LA Festivities: Experience California’s Spirit Locally

Los Angeles in the summertime is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a diverse range of events that celebrate the city’s rich cultural tapestry. From film screenings under the stars to culinary festivals showcasing global flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These events go beyond the typical tourist attractions, providing an authentic glimpse into the heart of Los Angeles.

Here’s a guide to some of the must-attend summer events in Los Angeles:

Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Art Park

For over 16 years, Friday Night Wine Tastings have been a Los Angeles summer highlight. Every Friday, enjoy wine from Silverlake Wine, sample offerings from local food trucks, listen to DJ sets, and view art exhibitions, all while taking in breathtaking sunset views. The event takes place on Olive Hill and the West Lawn of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The views encompass the iconic Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. Tours of Hollyhock House are available separately.

Proceeds benefit Barnsdall Art Park, supporting its cultural programs and community initiatives. Tickets are available with or without wine tasting.

KCRW Summer Nights

KCRW Summer Nights are known for creating a vibrant block party atmosphere. These free, all-ages outdoor parties feature DJs, live bands, art exhibits, food, and drinks at various locations throughout Los Angeles. Participating locations include Union Station, Downtown Long Beach, Chinatown, Descanso Gardens, and Hauser & Wirth. These events take place on various Fridays and Saturdays.

Sunday Sessions at the Malibu Pier

Malibu is a must-visit destination, and Sunday Sessions at the Malibu Pier are a perfect way to experience the area. Held on the second Sunday of each month from June through September, the event features live music, retail pop-ups, and food and drink vendors, all set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

The event also has a social impact mission, with purchases from participating vendors supporting California State Parks and local Malibu businesses recovering from wildfires.

Cinespia Cemetery Screenings

Cinespia offers a unique movie-watching experience at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the final resting place of many Hollywood legends. Screenings take place on Saturdays and include a mix of classic and contemporary films. The events also feature DJ sets and photo booths. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, including beer and wine. Arrive early to secure a good spot.

Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival

The Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival presents free performances of Shakespearean plays and other Elizabethan dramas. Located in the Old Zoo Picnic Area, the Independent Shakespeare Company performs on Wednesdays through Sundays. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance and bring blankets, low chairs, and snacks.

Belly Laughs Comedy and Food Festival

The Belly Laughs Comedy and Food Festival celebrates Asian-American cultures with a lineup of comedians and a curated selection of food and beverage vendors from MAMA’s Nightmarket. The two-day festival takes place at the LA Live entertainment complex in Downtown.

Lotus Festival

The annual Lotus Festival at Echo Park celebrates Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities. The festival features music, dance, cultural performances, food vendors, and Dragon Boat Races. Each year, the festival highlights a different culture, with a special focus on Korea. The Lights of Dream Festival features rice paper lanterns and custom-made lotus lanterns.

Summer Music and Dance at Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens hosts Summer Music and Dance events on Thursday evenings. These performances showcase Brazilian dance, live music, Afro-Brazilian traditions, and Mexican folklórico. Attendance is included with admission to the gardens.

HARD Summer

HARD Summer is an electronic dance music festival held at Hollywood Park near SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The festival features a lineup of EDM, hip-hop, and R&B artists. Attendees must be 18 years or older.

Street Food Cinema

Street Food Cinema combines film screenings with food trucks at venues throughout Los Angeles County. The events feature a mix of classic and contemporary films, along with live music and activities.

Dance DTLA

Dance DTLA offers free, beginner-friendly dance classes at The Music Center in Downtown LA on Friday evenings. Each night focuses on a different genre, with professional instructors teaching easy-to-follow steps. Live DJs perform after the lessons.

Rooftop Cinema Club

Rooftop Cinema Club provides a unique movie-watching experience on the rooftop of the Level Hotel in Downtown. The events feature personal headphones and stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline. A film is screened every day, with a wide range of movies to choose from.

Grand Performances

Grand Performances is a free concert series held at California Plaza in Downtown LA on Saturdays. The series features an eclectic mix of musical genres, from Latin ska to psychedelic bolero. Poetry readings, film screenings, and classical music events are also held on Fridays.

Night Market at The Bungalow

The Night Market at The Bungalow, located at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica, offers a fun evening of local food and drinks, live DJ sets, and family-friendly entertainment every Thursday.

626 Night Market, Arcadia

Inspired by the night markets of Asia, the 626 Night Market brings together over 250 Asian street food and drink vendors, along with live music, artists, and shopping. The market is held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on select weekends.