Here are 56 Sizzling Things to Do in August in Los Angeles
August in Los Angeles might mean the end of summer for schoolchildren, but it’s not over yet! Join me outside this month for Free Concerts, Screenings, and more! Plus, I’ll be sprinkling in new meals each week for you to enjoy. There’s even a chance to Pay What You Want at select Michelin-starred restaurants later in the month. Yes, you read that right. This is a new format from other months, so leave me a comment below if you prefer it.
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July 31st to August 2nd in Los Angeles
Friday, July 31st, is National Avocado Day, and spots like Tocaya and Chipotle are serving up the good, green stuff for FREE! At Tocaya, you have to spend $15 or more to get FREE Chips and Guacamole as a rewards member. Historically, Chipotle has rewarded its members with FREE Guacamole with a $5 purchase and a code like AVO2026.
Friday, July 31st and every Friday this month has FREE Jazz on the plaza at LACMA beginning at 6 p.m. No reservation is needed, but arrive early to claim a seat or a spot for a picnic near the Smidt Welcome Plaza. It’s free for L.A. residents to enter the galleries after 3 p.m. so you can keep yourself busy exploring after you’ve claimed your spot with a blanket.
Friday, July 31st is also Barnsdall Friday Wine Night at the Barnsdall Art Park in Hollywood from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event helps raise money for the park and the Hollyhock House on the grounds, which is L.A’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’ve already been once this season, know that new vendors have joined the lineup of food options available while you’re enjoying your many wine pours. Tickets are $55.
Friday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1st have several FREE Concerts happening across L.A. County Parks as part of its SOUNDS OF LA COUNTY: 27 PARKS. 108. CONCERTS. ONE COUNTY. event. From Mona Park in Compton to Helen Keller Park on Vermont Avenue, there is a different music scene to enjoy. See the website to find the park nearest you.
July 31st and August 1st are Tchaikovsky with Fireworks performances at the Hollywood Bowl. Tickets begin at just $36 and also include acrobatics by the Troupe Vertigo circus artists. It’s a night of family fun.
Saturday, August 1st, is a KCRW Summer Nights Concert at CAAM. The event begins at 7 p.m., and while it’s FREE, reservations are a must!
Saturday, August 1st, is the 20th Anniversary of Cars at The Autry Museum with doors opening at 6 p.m. for an 8:15 p.m. show. This screening is presented by Street Food Cinema, which has outdoor screenings weekly on its website. Tickets begin at $29.94 and include D23 Amenities for members and access to Food Trucks for all.
August 1st was officially inaugurated as “Dia de Bolero” in Los Angeles, and you can celebrate with the 10th annual Boleros de Noche at the Ford Theater. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for an 8 p.m. show, and you can get tickets here.
Saturday, August 1st, and Sunday, August 2nd, kick off a month of Two Gentlebots of Verona presented for FREE by the legendary theatre troupe The Actors’ Gang. The 50-minute production takes place at 11 a.m. in Media Park in Downtown Culver City, and reservations are available on their website. The production is a Shakespeare adaptation for all ages at a length most of us can manage.
Now through August 6th, see Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, presented in 70mm film at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale. Showtimes are on their website.
August 3rd to 9th in Los Angeles
Tuesday, August 4th, be part of the grand opening of Chicas Tacos at The Deck in Hermosa Beach, CA. Chicas Tacos is known for its multiple Vegan options, along with weekend Steak & Eggs Tacos, all at affordable prices.
Wednesday, August 5th, is ZZ Top and Cheap Trick at the Hollywood Bowl, but did you know there’s also a Free Wine Tasting? Join Paula Tabalipa of Tabalipa Wines at 5:00 p.m. before the 8 p.m. show. Hyperlinked tickets are as low as $46.
Thursday, August 6th, and every Thursday in August, The Original Farmers Market next to The Grove will feature a different live music offering. Concerts take place from 7 to 9 p.m.
Thursday, August 6th, and every Thursday in August, visit the classic Culver Hotel for their new Vinyl at Velvet from 9 p.m. to midnight. The hotel is celebrating with a BOGO Cocktail offer available as you enter the hotel – no stay necessary. The Velvet Lounge is open Thursday to Saturday from 7 p.m. to Midnight.
Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th, it’s Counting Crows at the Hollywood Bowl. As a product of the 1990s, I can’t help but get excited about this one. Discounted seats can be found here.
Saturday, August 8th, is a great day to try a new Summer Saturdays Brunch perched high above Downtown Los Angeles at La Lo La Rooftop. Hours are Noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays for Loaded Breakfast Burritos, Waffles & Gelato, and Sandia Picante tequila cocktails.
Saturday, August 8th, it’s The Mummy at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The screening begins at 8:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:45 p.m. Expect DJ music, food and drinks for sale, and a FREE photo booth – but you can also BYOB. Tickets start at $31.02 and are selling out!
Saturday, August 8th, is the Head in the Clouds Music and Arts Festival at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. The festival features top Asian musicians, local cuisine, and a Sephora K-Beauty Marketplace. Get tickets beginning at $199 on their website.
