The historic core and modern skyscrapers of Downtown Los Angeles are setting the stage for a monumental summer season. Local community groups, business owners and hospitality directors are preparing themselves for the pedestrian traffic ready to hit this city for the summer.
From the lush corridors of Grand Park to the bustling plazas of Bunker Hill, Downtown is the ultimate gathering place for diverse audiences seeking entertainment, community and connection.
Whether you are a lifelong resident looking to rediscover your backyard or a visitor arriving for a historic convention, the options can be overwhelming. Here is a breakdown of some of the most significant gatherings taking place in Downtown Los Angeles this summer.
Anime Expo
July 2-5
Tens of thousands of passionate anime, manga and Japanese culture enthusiasts will descend upon the convention center for North America’s largest celebration of its kind. Attendees can explore massive exhibit halls, join industry panels, witness exclusive global sneak peeks, enjoy live concerts and marvel at jaw-dropping cosplay artistry filling the streets of the South Park neighborhood.
Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, price varies by registration tier, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., anime-expo.org
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA
Select Friday nights, June 26 – Aug. 14
One of the most cherished summer traditions in the city returns to the open-air plaza. Participants of all ages and experience levels can learn distinct dance styles ranging from salsa and cumbia to hip-hop and disco. Each evening features expert instructions from top professionals followed by open dancing under the stars to live music and DJs.
Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, free, 7 to 11 p.m., musiccenter.org
A view of the Los Angeles skyline complements Grand Performances, a music series going on its 40th year.
(Farah Sosa, Grand Performances/Submitted)
Grand Performances 40th Anniversary Season Kickoff
June 6
The longest-running presenter of free outdoor global performing arts in Downtown LA celebrates its historic 40th anniversary season. The high-energy, intergenerational cumbia dance party features stellar live performances by Grupo Soñador and Wachiwara alongside the infectious beats of DJ Turbo Sonidero, uniting the entire city through rhythm.
California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Avenue, free, 6 to 10 p.m., grandperformances.org
FIFA Fan Festival at Los Angeles Union Station
JUNE 25-28
As the legendary soccer tournament grips the world, historic Union Station transforms into an electric community hub for sports fans. The official fan festival features massive high-definition outdoor screens broadcasting live matches, interactive soccer games, youth training clinics, local food trucks and special appearances by current and former global soccer stars.
Los Angeles Union Station, 800 N. Alameda Street, free, doors open at 10:30 a.m., discoverlosangeles.com
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Summer Block Party
July 4
Celebrate Independence Day in the absolute heart of the civic center with a massive block party stretching across multiple scenic lawns. The day-long festival showcases local music acts, digital art installations, family-friendly interactive play zones and an array of street food vendors, culminating in a spectacular evening presentation.
Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Avenue, free, 4 to 9:30 p.m., grandparkla.org
Smorgasburg LA Summer Sundays
Sundays June – August
The massive open-air food market expands its footprint for the sun-drenched summer season, bringing together dozens of independent vendors. Visitors can sample innovative street food fusion, artisanal craft beverages and decadent desserts that highlight the incredible depth of Southern California’s diverse culinary landscape in a vibrant marketplace atmosphere.
ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda Street, free entry with food for purchase, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., la.smorgasburg.com
Dine LA Summer Restaurant Week
July 10 – July 24
Food lovers can explore the diverse and thriving culinary landscape of Downtown LA through this highly anticipated 15-day dining event. Dozens of the neighborhood’s top-rated eateries and hidden gems will feature specially curated, prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus that showcase culinary innovation at highly accessible price points.
Various DTLA Locations, prices vary by restaurant, hours vary by location, discoverlosangeles.com
Mamma Mia! at the Ahmanson Theatre
June 23 – July 19
The ultimate feel-good musical hits the stage in the cultural epicenter of the district. Audiences can dance, laugh and sing along to ABBA’s timeless hits woven seamlessly into a heartwarming story of love, family and old friendships set against the backdrop of a sun-kissed Greek island paradise.
Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Avenue, price varies by seating selection, times vary by date, centertheatregroup.org
Candlelight Downtown LA: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
July 19
Experience classical music masterpieces in a completely breathtaking light during an intimate, acoustic performance series. A talented live string quartet performs Vivaldi’s timeless compositions inside an architectural gem of the district, completely surrounded by the warm glow of thousands of flickering candles.
Zipper Concert Hall, 200 S. Grand Avenue, tickets start at $47, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., feverup.com
Grand Performances: WONDER-FULL Stevie Wonder Tribute
July 18
This beloved staple of the Los Angeles outdoor dance scene celebrates its landmark 20th anniversary this summer season. Co-presented by Footlong Development and Nancy Arte Productions, the massive outdoor dance party honors the monumental musical legacy and soulful catalog of Stevie Wonder on the central plaza stage.
California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Avenue, free, 6 to 10 p.m., grandperformances.org
SPOCOM Los Angeles
July 11
The nation’s premier automotive culture and lifestyle exhibition returns to the urban center. Automotive enthusiasts can view hundreds of the finest customized vehicles, connect with top international automotive brands, witness high-energy live entertainment and experience the absolute cutting edge of modern car customization culture.
Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, price varies by ticket tier, 4 to 10 p.m., laconventioncenter.com
Gothic Market Los Angeles
July 11 – July 12
Embrace the alternative side of summer at this unique weekend marketplace gathering. Featuring independent visual artists, alternative fashion designers, oddity collectors and darkwave music selectors, the specialized convention provides an inclusive community space for the alternative culture scene of Southern California.
Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, prices vary, 12 a.m. to 5 p.m., laconventioncenter.com