As you start sinking money into summer music festival tickets, you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of free things to do in LA this May. From a Downtown literary festival to a pickling party, these are the best ways to make the most of your month without breaking into your wallet.
Apr 30-May 6
Gabba Gabba Hey; Morrison Hotel Gallery
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ramones' debut album with this exhibition of classic photos taken by the likes of Bob Gruen and Mick Rock.
May 6-8
James Perse Sample Sale; Marina Del Rey
Find the ultimate luxe men’s and women’s basics at this three-day sample sale.
May 7-Sep 4
Cave Temples of Dunhuang: Buddhist Art on China's Silk Road; Getty Center
Take a tour of three hand-painted, full-scale replica caves and a virtual immersive experience of a desert cave dig site in this Buddhist art exhibition.
Photograph: Courtesy Getty Center
May 7
Grand Park Downtown Bookfest; Grand Park
Travel to this bookworm's Shangri-La for an all-day literary festival featuring poetry, a local pop-up bookshop, food, tunes and more.
May 15
CicLAvia: Southeast Cities; Various locations
Pedal your way through Huntington Park, Walnut Park, South Gate, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood and Watts at the bike-friendly fest.
May 15
Pickle Party; Grand Central Market
Peruse a pop-up pickle market and learn all you need to know about fermenting at home.
Photograph: Jakob N. Layman
Until May 22
Hollywood Farmers' Market 25th Anniversary; Hollywood Farmers' Market
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Hollywood Farmers' Market with speakers, special events and cooking demos every Sunday throughout May.
May 28-30
Fiesta Hermosa; Downtown Hermosa Beach
Strip down to your skivvies and roam the 400 vendor stalls at this Memorial Day weekend block party.
Ongoing
Free concerts; Various locations
Listen to some tunes without breaking the bank with free shows at the Echo, the Satellite, Grand Park and more.
Ongoing
Free museum days; Various locations
Make the most of free days at LACMA, the Natural History Museum and more, plus always-free museums like the Hammer, Getty and Broad.