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Ready to to tackle a new month of to-dos?
Coming up this August in Los Angeles you’ll find Sizzling Summer Nights at The Autry, Endless Summer C.A.M.P. programs in Santa Monica, FoLAR’s River Fest, the Natsumatsuri Family Festival, The Natural World of Studio Ghibli at The Ford, the Leimert Park Jazz Festival, CatCon, Brew at the Zoo, and much more. Let’s get into the full list below!
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Things To Do This August
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Sizzling Summer Nights at The Autry (August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) -> Every Thursday in August, The Autry museum hosts some of L.A.’s best salsa and Latin fusion bands with free salsa lessons, access to the museum galleries and a separate children’s dance floor. Admission cost $25 per person. More info here.
Sunset Concerts at the Skirball (August 1, 8, 16) – FA > The Skirball Cultural Center’s annual Sunset Concert series continues in August with a handful of concerts, offering after-hours performances from artists of the Jewish, African, and Cuban diasporas. On August 1 welcomes hip-hop artist Waahli performing in English, French, and Haitian Creole. Cameroonian-American indie-rock artist Vagabon will follow on August 8 and a DJ Dance Party with Jauretsi and Tosstones will close out the series on August 16. Free walk-up tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is available from $15-$20. More info here.
Sunset Concerts in Culver City (August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) – M FA > Culver City continues it’s summer-long series of outdoor concerts in August with a Latin Music Showcase featuring performances by Carlos Y Charlos, Boleros with Attitude and Los Angelenos, plus evenings of Rock/Pop, World Music, Afro Cuban, and a RockNSoul Party. Events starts at 7 p.m. All seating is first-come, first-served. Free to attend. More info here.More info here.
Shakespeare in the Park (August 1 through September 1) – FA > The Independent Shakespeare Co. is once again bringing a summer of the Bard to Griffith Park, but unlike in past years, the 2024 season will focus on a single production. From July 10 to September 1, catch Wednesday-through-Sunday performances of As You Like It at ISC’s familiar space near the Old Zoo. The show starts at 7 p.m. but you’ll want to come at 6 p.m. to enjoy the immersive prologue. One select nights the event will be themed including Cottage core dress up night on August 1 and Pride Night on August 9. More info here.
JazzPOP at The Hammer (August 1, 8, 15) – FA > A lineup of notables from the West Coast jazz scene are headed to The Hammer courtyard for concerts this August as part of the museum’s JazzPOP series, beginning with a performance by Jamael Dean and the Afronauts on August 1. Free to attend. All shows starts at 8 p.m. More info here.
Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks (August 2-3) -> The Hollywood Bowl’s annual fireworks extravaganza returns, with conductor Otto Tausk leading the LA Phil in selections from Piano Concerto No. 1, to uite from The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66a concluding with a spectacular finale featuring Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Tickets start as low as $20. More info here.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA (August 2, 9 16) – M FA > Free evening dance parties return to The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza every Friday through August 16. At Dance DTLA, instructors will be on hand to teach guests easy-to-follow steps, allowing everyone to get into the groove right from the jump. The 2024 schedule included themed nights for Bollywood, Samba, Hip-Hop, Disco, and more. Always free to attend. More info here.
Endless Summer C.A.M.P. (August 3, 10, 17, 24) – M > Santa Monica’s second annual Endless Summer C.A.M.P. series brings four weeks of family-friendly entertainment to Tongva Park, celebrating everything from world music and dance to puppetry and animal ambassadors. The free programs runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays from August 3-24. Free to attend. More info here.
CatVideoFest 2024 (August 3-14) -> CatVideoFest brings cat videos to the big screen with a 73-minute romp filled with internet cat classics, animations, and music videos, all in the name of the cute AF kitty. This year’s fest takes place at the Vidiots location in Eagle Rock, and highlights a pair of local charitable orgs: Tail Town Cat Cafe and Kitten Rescue of Los Angeles. Tickets are $13 for adults. More info here.
KCRW Summer Nights (August 3, 10, 17, 24, 30) – M > KCRW’s summer of free programming promises another exciting month of music events popping up at iconic venues and cultural institutions around Los Angeles. For August, check out an activation at The Music Center, back-to-back Saturday night events at KCRW HQ, a stop at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, and a party at the recently reopened California African American Museum. Get more info here.
Cinespia (August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31) -> Cinespia returns to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery this month with movie screenings that include Bridesmaids, The Nightmare Before Christmas and a Kristen Dunst Slumber Party themed double movie night. Tickets cost $22-$32. More info here.
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La Bulla: The Lucha Libre Music & Arts Festival (August 3) -> This one-night extravaganza at Plaza de La Raza celebrates Lucha Libre with two stages of performances (music and Mexican wrestling) plus an art show featuring over 150 contributors, special vendors, face painting, food, drinks, and more. Individual tickets are $23.18, fees included. More info here.
