There might not be anything more wonderful than a Los Angeles summer. The weather is great (balmy days and cool nights, for the win), people are happy and our favorite fruits and veggies are in season, which means you'll be asking for extra guac all summer long.
The other great thing about summer in L.A.? There's a ton to do that doesn't cost a penny. You read that right. F-R-E-E fun, revolving around music, museums, workouts and more. Take advantage before fall sets in (another great season, we know), when seasonal activities are less outdoorsy and more pumpkin spice by the fire-y.
Talk about an extended summer. From April through November every year, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) features al-fresco jazz performances on Friday nights at 6 pm. Chairs and tables are first come, first serve, so bring a blanket to toss on the grass just in case-it's cozier down there, anyway. Wine and snacks are sold at a kiosk on site so you can enjoy your music with a little vino.
Make sure to take advantage of Sunset Concerts at the Skirball Cultural Center through the end of August. This fab event is in its 22nd year and features artists from around the world, as well as local talent from L.A. All concerts begin at 8 pm, with a DJ set at 6:30 pm for early birds.
That's not all, though. If you arrive even earlier, around 5:30 pm, you can walk through the Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited free of charge (until 10 pm) and grab snacks or a cocktail from Zeidler's Cart (sadly not free, but always worth it).
Through August 25th, Rodeo Drive will host BOLD Summer Nights on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays that include live entertainment, art installations, restaurant specials and more. On Thursdays, the street will come to life with flashy floral arrangements-perfect Insta-photo opportunities, of course. You can even opt to leave the car at home (less stress, in my opinion), as BOLD has partnered with Lyft to offer $10 off your ride to and from the event with code BOLDSUMMER.
Get your workout on at Grand Park in Downtown L.A. Once every other Friday through September 7th, the Music Center hosts Dance DTLA-a night of dancing, cardio and discovering different genres-from 7 pm to 11 pm. Join a fun group outdoors for Disco dancing, 90s night and even Bollywood. It's the best (free!) way to keep that summer body tight and continue to produce feel-good endorphins, no matter what you're eating and drinking all summer long.
Runyon Canyon advertises its daily yoga classes as for the people, by the people. When hiking isn't really your thing, but you still want to enjoy a workout in the great outdoors, this one's for you. Be sure to bring a yoga mat, a towel, water and some sunblock (some days are hotter than others!) and you're all set. Get ready to sweat seven days a week at 10:30 am. Donations are always welcome and appreciated.
Some L.A. museums-like the Broad, the Getty Center and the Annenberg Space for Photography-are free every day, all the time. Aren't we lucky? Those that aren't though, often offer a free day every month, giving us the opportunity to spend those $10-20 on food or drinks and still get our culture fix.
Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) on Thursdays-from 5 pm to 8 pm, you can explore the DTLA museum (across from the Broad) free of charge. The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens in the San Gabriel Valley are a little more difficult to get into for free but difficult does not equal impossible.
On the first Thursday of every month, the museum and gardens will waive its admission free for guests. The catch? A limited number of tickets is released online on the first of every month at 9 am and I can guarantee you won't be the only one vying for tickets. Good luck and godspeed.
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