Free Summer Concerts in Los Angeles
I attended my first free concert of the season last night. I went to the Santa Monica Pier’s Twilight Dance Series—;and I had a blast.
One of Thursday night’s featured bands was Ricardo Lemvo. He had the audience moving their feet, clapping their hands, dancing, and having the time of their lives. For a sample of his music, here ya go!
I could feel the pier literally moving beneath my feet, but I’m not sure if it was from the band or the movement of happy, dancing feet. Nonetheless enjoying last night’s Free Summer Concert wasn’t only relegated to the Pier. Many people chose to listen to the music from the comfort of their blankets on the beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Tonight’s concert is just one in a large series of free concerts being offered this summer in and around the Los Angeles area.
We’re definitely lucky to have so many venues offering this that in actuality it’s hard to make a decision on which free concert to attend–it just so happens that many of them take place on Thursday nights, so make your choices wisely!
Travelin’ Local will be featuring more concert highlights and bands that we attend in town.
List of Free Summer Concerts in the Los Angeles Area
Enjoy the 2009 season of the Skirball’s free Sunset Concerts, celebrating musical traditions from around the globe. Kick back and groove or get up and dance to the tunes of an eclectic line-up of leading world musicians.
Where: Skirball Cultural Center
When: Thursdays, July 16th – August 13th
Time: 8:00pm, Doors open at 7:00pm
Metro: Metro 734
Grand Performances summer series takes place on two stages at California Plaza the Watercourt stage and the Marina Pavilion. The larger of the two venues – the Watercourt stage – is a unique performance site that can hold as many as 70 performers and is partially surrounded by a system of gardens and water features. The capacity crowd for this stage can be as large as 6,500 people. The smaller Marina Pavilion stage has an amphitheater style feel and can accommodate close to 300 audience members.
When: June – October
Where: California Plaza, downtown at 350 S. Grand Ave.
Time: Days and starting times vary so be sure to click the link: www.grandperformances.org
Metro: Metro Red Line and multiple bus routes
Farm Fresh Summer Music at Farmers Market
With jazz on Thursday, and pop, rock, and Latin on Fridays, plus some of the best food outlets in the city, what’s not to love?
When: Thursdays and Fridays through September
Where: Farmers Market, West Patio, 3rd and Fairfax
Time: 7:00pm
Metro: Metro 16/316
Pershing Square Summer Concert Series
Features a variety of musical genres and performers, plus fun family activities
When: July 15th – August 23rd
Where: Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St. Downtown Los Angeles
Time: Tuesdays: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Wednesdays: 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Thursdays: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Metro: Metro Red Line, and multiple bus lines
Twilight Dance and Music at the Santa Monica Pier
Celebrating its 25th year, the Annual Thursday Twilight Music and Dance Series at Santa Monica Pier feature some of LA’s favorite hometown and visiting bands.
When: Thursdays, July – August
Where: Santa Monica Pier
Time: 7:00pm
Metro: Big Blue Bus or Metro 4/704
Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park
You name it, and MacArthur Park has it, from world music to local talent, from rock to pop to folk to Latin. Just sit back on your blanket, and enjoy, plus with discount restaurant prices sponsored by Metro, you can’t go wrong.
Where: MacArthur Park, corner of Wilshire and S. Alvarado St., Los Angeles
When: Wednesday – Sunday
Time: 7:30pm except on Sunday when the Target Children’s night performances start at 6:30pm
Metro: Metro Red Line
Live Music at Hollywood & Highlands
Join Hollywood & Highland Center and KJAZZ 88.1 FM for the 6th annual Wine, Jazz & Moonlight series. Enjoy free concerts by some of the country’s top jazz performers.
When: Tuesdays, June through August
Where: Babylon Courtyard at Hollywood & Highland Center, corner of Hollywood and Highland
Time: 7:00pm
Metro: Metro Red Line
Celebrating its 100th birthday, the Long Beach Municipal Band is the longest surviving, municipally-supported band in the country. Bring your picnic basket, blankets, and lawn chairs.
When: Tuesdays, June 30th – August 14th
Where: Various parks throughout the city
Time: 6:30pm
Metro:Various Metro or Long Beach routes depending on the location. Try using the Metro Trip Planner.
Long Beach Thursday Night Concert Series
For a great mix of music, people, and fun in the sun
When: Thursdays, June 18th- August 27th
Where: Various parks throughout the city
Time: 6:00pm
Metro: Various Metro or Long Beach routes depending on the location. Try using the Metro Trip Planner.
Summer Sunset Music Festival in Culver City
Musical styles this year include Motown, Afro-Cuban, Classic Rock, Folk, Blues, Cajun, Irish, and more
When: Thursdays, Mid July through early September
Where: City Hall Courtyard, 9770 Culver Blvd, Culver City
Time: 7:00pm
Metro: Metro 33/333, Culver City Bus,
From salsa to rock to folk and jazz, music is definitely the theme at the Levitt Pavilion.
When: Wednesday through Sunday, June – August
Where: Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly St, Pasadena
Time: Check the listings
Metro: Metro Gold Line
[Update]
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
To enjoy a free night of jazz, just head over the the LACMA
When: Friday, April – November
Where: 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles
Time: 6:00pm
Metro: Metro 720
I’ve created a virtual map to help you locate the concert venue that’s closest to your home, or one where your favorite music or band is playing:
View Free Summer Concert Series in Los Angeles in a larger map
So what’s better, the idea of a summer concert or the idea that it’s free? Well don’t fret—we have both combined together as gathered from the list above.
Choose your venue’s frequently and bands wisely because when Travelin’ Local, sometimes it really is all about the music.
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