Saturday, August 8th, and Sunday, August 9th, offer performances of Two Gentlebots of Verona presented for FREE by the legendary theatre troupe The Actors’ Gang. The 50-minute production takes place at 11 a.m. in Media Park in Downtown Culver City, and reservations are available on their website. The production is a Shakespeare adaptation for all ages at a length most of us can manage.
Sunday, August 9th, enjoy the family-friendly How to Train Your Dragon in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl and a Non-Alcoholic Wine tasting with wine professional Piper Overbaugh of Leitz Non-Alcoholic Wines. The tasting begins at 4:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Live Jazz and supporting local young musicians? Tomat in Westchester knows just how to pay it forward in the restaurant business when you own a rooftop. Tickets are $10/person via Resy and help show some encouragement to USC students in the arts. This event is from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every other Sunday.
August 10th to 16th in Los Angeles
Monday, August 10th, is a Max Muncy “Game 7 Home Run” Bobblehead giveaway day as the L.A. Dodgers play the Kansas City Royals. Wednesday, August 12th, is a Hello Kitty and Friends Mystery Character Item giveaway in the same series. Discounted tickets are hyperlinked, with Monday being the best-priced day.
Tuesday, August 11th, and all days in August, enjoy a scoop of Americana at Shakey’s Pizza in North Hollywood, Covina, or Buena Park. They’ll be offering Thrifty’s Ice Cream, another California original, for just $1.99.
Tuesday, August 11th, enjoy a taste of the Eastside on the Westside when Pizzeria Blanco does a restaurant takeover of David Chang’s Super Peach in Century City. Dishes include a mix of Banchan and Antipasto as well as a Wiseguy Pizza and Porchetta Bo Ssam. Make your reservations on OpenTable for the 4-Course Menu for $65.
Wednesday, August 12th, head out to Angel Stadium for a Mickey Mouse Bobblehead Giveaway at the 6:38 p.m. game against the Rangers. Tickets are in the low double digits, while Dodgers (above) are in the triple.
Thursday, August 13th, and every Thursday in August, features a different live music offering at The Original Farmers Market, located next to The Grove. Concerts take place from 7 to 9 p.m.
The next best thing to seeing the Dodgers at the stadium is catching a game at Dodgers x Habit Home Base in Echo Park on Thursday, August 13th. They’ve had events all summer long, including a FREE Hawaiian Shirt Night, and this month you get the chance to meet muralist Alex Ali Gonzalez, who’s behind some of the best Dodgers murals across Los Angeles. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. You can also try some new Korean street food-inspired Habit dishes from Chef Jet Tila.
Thursday, August 13th, and every Thursday in August, Afro-Caribbean restaurant Lucia in the Fairfax district invites you to Sobremesa, where guests are encouraged to stay late and enjoy salsa, bachata, and merengue music along with $50 prix-fixe menus. Offerings include a Burger Cubano Sando and a Mojito Martini pairing. Reserve on their website. Music begins at 8 p.m.
Friday, August 14th offers FREE Jazz on the plaza at LACMA beginning at 6 p.m. No reservation is needed, but arrive early to claim a seat or a spot for a picnic near the Smidt Welcome Plaza.
Friday, August 14th through August 28th is Dine LA Restaurant Week, where 400+ restaurants participate in prix-fixes that begin at just $15 for lunch in some cases. Discover the whole list here. Majordōmo will be serving a $45 3-course lunch prix fixe that is definitely worth checking out.
Friday, August 14th, is KCRW Summer Nights at the Wende Museum, and this one is special; it’s also the Good Food Night Market Edition. Reserve here for the event from 6 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, August 15th, is KCRW Summer Nights at Union Station. Reserve your spot here for three different DJ sets beginning at 6 p.m.
Saturday, August 15th, is a Ferragosto Italian Summer event on Helms Walk in Culver City. This FREE Italian festa offers live music and delicious food from 1 to 6 p.m., organized by restaurants like The Pasta Sisters and Father’s Office.
Saturday, August 15th, and Sunday, August 16th, offer performances of Two Gentlebots of Verona presented for FREE by the legendary theatre troupe The Actors’ Gang. The 50-minute production takes place at 11 a.m. in Media Park in Downtown Culver City, and reservations are available on their website. The production is a Shakespeare adaptation for all ages at a length most of us can manage.
Sunday, August 16th, is the FREE House Music Dance Party Series, Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Sunday Sessions at Gloria Molina Grand Park. The event takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. and features legends of house music for all ages. No tickets are necessary. Food and Beverages will be for sale, but no outside alcohol is permitted. Picnicking is encouraged.
August 17th to 23rd in Los Angeles
Tuesday, August 18th, visit Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen, a Michelin-Bib Gourmand restaurant with its newest location in Santa Monica. The restaurant specializes in Indian and Pakistani delights and Mocktails.
Thursday, August 20th, and every Thursday in August, features a different live music offering at The Original Farmers Market next to The Grove. Concerts take place from 7 to 9 p.m.
