Thursday

07-17-2025 Vol 2024

Exciting Weekend Events in Los Angeles: A Guide to Cool Off and Enjoy

As the summer heat persists in Los Angeles, residents and visitors can look forward to a vibrant weekend filled with entertaining activities that promise to cool off and recharge.

A multitude of events ranging from concerts and community festivals to comedy showcases and sports matchups will be taking place, making it an exciting time to explore the city’s cultural offerings.

**Friday, July 11:**
The LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will kick off the weekend with its continuing Summer of Salsa series, featuring the Latin music group Gabrielito y La Verdad. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes as the night promises plenty of dancing and free salsa dance classes from 6 to 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the music will begin at 7 p.m.

This event is free to the public, and those attending can make use of Metro services, taking the A, B, or E Line to Los Angeles Union Station or the Metro J Line bus, along with various local bus routes available at Union Station.

**Lost in Dreams Festival:**
Also on Friday and continuing into Saturday, the Lost in Dreams festival will transform L.A. Historic State Park into a dreamland of music and art. This event features performances from a diverse lineup including high-energy dance music and K-pop, complemented by captivating displays of light and color.

Running from 4 to 11 p.m. on both days, this festival is another opportunity to enjoy the summer ambiance in a unique setting. The A Line to Chinatown Station offers a convenient way to reach the festival.

**Saturday, July 12:**
On Saturday evening, art enthusiasts are invited to the Getty Center for the annual Off the 405 concert series. This series showcases eclectic artists in a beautiful outdoor setting. DJ Stella Mozgawa will take the stage first at 6 p.m., followed by Madi Diaz at 7:30 p.m., providing a musical backdrop for a lovely summer night.

Admission is free, but advance ticket reservations are required. Metro-goers can take Line 761 to the Getty Center entrance at Sepulveda/Getty Center Dr to enjoy this experience.

**Sports Showdowns:**
Saturday will also witness thrilling sports action with two major soccer matches. At Dignity Health Sports Park, fans can support the LA Galaxy as they take on DC United. With strong odds favoring the home team, it promises to be an exciting event for soccer enthusiasts. To facilitate access, attendees can use the Metro J Line bus to the Harbor Gateway Transit Center or the A Line train to the Del Amo Station and then connect to the free Galaxy Express shuttle.

For soccer fans looking for more action, the LAFC is set to face FC Dallas at BMO Stadium. This game is expected to be a thrilling encounter, promising excitement for both teams’ supporters. Those planning on attending can conveniently connect via the E Line and exit at Expo Park/USC, or take the J Line bus to 37th St/USC. Helpful tips for a seamless matchday experience are available for attendees.

**Art and Nature:**
The weekend will also feature a unique art installation titled The Great Elephant Migration in Beverly Hills. This public display showcases a herd of 100 life-sized elephants made from invasive lantana plant materials, crafted by artisans from India’s Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The installation stretches across four blocks of Beverly Gardens Park and arrives as part of a conservation effort, having traveled 5,000 miles across the U.S. Admission to see this creative blend of art and conservation is free, and donations are encouraged to support the cause. Metro users can take Line 4 to Santa Monica Bl/Canon Dr to reach the display.

**Beach Volleyball Tournament:**
For those interested in sports, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball tournament will hit Los Angeles this weekend. With matches featuring both men’s and women’s teams, this event, celebrated as the longest-running professional beach volleyball tour in the country, promises thrilling action for sports fans.

To access the Intuit Dome where matches will be held, attendees can take advantage of the free shuttle service available from several Metro stations around L.A. County. Options include taking the A, B, or J Line to Union Station or other designated stations to connect to the shuttle service. The Intuit Dome app can be used to reserve seats on the shuttle for a hassle-free experience.

**Cultural Celebrations:**
The Lotus Festival is set to return, celebrating Asian culture and community at Echo Park Lake over the weekend. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with delicious food, exciting dragon boat races, and live performances that honor the artistry of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Admission is free, and getting to the festival is easy with Metro, as Line 2 to Sunset/Echo Park Av or Line 92 along Glendale Bl provides access to the park.

Lastly, don’t miss the Belly Laughs Comedy and Food Festival, showcasing top comedic talents in celebration of Asian American culture. Hosted over two days at L.A. Live, the event features a lineup that includes prominent comedians like Kumail Nanjiani, Margaret Cho, and Hasan Minhaj.

Doors will open at 3 p.m. for this event. Metro riders can take the A or E Line to Pico Station or the A, B, or E Line to 7th Street/Metro Center Station, both of which are a short walk from L.A. Live.

With so many activities scheduled this weekend, Los Angeles offers a delightful array of events to enjoy as the summer continues. Remember to check back next week for another roundup of happenings in the city!

Stay connected with Los Angeles Metro for more updates and fun events, following them on Instagram @metrolosangeles or Facebook @losangelesmetro.

image source from:thesource

Abigail Harper