Free events in LA: The best free things to do in the city
Free events in LA are not hard to come by, if you know where to look. Use this guide to find the best free things to do.
Find free events in LA to help you rediscover the city. Explore cultural institutions like the Getty and take advantage of some of the best live music LA has to offer without opening your wallet. Cheap eats are great, but nothing beats a free day out. Get inspired for your next date night or family outing with our list of free upcoming events.
RECOMMENDED: Full list of free things to do in LA
Smorgasburg LA
Indulge your inner foodie and shopaholic at this weekly food-focused market. The Brooklyn export has landed in the Arts District and become a hotbed of fantastic food and retail vendors, with some that are testing out their dishes before launching a full-blown brick-and-mortar in the city. Bonus: there is plentiful (and free, for two hours!) parking in the nearby parking garage.
Second Home Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano
Each summer, a different world-renowned architect constructs a short-lived immersive pavilion in London’s Kensington Gardens. Now, for the first time, one of those fleeting structures is headed stateside: SelgasCano’s crisscross of airy rainbow tunnels will welcome visitors who are looking for colorful photo ops and free performances, hosted by coworking space Second Home and the Natural History Museum. Second Home Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano This iridescent rainbow pavilion has landed at the La Brea Tar Pits—and you can visit for free. http://bit.ly/2LnXCT6 Posted by Time Out Los Angeles on Thursday, June 27, 2019 We’re sure the pavilion’s Insta-worthiness will be the biggest attraction for most visitors, but take a moment to admire some of the whimsical architectural details: the colorful latticework of shadows on the floor, the calm canopy of streamers overhead, the iridescent shimmer of the plastic walls, the winding hallway that hugs the pavilion’s exterior. It should provide a stunning backdrop, too, for the pavilion’s planned live talks, which already include the likes of Universal Music, Netflix, World Wildlife Fund, David Lynch, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Frieze LA, LACMA and the mayor’s office. You can swing by daily from 11am to 7pm (and until 9pm on Fridays), though timed express entry tickets will also be released. While you definitely want to visit when there’s ample sunlight to make the irridescent exterior and its colorful shadows more vibrant, do
A24 Public Access
Well here’s the oddest addition to this summer’s slate of outdoor movie screenings: a contemporary crime flick projected onto a billboard in the Valley. Lauded indie studio A24 is hosting a series of free “Public Access” screenings around the country, with some of its most celebrated films projected onto billboards. Here in L.A., you’ll be able to watch The Bling Ring projected above a liquor store at the corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and Sepulveda Place, right next to Dr. Hogly Wogly’s Tyler Texas BBQ. The Van Nuys screening takes place in front of Triangle Liquors on Saturday, July 27 at 8pm. You can scope out the spot in this slideshow of photos tweeted by A24: A big screen experience. #a24PublicAccess starts 7/20 with Lady Bird in Downtown Sac. pic.twitter.com/jW8m8aZrqu — A24 (@A24) July 10, 2019 Sofia Coppola’s 2013 flick, starring Emma Watson, follows the real-life teen thieves who raided the Hollywood homes of Paris Hilton, Megan Fox and more. Other films (screened outside of L.A.) in the series include Lady Bird, The Witch, Good Time, The Spectacular Now and Moonlight.
Artists & Fleas Venice
The newest flea market on the block, the Venice outpost of this artisan/craft-focused flea market mini-empire is bringing records, vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, cosmetics, jewelry and more to the Westminster Avenue Elementary School. A handful of small batch confectioners provide sweet treats to snack on or take home, while food trucks and nearby restaurants provide heartier bites. Though relatively small in size, owing perhaps to its prime location bookending the neighborhood’s famed Abbot Kinney stretch, vendors hawk a diverse range of hand-made and expertly curated wares that seems to simultaneously fit in and stand out in one of the nation’s most unusual neighborhoods.
KCRW Summer Nights
Everyone’s favorite NPR affiliate has a hand in over a half-dozen summer concert slates at locations like One Colorado, the Hammer Museum and KCRW’s new Santa Monica headquarters. But the party-till-midnight bashes at Chinatown Central Plaza have become a particular favorite. Familiar KCRW personalities like Garth Trinidad, Travis Holcombe, Anne Litt and Jason Bentley spin the tunes at these food truck-fueled block parties. Regardless of the location—including the oceanfront offshoot, Twilight on the Pier—you really can’t go wrong with any evening spent at Summer Nights.
“Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop”
Celebrate the photographers responsible for helping to define hip-hop’s visual identity with this display of unedited contact sheets for famous photo shoots. Author and curator Vikki Tobak has assembled over 140 works from more than 60 photographers alongside rare videos, memorabilia and music. The era-spanning exhibition features photos of both the anonymous faces who showed up to hear early hip-hop at clubs and roller rinks in the late-’70s, as well as the genre’s biggest stars: Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Salt-N-Pepa, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B and more. You’ll spot instantly recognizable images, as well as behind-the-scenes moments, like Nas in the studio recording Illmatic and Kanye West getting a haircut during the cover shoot for The College Dropout. The exhibition pulls from a visual book of the same name, and it features a few Annenberg-only additions, including a contact sheet of Nipsey Hussle driving around town with his daughter sitting in his lap, as well as a photo of Mac Miller playing piano that was the inspiration for a memorial mural on Beverly Boulevard.
KCRW's Night Market at The Bungalow
Summer's just heating up, but thanks to a new nightlife partnership it's set to be scorching: Santa Monica mainstay the Bungalow teamed up with beloved radio station KCRW to throw a night market every Thursday just a block from the beach. KCRW's no stranger to killer programming and putting on a great party (see also: Chinatown Summer Nights), and now, every week at the Bungalow you can expect KCRW DJ sets, plus to-be-announced live performances that take over the Fairmont Miramar scene. Once all that dancing's worked up an appetite, you can hit the food trucks and take a seat at one of the picnic tables spread throughout the space (or, you know, just camp out at a picnic table all night long—we wouldn't blame you if you're just here for the food). What's more, this event is family-friendly and free to enter for all ages. The fun runs every Thursday into fall, from 5 to 10pm.
Van Leeuwen x Stitch Fix ice cream giveaway at the LA Zoo
Peak summer means peak ice cream weather, and this weekend, Van Leeuwen's got you covered—literally. One of L.A.'s best ice cream shops is teaming up with clothing subscription service Stitch Fix to give out free scoops for all ages, and $20 coupons for any kids in need of some back-to-school fits. From Friday to Sunday, July 19 to 21, stop by the parking lot of the LA Zoo between 10am and 5pm, then choose between strawberry swirl, fudge brownie, honeycomb, mint chip, or the vegan coconut brownie flavor, and top your scoop with sprinkles, M&Ms, gummy bears, Fruity Pebbles or banana chips, all for free. If you've got little ones, you can check out what the stylists at Stitch Fix Kids have to offer, plus get discounts. Because come on—why spend your day shopping at the mall when you can shop at the zoo with free ice cream?
Skirball Cultural Center Sunset Concerts
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, but parking is $15.
Asssscat
Every Saturday and Sunday, the UCB franchise’s longest-running, most beloved showcase starts when a base cast of the theater’s current top-brass—including founding UCB members Matt Walsh, Matt Besser and Ian Roberts—takes the stage. Then they introduce the surprise celebrity alumnae and friends who will be joining them (think Horatio Sanz, Ben Schwartz, Adam Pally). And finally, another special guest takes the stage, a non-improviser (think Flea, Cat Power, Rebel Wilson, Lena Dunham) who opens the show with a personal story, that’s deftly mined for laughs by the players. But you have to go to find out who’s there—that’s part of the fun. Looking for a cheap night out? Sunday shows are free, but seating is first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early.
Free Shakespeare in Griffith Park
Each summer, Bard fanatics watch their favorite works come to life at the historic Old Zoo in Griffith Park. Independent Shakespeare Co. puts on a series of lively productions each week, inviting audiences to take a seat on the grass (read: bring a picnic blanket) and enjoy performances like this season’s headliners: Twelfth Night and Pericles. Insider tip: Before the show starts, grab a bite from the concession tent, which features sweet treats from the Village Bakery & Cafe, homemade kettle corn and more.
