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We’re entering the heart of summer, and that means a to-do list to match!
Coming this month in Los Angeles you’ll find Anime Expo, an Afro-Latino Culture Fest at LA Plaza, a 4th of July Block Party in DTLA, the Lotus Festival in Echo Park, Moonlight Movies on the Beach, the Central Library Centennial Festival, KCRW Summer Nights, and more.
Things To Do in July
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at The Hollywood Bowl (July 2-4) -> The Beach Boys headline this year’s Hollywood Bowl celebration, which will once again be a three-day event featuring a concert followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the iconic shell. More info here.
Anime Expo (July 2-5) – M > The Los Angeles Convention Center hosts Anime Expo 2026, billed as the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America. Organized by the non-profit SPJA, the four-day convention features an extensive lineup including industry panels, an AMV competition, a masquerade, a fashion show, and live concerts. Attendees can access a massive gaming hall, a dedicated manga lounge, a cosplay repair center, organized cosplay gatherings, a maid cafe, and night events like Lounge 21 and AX Dance. Admission requires a convention badge purchased online. Single day registration starts at $94.75. More info here.
Anime Rave (July 2-3) -> The Regent Theater hosts a two-night anime rave packed with house and techno music and a heavy dose of nostalgia. Vendors and merch on site, cosplay strongly encouraged. Tickets start at $12. More info here.
YesterdayLA (July 2, 3, 5) -> YesterdayLA brings a month-long exploration of the stories and art that shaped Los Angeles history to the Philosophical Research Society. The lineup spans a presentation on LA architecture past, an Agnès Varda film screening, and a 50th anniversary celebration of a sly satirical noir classic. Tickets range from $12 to $14. More info here.
Gloria Molina Grand Park Summer Block Party (July 4) – M FA > Gloria Molina Grand Park hosts its free Fourth of July Summer Block Party across six blocks in Downtown Los Angeles. The outdoor festival features two stages of live music, augmented reality art exhibits, a zine-making workshop, and local food trucks. The celebration concludes with a 700-drone light show over the skyline. Admission is free for all ages, and pets are welcome. Runs 4 to 9:30 p.m. More info here.
4th of July Fireworks Show at the Torrance Civic Center (July 4) -> The City of Torrance will host a fireworks show at the L.A. Galaxy Sports Complex, complete with live music by the Satin Dollz, food trucks, and activities for all ages. Doors open at 6 p.m. Pyrotechnics start after sunset. More info here.
4th of July Fireworks in Marina del Rey (July 4) – FA > Marina del Rey will offer a free 20-minute fireworks show along the coast with viewing spots at Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village. Show begins at 9 p.m. and is free to attend. More info here.
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza (July 4) -> The Valley Cultural Foundation’s massive 4th of July event at Warner Ranch Park featuring a musical tribute to Steely Dan by Doctor Wu, plus a over dozen onsite food trucks and 20-minute fireworks display after sundown. The event listing mentions the park can accommodates up to 40,000 attendees, so expect a crowd! Free to attend. More info here.
Joint Seafood Summer Block Party (July 5) -> Joint Seafood’s flagship store throws a seriously delicious block party from 5 to 9 p.m. with bites and sips from Souu LA, Tacos 1986, Porto’s, Fly By Jing, Just Ice Tea, Omiso, and more. A latte art throwdown adds some friendly competition to the mix. Free to attend. More info here.
Central Library Centennial Festival – M FA > The Los Angeles Central Library hosts its Centennial Festival to celebrate its 100th birthday with free activities, partner booths, and a live performance by The Linda Lindas. The event features a massive pop-up book exhibition, family crafts, local food trucks, and free commemorative posters while supplies last. Admission is free, with limited capacity for specific indoor programs. Runs 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More info here.
Big Bar Alcove Summer Party (July 9) -> The annual Big Bar Alcove summer party is back and this year’s theme is Fun & Games. Expect larger-than-life games, themed cocktails, and the kind of immersive, over-the-top experience this team is known for delivering. Details are still rolling in, so follow their socials for updates. Free to attend.
Cinema Botanica (July 9) -> The California Botanical Garden in Claremont hosts nature-themed outdoor film screenings in the Forest Pavilion. Each screening features pre-movie crafts and themed trivia, and every paid ticket comes with admission to the Garden and a free popcorn with optional native plant toppings. This month they’ll screen Little Shop of Horrors. Tickets cost $21 and $7 for children. More info here.
World of Japanese Hip-Hop and Breakbeats – M > The James Irvine Japanese Garden at JACCC hosts a Japanese Hip-Hop and Breakbeats listening party in collaboration with In Sheep’s Clothing. The outdoor session features a deep dive into classic atmospheric instrumental albums by Nujabes, Force of Nature, and Haruka Nakamura, including the Samurai Champloo soundtrack. Attendees can purchase a curated selection of Japanese whiskey, beer, and wine, alongside signature ramen from Kyoto’s Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized Ramenya Fujitora. Tickets are $15. 21+ only. Runs 7 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Dance DTLA at the Music Center (July 10, 17, 24, 31) -> After a 4th of July weekend break, the Music Center’s Friday night dance series gets into gear with evenings of Salsa, Reggaeton, Disco, and Cumbia for the rest of the month. Expect awesome vibes, free dance lessons, live DJ sets, interactive experiences, food, drinks and LOTS of dancing. More info here.
