Tune in to the rhythm of music under the stars! Your soundtrack for summer is pulsing with exciting line-ups that range from classical programs to pop, rock and cool jazz. Hollywood Bowl’s Forever Summer tickets are already on sale! And many outdoor concerts are free, such as KCRW Summer Nights, Grand Performances, and The Music Center’s Dance DTLA, not far from Circa. Major museums such as LACMA and The Getty Center, are hosting free concerts as well. Come for the concert, stay for the art. And for an experience that’s literally music under the stars, Mount Wilson Observatory just launched its Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome series. Check websites for details.
Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068
Tickets on sale now! The Hollywood Bowl’s Forever Summer season is jam-packed with all your favorite performances including Blue Note Jazz Festival, The Best of Broadway, July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with the Beach Boys, Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights, Music from the Films of Wes Anderson KCRW Festival, Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks, and more! Check the Bowl calendar and create your own custom package.
KCRW Summer Nights Various locations
Get ready for another unforgettable summer with KCRW Summer Nights! Join your favorite radio station for a season of free, all-ages, outdoor parties with iconic cultural partners across Southern California. You’ll find something for everyone — DJs, live bands, special exhibitions, food and libations, and tons of free fun. It’s the ultimate way to find music you love, discover something new, and connect with your community.
Grand Performances California Plaza 300 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071
Grand Performances returns for its 40th season of summer concerts at historic California Plaza in downtown Los Angeles. Hailed as the “Best Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series” by Los Angeles Magazine, Grand Performances is the longest running presenter of free outdoor concerts, poetry, theater, and dance in downtown LA, with the mission to inspire community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA Jerry Moss Plaza 135 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Feel the rhythm this summer at the Music Center’s Dance DTLA, the highly popular free dance series taking place on Friday nights on The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza. Each evening features a different dance style, with a fun, easy-to-follow dance lesson led by Los Angeles’ top dance instructors. After each lesson, hit the open dance floor to practice new moves, keep the summer vibe going and dance the night away to live DJ sets. Absolutely no dance experience necessary. Food and beverages will be available for purchase onsite. No outside alcohol is permitted.
The Ford 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E. Los Angeles, CA 90068
For sheer beauty and intimacy, it’s hard to beat The Ford for summer entertainment under the stars. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, the open-air amphitheater is relatively intimate at just under 1,200 seats; no patron is more than 96 feet away from the stage. Purchase your meal from the Bodega at The Ford or local curated offerings in the Grab & Go Market. You can also bring your own food and drinks and grab a table on the Zev Terrace, the entryway gardens, or enjoy your meal in your seat. Summer season to be announced soon. Check website for details.
Mount Wilson Observatory 100 Mt Wilson Circle Road, Mt Wilson, CA 91023
Mount Wilson Observatory is launching its 2026 season of Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome on May 24. Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan curates thoughtful musical adventures under the magnificent vaulted dome of the 100-inch telescope, featuring an eclectic program of jazz, classical, mariachi, and more. The 100-inch telescope is the instrument with which astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered our place in an expanding universe, and so expanded our comprehension. The dome for the telescope is a 20th century temple to science, whose acoustics rival the great cathedrals of Europe.
Jazz at LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036
Celebrate L.A.’s finest jazz musicians with Jazz at LACMA. Enjoy evenings of live music, picnicking, and community at the Smidt Welcome Plaza on the LACMA grounds. The free concerts are presented on Friday evenings from May through October. The 2026 season features the Lao Tizer Band, the Julius Rodriguez Trio, the Brian Swartz Quintet, Tierney Sutton, and other jazz luminaries.
OFF THE 405 Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90049
OFF THE 405 is the Getty Center’s annual free outdoor summer concert series, where you’re invited to enjoy great music, see exhibitions, and experience the Getty Center. Since 2009, The Getty has welcomed bands like Woods, Chicano Batman, and Thundercat to celebrate the season under the setting Los Angeles sun. This year, there will be five concerts over five weekends from May until end of August. Although outside alcohol isn’t allowed, you can bring your own food and drink. You’ll also find wine, beer, and other food and drinks available for purchase in the Museum Courtyard.
The Greek Theatre 2700 N Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Located within Griffith Park, the historic Greek Theatre stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. You can also indulge in a vibrant culinary experience at The Greek. From mouthwatering local favorites to global flavors, their food offerings are as diverse as the performances on stage. With a relaxed atmosphere and lively ambiance, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a bite before or during the show. Treat your senses to a delicious experience at the Greek Theatre, where great food and great music meet.
Pasadena Symphony & POPS LA Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007
Pasadena Symphony & POPS has announced their 2026 Rusnak Summer Pops Series at Los Angeles County Arboretum. The five concert series, which runs from June 21 to August 29, kicks off with Star Spangled Salute To The Movies A Special Tribute to John Williams. All Pasadena POPS concerts are held at the LA County Arboretum. Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking. Concerts begin at 7:30pm. Visit website for complete schedule.
Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Live outdoor performances and music add extra magic to the idyllic ambiance at Descanso Gardens. Experience a synergy of culture and nature with their acclaimed Summer Music and Dance series. Performances are included in the price of membership or admission. Food and drinks are available for sale at The Market and Jones Coffee at Descanso. For a unique culinary experience, Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens is an innovative farm-to-table dining destination celebrating California’s boutique farms and locally sourced ingredients. Outside food and beverages, except for water bottles, are not allowed in the Gardens.
Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #2: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #3: KCRW
Photo #4: Grand Performances
Photo #5: The Music Center
Photo #6: The Ford
Photo #7: Mount Wilson Observatory
Photo #8: LACMA
Photo #9: Getty Center
Photo #10: The Greek Theatre
Photo #11: Pasadena Symphony & POPS
Photo #12: Descanso Gardens
