LACMA Archives - Circa LA

Celebrate Summer with Music Under the Stars

One of the best things about summer is enjoying music under the stars! LA’s favorite outdoor venues have announced their summer season, with line-ups ranging from classical programs to pop, rock and cool jazz. Many outdoor concerts are free, such as 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. So pack a picnic, bring your blanket, and celebrate summer with music under the stars.

Hollywood Bowl outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068

Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell. The Summer 2023 Season is jam-packed with performances by acclaimed artists, such as John Williams and Dudamel conducting the LA Phil, and special events like the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 Concert, July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with The Beach Boys, and A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Pasadena City Hall outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Concert Under the Stars Pasadena City Hall 100 Garfield Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101

June 10 Join the Pasadena Symphony & POPS for a free concert under the stars. Sing and dance to the best of Broadway, celebrating the music of Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cy Coleman, Stephen Schwartz and more. The concert is performed on the plaza in front of city hall, so bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Folding chairs may be rented for a small fee. This concert is free to the public, no tickets or reservations required. Gates open for food trucks at 7PM. Concert begins at 8PM.

Michael Feinstein Conductor of Pasadena Pops outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Pasadena Symphony & POPS LA Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007

Pasadena Symphony & POPS has announced their 2023 Rusnak Summer Pops Series at Los Angeles County Arboretum. The six-concert series runs from June 24 to September 9 with a stellar line-up of guest artists celebrating the American Songbook, plus Principal Pops Conductor Michael Feinstein in concert. Gates open at 5:30PM for picnicking. Concerts begin at 7:30PM.

Grand Performances outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Grand Performances California Plaza 300 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Grand Performances returns to DTLA for its 37th year of free summer concerts at California Plaza. Hailed as the “Best Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series” by Los Angeles Magazine, Grand Performances presents world-class music, dance, theater, and more, in the heart of DTLA. Every Saturday from June to September 2023.

Dance DTLA outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Music Center’s Dance DTLA Jerry Moss Plaza 135 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Join the thousands who love the chance to learn new dance styles and dance the night away under the stars. The Music Center’s Dance DTLA returns this summer for nine consecutive Friday nights of free in-person beginner dance lessons, starting with HipHop on June 23, with easy-to-follow steps so guests can hit the dance floor to practice some new moves. No dance experience necessary!

OFF the 405 at Getty Museum outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Off The 405 Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90049

Getty Museum announces its free Off The 405 annual outdoor summer concert series, bringing some of today’s most exciting bands to the stage for a memorable experience amid stunning architecture and breathtaking sunset views. The concerts will take place from 6-9PM on selected evenings, and begin with various live DJ sets in the museum courtyard. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and can bring in their own picnic items. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase before the show begins. The concerts are free to attend, but attendees need to RSVP for passes in advance.

The Ford outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 new Bodega at The Ford or pick up some local curated offerings in the Grab & Go Market. You can also bring your own food and drinks. Grab a table on the Zev Terrace or the entryway gardens, or eat in your seats.

Rose Bowl outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Re:SET Concert Series Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. Pasadena, CA 91103

June 2, 3, 4 Re:SET, a fresh take on the multi-artist outdoor concert, comes to Los Angeles at Brookside at the Rose Bowl Stadium, featuring headliners Steve Lacy, boygenius, and LCD Soundsystem. Re:SET was conceived as an artist and fan friendly alternative to the standard summer concert experience. The venue will feature food and drinks from local restaurants, bars, and breweries, including HomeState, Broad Street Oyster Co., Goldburger, and more.

The Greek Theatre outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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. Throughout its history, the Greek has played host to some of the biggest legends in music, including Sir Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, and many more. This iconic venue has also served as a site for numerous high school graduations, community events and backdrops for television shows and motion pictures.

Jazz at LACMA outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Jazz at LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Jazz at LACMA is back! Enjoy evenings of live music, picnicking, and community on the LACMA grounds. The free concerts are presented Friday evenings from April to November. Jazz at LACMA is a celebration of L.A.’s finest jazz musicians and has featured such legends as Wayne Shorter, The Yellowjackets, Quincy Jones All Star Orchestra with John Clayton, Arturo Sandoval, Jeff Lorber, and many more. Concerts are broadcast on KJAZZ (88.1 FM) every Sunday evening from 7–9 PM and include interviews with featured performers.

