If you're already going broke on summer music festival tickets, you'll be happy to hear there are plenty of free things to do in May. From a new free concert series to a Downtown bird-watching session, these are the best ways to make the most of your month without breaking into your wallet.
Through May 2
COLCOA French Film Festival; Directors Guild of America
Watch both vintage and modern French films alongside TV premieres at this annual screening series for Francophiles.
May 5
Fiesta at FIG: Cinco de Mayo Celebration!; FIGat7th
Get ready for the ultimate fiesta with free music and a DIY piñata-making station, plus all-night happy hour prices on margaritas and beers.
May 6
Bird LA Day: Birds & Beers; Upstairs
Celebrate Bird LA Day—it's a thing—with this Audubon California-hosted rooftop bird-watching session, Q&A and beer night.
May 6
NTS at MOCA w/ B&O PLAY; The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Catch an afternoon of free tunes outside of the Geffen Contemporary with the premiere of this quarterly concert series from MOCA.
May 6, 7
Angel City Heritage Music & Arts Festival; Angel City Brewery
Celebrate the Arts District brewery's fifth anniversary with this beer, food, art and music festival.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/brewbooks
May 12
National Public Gardens Day at the Getty; Gety Center and Villa
Stroll through the spectacular gardens at both Getty locations with guided tours and garden-themed menus at their respective restaurants.
May 12
Them! screening; Union Station
Fend off gigantic irradiated ants during a free screening of this '50s sci-fi classic on Union Station's north patio.
May 19
Ultralight backpacking workshop; Adventure 16
Hear from expert Glen Van Peski, founder and chairman of Gossamer Gear, on packing tips for smoother, lighter backpacking trips.
May 20
East L.A. Comic-Con; El Gallo Plaza
Attend a homegrown celebration of comic books at this inaugural East L.A. pop-culture gathering.
Photograph: Michael Juliano
Through May 21
Last Chance: Jason Rhoades: Installations, 1994-2006; Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles
Roam around six immersive installations, strewn with wooden contraptions and neon signs, from the late California artist.
May 27–29
Fiesta Hermosa; Downtown Hermosa Beach
Bring your beach gear, and roam the 400 vendor stalls at this Memorial Day weekend block party.
May 28
L.A. Zine Fest; California Market Center
Get to know the world of DIY printed lit with this assembly of over 175 exhibitors of zines, small press publications and comics.
Through Sept 3
Oracle; The Broad
See 30 works pulled from the Broad's collection that show globalizing forces at work in contemporary society.
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.
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