Summer in Los Angeles is packed with concerts, outdoor movies, museum exhibitions, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you're looking for a cultural outing, a music festival or a sunset activity, here's our guide to some of the best things to do around the city this season.
1. Catch a live concert
Los Angeles' concert calendar is one of the busiest in the country during the summer, with everything from Latin music and pop to film scores and R&B. This season, fans can catch Nathy Peluso and Grupo Niche at the Hollywood Bowl, Hilary Duff on her Lucky Me Tour at the Kia Forum, Suki Waterhouse at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and Fuerza Regida at Dodger Stadium. Classical music lovers can enjoy Joe Hisaishi's Film Music Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, while legendary performers Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight share the iconic venue for two special nights. Other highlights include Joji at Intuit Dome, Yoshiki at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Bob Moses with Cannons at the Hollywood Bowl.
© Europa Press News2. Dance the weekend away at a music festival
Festival season continues with HARD Summer, returning to Hollywood Park in Inglewood on August 1-2. The lineup features Kali Uchis, DJ Snake, Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, RL Grime, Tokischa, Vintage Culture, Mau P, Knock2 B2B Zedd and dozens more, making it one of Southern California's biggest electronic music events.
© Courtesy of HARD Summer3. Visit a museum exhibition
Art and movie lovers have plenty to explore this summer. The Academy Museum is celebrating Marilyn Monroe'scentennial with a major exhibition dedicated to the Hollywood legend, while The Broad is presenting Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind. Film fans can also check out Jaws: The Exhibition, another seasonal highlight.
© The Academy Museum4. Watch a movie under the stars
Outdoor movie season is back with screenings across Los Angeles. Spend an evening at Cinespia inside Hollywood Forever Cemetery, enjoy skyline views at Rooftop Cinema Club, or catch a classic film at Street Food Cinema, complete with food trucks and live entertainment.
© Rooftop Cinema Club5. Spend a summer night at the museum
Several museums stay open after hours during the summer. LACMA hosts live jazz and outdoor performances, while the Natural History Museum's Summer Nights combine DJs, food trucks, cocktails and late-night access to the galleries, making for one of LA's most popular seasonal traditions.
© LACMA6. Discover free outdoor concerts
Looking for something budget-friendly? Check out The Getty's Off the 405 concert series, Grand Performances in Downtown LA or LACMA's free outdoor music programs, which feature everything from jazz to global artists throughout the summer.
© ROBYN BECK7. Visit an exclusive summer pop-up
Los Angeles always delivers unique experiences. This summer, Aperol's Share the Moment activations tied to Hilary Duff's Lucky Me Tour are popping up in select locations, alongside limited-time brand installations, immersive experiences and lifestyle events across the city.
© Kevin Mazur8. Enjoy a rooftop happy hour
Summer evenings are made for rooftop cocktails. Whether you're in Downtown LA, West Hollywood or Santa Monica, many rooftop bars are hosting sunset DJ sets, seasonal menus and special events throughout the season.
© Constantinis9. Relax at the beach or hit the trails
Spend the day at Santa Monica, Malibu or Manhattan Beach, or trade the sand for a morning hike to Griffith Observatory, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
© Aaron Hawkins10. Keep an eye on LA's social calendar
Summer also means invite-only parties and lifestyle events. Gatherings like the CLD Summer Party bring together fashion, beauty, wellness and luxury brands for rooftop celebrations, while neighborhood festivals, food markets and cultural events are happening across Los Angeles nearly every weekend.
© Phillip Faraone
