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Free in July: Summer Festivals & Concerts, and More Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Celebrate the sea with a fun Dolphin Dash. Photo by Steve Taylor courtesy of the San Clemente Ocean Festival
Celebrate the sea with a fun Dolphin Dash. Photo by Steve Taylor courtesy of the San Clemente Ocean Festival
7/3/22 - By Kylie Williams

Summer break can be a brutal reminder of how many hours there are in a day; thank goodness there are so many free things to do in Los Angeles with kids!

When you're between camps, the novelty of "no school" has worn off, and the kids have run out of shows to binge-watch, it can be tricky to come up with activities that don't cost as much as a tank of Southern California gas. If only we could keep these little people entertained for free ... Luckily, Los Angeles has tons of frugal fun this month from Santa Monica to Simi Valley and from Malibu to Manhattan Beach. There are 4th of July fireworks spectaculars, outdoor movies, outdoor concerts, a shark week celebration, seven free summer festivals, and more.

Read on for a surplus of free summer activities that are sure to make for sweet (and cheap!) July memories. Discover all the free activities and events near you in our Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids Guide, which includes a roundup of all the Free Museum Days in Los Angeles plus a list of 60+ Birthday Freebies for Kids.

To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Cars and fireworks come together! Photo courtesy of Port of Los Angeles Cars and Stripes Forever
Cars and fireworks come together! Photo courtesy of Port of Los Angeles Cars and Stripes Forever

Free Things To Do in Los Angeles for the 4th of July: Fireworks & Festivals

11th Annual Port of Los Angeles Cars & Stripes Forever

Friday, July 1, 2022
Port of Los Angeles
The annual Cars & Stripes Forever! event returns for 2022. This popular free pre-Independence Day celebration features classic cars, live bands, a beer garden, and a grand fireworks finale. READ MORE

4th of July 2023: Surf City Soul

Friday - Monday, July 1 - 4, 2022
Huntington Beach
The "largest 4th of July celebration west of the Mississippi" is back for its 119th year! Huntington Beach's Independence Day celebrations include a massive five-day pier festival, a 5k run, a decorating contest, a parade, and fireworks. New this year, the festival staff added a cornhole tournament. The fireworks display lights up the sky on July 4th in the evening. READ MORE

Independence Day Festival (Norwalk)

Saturday, July 2, 2022
Norwalk
Norwalk celebrates the 4th of July a little bit early -  with an Independence Day Festival on July 1.  (Fireworks included!)   READ MORE

Pico Rivera Annual Fireworks Spectacular

Saturday, July 2, 2022
Pico Rivera
Can't wait to celebrate the 4th of July? You don't have to! Pico Rivera is kicking off the Independence Day weekend with a fireworks display and celebration at El Rancho High School on July 1st. Kids can enjoy the inflatables, carnival games, and friendly activities while adults listen to live music by Suave the Band and Klymaxx and try some of the delicious food available for sale.  READ MORE

Arcadia Patriotic Festival and Fireworks

Saturday, July 2, 2022
Arcadia
Arcadia is getting into the spirit of patriotism a few days early with a festival in Downtown Arcadia followed by a fireworks show at First Avenue Middle School. READ MORE

Westlake Village 4th of July Parade

Monday, July 4, 2022
Westlake Village
Instead of watching a parade this 4th of July, you can be in one at the Westlake Village annual parade. Come dressed in you best red, white, and blue to take part in the parade. Bikes, wagons, and scooters are also welcome.  READ MORE

Ventura Fourth of July Street Fair & Pushem- Pullem Parade

Monday, July 4, 2022
Ventura
The 46th annual parade in Downtown Ventura starts with a children's Pushem-Pullem Parade at 10am. Participants start lining up at 9am. After the parade, the festival stretches a full nine blocks along downtown's Main Street from Fir Street to Ventura Ave. This year's theme is "Celebration by the Sea: 2023!" READ MORE

4th of July Commemoration (Reagan Library)

Monday, July 4, 2022
Simi Valley
To celebrate our Nation’s 247th birthday, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is hosting a day full of fun, free family activities. A new statue of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, is unveiled as a part of the Independence Day ceremonies at 12pm.  READ MORE