Friday, August 21st, and every Friday until October, offers FREE Jazz on the plaza at LACMA beginning at 6 p.m. No reservation is needed, but arrive early to claim a seat or a spot for a picnic.
Saturday, August 22nd, is a KCRW Summer Nights Concert with a Taste of Downtown Long Beach. Admission is FREE, but be sure to reserve on their website.
Saturday, August 22nd, it’s Coming to America at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The screening begins at 8:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:45 p.m. Expect DJ music, food and drinks for sale, and a FREE photo booth – but you can also BYOB. Tickets start at $31.02.
Saturday, August 22nd, and Sunday, August 23rd, offer performances of Two Gentlebots of Verona presented for FREE by the legendary theatre troupe The Actors’ Gang. The 50-minute production takes place at 11 a.m. in Media Park in Downtown Culver City, and reservations are available on their website. The production is a Shakespeare adaptation for all ages at a length most of us can manage.
Celebrate the final season with Gustavo Dudamel at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, August 23rd. There, you can enjoy a tasting with Jasper Beckmen of Beckmen Wines beginning at 4 p.m., plus $34 tickets.
August 24th to 31st
Tuesday, August 25th, is Free National Parks Entrance Day, celebrating 110 years of the National Park Service. So get outside and explore! Learn more at this link.
Wednesday, August 26th is “Paga Lo Que Puedas/Pay What You Can” day, initiated by Michelin-starred Masala y Maíz in Mexico City. Los Angeles restaurants participating as of writing this include Baroo and Jack’s Pizza on PCH. A tasting menu at Baroo is normally $140, and a day like this opens the menu up to everyone with a willing palate. The day is walk-in only.
Thursday, August 27th, and every Thursday in August, features a different live music offering at The Original Farmers Market next to The Grove. Concerts take place from 7 to 9 p.m.
Thursday, August 27th, get yourself to the Tam O’ Shanter Speakeasy, which only happens once a month and is truly special. Dark lights, secret passwords, and stiff cocktails: this event has it all. Oh, and of course, live Jazz. Reservations are required by emailing jlarowe@lawrysonline.com. Hours are 7 p.m. onward.
Friday, August 28th is the final day for Dine LA Restaurant Week. Revisit the whole list here.
Friday, August 28th offers FREE Jazz on the plaza at LACMA beginning at 6 p.m. No reservation is needed, but arrive early to claim a seat or a spot for a picnic.
Friday, August 28th, is a FREE KCRW Summer Nights Concert at LA Plaza de Culturas y Artes from 6 to 11 p.m. The season is winding down with just 4 concerts left, so find the one nearest you and enjoy.
Saturday, August 29th, is a KCRW Summer Nights Concert from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is FREE, but be sure to reserve on their website. This concert is at The Bowers Museum.
Saturday, August 29th, is Michael at The Autry Museum at 8:30 p.m. This screening is presented by Street Food Cinema, which has outdoor screenings weekly on its website. Tickets begin at $29.94 and include Musical Performances and access to Food Trucks.
Saturday, August 29th, enjoy Hotel June West LA’s Caravan Swim Club event with a Nosotros Tequila Cart serving pours while you soak up the sun. Reserve here. Hours are 2 to 5 p.m., and you don’t need to be a hotel guest.
Saturday, August 29th, and Sunday, August 30th mark the 10th Annual Festival Chapin Los Angeles: the largest Guatemalan Festival outside Guatemala. The FREE event takes place at Lafayette Park and highlights the music, food, and arts of Guatemala. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, August 29th, and Sunday, August 30th, offer performances of Two Gentlebots of Verona presented for FREE by the legendary theatre troupe The Actors’ Gang. The 50-minute production takes place at 11 a.m. in a NEW LOCATION at the Buena Vista Branch Library in Burbank, and reservations are available on their website. The production is a Shakespeare adaptation for all ages at a length most of us can manage.
ALL MONTH LONG & LOOKING AHEAD
- The highly anticipated Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is opening next month, and you can secure your tickets now for visits beginning September 23rd, 2026. Adults are $25 and Children under 12 are FREE! Despite its out-of-this-world architecture, the museum focuses is not all Sci-Fi. Expect to see George Lucas’s fine art collection that spans a lifetime, as well as film archives for movie buffs.
- Delve deeply into the connection between nature and the Japanese diet with the exhibition WASHOKU at JAPAN HOUSE located at Ovation Hollywood. The museum is FREE to enter, and this show will be running until October 18th, 2026.
- Embrace your inner tourist and take a ride on the Swan Boats of Echo Park. Boats take off daily every 12 minutes, and the rides last one hour. This pre-purchase will ensure you don’t have to wait. Children up to 17 are $7.50, and adults are $12. Map yourself to 751 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles.
- Speaking of living the tourist life, are you one of those folks who has never hiked to the Hollywood Sign even though you’ve been an Angeleno for several decades? Sign up for the Premier Hollywood Sign Tour if you want to explore the natural side of this sprawling city while getting to the highest photo spot near the sign. It’s $55 a person, with 3-hour tours that leave at 8 a.m. daily. Purchase here.
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