Descanso Gardens outdoor concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Music in the Gardens Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

For three Fridays this July, enjoy the sound of live music wafting through the garden as you enjoy the summer blooms. Music in the Gardens is included in the price of admission. No reservations are required. Please note that chairs, blankets, outside food, and picnics are not permitted.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Hollywood Bowl

Photo #2: Hollywood Bowl

Photo #3: Pasadena Symphony and POPS

Photo #4: Pasadena Symphony and POPS

Photo #5: GrandPerformances

Photo #6: The Music Center

Photo #7: Getty Museum

Photo #8: The Ford

Photo #9: Rose Bowl

Photo #10: The Greek Theatre

Photo #11: LACMA

Photo #12: Descanso Gardens

Cultural Agenda: LA’s Top Exhibitions to See Now

April is Arts Month, a month-long celebration established by Arts for LA to promote arts and culture throughout Los Angeles. And what a month it is! LA is a visual feast, with must-see exhibitions, multi-media shows, and immersive experiences, many not far from Circa. If you’re ready to curate your own personal cultural agenda, there are some highly anticipated shows to put on your list, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure, which just opened at The Grand LA, and Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody, coming to The Broad in May. You’ll also discover intriguing on-going exhibitions around town, with offerings as richly diverse as our city itself. Get your tickets now, as these shows can sell out fast.

Jean-Michel Basquiat- King Pleasure art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure The Grand LA 100 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s contributions to the history of art and his explorations of multifaceted cultural phenomena––including music, the Black experience, pop culture, Black American sports figures, literature, and other sources––will be showcased through immersive environments providing unique insight into the late artist’s creative life and his singular voice that propelled a social and cultural narrative that continues to this day. Organized and curated by his family, this exhibition of over 200 never-before-seen and rarely shown paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera, and artifacts tell the story of Jean-Michel from an intimate perspective, intertwining his artistic endeavors with his personal life, influences, and the times in which he lived.

William Kentridge - In Praise of Shadows art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

William Kentridge: In Praise of Shadows The Broad 221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

William Kentridge’s first monograph presentation at The Broad and his first major exhibition in Los Angeles in two decades will feature more than 130 works in an engaging and interactive design by Belgian designer Sabine Theunissen. Surveying 35 years of the celebrated South African artist’s practice, this landmark exhibition includes all 18 works from the Broad collection with substantial loans from across the United States and South Africa. A highlight of the exhibition is The Broad collection’s 30-minute five-channel video and multimedia installation The Refusal of Time (2012).

Keith Haring - Art is for Everybody art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody The Broad 221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opens May 27 The Broad will present the first-ever museum exhibition in Los Angeles of Keith Haring’s expansive body of work and will feature over 120 artworks and archival materials. Known for his use of vibrant color, energetic linework and iconic characters like the barking dog and the radiant baby, Haring’s work continues to dissolve barriers between art and life and spread joy, all while being rooted in the creative spirit and mission of his subway drawings and renowned public murals: art is for everybody. Curated by Broad curator and exhibition manager Sarah Loyer, the exhibition will explore both Haring’s artistic practice and life, with much of the source material for the exhibition coming from his personal journals.

LA Plaza Cocina art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

LA Plaza Cocina 501 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

LA Plaza Cocina presents The Legacy of Cacao, an exhibition focusing on chocolate, one of the most popular foods in the world. The exhibition follows the evolution of chocolate from its first reference by the Olmec civilization more than 2,000 years ago, to the present day, and reveals how the sacred connotations of the original pre-Hispanic beverage remain alive in contemporary Mexico. LA Plaza Cocina is the first museum in the United States to explore the history and culture of Mexican food, and how Mexico’s Mesoamerican culinary history is still a large part of the Los Angeles community and the world today.

NHM Butterfly Pavilion exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Natural History Museum Butterfly Pavilion 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Wonder takes flight at the Museum! Walk among beautiful butterflies in the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion. This springtime exhibition features hundreds of butterflies, colorful native plants, and plenty of natural light to help you see these creatures shimmer. With lots of flight space and a variety of resting spots, come get one of the best views in Los Angeles of these amazing insects. While you’re at NHM, check out the schedule for First Fridays. Explore the Natural History Museum after hours with live music, DJs, topical discussions, signature cocktails, pop-up experiences, special NHM collections displays, and more.

Mr. Brainwash Art Museum art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Mr Brainwash Art Museum 455 N Beverly Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The appropriately named “Mr Brainwash Art Museum” is the current pop-up exhibit in the once Paley Center of Media building. Artiste extraordinaire Thierry Guetta, aka Mr Brainwash, acquired the museum to develop it into a vibrant exhibit of his own works and those of other artists whom he admires – similar to his 2018 New York City pop-up exhibit which included paintings, sculptures and multi-media displays “brainwashed” with his signature uplifting commentary, historical imagery, and cornucopia of color.

