Culture, Things To Do

A Big List of Things To Do This June in L.A. [2023]

May 30, 2023 by Brian Champlin and Christina Champlin
LA Pride Festival in Hollywood
A crowd in front of the music stage at the LA Pride Festival in Hollywood. Photo by Howard Wise.

With Memorial Day in the rearview that means summer is unofficially officially here. With it comes a bevy of free concert series, outdoor events, and move nights. There’s Grand Performances. There’s Dance DTLA at the Music Center. There are PRIDE festivals in every corner of the county. Frankly, it’s a lot. But that’s why we’re here to guide you through.

Have a gander at all your options below, and start planning one heck of a June in Los Angeles.

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Things To Do in June

M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick


The Kids are Fine, Not Great at The Crow (June 1) – M > Taking place on the first Thursday of every month this comedy show highlights a trio of up-and-coming college-age stand-ups performing alongside some big-name comics seen on HBO, Netflix, Comedy Central and late night TV. The Crow is a new events space located at Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica. Tickets cost $15 per person. More info here.

Coming Out West: LGBTQ+ Elders Share Their Stories (June 1 – December 17) – M > The Santa Monica History Museum’s new exhibition Coming Out West: LGBTQ+ Elders Share Their Stories features
oral histories, images, art, and ephemera from local LGBTQ+ elders with ties to the city. Created in collaboration with The Outwords Archive. Museum entrance cost $5; free for SMHM Members, Children (under 17), Seniors (65+), Students, Active Duty Military & SNAP/EBT cardholders. More info here.

Summer Jam at the Academy Museum (June 2) – FA TP > The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures marks the transition to summer this Friday with an open-to-the-public shindig featuring art-making activities, photo activations, and music all paired with bites and beverages (for purchase) courtesy of Fanny’s. Plus, there will be free admission to the museum galleries from 4 to 8 p.m., with access based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Event starts at 2 p.m. More info here.

WeHo Pride (June 2-4) – FA > WeHo Pride has attracted hundreds of thousands of people to their celebration for decades. For 2023 the roster of events include frees ones like the weekend street fair, the annual Dyke March, the Women’s Freedom Festival, or Sunday’s WeHo Pride Parade, along with specially ticketed events highlighted by the OUTLOUD Music Festival (more info below) produced by JJLA. More info here.

OUTLOUD at WeHo Pride (June 2-4) -> OUTLOUD will bring acts like Grace Jones, Carly Rea Jepsen and Passion Pit to West Hollywood Park during WeHo Pride. There will be DJs, drag and dance all weekend long too. Single day tickets start around $69. More info here.

Pride Night at The Aquarium of the Pacific (June 2) – M > In partnership with The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with an all ages event featuring drag queen storytelling, photo opps, a dance party and much more.Tickets cost $24.95.More info here.

First Fridays in Chinatown (June 2) – M FA > L.A.’s Chinatown stays open late for an evening of exploring the unique small businesses and contemporary art and culture spaces that make up the historic neighborhood. Taking place from 5-9 p.m. the public is encouraged to support local restaurants and cafes while perusing shops and art galleries. Get ready to dance, special musical guests will be spinning vinyl all night long in Chung King Plaza. More info here.

POPSUGAR Play/Ground (June 2) -> POPSUGAR Play/Ground takes over ROW DTLA with a day of amazing activations that include a POPSUGAR Fitness Studio, Beauty Bar, Zen Zone, sample stations and a number of other fun activities. The day will close with an intimate performance by special guest, Chlöe Bailey. Tickets run between $30 to $145. More info here.

First Fridays at NHM (June 2) – M > Natural’s History Museum’s signature monthly series returns this month with an evening centered on Superheros. There will be a humorous yet scientific look at the topic of superheroes with author, educator, and comedian, Joy Lin moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse . Plus you can catch outdoor sets by Hurray for the Riff Raff and Mei along with cocktails and bites for purchase. Tickets are $20 for non-members. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. More info here.

IWD Health Fair Sex Workers’ Health: From Surviving To Thriving (June 2) -> The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Collective, in collaboration with SWOP LA, The Sidewalk Project, PASS Certified, KinkOut, Strippers United, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, will celebrate International Whores Day by hosting a health and wellness focused fair at the The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA . Activities, include yoga led by Thick Girl Yoga LA, a self-defense class with Vanessa Carlisle of Hooker’s Army, and a sound bath with Erotic Medusa. Free to attend. More info here.

Venice Pride Block Party (June 2) – FA > Celebrate Pride by the beach! The block party features DJ sets, a queer market place, food trucks and vendors, all centered around 99 Winward Ave in Venice. Runs 5 to 11 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

PCH Movies & Moonlight (June 2) – FA > 2nd & PCH in Long Beach continues their free Movies & Moonlight series with a screening of Dumbo (2019). Complimentary seating is based on first-come, first-served attendance. Pets on leashes are welcome too. More info here.

Summer Sounds (June 3, 10, 17, 24) – M FA > One Colorado in Old Pasadena is cruising into June with a free Summer Sounds series every Saturday in June. The weekly event pops up in their outdoor courtyard, offering dance vibes plus a beer and cocktail garden, and free admission. Runs 7 to 9 p.m. Check the full schedule of performers here.

