14 Cool L.A. Events in July Every Angeleno Should Keep on Their Radar

Need stuff to do this July in Los Angeles? Got you covered.

We looked ahead on our calendar to highlight some of the best events happening in July 2015 around Los Angeles that you should probably have on your radar. After all, better to get your tickets now than wait till the last minute and find out your favorite event is sold out.

1. Moonlight Movies on the Beach

Moonlight Movies on the Beach is a free set of outdoor film screenings hosted at Alfredo’s Beach Club in Belmont Shore that will feature 9 dates in July (starting in July 2) for your viewing pleasure.

Here is the full slate for the month.

2. 626 Night Market

The largest Asian-themed night market in the United States kicks off its fourth summer season from July 3-5 at the Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia. Tickets are $3 and parking is free.

3. 4th of July in L.A.

There are plenty of fun options for celebrating Independence Day in L.A. and we’ve listed a few of the highlights below:

And that’s just for starters! Keep an eye out on our blog for a full list of where to watch fireworks in L.A. as July draws closer.

4. Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson

Billy Corgan and Marilyn Manson touring together? How could you not want to see what that spectacle looks like?

(Forgive me, I’m a 90’s kid…)

That said, the End Times Tour makes its way to the Irvin Amphitheater on Thursday, July 9 for a performance sure to kickstart some serious nostalgia for any audiophile who was born in the early 80’s. Check out Goldstar for more information and discount tickets to the concert.

5. LA Street Food Fest

The LA Street Food Fest is at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena to celebrate its 6th year of bringing Los Angeles a specially curated selection of world class, award winning top chefs, restaurants, food trucks, street stands, carts and more. It all goes down on Saturday, July 11.

6. California Hot Sauce Expo

Need some spice in your life? Check out the the First Annual California Hot Sauce Expo taking place at Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach over the weekend of July 11-12. Admission includes samples from exclusive hot sauce vendors plus special eating events including a Guinness World Records-sanctioned Pepper Eating Challenge. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

7. Death Cab For Cutie at the Hollywood Bowl

Enjoy the bittersweet sounds of Death Cab For Cutie at the Hollywood Bowl as they tour in support of their latest album, Kintsugi. Concert is July 11. Opening performances by tUnE-yArDs and Mikal Cronin.

8. Taste of Farmers Market

The 7th Annual Taste of Farmers Market invites you the sample small bites and drink samples from a boatload of renowned restaurants, groceries, and eateries. Tickets are $40 ($45 if you buy at the door) and parking is free. Takes place Tuesday, July 14 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm.

9. The Art of Rap Festival

The Art of Rap Festival includes more some of the biggest names in hip-hop including some legendary artists. The lineup will feature The Game, Ice T, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Mack 10, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Quik, Doug E Fresh, EPMD, Kool Moe Dee, Kurtis Blow, Rakim, Ras Kass, Slick Rick, Too Short, Warren G, Xzibit and more. It all goes down at the Irvine Amphitheater on July 18. More information and discount tickets available via Goldstar.

10. Tequila and Taco Music Fest

Head up to the The Collection at River Park in Oxnard over the weekend of July 18-19 for two days full of high-caliber tequila cocktails and gourmet street tacos at the 3rd Annual Tequila & Taco Music Festival. If you’re only going on Sunday (Mas Margarita’s Day) you can get a special voucher via Goldstar that includes festival admission for two, two souvenir glasses and two 12-ounce margaritas.

11. KCRW Summer Nights

KCRW Summer Nights comes to Chinatown on July 25 for a night full of live cooking demonstrations, hands-on Chinese cultural activities, the Downtown Flea Craft and Vintage market, live bands, food trucks, and of course all the local authentic Chinese restaurants.

12. US Open of Surfing

Head down to Huntington Beach to watch the best surfers in the world compete at US Open of Surfing. The competition kicks off on July 25 and runs until August 2.

13. LA Zoo Roaring Nights

Visit the LA Zoo after hours and experience indie bands, DJs, full bars, and L.A.’s favorite food trucks. The July 26 event includes performances by Springtime Carnivores and DJ Johnny Hawkes.

14. More Free Events Around Los Angeles!

Want more free stuff? Here are a few other ongoing free summer events you should have on your radar:

Got any other suggestions for July or things we missed? Let us know so we can write about those too!