Refik Anadol - Living Paintings art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Refik Anadol: Living Paintings Jeffrey Deitch Gallery 925 N Orange Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90038

Living Paintings, Refik Anadol’s first major solo exhibition in Los Angeles, will showcase the complete series of Anadol’s artworks that are based on California-related datasets, and explore his fascination with the environments – physical, public, virtual, and multidimensional – that play an instrumental role in shaping his artistic vision. Merging collective memories of urban life and nature with groundbreaking machine learning and visualization technologies, Living Paintings invites a poetic and futuristic contemplation of purposeful human-machine collaborations. Refik Anadol, born in Istanbul, Turkey, is an internationally renowned media artist, director, and leader in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence. He is also a lecturer in UCLA’s Department of Design Media Arts.

Desert X outdoor art exhibition in Coachella Valley, near Palm Springs, California.

Desert X W8F6+56, Palm Springs, CA 92282

If you’re heading out to the Coachella Valley, be sure to check out Desert X. This sprawling exhibition will activate the desert landscape through 12 installations by artists from Europe, North America and South Asia, whose poetic and immersive works span a multitude of disciplines, including sculpture, painting, photography, architecture, and more. Desert X is produced by The Desert Biennial, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in California, conceived to produce recurring international contemporary art exhibitions that activate desert locations through site-specific installations by acclaimed international artists.

Titanic The Exhibition near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Titanic The Exhibition 4327 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004

Embark on an immersive, interactive tour of the Titanic with vast, jaw-dropping recreations of the ship’s interior and exterior. Visit the dock from where the Titanic first sailed, explore the galleries and boiler room, take a look inside a millionaire’s suite, stroll the exterior promenade deck under a starry night sky, and see the Grand Staircase with your own eyes. As you take in the stunning photography of the Titanic and step across the ocean floor strewn with relics, you’ll feel like you’re walking through history.

Coded: Art Enters the Computer Age art exhibition near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Coded: Art Enters the Computer Age LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Coded: Art Enters the Computer Age, 1952–1982 explores how the rise of computer technology, together with its emergence in popular consciousness, impacted the making of art in the age of the mainframe. International and interdisciplinary in scope, Coded examines the origins of what we now call digital art, featuring artists, writers, musicians, choreographers, and filmmakers working directly with computers, as well as those using algorithms and other systems to produce their work. Whether computer-generated or not, the many artworks considered here reflect the simultaneous wonder and alienation that was characteristic of the 1960s and ’70s, along with the utopian and dystopian possibilities of these new machines. Today, with digital technology having been fully integrated into our lives, the exhibition’s examination of the years leading up to the advent of the personal computer is relevant, even imperative, to fully appreciating art and culture in the age of the computer.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: The Broad

Photo #2: Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure

Photo #3: The Broad

Photo #4: The Broad

Photo #5: LA Plaza Cocina

Photo #6: Natural History Museum

Photo #7: Mr. Brainwash Art Museum

Photo #8: Jeffrey Deitch Gallery

Photo #9: Desert X

Photo #10: Titanic The Exhibition

Photo #11: LACMA

Culture Fix: LA’s Best Exhibitions & Immersive Experiences

LA is a visual feast this season, with must-see exhibitions, multi-media shows, and immersive experiences. So if you’re craving a culture fix, you’ll find plenty of inspiration near Circa. Celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb are two spectacular exhibitions: Immersive King Tut at Lighthouse ArtSpace, and King Tut: The Immersive Experience from National Geographic opening November 4 in DTLA. Other upcoming shows include Brewery Artwork, William Kentrdige: In Praise of Shadows at The Broad, and Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts at The Huntington. Mark your calendars and get your tickets now, as these exhibitions can quickly sell out. Please check websites for health & safety protocols.

Alexander McQueen exhibition at LACMA near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

One of the most significant contributors to fashion between 1990 and 2010, Lee Alexander McQueen (London, 1969–2010) was both a conceptual and technical virtuoso. The first McQueen exhibition on the West Coast, Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse contextualizes the designer’s imaginative work within a canon of artmakers who drew upon analogous themes and visual references. Exploring imagination, artistic process, and innovation in fashion and art, the exhibition examines the interdisciplinary impulse that defined the designer’s career. On display are select McQueen garments from the Collection of Regina J. Drucker alongside artworks largely from LACMA’s permanent collection.

