The truth is, L.A. is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out this guide to enjoy your summer without overspending
With endless things to do and people to see, L.A.’s social calendar can get a little overwhelming…and expensive. If you’re struggling to find ways to make the most of your summer without feeling like you spent your entire paycheck on drinks, you’re in luck. In the midst of expensive activities, some of L.A.’s most exciting attractions are free.
COAST Open Streets – July 19, 10 am – 6 pm – Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica
Join the City of Santa Monica in a street festival to commemorate six weeks of its World Cup activation series. The event invites pedestrians to take over the streets of Santa Monica, spanning from the Promenade and Metro stations to Ocean Avenue, Colorado, Arizona and the Santa Monica Pier. There will be live art installations and performances at various locations throughout the city, complete with interactive zones and family-friendly activities. To end off a day of entertainment and community, you can grab a bite to eat from the collection of food trucks and beer gardens.
DTLA ArtNight – Every first Thursday at 5 pm – Downtown
On the first Thursday of every month, head downtown for a night filled with art and culture! During DTLA’s ArtNight, over 25 galleries gather to unleash new exhibitions in a beautifully diverse and culturally immersive walking tour of the Historic Core. After an evening pursuing the collections, which include permanent and pop-up galleries, event curators encourage you to visit the Vendor Might Market and support local vendors, artisans and musicians.
If you are interested in submitting your own work to be exhibited or to become a vendor, check out ArtNight’s submissions page.
Jazz Nights at LACMA – Fridays at 6 pm – Mid-Wilshire
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Calling all music lovers! LACMA’s iconic jazz nights are back through November, celebrating L.A.’s finest jazz musicians and rich musical history. Bring your own refreshments and a picnic blanket to make the most of your evening. This Friday, July 17, head to LACMA’s Smidt Welcome Plaza to enjoy a performance by the Robert Rodriguez Quartet.
If you can’t make it to a show, tune in on KJAZZ (88.1 FM) on Sunday evening from 7-9 pm to hear the set and listen to interviews with featured performers.
Summer Music Series at the Original Farmers Market, Thursdays at 7 pm – La Brea
If you find yourself near the Grove this summer, head over to the Market Plaza for an evening of musical performances ranging from jazz and Motown to salsa every Thursday evening. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Original Farmers Market, grab a bite to eat and shop around the market, or simply enjoy the music. Check out the event flyer to view the performance schedule.
Lexus US Open of Surfing, July 25 – August 2 – Huntington Beach Pier
If you’re craving a beach day but not looking to jump in the water, head down to Huntington Beach to watch the world’s largest surf competition, where it’s been hosted every year since 1959. The affectionately named US Open of Surfing is the second stop of the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour and the fourth stop on the WSL Challenger Series. The event will include product demonstrations, prizes and games, movie screenings, signings from world-class athletes and food and drink for purchase. Check out more event information, including transportation and scheduling information, here.
Free Movie Nights hosted by Dockweiler Youth Center, Fridays at 8 pm – Playa Del Rey
Enjoy free family-friendly movie screenings at the iconic Dockweiler State Beach every Friday throughout the summer. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to arrive early and bring plenty of blankets and beach chairs to get comfortable on the sand.
Parking is available for $3 after 6 pm. RSVP for tickets here in case of any last-minute changes.
World Cup Final Screening Hosted by Fútbol for the People, July 19 – 10:30 am – Griffith Park
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to a close, join fellow Angelenos at the Autry Museum of the American West for a finals watch party. Hosted by Councilmember Nithya Raman in partnership with LA Parks Foundation and Street Food Cinema, the event will feature a live outdoor screening of the game, music and food trucks and themed drinks available for purchase. Register for the event here.