Mission Viejo July 4th Street Faire & Fireworks Spectacular

Monday, July 4, 2022
Mission Viejo
The 4th of July Street Faire annual tradition returns, taking place on Olympiad between Marguerite St. and Melinda St. Admission is free, but rides for children require tickets that can be purchased on-site. At 9pm, the bands will stop and attendees can look to the sky to see fireworks being launched from the Marty Russo Youth Athletic Park.  READ MORE

4th of July Electric Boat Parade

Monday, July 4, 2022
Oxnard
More than 50 boats decked out in their best Americana parade through the harbor in Oxnard on the 4th of July for the 8th Annual Electric Boat Parade. READ MORE
Dance your heart out with Dance DTLA. Photo courtesy of The Music Center Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles
Dance your heart out with Dance DTLA. Photo courtesy of The Music Center Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles

Free Things To Do in Los Angeles in July for the Whole Family

Shakespeare by the Sea 2023 - Point Fermin Park

Fridays & Saturdays through July 1 & 2, 2022
San Pedro
To be or not to be... Shakespeare by the Sea. (To be, the answer is to be.) Shakespeare by the Sea returns to Point Fermin Park this summer. The two plays presented are Twelfth Night and Hamlet. READ MORE

Parks After Dark 2023

Thursday - Saturday through August 6, 2022
Various parks throughout LA
The fun in the parks starts after dark! (Or sometimes a bit before.) 34 LA County Parks host free evening activities including movie screenings, concerts, resource fairs, sports clinics, fitness classes, art workshops, and more. Each week has a different theme, such as Sports and Fitness Challenge, Park Playdate, LA County Got Talent, and Back to School Rally. READ MORE

CCPT Children's Theatre in the Park: The Enchanted Bookshop

Saturdays & Sundays in July through July 24, 2022
Culver City
Culver City Public Theatre's annual children's production in the park is performed on Saturdays and Sundays from July 8 to July 30. This year's production is The Enchanted Bookshop​. READ MORE

Fairy Tales in the Park - The Princess & the Pirate

Sunday, July 3, 2022
Oxnard
What happens when a spoiled princess and a swashbuckling pirate meet and realize they are identical? They switch places, of course! Kids can enjoy a free performance of this fantastical fairytale by Gypsies in a Trunk at beautiful Harbor View Park in Oxnard. The performance is outside, so dress accordingly and feel free to bring a beach chair or a blanket. READ MORE

Dance DTLA

Fridays through September 2, 2022 (no event July 1, 2022)
Downtown LA
The Music Center's Dance DTLA returns this summer for 9 Friday nights of free in-person lessons and dancing under the stars. The evenings include free lessons by LA's top dance instructors as well as music, art-making workshops, food and drinks, and more. READ MORE

Camp Poppy

Wednesdays in July, 2022
Santa Monica
Camp doesn't have to be expensive. Pop by the Brentwood Country Mart on a Wednesday afternoon in the summer and your children can participate in a fun, free activity at Camp Poppy. Lemonade and snacks are also provided. And yes, you can drop the kids off while you go do a bit of kid-free shopping!  All ages are welcome.  READ MORE

Shark Week at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

July 10 - 16, 2022
Oxnard
Get ready for a JAW-some time learning about sharks! The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium hosts special shark-related activities and crafts in the Shark Room (naturally). No reservations are required, and the activities are included with admission (free with a suggested donation). READ MORE

Annenberg Community Beach House Sunset Picnic

Thursday, July 14, 2022
Santa Monica
The Annenberg Community Beach House welcomes guests to picnic as the sun goes down. READ MORE

US Open of Surfing

July 30 - August 7, 2022
Huntington Beach
The world's largest surfing competition takes place right here in SoCal! The US Open of Surfing at the Huntington Beach Pier is a weeklong celebration of surf culture. The event is free to the public, so grab your sunscreen and your little groms and head to the pier to watch some of the best surfer dudes in the world shred some waves.  READ MORE
Saturdays Off the 405 Concert Series is the perfect weekend outing. Photo courtesy of the Getty Facebook page
Saturdays Off the 405 Concert Series is the perfect weekend outing. Photo courtesy of the Getty Facebook page

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts in LA in July

Thursday Night Summer Music Series at the Farmers Market

Fridays through August 25, 2022
Mid-City
The annual Summer Music Series at the Original Farmers Market features a different band every Thursday evening on the Farmers Market Plaza near the Clock Tower. READ MORE