LACMA Latin Sounds (August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31) – FA > LACMA is bringing a series of Saturday evening, outdoor concerts at Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheate (just north of the La Brea Tar Pits Museum) in celebration of the exhibition Painting in the River of Angels: Judy Baca and The Great Wall. Latin Sounds concerts are free to attend, and run 5 to 7 p.m.
CatCon (August 3-4) – M > Catch the latest in feline culture at this two-day expo in Pasadena featuring cat-centric merchandise, workshops, and performances. Individual day GA tickets start at $47.93 per person. Get more info here.
Unique LA Market (August 3-4) -> Unique LA the curated shopping experience highlights one-of-a-kind gifts from modern, independent designers, artists, and emerging brands. Aside from shopping your ticket also includes complimentary beverages, craft projects, and other activations. Tickets start at $10. More info here.
Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles Concerts (August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31) – M FA > Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles routinely offers the most prolific annual free concert series in the city, all taking place at MacArthur Park. For August, you can catch evenings of Latin Alternative, Reggae, Soul, Ska and Guatemalan Cultural Dance. More info here.
Movies at Warner Park (starting August 3) – M FA> The Valley Cultural Foundations’ Movies at Warner Park series returns to Woodland Hills every Saturday night in the month of August. Kicking off the fun is a screening of Barbie, with other slated films to include The Blind Side, Wish, Elemental, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Each event starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend.
Brew at the Zoo (August 3) -> Evening programming is back at the L.A. Zoo on August 25 with Brew at the Zoo. Expect 35+ breweries plus animal keeper talks, live music, and bites for purchase. Standard admission starts at $75. More info here.
Grand Performances (now through August 24) – M FA > Outdoor concerts in the heart of downtown on Saturdays (and some Fridays) from June to August. This August Grand Performances continues with a diverse schedule of performances, including a Celia Cruz tribute, Madison McFerrin, The Neighborhood Orchestra, and more. All shows free to attend. Most events are 6 to 10 p.m., but be sure to check the full schedule for complete details. More info here.
NoHo Summer Nights (now through August 24) – FA > NoHo Summer Nights brings film screenings and/or live performances to North Hollywood Recreation Center every Saturday from now through August 24. Free to attend, and no RSVP required. More info here.
Angel City Brewery Avocado Fest (August 4) – M FA > Angel City Brewery is celebrating the release of two crowd-favorite seasonal brews – Avocado Ale and Guavocado Ale with a party featuring avocado-themed games, live music, food and vendors. More info here.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach (August 6,13,20,22) – FA > Long Beach’s signature beachside summer cinema series is back for 2024, continuing with four movie screenings in August split between Granada Beach and the Long Beach City College, Liberal Arts Campus. Movies starts around sunset (8 to 8:30 p.m.). Free to attend, and parking is free after 6 p.m., though spots are limited. More info here.
City of San Gabriel 30th annual National Night Out (August 6) – FA > The 30th annual National Night Out turns the historic Mission District into a block party with live music, food and games all in an effort to promote public safety. More info here.
First Wednesday Lecture at The AoP (August 7) -> Every first Wednesday evening of the month, the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts an evening guest lecture and cocktail reception at the Pacific Visions Theater. For August 7, they’ll discuss the future of seafood, the over consumption problem we are facing and how innovation can play a key role in finding solutions. Admission is $5 advance online and $10 the day of the event at the door. More info here.
Summer of Salsa (August 9) – M FA > The LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes Summer of Salsa series continues this month with Friday night party highlighting some of the city’s best salsa and Cuban bands in the process. Doors open at 6 p.m., and music starts at 7 p.m. Always free to attend. More info here.
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Ivy Station Night Market (August 9) – M FA > Ivy Station’s Friday night market returns with a themed edition of 90s/’00s fun their monthly activation, including 30+ local vendors, food trucks, craft beer, games, and era-specific jams. Dog friendly too! Runs 5 to 10 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Nisei Week Japanese Festival (August 10-18) –M > This August, Little Tokyo hosts a week-long celebration of Japanese and Japanese American heritage and traditions through a series of cultural exhibits and performances, a grand parade and a plaza festival.
Natsumatsuri Family Festival at Japanese American National Museum (August 10) – M FA > The free annual summer celebration features performances by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko and East LA Taiko, craft stations, interactive story time and games. More info here.
FolAR’s Third Annual River Fest (August 11) – M FA > Friends of the LA River (FoLAR) invites the public to River Fest a free, all-ages event featuring live performances by local artists, a visual art gallery, a vendor marketplace, eco-friendly family activities, and food trucks. Ticket registration is required to enjoy all the complimentary festivities. More info here.
