Friday

06-06-2025 Vol 1983

Los Angeles’ Unmissable Free Summer Concerts: A Musical Extravaganza!

As summer casts its warm embrace over Los Angeles, the city lights up with an incredible array of free concerts that bring communities together, celebrate diverse musical genres, and offer unforgettable evenings under the stars.

From orchestral tributes to hip-hop legends, soulful serenades, and joyous family affairs, the free summer concert scene in L.A. is a treasure trove for music lovers of all stripes.

Get ready to join with friends and neighbors as you explore the unforgettable sounds scattered across parks, neighborhoods, and iconic venues throughout the city.

### Celebrate Juneteenth in Santa Monica

Kick off the summer festivities early with the 33rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Virginia Park in Santa Monica.

On June 14 from 2-7 PM, this vibrant event promotes the theme “A Family Affair: Unifying, Healing & Restoring,” featuring an array of performances from Durti-Ryce, a tribute band to Frankie Beverly and Maze, and the Pascal Bokar AfroBlueGrazz Band.

Attendees can also enjoy spoken word by Stacy McClendon and riveting West African dance performances.

The festivities begin with energetic drumming by Chazz Ross and DJ QwessCoast, setting the stage for a performance of the Black National Anthem by William Bryant and the Santa Monica College Emeritus Choir.

**Location:** 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90405.

### Levitt Pavilion: A Musical Oasis in MacArthur Park

Nestled in the northwest corner of MacArthur Park, the Levitt Pavilion offers an incredible lineup of free outdoor shows this summer.

Fans can look forward to performances by the legendary L.A. band Redd Kross, as well as the captivating sounds of Dengue Fever.

Mark your calendars for Colombian icon Vilma Díaz with La Sonora and soul favorite Eddie Chacon, alongside exciting cumbia punkers Lxs Cochinxs and more.

**Location:** Near the intersection of W. 6th Street and S. Park View St., Los Angeles, CA 90057.

### Grand Performances: A 39-Year Tradition in Downtown L.A.

Grand Performances has been the backbone of L.A.’s free musical offerings for 39 years, bringing together a spectrum of artists and genres every summer.

This year is no exception, featuring a variety of events, including a special opening night for Ozomatli on June 14 and saxophonist Isaiah Collier performing John Coltrane’s masterpiece *A Love Supreme* on June 21.

Mark your calendars for the highlight of summer: an orchestral celebration of Dr. Dre on June 28!

On July 26, Angelica Garcia will open for Baby Rose, followed by Adrian Quesada of the Black Pumas on August 2, commemorating the pulsating atmosphere of house music with a party for the 25th anniversary of Deep on August 16.

**Location:** 350 South Grand Ave. Suite A-4, Los Angeles, CA 90071.

### DiverCity at Pershing Square: Soul and Latin Grooves

Pershing Square will dazzle audiences with its DiverCity summer concerts.

On July 13, experience an electrifying show featuring Lil Rob, MC Magic, and Baby Bash at “Latin Grooves.”

The following week, on July 20, a plethora of soul legends will grace the stage with performances from the Manhattans, Delfonics, Drifters, Stylistics, and the ultimate king of Latin soul, Joe Bataan.

Things get going on July 6 with Steve Aioki’s Dim Mak, preparing you for a wonderful summer of music that continues until July 26, when Debbie “When I Hear Music” Deb takes the stage alongside Trinere and The Flirts.

Note: This event is 21 and over.

**Location:** 532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013.

### Off the 405 at The Getty: Indie Highlights

Every Saturday at the Getty, music aficionados will enjoy Off the 405, showcasing a myriad of talented indie artists.

Eager attendees can catch a performance by Guatemalan cellist and singer Mabe Fratti, followed by folk artist Madi Diaz.

Don’t miss Honduran-American artist Empress Of and Oscar-winning pianist/composer Emile Mosseri later in the summer.

**Location:** 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049.

### LACMA’s Latin Sounds: Celebrating Cultural Diversity

LACMA is set to enrich its celebrated Jazz at LACMA series with Latin Sounds at Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheater.

Mark your calendars for Colombian trio Las Guaracheras on June 7, followed by Oskar Cartaya & The Enclave on June 14, and Son Habana on June 21.

**Location:** 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036.

### KCRW Summer Nights: A Changing Landscape

While KCRW used to command the stage with major artists at the Pier, the summer events have transformed.

This year, expect an array of shows led by the station’s DJs at venues around town, starting on June 7 with a performance at Benny Boy Brewing.

Further highlights include The Altons at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes on June 28 and family-friendly entertainment with Yo Gabba Gabba’s DJ Lance Rock on August 2 at Pasadena’s Kidspace Museum.

### Summer of Salsa at La Plaza De Cultura y Artes

La Plaza is ready to heat up the summer with its Summer of Salsa series.

Beginning Friday nights in Downtown, catch Gabrielito y La Verdad on July 11, followed by Arsenio Rodriguez Project on August 8.

In September, relish the energetic beats from Conjunto Oye that will make waves on September 12.

**Location:** 501 N Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

### Marina Del Rey Summer Concert Series

Marina Del Rey presents its Annual Summer Concert Series for a delightful musical experience by the water.

Join food trucks and picnic gatherings for free concerts featuring notable artists, with Cee-Lo “Fuck You” Green performing on July 19 and Corinne Bailey Rae on July 26.

Ozomatli will serenade guests on August 2, followed by the must-see St. Paul & The Broken Bones on August 16! First come, first served.

**Location:** 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292.

### Skirball Cultural Center’s Musical Offerings

This summer, the Skirball Cultural Center will host four captivating concerts.

Experience rhythms from Rodrigo Amarante and Helado Negro on July 17, followed by La Perla and Meridian Brothers on July 24.

For a taste of electric Caribbean flair, don’t miss Dominican band MULA with Colombia’s Frente Cumbiero on July 31, concluding with JOJO ABOT and Say She She on August 7.

**Location:** 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049.

### Free Concerts On the Pier: A Nostalgic Experience in Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach Pier will host a summer concert series focused primarily on tribute bands.

Expect tributes to iconic acts such as the B-52s, Weezer, The Eagles, Tom Petty, Oasis, and the Grateful Dead, alongside some local independent groups.

While this might lean more towards nostalgia, entry is free, making it a hassle-free option for a summer night by the waves.

**Location:** Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

### Concerts In the Park: Manhattan Beach’s Tribute Bonanza

Manhattan Beach will embrace the spirit of tribute bands at its amphitheater in Polliwog Park this summer.

The lineup features paying homage to The Beatles, classic rock favorites by hard rock cover band Amplified, and the yacht rock stylings of The Doobie Doubles.

Expect to kick off the series on June 29 with the Satin Dolls, who will bring WWII nostalgia and a lively show, including the classic “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B.”

**Location:** 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

As summer unfolds across Los Angeles, the expansive free concert offerings are sure to fill the city with joy and lively spirit.

Collect your friends, bring a blanket, and enjoy a magical evening filled with music, culture, and community spirit.

See you there!

image source from:https://lataco.com/l-a-tacos-guide-to-your-free-summer-concerts

Benjamin Clarke