LevittLA Summer Concert Series in MacArthur Park

Friday - Sunday through September 4, 2022 (no concerts 4th of July weekend)
MacArthur Park
They're back! LevittLA once again brings a series of free summer concerts to MacArthur Park. Please note: *An alternative venue is in the works for the August 20 concert in case of rain stay tuned for updates* READ MORE

Summer Concert Series 2022

Fridays through July 29, 2022
Malibu
Vintage Grocers' Summer Concerts on the lawn are back in Malibu. The whole family is invited to jam out at the free weekly concerts at Trancas Country Market. READ MORE

Alhambra Concerts in the Park 2023

Fridays through July 29, 2022
Alhambra
Alhambra's Concerts in the Park are held every Friday night in July at the Alhambra Park Bandshell. Families can enjoy a fun evening of music, food, and entertainment. READ MORE

Cypress Summer Concerts on the Green 2023

Fridays through August 12, 2022
Cypress
The Summer Concert series in Cypress is held Fridays on the Civic Center Green. Guests can listen to music ranging from 80s cover bands to Latin rhythms to country rock. READ MORE

Grand Performances Summer 2023

Saturdays through September 24, 2022
DTLA
Grand Performances returns with free outdoor performances celebrating diversity and inspiring community. Guests are treated to music, dance, art, theater, and poetry at California Plaza. READ MORE

2023 Summer Sounds Free Concert Series

Sunday, July 3, 2022 and Sunday, July 17, 2022
est Hollywood
Due to the expectation of heavy rain from Hurricane Hilary, the Summer Sounds concert with Changüí Majadero and DJ Jedi on Sunday, August 20 has been rescheduled. The new date is Sunday, August 27 at 4PM at Plummer Park READ MORE

Manhattan Beach Summer Concerts in the Park 2023

Sundays through September 24, 2022
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach's concerts in Polliwog Park come to a close with the Blue Breeze Band, playing Motown, R&B, Jazz, funk and more. READ MORE

La Cañada Flintridge Music in the Park 2023

Sundays through September 4, 2022
La Canada Flintridge
La Cañada Flintridge's Music in the Park Summer Concert Series is held at Memorial Park during the summer on Sunday evenings. Featured bands play a variety of music including rock and roll, blues, reggae, and country. The series opens on Memorial Day Monday with Captain Cardiac & The Coronaries and continues through Labor Day weekend. READ MORE

OC Parks 2024 Summer Concert Series

Thursdays through August 25, 2022
Various parks in Orange County
OC Parks hosts free weekly concerts at rotating locations this summer. Concert-goers should bring blankets and beach chairs. Picnics are welcome; food trucks on-site, with a beer and wine garden available to those 21 and over.  READ MORE

Concerts on Cañon

Thursdays through August 26, 2022
Beverly Hills
The City of Beverly Hills presents live music under the stars in Beverly Cañon Gardens, adjacent to the Montage Hotel.  READ MORE

Saturdays Off the 405

Saturday, July 9, 2022 & Saturday, July 23, 2022
West LA
The Getty Center offers outdoor music and evening views of the city at its signature Saturdays Off the 405. The summer evening concerts feature performances by emerging bands and DJs. READ MORE

Monrovia Summer Concerts in the Park: Saturday Concerts

Saturdays, July 9, 2022 - August 13, 2022
Monrovia
On Saturdays, Monrovia's Summer Concerts are at Station Square Park. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. READ MORE

2024 Summer Concerts in the Park (Thousand Oaks)

Sunday, July 24, 2022
Thousand Oaks
It may get a little chilly in the evenings, but the music at Conejo Community Park is hot!  READ MORE
It's not summer in LA without an outdoor movie night or two. Photo courtesy of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts
It's not summer in LA without an outdoor movie night or two. Photo courtesy of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Free Outdoor Summer Movies in LA and OC in July

Newport Dunes Movies on the Beach

Fridays & Saturdays through September 3, 2022
Newport Beach
Movies on the Beach is back! Families can watch family-friendly films on the sand at Newport Dunes Resort. READ MORE

Movies Under the Stars (One Colorado)

Fridays in July
Pasadena
On select Saturdays in July, One Colorado screens free films in the courtyard. The films this year are all from the 90's. READ MORE