South Bay Greek Festival (July 10-12) -> The South Bay Greek Festival is a three-day affair at St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach offering lots of Greek food (spanakopita, lamb chops, baklava), dancing, and fun. Entry fee is $5. More info here.
45th Annual Lotus Festival (July 11-12) – FA > Echo Park Lake hosts the 45th annual Lotus Festival over two days this July, highlighting Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions with a cultural focus on Sri Lanka. The event features music and dance across two stages, an artisan bazaar, community booths, and a food court with a beer garden. Attendees can watch dragon boat races, participate in a 5K run, or purchase tickets for the evening lantern launch. Admission is free, and a complimentary shuttle connects off-site parking lots to the park. Free to attend. Starts at noon on both days. More info here.
KCRW Summer Nights (July 11, 24 & 25) – FA > KCRW’s annual slate of free events is one of our favorite series of the year. For July, they’ll be hitting up three local cultural hotspots with activations: Hauser & Wirth on July 11, at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach on July 24, and a team-up with Grand Performances on July 25. More info here.
Pickwick Vintage Market (July 11) -> Discover a curated collection of designer fashion at the Pickwick Vintage Show, returning to its monthly residency at ROW DTLA. This outdoor market features over 40 local vendors showcasing a wide assortment of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories from all eras. Whether you are a dedicated collector or simply looking for unique design inspiration, the show offers a specialized shopping experience in the heart of the Arts District. Ticket are $10. Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Summer Book Exchange (July 11) -> The Venice Book Club is hosting a Summer Book Exchange at Saba Surf & Coffee. Bring a book you’ve finished, or a few if you’re clearing shelf space, and leave with something new. Leftover books will be donated to Friends of Venice Library. VBC is also raising money for Reading to Kids, with every donation earning a raffle ticket for prizes from local businesses. More info here.
Off the 405 (July 11 & 25) – FA > The Getty Center’s annual Off the 405 summer concert series continues in July with two outdoor performances in the museum courtyard. On July 11, catch Seoul’s seven-piece folk-storytelling band LEENALCHI performing rhythm-heavy pansori music. Then on July 25, enjoy the experimental post-punk and minimalist rhythms of Horse Lords. Each evening begins with a courtyard DJ set at 6:00 PM, and attendees can view the museum’s art galleries or picnic in the central garden before the main stage performances start. Admission is free, though timed advance tickets are required for entry, and parking fees apply. Events begin at 6 p.m. More info here.
Casa Mexico: Mariachi Family Festival (July 11) -> LA Plaza’s annual Mariachi Family Festival features live music from student ensembles Mariachi Los Álanos, Mariachi Olímpico, and Mariachi Los Jaguares, followed by a bilingual family Zumba session by GYMYG. Visitors can explore soccer-themed art installations by Betsabée Romero and Jazzamoart, participate in hands-on workshops, and purchase traditional food. Admission is free, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis subject to venue capacity. Kicks off at 11 a.m. More info here.
Bastille Day Los Angeles 2026 (July 14) -> Grand Performances at California Plaza hosts the second annual Bastille Day celebration, presented in partnership with the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles. The open-air cultural festival features a free live concert showcasing French music alongside a curated French marketplace highlighting traditional food, drinks, and regional crafts. The community celebration is open to the public and serves to honor French heritage in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Free admission. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach (July 14 & 21) – FA > Long Beach’s signature beachside summer cinema series is back for 2026, continuing with two screenings in July at Granada Beach. The lineup includes Mean Girls (July 14), and The Lost Boys (July 21). Movies starts around sunset (8 to 8:30 p.m.). Free to attend, and parking is free after 6 p.m., though spots are limited. More info here.
Esoteric Game Night (July 15) -> On the third Wednesday of every month, the Philosophical Research Society gathers in its bookstore for a family-friendly night of esoteric and historic games, from tarot cards and many-sided dice to recreations of ancient board games. July brings a Twin Peaks double feature: David Lynch Trumps Card Game, a strange collection of battle cards drawn from the major and minor arcanas of the Lynch universe, and The Red Room, a Twin Peaks game featuring the complete cast of characters, from Special Agent Dale Cooper to Margaret Lanterman, the Log Lady. $10 suggested donation. More info here.
Chalk-A-Doodle Festival 2026 (July 18) – FA > Glendale Marketplace hosts the free, family-friendly Chalk-A-Doodle Festival, celebrating street art and local creativity. The event features live chalk murals created by neighborhood artists along the walkways, an interactive community doodle station, and a collaborative public gallery. Attendees can explore artisan pop-up vendors, family activities, live music, and special marketplace business offers leading directly into Glendale Cruise Night. Admission is free. Runs 1 to 6 p.m. More info here.
National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl (July 25) -> The Autry Museum of the American West hosts its National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl, featuring live country music, trick roping, and line dancing lessons. The family festival includes saloon games, film screenings, historical tours, food trucks, and a cash bar. Autry members receive early entry and access to an exclusive picnic and petting zoo. GA tickets start at $20. Parking is free. Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info here.
Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival (July 25) – FA > The Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival returns to Marine Stadium Long Beach for the largest dragon boat competition in California. Guest can expect Chinese traditional art demonstrations, acrobats, dance, music and martial arts performances. Event runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
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