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2023 in DTLA has been the beating heart of the summer freebie scene in Los Angeles. So far we’ve witnessed a flurry of fantastic events and series at some of the city’s most venerable institutions, from DJ’d dance parties and day-long festivals to art tours and outdoor concerts. But if you’re feeling like the best of what’s out there has already passed you by, then think again.
Some of DTLA’s best free events/series are scheduled straight through the dog days of August, and we’ve got a handy round-up (scroll below) to help you find them.
And remember that with the recent debut of Metro’s three newest stations, transiting to and around Downtown by bus and rail has never been easier (and it sure helps with those daunting DTLA parking costs!).
Now, as for reasons to go… let’s talk through a few of your options.
The DTLA Freebies
Dance DTLA -> Each and every Friday night through Aug. 18, The Music Center hosts a family-friendly dance party featuring expert instructors and live DJs. Still on the books for 2023 are a Samba Night (Jul. 28), an evening of Afro-Cuban Rumba and Cuban Rhythms (Aug. 4), a Disco Night, (Aug. 18), and Bollywood Night (Aug. 18). All events run 7 to 11 p.m. at Jerry Moss Plaza. No RSVP required. More info here.
Go Metro: Take the B or D Lines to Grand Park / Civic Center station.
Summer of Salsa at LA Plaza -> LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes has two more installments of their annual summer concert/dance series left on the 2023 schedule. Son Mirón Orchestra performs on Aug. 11, followed by TROMBOR on Sep. 8. Both events start at 6 p.m. More info here.
Go Metro: Take the A, B or D Lines to Union Station.
KCRW Summer Nights-> KCRW Summer Nights wraps up a month-long event series at The Hammer this Thursday, but they’ll swings back to DTLA for a pair of events in August, including an Aug. 20 shindig at LA Plaza, the a return to Chinatown on Aug. 26. More info here.
Go Metro: For Aug 20 take the A, B or D Lines to Union Station; for Aug. 26, take the A Line to Chinatown station.
2023 Natsumatsuri Family Festival -> On Aug 12., the annual Natsumatsuri Family Festival returns with a day of free cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages. TAIKOPROJECT and Yu-ki Project will both perform, plus there will be interactive story times, souvenir photos by Cre8tive Outlets, a scavenger hunt for prizes, and free admission to the Japanese American National Museum galleries. More info here.
Go Metro: Take the A or E Lines to Little Tokyo Station
Divercity Multicultural Concert Series -> The summer concert series hosted at Pershing Square, in partnership with the LA County Department of Parks has four more dates on the docket. This Saturday, Jul. 29, house music vibes ascend for the Powertools 30th Anniversary celebration, then on Sunday, Jul. 30 you can see a performance by 112, Sean Kingston, and J Holiday. The following weekend, catch Reggaetonlandia (Aug. 5) and then a “Boogie Nights Fest” featuring Sugar Hill Gang on (Aug. 6). More info on each event here.
Go Metro: Take the B or D Line to Pershing Square Station.
Grand Performances -> The signature every Saturday through Aug. 26, plus a pair of special Friday night poetry/spoken word events on Jul. 28 and Aug. 25. Get more info and check out the complete lineup of remaining artists here.
Go Metro: Take the A or E Lines to Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill station.
Live at the Music Center -> One day after Dance DTLA concludes, Grammy-winners Eliades Ochoa and La Marisoul headline Live at The Music Center, an annual free outdoor public concert on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center on Aug. 19. Free. All-ages. No RSVP required. More info here.
Go Metro: Take the B or D Lines to Grand Park / Civic Center station.
Avocado Fest at Angel City Brewery -> Angel City Brewery is hosting its 11th annual Avocado Fest on Sunday, Aug. 6. Expect an afternoon of avocado-themed games, giveaways, merchandise, live music, specialty tours, vendors and avocado-inspired food and beverages. And yes, plenty of Avocado Ale available to purchase. 21+ only. More info here.
Go Metro: Take the A or E Lines to Little Tokyo Station
Sunday Sessions at Grand Park -> Gloria Molina Grand Park has two more editions of Sunday Sessions on the books for 2023: Aug. 20 and Sep. 17. Each day features a a specially-curated lineup of DJs paired with experiences unique to the house music genre and cultural community. Plus you’ll find cocktails for purchase, and plenty of space to hang out and picnic. Always free to attend. Music runs from 3 to 8 p.m. on each date. More info here.
Go Metro: Take the B or D Lines to Grand Park / Civic Center station.
Los Angeles Union Station Train Festival -> What better celebrate the end of summer than by riding Metro to Los Angeles’ central rail hub to experience the past, present and future of train travel. The two-day (Sep. 9-10) event invites guests to scope out rail equipment on the tracks from various decades since the opening of the Station, peruse model train exhibits, and join tours about detailing the history, restoration and art of Union Station. Runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Free to attend. More info here.
Go Metro: Take the A, B or D Lines to Union Station.
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