Music to Our Ears: Free Summer Concerts in LA

Summer is in full swing! While this probably means a hit to your wallet, with weekend road trips, nights out on the town, big family vacays, etc., it also means LA is hosting a plethora of free music events all around the city from the beach to the Getty to Chinatown. All you have to do is know where to find them. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate calendar of free concerts below, so you can soak in the sounds of summer while giving your credit card a break. Get out your dancing shoes and read up — we can’t wait to see you out there!

KCRW Summer Nights

Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, now through September 29

KCRW is hosting its popular Summer Nights series at several iconic destinations throughout LA, including the Hammer Museum, Descanso Gardens and so much more. Until September 29, catch outdoor performances from rising stars like Ambar Lucid and Hana Vu — all free of charge, and for all ages.

Timeout

KCRW

Getty Center’s ‘Off the 405’

August 27

What’s better than a free show amid stunning architecture and breathtaking sunset views? Getty Center’s annual outdoor summer concert series, Off the 405, is capping off the month of August with a performance from the New York collective, Standing on the Corner.

Buzz Bands

LA Record

Buzz Bands

Marina Del Rey ‘Summer Concert Series’

Thursday & Saturday, now through August 27

Live music on the water that’s also free? Say no more. Marina Del Rey’s Summer Concert Series is offering Symphonic Thursdays and Pop Saturdays, so grab a chair and head to Burton Chase Park for the perfect summer night activity on the Westside.

Jazz at LACMA

Every Friday, now through November

Jazz at LACMA is back this season with open seating and picnicking at Smidt Welcome Plaza. Each Friday evening, expect performances from many of LA’s best jazz musicians, including 3 More Sounds, 6 Beats Apart, Mz Val and more.

Events

LACMA Unframed

Poly Languages

Angel City Jazz

Grand Performances

Every Saturday, now through August 25

Over the last 36 years, Grand Performances has presented free live concerts featuring diverse and world-renowned artists like Stevie Wonder, Ozomatli and more. Join them in DTLA each Saturday night until August 25 for epic performances.

Grand Performances

Skirball Cultural Center ‘Sunset Concerts’

Every Thursday, now through August 25

The Skirball Cultural Center is celebrating 25 years of Sunset Concerts this summer with an eclectic line-up of diverse artists, each taking the stage on Thursday nights. Arrive early to eat, drink, shop and enjoy complimentary access to their exhibitions.

Grimy Goods

Levitt Pavilion Summer Concerts

Friday & Saturday, now through September 4

Head to Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park on Fridays and Saturdays for live performances from award-winning artists in a range of genres — from soul to electronic to indie pop to reggae. Pack a picnic, bring a lawn chair and enjoy some sweet beats.

Alter Latino Music

LA Art Party

LA Taco

Valley Cultural Center Concerts

Every Sunday, now through August 28

The Valley Cultural Center is hosting free Sunday night concerts at Warner Park with tributes to Bruno Mars, Billy Joel, Queen and more — because after all, who doesn’t love a good cover band? All concerts start at 5:30pm, so bring a bite to eat and something to sip!

Twitter

Manhattan Beach ‘Concerts in the Park’

Every Sunday, now through September 4

We love an excuse to go to Manhattan Beach. Presented by Chevron, Concerts in the Park is underway at Polliwog Park until September 4, featuring everything from rock n’ roll to psychedelic sounds to breezy jazz and blues. Get there early to snag a spot!