August 2026 events calendar for Los Angeles

The La La Land concert of our dreams? A re-creation of the “Another Day of Sun” opener on the 105 and 110 connector. But we’ll take “City of Stars” just down the hill from Griffith Observatory as a close second. Composer Justin Hurwitz himself will conduct his Oscar-winning score backed by an orchestra and jazz ensemble at the Greek Theatre this August. The screening-slash-concert, which premiered at the Hollywood Bowl back in 2017, has now become a returning tradition—formerly at L.A. State Historic Park via Street Food Cinema.

Masterpiece isn't a word to be casually tossed around, but it’s hard not to ascribe it to musician turned artist Christian Marclay’s 24-hour video, in which thousands of short film clips are strung together to form a seamless, big-screen collage charting the passage of each minute of the day in real time. After 15 years away, The Clock is going back on display on the first floor of the BCAM building, and to bookend the exhibit, the museum is hosting two specially ticketed 24-hour screenings on July 25 and August 22 starting at 7pm (welcome news for L.A. night owls). Otherwise, the work will be on display during regular museum hours and is included with admission.

Nearly three decades in and a few personnel shake-ups later, Ben Gibbard and Co. still craft some of the finest melancholy, emotional pop songs. Catch Death Cab for Cutie in support of their latest, I Built You A Tower, during a pair of shows at the Greek.

A favorite of in-the-know shoppers, MAUM Market is returning to ROW DTLA. The market champions AAPI artists, creatives and entrepreneurs, and the result is a mindfully curated shopping experience. Find accessories, art, kids’ toys, beauty and wellness goodies, ceramics, stationery, clothing, jewelry, home wares and treats at the family-friendly and pet-friendly fair. Though it used to charge a nominal fee for tickets, entry is now free.

Grammy Award–winning Puerto Rican artist iLe headlines this 10th annual celebration of the soulful genre of Latin American bolero music in L.A. at the Ford. Los Angeles–based trío romántico Voz Bohemia open the show.

Annie Clark deservingly ascended to rock star status many years ago, but the trials and tribulations of that journey are what make her later St. Vincent albums so compelling. Clark can shift from electro-pop anthems to noisy rockers with Bowie-like precision, letting each side of her personality take the microphone and get a few things off its chest. She plays the Hollywood Bowl backed by the venue’s orchestra, with support from Anoushka Shankar.

Each year around the holidays, Craft Contemporary hosts a makers’ market filled with unique, handmade gifts. But this weekend, the Miracle Mile institution is hosting its first summertime edition, in honor of the museum’s newly rebranded and renamed gift boutique, “The Egg and The Eye Shop.” Browse vintage treasures, textiles, jewelry, clothing and handcrafted goods from local vendors—the market is the first at the museum that will focus solely on sustainable fashion and accessories. In addition to all the shopping, there’s live screen-printing, courtesy of Self Help Graphics & Art, on Saturday, as well as a free drop-in mending workshop on Sunday (2–4:30pm).

Jazz is taking over Los Angeles this August with a massive 17-day festival that will transform the entire city into its stage. The inaugural Los Angeles Jazz Festival kicks off August 7 in Leimert Park with an opening-night celebration featuring Lalah Hathaway and Chief Adjuah, then rolls through L.A. with free concerts in parks, late-night pop-ups, cultural tours and more. One highlight: the Caribbean Street Carnival at Windward Circle in Venice (Aug 21), which is free with RSVP and features four stages: Cuba, Latin jazz, New Orleans and Afrobeats. But the big finale arrives August 22 and 23 at Dockweiler Beach, where John Legend, Janelle Monáe, Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton, Raphael Saadiq, Charlie Wilson, Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia, Big Freedia and Original Koffee are among the weekend’s announced performers. Tickets for Jazz on the Beach start at just $54 for general admission. For a full rundown of the festival’s programming, check here.

Tucked behind Italian restaurant Vitello’s in Studio City is the Rendition Room—one of the best speakeasies in L.A. And this weekend, the hidden haven is celebrating 10 years in a fitting fashion: with a roaring ’20s–themed birthday bash. Your ticket includes a welcome cocktail and a buffet dinner. Pair with Prohibition-era drinks and a brand-new anniversary cocktail, Decade and Debauchery. If you come in your 1920s or 1930s finest, try your luck in the costume contest. 

On August 8, Ocean Avenue will ban cars in favor of something considerably more pleasant: art, music and food, with a view of the Pacific. Art on Ocean will transform the stretch beside Santa Monica’s Palisades Park into a free, all-ages outdoor arts festival featuring more than 100 artists, paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and other handmade work available to browse and buy. There’s also live music, a wine garden (plus a Paint & Sip for $35), food from local favorites and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Stick around after the festival for a free family-friendly outdoor screening of Jumanji, Welcome to the Jungle under the stars.