talent for uncovering beauty in the often-overlooked aspects of Los Angeles’ rich and transcendent culture. Oriol meticulously explored his own extensive archive to present this powerful collection that also demonstrates how Teen Angel impacted his own work. Visit BTS here.
Info: Free to the public. Closed on Monday & Tuesday. Open Wednesday — Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
When: June 29 through September 15, 2024
📍Location: 434 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
12. Take in the thrill of live jazz: Jazz Is Dead brings two unforgettable performances to L.A. this August
Jazz Is Dead is known for revolutionizing the live music scene by bringing exceptional jazz artists to Los Angeles for unforgettable performances. This August, fans can expect two electrifying concerts, showcasing the talents of some of the genre’s most celebrated musicians. As a leading force in modern music, Jazz Is Dead not only curates unique and vibrant shows but also fosters a dynamic jazz community in L.A. — blending innovation with tradition. Check out the dates below — then grab your tickets here:
- August 28, 2024: The Mizell Brothers, Blackbyrds, Gary Bartz, and guest of honor Larry Mizell
13. 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! Check out the KCRW Summer Nights schedule here.
14. Join the community at River Fest
Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) is presenting our third annual River Fest — a FREE outdoor festival focused on environmental arts and community, honoring the culture, history, and individuals who influence the LA River. Expect live music, local vendors, and more! Find more info here.
When: August 11, 2024
📍Location: LA State Historic Park | 1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
15. Enjoy the warm weather with a free outdoor concert
It’s no secret that August is warm, so why not make the most of it by stepping outside? Outdoor concerts have returned to Los Angelesl, and we’ve compiled a list of the city’s top free events, from the energetic KCRW Summer Nights series to the captivating Jazz at LACMA sessions. Whether you’re into dynamic DJ sets or live band performances, these concerts provide the perfect chance to enjoy music in the open air at no coast. Gather your friends and check out our list of free outdoor concerts here!
16. Party your way through history at Vault: Immersive Speakeasy
Sip on cocktails like the Old Sport with historical party animals like Billy the Kid and Marilyn Monroe at Vault: Immersive Speakeasy! The show takes you through the years with jaw-dropping burlesque, aerial, and song & dance acts as you relive the wildest moments of centuries past. The raucous show has been so popular that it just extended its LA run—get your tickets here!
17. Sip on craft cocktails and indulge in delicious eats at one of these lush rooftops around L.A.
Elevate your cocktail hour with a lush, plant-filled rooftop bar. It makes for a perfect tropical hideaway without leaving the city limits. Head up to one of these sky-high sanctuaries and watch the sunset over the L.A. skyline while sipping on mouthwatering cocktails and nibbling on delicious snacks. Find our favorite rooftop bars here.
18. 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 Angelesfor picnicking, reading, romantic dates, hanging out with friends, and more.
19. Cool off without heading to the beach at one of these 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 hike through incredible local landscapes to these little swimming havens might be a good alternative.
20. Go skating around the city
The August heat can be scorching, but for those staying in the city during this time who love the outdoors and soaking up some vitamin D, there’s no better plan than exploring the city on roller skates.
Firstly, it’s free! You just need your pair of inlines (or quads).. And secondly, it’s a great opportunity to get some exercise and discover new corners of Los Angeles. If you’re looking for things to do in L.A. in August, this is a perfect option. Check out the best spots to roller skate around L.A. here!
21. Indulge in a frozen sugar rush in these ice cream shops
If you have a sweet tooth and are looking to beat the heat, the answer to the question “what to do in L.A. in August” is simple: have an ice cream feast! Los Angeles boasts some of the best chains around, offering options for every palate, including vegan ice creams that will make your taste buds tremble with delight. Check out the best ice cream in L.A. here!
22. Take a quick getaway from the city
Got a few days off during the hottest month of summer? Then one of the best things to do in Los Angeles in August for you would be exploring nearby cities. From islands to deserts, and coastal towns offering the best sunsets and incredible beaches for surfing, taking a getaway to escape the traffic and stress is always a good idea. Check out local getaways from L.A. here!
23. Discover one of the many hidden beaches around L.A.
Going to the beach in August is a no-brainer and the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about things to do in Los Angeles this time of year. However, getting to the beach often means getting stuck in traffic only to arrive at a crowded spot. If you prefer more privacy, then we recommend exploring some of the secluded beaches around L.A. that will make you feel almost like a millionaire with your own private retreat.
24. Discover exclusive artist conversations and performances at the GRAMMY Museum
The public programs series at the GRAMMY Museum is truly a gem in Los Angeles — where they offer an interactive extension of the Museum’s exhibits, films, and artifacts. Held in the intimate 200-person Clive Davis Theater and 300 seat Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace, their stages have hosted both legendary and emerging artists for exclusive conversations, performances, panels, film screenings, and other engaging events. Check out the August schedule here!
25. Take a memorable guided hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign
Experience the Hollywood Sign in a whole different way — up close and personal! Get ready for an awe-inspiring hike with an expert tour guide. This extraordinary tour hike is an experience you’ll surely want to cross off your summer bucket list — don’t miss out and book your Hollywood sign tour hike here!
26. Let out your inner romantic at Fool In Love festival
Get ready to fall head over heels at the Fool In Love Festival, arriving in Los Angeles at the end of the month! Experience the magic of the artists who’ve behind your favorite love songs — and let your heart take center stage. Don’t miss out, tap into your inner romantic grab your tickets here!
When: August 31, 2024
Location: Hollywood Park on the grounds adjacent to SoFi Stadium