Flutter Experience exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Flutter Experience 217 S La Brea Los Angeles, CA 90036

Located just five minutes from LACMA, Flutter is an immersive sensory journey with projection mapping, painting, virtual reality, dancing, sound baths, and much more. Rated as America’s number one art experience, Flutter has brought incredible artists together to transform 14 rooms into spaces that will inspire you to play, create, imagine, and explore. Flutter partnered with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, who advise on mental health and youth engagement issues. Discover the interactive experience that will uplift your soul and allow you to interact with art like never before.

Color Fields LA exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Color Fields LA Blush Studios LA 147 N Mission Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90033

Come experience Color Fields in a new type of exhibition and event space in Los Angeles. This 10,000 square foot exhibition of analogue color theory exploration through light, shape, form, movement, technology, and self will test what you think you may understand about color and combinations. Step into and take a walk through Color Fields’ five detailed exhibit landscapes with some added color and shadow follies, each providing a different analogy of how we see, experience, and translate colors.

The Autry Museum exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Autry Museum 4700 Western Heritage Way Los Angeles, CA 90027

If you’re a fan of the American West, The Autry Museum in Griffin Park should be at the top of your must do list. The museum features world-class galleries showcasing the art, history and cultures of the American West plus film memorabilia, historic firearms and more. Their current exhibition, Dress Codes, is about what we wear, how we wear it, and why. Visitors can explore how the clothing in our closets have long and often surprising histories, unpacking cultural histories of western style. The exhibition is organized around six enduring icons of western style: blue jeans, plaid shirt, fringed jackets, aloha shirt, China Poblana dress, and the cowboy boot.

Immersive King Tut exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Immersive King Tut Lighthouse ArtSpace 6400 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

100 years ago, the boy king’s tomb was discovered. Celebrate the anniversary by venturing into the Valley of the Kings at Immersive King Tut. The groundbreaking immersive King Tut experience takes you on a mythical journey through the Egyptian afterlife. As pharaoh, Tutankhamun was the sun of his nation. In this immersive experience, you will follow him on his journal through the underworld. Will he triumph and bring his people eternal light and prosperity? Immerse yourself in ancient Egypt and unravel the myths and legends of King Tut like never before.

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience Magic Box LA 1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Opens Nov 4 A hundred years after the legendary discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt comes National Geographic’s Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience, exclusively at Magic Box LA. Produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society, Beyond King Tut takes visitors on an immersive cinematic journey to Egypt to witness ancient wonders of the world, like the Temple at Karnak and the Great Sphinx, all in stunning high-resolution detail. Audiences then gaze upon a brilliant Egyptian sunrise over the Pyramids of Giza, before traveling back in time 3,300 years to the 18th dynasty and the age of the Golden Pharaohs when King Tut ruled. There, they meet Ancient Egyptian gods like Ra and Anubis, while descending into King Tut’s burial chamber and joining him on his quest for immortality.

Brewery Artwalk exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Brewery Artwalk 2100 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

Nov 5 – 6 The Brewery Artwalk is a twice annual open studio weekend at the worlds largest art complex. With over 100 participating resident artists, you will have the opportunity to see new works, discover new favorites, speak with the artists, and purchase artwork directly from the artists’ studios. The creation of the Brewery Arts Complex began in 1982 at the site of the Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery. With the passing of the Los Angeles Artist-In-Residence code, artists could rent live/work space in industrially zoned buildings. Come and support LA’s finest artists, take home some great works, and dine at the on-site restaurant. Admission and parking are free.

William Kentridge Houseboy theatrical performance at REDCAT near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

William Kentridge: In Praise of Shadows The Broad 221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opens Nov 12 William Kentridge’s first monograph presentation at The Broad and his first major exhibition in Los Angeles in two decades will feature more than 130 works in an engaging and interactive design by Belgian designer Sabine Theunissen. Surveying 35 years of the celebrated South African artist’s practice, this landmark exhibition includes all 18 works from the Broad collection with substantial loans from across the United States and South Africa. Don’t miss the world theatrical premiere of the performance Houseboy, a production of the Centre for the Less Good Idea in Johannesburg, directed by William Kentridge, at REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater), in downtown Los Angeles from November 17–20. Tickets HERE

Skirball Cultural Center exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049

