A thundering herd of 100 life-sized elephants has taken over Beverly Hills as part of this free, public exhibition spanning four blocks of Beverly Gardens Park all month. The powerful art-meets-conservation display arrives in L.A. after a 5,000-mile journey across the U.S. that began on the East Coast. Each sculpture was made from invasive lantana by Indigenous artisans from India’s Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and modeled after real elephants. On July 20, the installation gets even more stylish with Wrapped in History, a textile takeover featuring 70 bespoke blankets created by global designers. And on August 1, stop by for a public farewell event called “Kiss Them Goodbye,” hosted by luxury beauty brand Chantecaille.
L.A. is in peak summer mode in July. Warm summer nights provide the perfect canvas for outdoor movie screenings, as well as alfresco music and theater. And, lucky you, a plethora of the best free things to do this month are free. We’ve rounded up dozens here: You’ll find free films, concerts and Shakespearean classics, as well as dance parties, an annual surfing competition and exhibitions at the city’s best museums—including at the Getty Villa, which recently reopened its doors. And of course we can’t forget the 4th of July—celebrate the red, white and blue on the cheap with free fireworks, a drone show and a parade.