Family Films Under the Stars (Brea)

Friday, July 8 & Friday, July 22, 2022
Brea
This year's family fun movies are shown at Brea Civic and Cultural Center. The selections include recent releases such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and The Super Mario Brothers Movie. READ MORE

Carson Movies in the Park

Fridays in July 2022(excluding July 1)
Carson
Carson City Classic Cinema Club screens a summer mix of modern and classic films. Selections for summer 2023 include The Greatest Showman and Up! READ MORE

South Pasadena Movies in the Park

July 8 & 22, 2022
South Pasadena
South Pasadena's Movies in the Park return to Garfield Park. READ MORE

Segerstrom Center's Movie Mondays

Mondays, July 11 - August 8, 2022
Costa Mesa
Every Monday through August 7, families can watch family-friendly films ranging from The Lion King to Peter Pan under the stars on the Argyros Plaza. READ MORE

Santa Ana Movies in the Park 2023

Wednesdays through August 31, 2022 (excluding July 6)
Santa Ana
Free popcorn and a movie, what more can you ask? The 2023 Santa Ana Movies in the Park series takes place on Fridays at various city parks throughout Santa Ana.  READ MORE

San Fernando Movies in the Park

Fridays, July 22 - August 5, 2022
San Fernando
The City of San Fernando invites families for an evening of popcorn and films. READ MORE

Movies in the Park (Moorpark)

Friday, July 22, 2022
Moorpark
Moorpark's Movies in the Park are free to attend, no tickets are required. Guests can bring their own picnics or purchase refreshments from food trucks. READ MORE

Cinemalibu

Saturday, July 23, 2022
Malibu
Wax on, wax off, Malibu.  The Karate Kid screens at Malibu Bluffs Park. READ MORE
Hang ten in San Clemente. Photo courtesy of the San Clemente Ocean Festival
Hang ten in San Clemente. Photo courtesy of the San Clemente Ocean Festival

Free Festivals in Los Angeles and Orange County in July

Redondo Beach Summer Music Festival 2024

Thursdays and Saturdays from July 2 - August 27, 2022
Redondo Beach
The free concerts on Redondo Beach Pier come with an added bonus: the chance to see the sun set over the ocean. Thursday night concerts feature tribute bands. READ MORE

42nd Lotus Festival

Sunday, July 10, 2022
Echo Park
Every year the Lotus Festival highlights a different Asian or Pacific Island country to promote and educate the community about the country and its culture. This year, the event celebrates the people of Indonesia. Families enjoy the dragonboat races, children's area, food court, handcrafted artwork, and more.  READ MORE

San Clemente Ocean Festival

Sunday & Monday, July 17 & July 18, 2022
San Clemente
This annual festival, which has its roots in the lifeguard community, features dory boat races, a kids' surfing contest, a "dolphin dash," a fishing derby, a youth pavilion, and more.  READ MORE

2023 Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival

Wednesday - Sunday from July 2 - September 4, 2022
Griffith Park
Lord, what fools these mortals be!  But not so foolish as they would miss the final weekend of  A Midsummer Night's Dream in Griffith Park. READ MORE

Love Long Beach

Saturday & Sunday, July 23 & 24, 2022
This two-day festival celebrates all the things that make Long Beach lovable. Highlights include DJs, music, arts and crafts, food court, vendors, yoga, sound healing, massage, and chill areas. READ MORE

Pirate Invasion Festival

Saturday & Sunday, July 30 & 31, 2022
Hundreds of costumed pirates (and three pirate ships) descend on Harry Bridges Memorial Park, accompanied by a colony of mermaids, for two days of all things seaworthy at the Biggest Pirate Fest in the West. This year, the team added a pub crawl for guests 21 and over.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Harbor Boulevard & the Vincent Thomas Bridge
El Rancho High School - Don Memorial Stadium
First Avenue Middle School
Cemetery Memorial Park
Marty Russo Youth Athletic Park
Numerous LA County Parks
Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center
Poppy at the Brentwood Country Mart
The Original Farmers Market
Various OC Parks, such as Craig Park
Brea Civic & Cultural Center Plaza
Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Various Parks in Santa Ana
Various Parks in San Fernando, including Las Palmas Park
Griffith Park - site of the Old Zoo