Opens Nov 17 American Quilt Stories features works by more than forty artists, including Harriet Powers, Bisa Butler, and Sanford Biggers. Come celebrate the artistry and vision of a diverse and largely under-recognized group of creators in an exhibition that brings to light stories that enrich, deepen, and complicate our understanding of the American experience. Fabric of a Nation illuminates the unique capacity quilts have to tell stories and convey a sense of humanity. Whether produced as works of art or utilitarian objects, their tactile, intricate mode of creation and traditional use in the home impart deeply personal narratives of their makers and offer an intimate picture of American life. While you’re there, take some time to explore The Skirball’s beautiful campus in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts at The Huntington exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Opens Dec 10 The international traveling exhibition Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts explores the early inspirations behind Disney Studios’ creations, examining Walt Disney’s fascination with European art and the use of French motifs in Disney films and theme parks. Walt Disney had a deep affection for France, having served there as an ambulance driver following World War I. It was then that he first became fascinated with Europe and European art. Inspiring Walt Disney highlights his art and architecture encounters during return trips following the war. Approximately 50 works of 18th-century European decorative art and design, many of which are drawn from The Huntington’s significant collection, are featured alongside hand-drawn production artworks and works on paper from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, Walt Disney Archives, Walt Disney Imagineering Collection, and The Walt Disney Family Museum.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Flutter Experience

Photo #2: LACMA

Photo #3: Flutter Experience

Photo #4: Blush Studios LA

Photo #5: The Autry Museum

Photo #6: Immersive King Tut

Photo #7: Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience

Photo #8: Brewery Artwalk

Photo #9: The Broad

Photo #10: Skirball Cultural Center

Photo #11: The Huntington

Hello Summer: Music Under the Stars is Back

One of the most exciting things about summer is music under the stars! LA is pulsating with sounds of the season, from eclectic world beats to funky grooves, cool jazz, classical programs, and your favorite popular acts. Many outdoor concerts are free, such as Grand Performances and The Music Center’s Dance DTLA, not far from Circa. Come for the concert, stay for the art. Major museums such as LACMA, Skirball Cultural Center, and The Getty Center are hosting free concerts. So pack a picnic and head out to celebrate summer with music under the stars.

Grand Performances music under the stars near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Grand Performances California Plaza 300 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Grand Performances returns to DTLA for the 36th year of free summer concerts at California Plaza. Hailed as the “Best Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series” by Los Angeles Magazine, Grand Performances presents world-class music, dance, theater, and more at the breathtaking California Plaza in the heart of DTLA. Every Saturday from June to September 2022.

Dance DTLA music under the stars near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Music Center Dance DTLA Jerry Moss Plaza 135 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Join the thousands who love the chance to learn new dances and dance the night away under the stars with The Music Center’s Dance DTLA. This highly popular free evening of dancing on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center takes place on Friday nights during the summer. Some of L.A’s top DJs and local bands play live while the crowd learns new moves in different dance styles – from Disco and Tango, to Bollywood and Salsa.

Hollywood Bowl music under the stars near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068

The Hollywood Bowl turns 100! Since its opening in 1922, our favorite outdoor amphitheater has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles and Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell. HERE is your guide to the Bowl’s centennial festivities, with everything you need to know about how to celebrate the 100 years of summer.

Getty Center music under the stars near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Off the 405 Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90049

Off the 405 is the Getty Center’s annual outdoor summer concert series, bringing some of today’s most exciting bands to the stage for a memorable experience amid stunning architecture and breathtaking sunset views. All performances take place in the Museum Courtyard, with a cash bar offering beer, cocktails, and bites. Arrive early to enjoy the Getty Center’s spectacular ambiance and explore the world-class art collection and exhibits. Free admission. Register for tickets HERE

Sunset Concerts at Skirball music under the stars near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Sunset Concerts at Skirball Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049

Marking twenty-five extraordinary years, this milestone season of Sunset Concerts brings an eclectic lineup of path-makers and bridge-builders from around the world to Los Angeles. Join in the fun this summer to sing, dance, and celebrate music’s unique power to bring people together and forge cultural bonds. Arrive early to eat, drink, shop, and enjoy complimentary access to the exhibitions. Concerts are free. Advance reservations are required.

Jazz at LACMA music under the stars near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Jazz at LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Jazz at LACMA is back, with open seating and picnicking on the grounds. The free concerts are presented Friday evenings from April to November. Jazz at LACMA is a celebration of L.A.’s finest jazz musicians and has featured such legends as Wayne Shorter, The Yellowjackets, Quincy Jones All Star Orchestra with John Clayton, Jeff Lorber, and many more. Concerts are broadcast on KJAZZ (88.1 FM) every Sunday evening from 7–9 pm and include interviews with featured performers.

