The best concerts in L.A. this May

The first time you listened to “Ya Ya,” you just knew that Cowboy Carter was made for the stage, right? Well, Beyoncé will finally tour behind her country-influenced album, and the limited run of dates includes five nights in L.A. at SoFi Stadium.

Treat your ears to a vibrant concert on a spring or summer night this year by attending MUSE/IQUE’s annual program. This monthly series of performances, held at cultural venues across L.A., features a mix of performances inspired by music movements and public figures, including tributes to Ray Charles, immigrant film composers, the Memphis sound, Etta James and more. The best way to attend is to become a MUSE/IQUE member; you could make a $75 donation to the performing arts nonprofit for a single event (with the exception of September’s free open house), but if you’re interested in more than just one, it’s cheaper per event to become a full-fledged member.

For the first time, REDCAT is transform its theater into a 70s-style disco as part of its festival “To the Fullest: The Music of Julius Eastman and Arthur Russell.” Dance along as Grammy-nominated orchestral collective Wild Up performs composer Russell’s titular minimalist disco masterwork—an open-form jam for ensemble, percussion, keyboards and voices—at a show meant to evoke a large-scale dance party in Downtown New York, where the work premiered in 1979.

This chill fest—quite literally compared to the scorching desert outings—brings a few dozen acts to San Luis Obispo. This year’s lineup includes Jungle, Wallows, Goth Babe, Odd Mob, Kream and Briston Maroney at Dairy Creek Golf Course.

This laid-back, Gen X-ish music fest will once again take over the Redondo Beach coastline for three days in May. Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, Alanis Moriessette, Train, Cake, Pretenders, O.A.R., Mt. Joy and Jackson Browne top this year’s lineup.

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. Seating for the program is available in the museum’s plaza on a first-come, first-served basis, though you’re welcome to picnic on the grass, too (you won’t really be able to see the show, but you’ll still hear it). You’ll find the series on Friday evenings in LACMA’s welcome plaza (just behind Urban Light) throughout the summer.

Expect a world of glam electro-pop anthems and glittering costumes when the disco-inspired Australian duo Empire of the Sun comes to town. Catch them during Cercle Odyssey’s L.A. debut at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with a performance featuring a “visual narrative” from their creative team. South African brother duo Roi Turbo opens. 

Moby’s quiet roles as an animal rights advocate, vegan and blogger belie his fervent musical output: over a dozen studio albums that’ve jumped from hardcore and dance to blues and glam rock. The DJ is playing during the L.A. debut of Cercle Odyssey, “the world’s first 360-degree nomad concert” that merges sound and visuals for an immersive concert experience. Moby’s two sets May 9 will be his only live shows this year.

It’s another year of major top-of-the-chart artists headlining Wango Tango, with Doja Cat, Gwen Stefani, Meghan Trainor, David Guetta, Katseye, NMIXX, xikers, Hearts2Hearts and A2O MAY. Essentially, your 405-gridlock moments blasting KIIS FM radio (likely singing solo karaoke) are kicking up a notch from stereo to the big stage—with Ryan Seacrest on hosting duty—at Huntington City Beach. Show up early for a free pre-show with Asher Angel, TRUEBLOOD, Rhea Raj and KINO.

The aughts indie nostalgia shows no signs of stopping, so it’s no surprise that Just Like Heaven—a music fest that’s featured basically every beloved 2000s indie band—is coming back for its fifth edition. The fest will take over the golf course next to the Rose Bowl on May 18, 2025 with a lineup that’s largely pulled from your old iPod: Vampire Weekend, a reunited Rilo Kiley, Empire of the Sun, Bloc Party and TV on the Radio top the lineup, with additional sets from Slowdive, the Drums, Courtney Barnett, Panda Bear and more. Given the Pasadena setting, Goldenvoice will offer wildfire first responders two complimentary passes, while supplies last. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 31 at 11am.