You've planned a day at one of LA's best beaches and penciled in an outdoor movie screening, but there are far more free things to do in August before summer starts to wrap up. From an avocado fest to a slew of summer concert finales, these are the best ways to make the most of your month without breaking into your wallet.
Aug 5, 19
Summer Nights in the Garden; Natural History Museum
Spend an evening outside with live music, garden-inspired cocktails, hands-on science projects, botanical tours and food trucks.
Aug 6-31
Cabinet of Curiosities; Union Station
Peer into a collection of mysterious worlds designed by local artists that are only viewable through peepholes.
Through Aug 7
Figures of Action; iam8bit
Peruse artist Jason Brockert's painted depictions of people who totally deserve action figures, from Beyoncé to Mr. Rogers.
Aug 13
Pandora Summer Crush; LA Live
Channel your inner pre-teen at this free show featuring 5 Seconds of Summer, Fergie and Daya.
Aug 14-16
Echo Park Rising; Various locations
Celebrate the Eastside's music scene with three days of free shows all over Echo Park.
Photograph: Kate Wertheimer
Aug 14
CicLAvia: Wilshire Blvd; Various locations
Pedal your way from Downtown to Koreatown during the bike-friendly fest.
Aug 14
Avocado Festival; Angel City Brewery
Celebrate Southern California's green staple with avocado-flavored popsicles, beers and more.
Aug 19
Odd Nights at the Autry; Autry Museum of the American West
Head to the latest installment of this monthly market, nighttime dance party, happy hour and shopping extravaganza.
Aug 20
Dreamers + Doers Market Place; Space 15 Twenty
Shop an incredible selection of vintage or work on a DIY craft at this afternoon shopping and mingling event.
Through Aug 20
Shakespeare by the Sea; Various locations
Enjoy one of the many free performances of Cymbeline or Othello, put on by Shakespeare by the Sea throughout summer.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Moto Miwa
Aug 20, 21
Nisei Week Japanese Festival; JACCC
Celebrate Japanese culture with displays of martial arts, tea ceremonies, flower arranging and more.
July 30-August 27
Float's Annual CineRamaDena; Float
Watch a classic movie inside the charmingly British Burlington Arcade during this summer screening series in Pasadena.
June 30-Sep 4
Free Shakespeare in Griffith Park; Old Zoo
Take in Shakespeare’s Richard III or The Tempest—they're running in repertoire—while enjoying the great outdoors.
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.