Pasadena Symphony and Pops music under the stars near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Pasadena Symphony and Pops LA Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007

Principal Pops Conductor Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena POPS announce the expansion of the POPS Summer Concert series to six concerts in summer 2022 at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. The six-concert series runs from June 25 to September 10 with a stellar line-up of multiple award-winning guest artists including Grammy-award winning singer Melissa Manchester, SAG Award winner LaChanze (The Help), Tony nominees Tony Yazbeck and Michael Cavanaugh and Tony Award winner Lillias White, plus Michael Feinstein in concert.

The Greek Theatre music under the stars near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

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. Throughout its history, the Greek has played host to some of the biggest legends in music, including Sir Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana and many more. This iconic venue has also served as a site for numerous high school graduations, community events and backdrops for television shows and motion pictures. Concert schedule HERE

The Ford music under the stars near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

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. Bring your own food and drinks and grab a table on the terrace or garden for your picnic. You can also purchase your meal from The Ford Terrace Café or local curated offerings in the Grab & Go Market.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Hollywood Bowl

Photo #2: Grand Performances

Photo #3: The Music Center

Photo #4: Hollywood Bowl

Photo #5: Getty Center

Photo #6: Skirball Cultural Center

Photo #7: LACMA

Photo #8: Pasadena Symphony and Pops

Photo #9: The Greek Theatre

Photo #10: The Ford

LA’s Best Urban Adventures to Safely Explore Now

With beautiful weather on the horizon, it’s time to get out and discover new places to safely explore near Circa. Los Angeles is bustling with urban adventures, from immersive drive-thru entertainment to Instagram-worthy outdoor art installations, gorgeous gardens, and even a decadent drive-thru Fair Food festival. Did you know the LA Zoo just reopened? Many of the animals are endangered species, and support for the zoo helps to save these creatures from extinction. You might even meet a meerkat or two. Please note that many venues require tickets to be purchased in advance. Check websites for details.

Jerry Moss Plaza urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

A Quiet Scene Installation The Music Center 135 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles 90012

The Music Center is presenting a new public screening and sound installation exhibited on LED screens at the Jerry Moss Plaza, in collaboration with non-profit radio station dublab. The screening includes more than 100 short film finalists and winning entries from A Quiet Scene, an audio-visual project created by pioneering ambient music artists and brothers Roger Eno and Brian Eno. The video project arose from a public competition by record label Deutsche Grammophon in support of the brothers’ first collaborative studio album, Mixing Colours, which was released in 2020.

Stranger Things urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Stranger Things: The Drive-Into Experience ROW DTLA 777 Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Attention all Stranger Things fans. It’s time to travel back in time to 1985 and become a Hawkins resident – in real life. Adventure calls, so gather your friends and drive to the Starcourt Mall. Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Stranger Things, where you will take part in a drive thru experience like no other. Unlock the story of Hawkins in this unique format as you savor some of the best moments from this Netflix series, and maybe even witness some unforeseen and unusual occurrences.

Electric Mile urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Electric Mile Santa Anita Park 285 W Huntington Dr. Arcadia, CA 91007

Explore the Insomniac Worlds on your voyage through Electric Mile, a drive thru audiovisual adventure from the minds behind Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Journey through seven unique worlds of Insomniac’s most iconic festivals and brands, including EDC, Beyond Wonderland, Nocturnal Wonderland, Escape, and Countdown, complete with music, lights, art, visual effects, installations, and more, in a COVID-friendly environment.

LACMA Miss Forest urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

LACMA Outdoor Installations 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Although LACMA’s indoor galleries are closed and the museum is undergoing a major renovation, three iconic, large-scale outdoor installations – Chris Burden’s Urban Light, Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass, and Yoshitomo Nara’s Miss Forest – are available to view. Miss Forest (LACMA Version) (2020), is Nara’s largest outdoor sculpture to date and the newest iteration in this series. Created for LACMA’s exhibition Yoshitomo Nara, the sculpture is currently installed at the southeast corner of BCAM along Wilshire Boulevard. More details HERE

LACMA Levitated Mass urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Levitated Mass by Michael Heizer

Located in LACMA’s backyard, this ginormous 340 ton chunk of a granite lies over a concrete trench that you can walk through to get a closer view, or stand under the oversized rock. The artist originally conceived of the art piece in 1969, but only recently did he find the right boulder to actualize his vision for this art installation. The boulder was found in Riverside and transported to LACMA in 2012, and has since become a “rock star” in the art world. It’s free to check during LACMA’s operating hours and is a great piece for “forced perspective” shots.

