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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 2024 in Huntington Beach

Friday - Monday, July 1 - 4, 2022
Huntington Beach
The "largest 4th of July celebration west of the Mississippi" is back for its 120th year! Huntington Beach's Independence Day celebrations include a massive five-day pier festival, a 5k run, a decorating contest, a parade, and fireworks. The fireworks display lights up the sky on July 4th in the evening. READ MORE

Independence Day Festival in Norwalk

Saturday, July 2, 2022
Norwalk
Norwalk celebrates the 4th of July a little bit early -  with an Independence Day Festival on July 2.  (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 47th annual parade in Downtown Ventura starts with a children's Pushem-Pullem Parade.  Participants can start lining up at 9am. The parade begins at 10am on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continues into Downtown Ventura, leading into the Street Fair.  READ MORE

4th of July Commemoration at the Reagan Library

Monday, July 4, 2022
Simi Valley
To celebrate our Nation’s 248th birthday, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is hosting a day full of fun, free family activities. The Charters of Freedom Monument -- life-size replicas of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights -- 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 100 boats decked out in their best red, white, and blue parade through the harbor in Oxnard on the 4th of July for the 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 2024

Fridays & Saturdays through July 1 & 2, 2022
San Pedro
Shakespeare by the Sea returns for another season of free outdoor theatre. The 2024 season opens with performances of Cardenio at Long Beach's Recreation Park. READ MORE

LA County's Parks After Dark 2024

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: Gideon and the Blundersnorp

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 13 to August 4. This year's production is Gideon and the Blundersnorp, a unique and inventive family musical which was a hit at the Hollywood Fringe Festival several years ago. 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

The Music Center's Dance DTLA

Fridays through September 2, 2022 (no event July 1, 2022)
Downtown LA
The Music Center's Dance DTLA returns this summer celebrating its 20 years of dancing under the stars. The free Friday programs include free beginner dance lessons by LA's top dance instructors followed by an open dance floor, with live DJ sets, food and drinks, and more. Each Friday night party finishes with a surprise dance genre lesson - a finale “extrava-dance-za”! 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. All of this summer's concerts are on Saturday nights. Performers come from a range of genres including cumbia, rock, ska, alternative and indie rock, soul and funk, and reggae. 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 2024

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 2024

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 2024

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

2024 Summer Sounds Free Concert Series

Sunday, July 3, 2022 and Sunday, July 17, 2022
est Hollywood
West Hollywood's free summer concert series opens with an early evening featuring Blanco y Negro, Andre Cruz and Chris Lujan, DJ Monalisa.  All concerts are held at Plummer Park this year. Picnics, blankets, and low chairs recommended. Seating is not provided. READ MORE

Manhattan Beach Summer Concerts in the Park 2024

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 2024

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. The season kicks off with Pride Night, featuring artists from Music Forward Foundation's LGBTQ+ Emerging Artists Award program: Yancyabril & Childress. 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 at Conejo Community Park

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. The opening weekend selections are Shrek and The Parent Trap. READ MORE

Movies Under the Stars (One Colorado)

Fridays in July
Pasadena
On select Saturdays in June and July, One Colorado shows free films in the courtyard. This year the title selections are some of One Colorado's favorite musicals and blockbusters. READ MORE

Brea Family Films Under the Stars

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 favorites such as Shrek and Moana. 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. Movies begin at sunset. This year's selections include recent releases Elemental, Trolls Band Together and Barbie. READ MORE

Segerstrom Center's Movies on the Argyros Plaza

Mondays, July 11 - August 8, 2022
Costa Mesa
Every Monday through August 5, Segerstrom Center screens free movies under the stars on the Argyros Plaza. The selections this year include The Muppet Movie, Pitch Perfect and Jurassic Park. READ MORE

Santa Ana Movies in the Park 2024

Wednesdays through August 31, 2022 (excluding July 6)
Santa Ana
Free popcorn and a movie, what more can you ask? The 2024 Santa Ana Movies in the Park series takes place on Fridays at various city parks throughout Santa Ana. Extra fun includes inflatables and themed activities.  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

Moorpark Summer 2024 Movies in the Park

Friday, July 22, 2022
Moorpark
Moorpark's Movies in the Park are free to attend, no tickets are required. Guests can arrive early to enjoy food vendors, photo ops and pre-show activities. READ MORE

Cinemalibu

Saturday, July 23, 2022
Malibu
Cowabunga! Cinemalibu closes out the summer with a screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 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 The Philippines. Families enjoy the dragonboat races, children's area, food court, lantern launches, 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, the great rubber duck race, a "dolphin dash," a fishing derby, a youth pavilion, and more.  READ MORE

2024 Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival

Wednesday - Sunday from July 2 - September 4, 2022
Griffith Park
All the world's a stage, including Griffith Park. Free Shakespeare returns to Griffith Park for a full summer of theater under the stars. This year the festival puts on one show: As You Like It.   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. There is also 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
Ventura's Downtown District, including
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, including Adams Park
Various Parks in San Fernando, including Las Palmas Park
Griffith Park - site of the Old Zoo