Burbank Comedy Festival (August 10-17) -> The Burbank Comedy Festival taking place across different venues will host a variety of performers from around the globe for nonstop funny business. More info and full schedule here.
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome (August 11) -> Mount Wilson Observatory continues its 2024 season of classical concerts hosted inside the historic 100-inch telescope dome, where the acoustics are said to be some of the finest in the world. There will be two musical performances, one at 3 p.m. and the other at 5 p.m. Tickets are $60. More info here
Black Bar Social at The Music Center (August 13) – M FA > Each month, a featured artist or culture maker will pose a question and curate an experience to spark curiosity, imagination and conversation about the evolving cultural landscape of a vibrant Los Angeles.More info here.
CicLAvia Meet the Hollywoods (August 18) – M FA > CicLAvia returns for August with course traversing portions of Hollywood Blvd, Highland Ave, and Santa Monica Blvd. Expect the signature mix of open streets and public activations along the way. Remember you can get there car-free by transiting by Metro’s B Line to Vermont/Sunset, Hollywood/Western, Hollywood/Vine, or Hollywood/Highland. More info here.
Sunday Sessions at Gloria Molina Grand Park (August 18) -> Grand Park’s summer house music series returns in August with an afternoon of beats curated by by Los Angeles-based music brand Soul Source. Expect a beer garden with cocktails for purchase, plenty of space to picnic, and plenty of good vibes. Runs 3 to 8 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Zócalo Public Square: When Does Protest Make a Difference? (August 22) – M FA > As we enter the final months of a hotly contested election season, Zócalo Public square is dialing into the moment with an evening of back-to-back panels moderated by KQED correspondent and “The California Report” cohost Saul Gonzalez to discuss when and how protest makes a difference. The talks take place at the ASU California Center in DTLA. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
The Natural World of Studio Ghibli at The Ford (August 23-25) -> This August at The Ford, The Natural World of Studio Ghibli celebrates the legendary animation studios’ thematic explorations of natural environments, our relationship with nature, and the spiritual aspect of the natural world through a trio of Miyazaki film screenings, including Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001), and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984). Tickets are available for individual nights, or you can save on fees by purchasing the entire three-evening run. More info here.
Tryst & Nomad Art Fair (August 23-25) – FA > A double helping of artist pop-ups comes to the Torrance over one packed weekend this August. TRYST is a new art fair bringing the world’s largest international exhibition of alternative and artist-run galleries (some 500 artists) to Del Amo Crossing. Plus, down the street, Torrance Art Museum’s contemporary art pop-up Nomad returns for its third installment with contributions from over 175 artists from Southern California and beyond. Both events are free to attend. More info here.
Off the 405 (August 24) – FA > Off the 405 the Getty’s annual after-hours summer concerts series concludes with a performance by Woods. You’ll need to pre-register for free to attend, and remember that parking is $10 after 6 p.m. on Saturdays. More info here.
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El Segundo Art Walk (August 24) – FA > This indie, self-guided art event highlights the creative businesses throughout Downtown El Segundo while showcasing local artists. Expect food trucks, live music, and extended hours from the El Segundo Museum of Art. More info here.
Dance DTLA Birthday Bash (August 24) – M > To celebrate the end of Dance DTLA’s 20th season, The Music Center is throwing a benefit birthday bash under the stars featuring local DJs, dance instructors, plus plenty of food and dessert. Tickets are $60, with net proceeds to go to the The Music Center’s free and low-cost programs that serve an estimted 400,000 Angelenos a year. More info here.
Festival Chapin (August 24-25) – FA > Festival Chapin Los Angeles is the largest Guatemalan festival outside the country. Held at Lafayette Park, this 8th annual edition celebrate Guatemalan culture through traditions, marimba music, folk groups, crafts, and Guatemalan gastronomy. Admission is free, with food and drink for purchase. More info here.
Singin’ in the Rain in Concert at The Hollywood Bowl (August 27) -> The cinematic classic Singin’ in the Rain hits the bigscreen at the Hollywood Bowl with a score condcuted live-to-picture via the Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by David Newman. Tickets start as low as $13. More info here.
Ovation Hollywood Movie Night -> Ovation Hollywood’s monthly Friday Movie Nights series pops up in August with a screening of Barbie. Film begins at 7 p.m., and guests can arrive early to receive free popcorn and discounted treats from the TCL Chinese Theatre Concessions Stand. More info here.
Leimert Park Jazz Festival (August 31) – M > Details are still light on the 2024 Leimert Park Jazz Festival, but if it’s anything like last year you can expect a full day of Jazz sets supported by a kids zone, wine lounge, and food court at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Festival hours are still TBD. General admission is free.
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