Museum of Dream Space urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Museum of Dream Space Beverly Center 8500 Beverly Blvd. #656 Los Angeles, CA 90048

Museum of Dream Space (MODS) has reopened with special safety guidelines. MODS is the first museum mainly exhibiting digital art in the United States. The design concept of MODS is inspired by art design from renowned artist Yayoi Kusama (famous for infinite rooms) and the development of digital art. The aim of MODS is to provide an immersive, magical and unique art appreciative experiences to the visitors. The uniqueness of MODS is to break the limitation of physical media, extend the art by digital technology and to provide the largest freedom of visitors experiencing the arts, which realize the physical extension of the arts.

The Huntington Library Chinese Garden urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Huntington Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108

New views await in the The Huntington’s Chinese Garden. Visitors can now explore an additional 13 acres of gardens and pavilions in the newly expanded Liu Fang Yuan, the Garden of Flowing Fragrance. In 1903 Henry E. Huntington purchased the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch with citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards, alfalfa crops, a small herd of cows, and poultry. Today, the estate is home to 16 spectacular themed gardens spread across 120 acres, including Desert Garden, Camellia & Rose Gardens, Japanese Garden, Jungle Garden, and Herb Garden. The gardens are open but galleries remain closed. All visitors including members must reserve tickets online in advance.

Lita Albuquerque Red Earth urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Lita Albuquerque Red Earth Huntington Botanical Gardens1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108

As part of its Centennial Celebration, The Huntington commissioned an art installation by Los Angeles-based artist Lita Albuquerque. Installed near the southern entrance to the Japanese Garden, Albuquerque’s Red Earth features an approximately six-by-four-foot rock slab coated with bright red pigment and surrounded by bamboo stalks affixed with copper-colored bands. The work contrasts dramatically with the cool greens of the shady bamboo grove and is intended to mark its specific location in time and space. Red Earth incorporates color and light to convey motion and stillness “because only through stillness can we discover the motion of the cosmos,” says Albuquerque.

Fair Food Fest urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Fair Food Fest Rose Bowl Drive Through 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. Pasadena, CA 91103

Fair Foodie Fest is hosting their free drive through event at the Rose Bowl Stadium every weekend through February. Customers can enjoy free admission to a safe no contact drive thru fair experience featuring all of your crave-able fair food favorites for purchase including giant turkey legs, Krispy Kreme donut cheeseburgers, roasted corn, Hawaiian teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls, taco plates, BBQ, and more. Attendees who register and claim their free car entry ticket will receive a free mini powdered sugar funnel cake (limit 1 per car, while supplies last). Free tickets are available HERE

LA Zoo urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027

The LA Zoo is back. And lots of adorable babies were born last year, including a litter of meerkat pups, a baby gorilla, a cute condor chick, and a sweet little bighorn lamb. Come and see how these young ones are growing and thriving. Many of the animal are endangered species, and support for the zoo helps to save these creatures from extinction. Throughout the closure, the zoo continued to provide the 1,400 animals with world-class care, even without visitors and the critical revenue they provide. Advance timed-entry reservation is required for all guests including members.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Stranger Things

Photo #2: The Music Center

Photo #3: Stranger Things

Photo #4: Electric Mile

Photo #5: LACMA

Photo #6: Levitated Mass Photo by Tom Vinetz

Photo #7: Museum of Dream Space

Photo #8: Huntington Botanical Gardens

Photo #9: Huntington Botanical Gardens

Photo #10: Fair Food Fest

Photo #11: LA Zoo

LA Museums You’ve Never Heard Of, But Need to Check Out Now!

Sure, we all love LACMA. And The Getty Center is always great, especially when you need to entertain out-of-town guests. But sometimes it’s fun to branch out. LA is full of cool, unusual, and off-the-beaten track museums that are definitely worth a visit. From cryptic collections to interactive experiences, neon light tours, and even food museums, you’ll always find something new to discover in LA!

Museum of Jurassic Technology 9341 Venice Blvd. Culver City, California 90232

The Museum of Jurassic Technology is an educational institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the public appreciation of the Lower Jurassic. This cryptic statement is left uncertain and unexplained. And that’s just the point! The museum contains a provocative mixture of artistic, scientific, ethnographic, and historic, as well as some unclassifiable exhibits, and the diversity of its offerings evokes the cabinets of curiosities that were the 16th-century predecessors of modern natural history museums. The factual claims of many of the museum’s exhibits strain credibility, so take it all in with a grain of salt and have fun!