Donna Huanca: Obsidian Ladder
Known for using nude bodies as her canvas, Huanca’s site-specific performance piece has filled the Marciano’s theater gallery, a former gathering place for the Freemason’s secret order of men, with painted female models. The only consistent thing about the Marciano’s theater gallery is how wildly different it appears during each exhibition, and Obsidian Ladder is no exception. Huanca has bathed the space in harsh white lighting—made (unintentionally?) more clinical by the white-clad museum employees who line the perimeter. But the pieces between the massive, slanted vertigo-inducing walls feel far more organic and ritualistic. Seven models—sometimes standing, other times kneeling or laying down—adorned with pendants, elaborate hair pieces and thick ponytails move slowly about a series of steel sculptures. There’s no set path or choreography; the models are free to move as they please, though there are certainly moments where all of their movement seems coordinated. Two important things we should note: Performances are only scheduled on Saturdays from 11am to 5pm. Though Huanca’s blue swirls of paint are still beautiful, the installation isn’t complete without the models. Speaking of, that brings us to our second point: Yes, the female models in the installation are fully nude. It’s certainly something to keep in mind for younger viewers, though nothing is obscene or lewd—quite the contrary, as Huanca’s body paint work is simply stunning and lends the whole piece an empoweri
Dance Downtown
The Music Center offers a free, joyous mash-up of music and dancing all summer long, with different themes (90s, line dancing, cumbia, etc.) and free dance lessons plus live bands. Head to Grand Park and join in the fun—no dance experience required.
“David Hammons”
David Hammons is one of the most important American artists today, though you wouldn’t necessarily know it. An artist of his stature would have been recognized by now in major museum surveys, but as one of the first African-American artists to have emerged in the context of Conceptualism, he has always remained elusive and apart from the largely white art world as matter of strategy. This show at Hauser & Wirth marks his first L.A. exhibition in 45 years.
“Guillermo Kuitca”
The Argentine painter’s abstract-leaning canvases incorporate layers of architectural plans and cartographic maps.
Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Group Show
Hello Kitty is turning 45 years young, and to celebrate, Sanrio is partnering with the Boyle Heights-area Corey Helford Gallery to host a tribute exhibition. About 100 artists from around the world have reinterpreted images of Hello Kitty and her friends into their own aesthetic through paintings, sculptures and animated works. Swing by on June 29 for an opening reception, with limited-edition prints and an appearance by Hello Kitty.
“Punch”
Nina Chanel Abney curates a show of 33 friends and peers who contribute figurative paintings and sculptures that combine visual panache with wokeness.
The Little Literary Fair
Affectionately dubbed LITLIT, this free fair is a celebration of indie booksellers and creators. Head on over to Hauser & Wirth to peruse tomes from and interact with over 20 publishers.
Pershing Square Downtown Stage
Downtown’s concrete square gets a bit livelier with feel-good Saturday-night sets from the Bangles, Best Coast, Ozomatli and Smash Mouth, plus Wednesday afternoon farmers’ market shows. Catch the free, open-air performances from July 13 through August 17.
US Open of Surfing
America’s largest pro surfing competition attracts the world’s elite, who compete for big money while wowing 200,000 beach boys and girls with their skill, grace and innovative board designs. Heating up the festivities are live bands, a sports expo and after-parties with the friendly locals.
Louis Vuitton X
You might have noticed the red and orange ombré windows that’ve taken over the corner of Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard. It’s all part of high-end malletier Louis Vuitton’s new exhibition that’s part historical deep dive and part Insta backdrop. “Louis Vuitton X” follows the retailer’s 160-year history with over 180 items from the archives, including bags reworked by Karl Lagerfeld, Rei Kawakubo, Cindy Sherman and Frank Gehry along with original collaborations by artists like Yayoi Kusama, Richard Prince and Zaha Hadid will also be on display. Find it at 468 North Rodeo Drive through September 15.
‘Bauhaus Beginnings’
Dive into the founding principles of the influential German art school at this Getty Research Institute exhibition, which includes over 250 rare prints, drawings, collages, notebooks and ephemera from the Bauhaus’s founding and early years.
Final Fridays
Nosh on bites from a rotating lineup of food trucks during this monthly hangout just outside the Rose Bowl, complete with foot golf, outdoor games, moon bounces, photo ops and stadium tours. Even entry is through the northern end of Lot K, just southwest of the stadium.
“Book of Beasts: The Bestiary in the Medieval World”
Acquaint yourself with the real and fabled beasts of the medieval world, like unicorns, lions and griffons, through a mix of 100 paintings, illuminated manuscripts, sculptures and more.
Summer Nights in the Garden
Spend an evening outside the Natural History Museum with live music, garden-inspired cocktails, hands-on science projects, botanical tours and food trucks.