The best upcoming concerts in L.A.

This epic (and free) outdoor concert series features live performances by artists from around the world at the totally overhauled California Plaza stage in DTLA, where the shallow water separating the stage from the audience has been replaced by a proper event lawn (though seating will be limited to the amphitheater). Don’t miss a diverse and highly intriguing mix of bands, DJ sets and dance parties.

Listen to classical and jazz in a dome more than a mile above L.A. during this mountaintop concert series. The Mount Wilson Observatory is hosting a pair of concerts this summer (an abbreviated version of its usual season) inside the dome of its 100-inch Hooker telescope, which was the largest telescope in the world for much of the first half of the 20th century. The August 1 performance leans classical, with performances from Elissa Johnston, soprano; Ambroise Aubrun and Henry Gronnier, violins; Alma Fernandez, viola; and Cécilia Tsan, cello. The one on September 5, meanwhile, skews more towards jazz with a set from the Lounge Art Ensemble. In both cases, you’ll find shows at 3 and 5pm. Tickets cost $50 (that also includes access to the historical exhibit at the observatory) and it’s highly recommended that you buy them in advance since seating is limited. You’ll need to be able to climb 53 steps to reach the dome, and children under 12 aren’t permitted. In addition, the observatory asks that attendees bring proof of vaccination.  

The Skirball puts on its annual series of free summer concerts, highlighting indie, folk and world music from L.A. and beyond. Guests can arrive early and visit the museum’s galleries for free, dine under the stars and grab a seat for the show in the beautiful central courtyard. Attendees are encouraged to sing along, dance in the aisles and gather at the foot of the stage to celebrate with the performers. The concert is free (and reservations are required), but parking is $10 in advance or $20 at the venue. This summer’s lineup includes Quetzal (Aug 5), Run River North (Aug 12), The Delirians (Aug 19) and Extra Ancestral (Aug 26).

One of L.A.’s best free live music offerings, Jazz at LACMA has featured legit legends over its three-decade run at the museum. The beloved program is thankfully making its return in 2021 after taking last summer off, but it’ll do so with a few new safety measures and under the name “Jazz at LACMA Limited Edition.” Though still free, tickets will be required, capacity will be limited and all attendees will be seated. The series kicks off on August 6 in front of Urban Light with a performance from Billy Childs and runs through mid-September. Tickets will be released every two weeks for two concerts at a time.

Born in Syria and raised in Saudi Arabia before she moved with her parents to Massachusetts when she was 10, singer-songwriter Azniv Korkejian comes by her nomadic stage name honestly. Her hushed folk songs aren’t immediately indicative of Korkejian’s complex origins, but she’s adept at crafting lyrics and arrangements that vividly capture her recollections of places she once called home.

L.A.’s own Goldroom—a solo project of synthpop trio NightWaves’ Josh Legg—will play his dreamy synth-disco on this boat tour, with a concert cruise that leaves out of Long Beach. The master remixer’s sounds paint a picture of summer in Los Angeles.

The venues keep getting bigger for this beloved Silver Lake five-piece. No surprise here: their soaring, sweetly melodic and slightly mournful alt pop—which tips its hat to Simon & Garfunkel, Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene—is made for stages like the Greek.

The annual Mariachi USA once again returns to the Hollywood Bowl for a five-hour extravaganza of mariachi master groups from Mexico, L.A. and around the world. The bands will be complemented by a company of kaleidoscopically-dressed dancers and a finale of fireworks. Bring your Malagueña-loving compadres and a picnic; the doors open at 4pm, giving you every reason to make this an all-evening event. Just make sure to nab your tickets quick—they’re selling faster than a plate of homemade tamales.

If your life is lacking spectacle, the playful, psychedelic band’s live show—packed with gratuitous confetti, colorful costumes and hamster ball crowd surfing—should fill the void.

Two decades since his first album, Banhart is no less wonderful and no less weird. The singer-songwriter can jump from dreamily somber odes to toe tappers on the fly. Catch him this summer at the Ford.