Museum of Neon Art 216 S Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91204

The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is the only museum in the world devoted exclusively to art in electric media, exhibiting electric and kinetic fine art, and outstanding examples of historic neon signs, for over three decades. MONA encourages learning, curiosity and expression through the preservation, collection and interpretation of neon, electric and kinetic art. A gateway between scientific principles and artistic expression, Neon illumination integrates electrical technology, creative design, and fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry. MONA hosts Saturday night Neon Cruises–a nighttime bus tour of neon signs, movie marquees and permanent installations of contemporary neon art through Downtown and Hollywood. Buy tickets here.

Desert X

Ready for a road trip? Desert X is a site-specific exhibition that first took place in Spring 2017. Artists from different parts of the world are invited to create work in response to the unique conditions of the Coachella Valley and project their vision based on the extraordinary natural and social history, matchless spectacle of the geologic epic, radical abstraction of the surrounds, and the singular incursions of humans into the seemingly barren landscape. Desert X will be held from Feb. 9 – Apr. 21, 2019 in the Coachella Valley. Free and open to the public. Plan your visit here.

Museum of Illusions 6751 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

The Museum of Illusions was founded as a place where visitors could let their imaginations run wild! A great place for friends and family to express themselves in one-of-a-kind interactive art exhibits that make for a photo opportunity unlike any other. The friendly staff encourages you to take as many photos as you want in front of a wide range of exhibits, from climbing the highest mountain tops in the world, to playing Jack & Rose as the Titanic sinks, or running through the city during a meteor strike! The unique 3D paintings are created by some of the world’s leading artists, with new exhibits being added all the time.

Museum of Death 6031 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028

The World Famous Museum of Death was founded in June, 1995 when JD Healy and Cathee Shultz decided to fill the void in death education and made death their life’s work. With locations in Hollywood and New Orleans, the Museum of Death houses the world’s largest collection of serial killer artwork, antique funeral ephemera, mortician and coroners instruments, Manson Family memorabilia, pet death taxidermy, crime scene photographs, and more. The Museum of Death experience is a self guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour. However, for intrepid souls with the stomach for it, there is no time limit, as there are hundreds of items to see. The museum shop carries a colorful collection of tees, hoodies, tarot cards, buttons, bandanas and other swag, which could give you a jump start on your Valentine’s Day shopping 😉

FIDM Fashion & Perfume Museum 919 S. Grand Ave. Suite 250 Los Angeles, CA 90015

You’ll find the Annette Green Perfume Archive on the second floor of FIDM Museum at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in DTLA. Discover a robust collection of fragrance and beauty objects, from luxuriously packaged Lucien Lelong lipsticks to the suggestive glass bottle of Schiaparelli’s Shocking perfume. The FIDM Museum and Library collects, preserves, and interprets fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design merit and fosters student learning, public engagement, and recognition of the creative arts and entertainment industries by providing access to the collections through exhibitions, publications, and other research opportunities.

The Foodie Space Pasadena Museum of California Art 490 Union Street Pasadena, CA 91101

Wait, let me take a pic first! If you’ve ever heard those words or said them yourself before being allowed to dig into your meal, then you’re probably a foodie.The Foodie Space pop up is the serial foodie photo-taker’s wildest dream come true. Imagine colossal glitter fries that you can marry, playing with a giant overflowing noodle bowl of pho, an over-sized tea set mad enough to make Alice jealous, and many more to interact with! Playfully poking fun at society’s obsession with social media and #foodporn, visitors will have a chance to take tons of glorious food pics to their heart’s content. Each interactive exhibit was made by hand by local artists.

Disgusting Food Museum A+D 900 E. 4th St. Los Angeles, CA, 90013

The Disgusting Food Museum is not just an exhibit, but a celebration of food from around the world, highlighting how different cultures may or may not view certain things as disgusting. First displayed in Sweden, the collection of 100 plus foods was conceived and curated by psychologist and innovation researcher, Dr. Samuel West, well-known as “Dr. Failure” after the runaway success of his Museum of Failure. Foodies, travelers, and the just plain curious can explore unfamiliar food creations, smell new and face-cringing aromas and take selfies at the far from usual grand finale tasting bar with select creations to sample! Amazing and bizarre Instagrammable moments are endless!