July 2-5<\/strong><\/p>\n Tens of thousands of passionate anime, manga and Japanese culture enthusiasts will descend upon the convention center for North America\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, price varies by registration tier, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., anime-expo.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Music Center\u2019s Dance DTLA<\/strong><\/p>\n Select Friday nights, June 26 \u2013 Aug. 14<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, free, 7 to 11 p.m., musiccenter.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n A view of the Los Angeles skyline complements Grand Performances, a music series going on its 40th year.<\/p>\n (Farah Sosa, Grand Performances\/Submitted)<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Grand Performances 40th Anniversary Season Kickoff<\/strong><\/p>\n June 6<\/strong><\/p>\n 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 So\u00f1ador and Wachiwara alongside the infectious beats of DJ Turbo Sonidero, uniting the entire city through rhythm.<\/p>\n California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Avenue, free, 6 to 10 p.m., grandperformances.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n FIFA Fan Festival at Los Angeles Union Station<\/strong><\/p>\n JUNE 25-28<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Los Angeles Union Station, 800 N. Alameda Street, free, doors open at 10:30 a.m., discoverlosangeles.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Gloria Molina Grand Park\u2019s Summer Block Party<\/strong><\/p>\n July 4<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Avenue, free, 4 to 9:30 p.m., grandparkla.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Smorgasburg LA Summer Sundays<\/strong><\/p>\n Sundays June – August<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s diverse culinary landscape in a vibrant marketplace atmosphere.<\/p>\n ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda Street, free entry with food for purchase, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., la.smorgasburg.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Dine LA Summer Restaurant Week<\/strong><\/p>\n July 10 – July 24<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Various DTLA Locations, prices vary by restaurant, hours vary by location, discoverlosangeles.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Mamma Mia! at the\u00a0<\/strong>Ahmanson Theatre<\/strong><\/p>\n June 23 – July 19<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Avenue, price varies by seating selection, times vary by date, centertheatregroup.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Candlelight Downtown LA: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons<\/strong><\/p>\n July 19<\/strong><\/p>\n Experience classical music masterpieces in a completely breathtaking light during an intimate, acoustic performance series. A talented live string quartet performs Vivaldi\u2019s timeless compositions inside an architectural gem of the district, completely surrounded by the warm glow of thousands of flickering candles.<\/p>\n Zipper Concert Hall, 200 S. Grand Avenue, tickets start at $47, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., feverup.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Grand Performances: WONDER-FULL Stevie Wonder Tribute<\/strong><\/p>\n July 18<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Avenue, free, 6 to 10 p.m., grandperformances.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n SPOCOM Los Angeles<\/strong><\/p>\n July 11<\/strong><\/p>\n The nation\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, price varies by ticket tier, 4 to 10 p.m., laconventioncenter.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Gothic Market Los Angeles<\/strong><\/p>\n July 11 – July 12<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n