Mariscos y Discos (June 3) -> Lincoln Heights own Altura LA Gallery will host a day of delicious fun at Santa Anita Park that include music to mouthwatering seafood vendors curated by Smorgasburg. Starter packs for the event range from $35 to $55. More info here.

Mariachi USA (June 3) -> The 34th Annual MARIACHI USA Festival takes over The Hollywood Bowl with the best mariachi bands from Mexico and the U.S. plus a dazzling fireworks show. Tickets start at $39.50. More info here.

LA River Sessions (June 3) -> River Sessions is a monthly series of guided walks that explores the rich history, art, culture, and communities along the 51 mile river. For June they’re holding a grounding and talk with Tongva Culture Bearer, Tina Calderon, visits to local artist studios, and a hands-on textile workshop with chincanx artist, Tanya Aguiñiga. Non-profit LA-Más will welcome guests along the river path to a nearby park for a picnic featuring food and drinks from Mercadito, a mutual aid community service group. Tickets start at $29. More info here.

Downtown Burbank Arts Festival (June 3-4) – FA > A huge vendor marketplace curated by Jackalope Arts takes over Downtown Burbank for a two-day event featuring 180+ indie sellers on hand offering curated goods include original fashion and jewelry design, paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, art, photography, food, and more. Free to attend. More info here.

Re:SET L.A. (June 3-4) ->  This touring music festival is taking the chaos out of large scale music events by curating a smaller (but still stellar) lineup of acts across three nights. Taking place at Brookside at the Rose Bowl Stadium, the concert series is headlined by Steve Lacy, Boygenius and LCD Soundsystem with support by acts that include James Blake, Clairo, Jamie XX and more. Tickets start at $99.50. More info here.

Last Remaining Seats (June 3-17) -> The Los Angeles Conservancy’s annual series Last Remaining Seats features classic film screenings in some of Los Angeles’ most beautiful and historic movie theaters, including Million Dollar Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre, and Los Angeles Theatre. Tickets start at $22 for GA. More info here.

Street Food Cinema (June 3 through October 28) -> The largest outdoor cinema event returns for its 12th outdoor season at a variety of locations all over Los Angeles County. A number of local food trucks are highlighted at each screening and before the movie, the public can enjoy live bands, audience games, themed photo ops, artisanal vendors, and at certain locations a full bar. Tickets start at $22. More info here.

Pacific Islander Festival (June 3-4) – M > Join the Aquarium of The Pacific in Long Beach for its twentieth annual Pacific Island Festival. This festival features traditional music and dance, cultural displays and activities that celebrate Pacific Islander cultures. The festival is free with admission to the aquarium. $37.95 More info here.

Grand Performances (June 3- August 26) – M FA TP > Grand Performances kicks off their 2023 concert schedule with Son Rompe Pera, La Verdad and La Papaya Club on June 3, then continues weekly through the end of summer. The signature free summer music series at California Plaza is free to attend and takes place on select Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 26. More info here.

Cosmogony: A Live Digital Performance (June 3,10,17) – M FA > The Music Center’s Digital Innovation Initiative presents Cosmogony, a mind-altering digital dance performance broadcasted from Geneva, straight to the screens of Jerry Moss Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles. Swiss dancers transform into avatars (tethered by motion capture cameras) creating an original dance piece in real time accompanied by music from rock band Tar Pond. The 30-minute performance will be shown on Jerry Moss Plaza’s two 12’ x 20’ LED screens on June 3, 10 and 17. All events begin at 7 p.m. Free to attend, standing room only. More info here.

LAWineFest (June 3-4) -> LAWineFest returns to Long Beach for a two-day event featuring a day of tastings from wineries and breweries. GA tickets start at $80 per person. More info here.

The 27th Annual Gilmore Heritage Auto Show (June 3) – FA > The 27th Annual Gilmore Heritage Auto Show comes to the Original Farmers Market. This years theme is Roar with Gilmore –  “Wonderful Wagons” and pays tribute to Woodies, Lowriders and all of the great family haulers. More info here.

SaMo Pride Festival (June 3) – M FA > Santa Monica Pride Festival will turn the entire downtown district, from Third Street Promenade through Santa Monica Place to the Santa Monica Pier, into a huge PRIDE zone with live musical performances, PRIDE-related treats, free swag, games, and more. The event is free to attend and all ages are welcome. More info here.

Love Peace & Spades A Fly Game Night (June 7) -> The Line Hotel in Koreatown is home to Love, Peace & Spades, a monthly game night focused on classic Black family games such as Uno, Dominoes, and, Spades. Tickets are donation based. More info here.

13th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival (June 8-25) -> Dozens of venues, including Zephyr Theatre, The Broadwater, and Three Clubs, host a huge slate of comedy, ensemble theatre, dance and immersive performances during the two and a half week run of the annual Hollywood Fringe Festival. More info here.

Soup & Tart: Los Angeles – MOCA Geffen (June 8) -> Taking inspiration from Soup & Tart, an avant-garde New York event by Fluxus artist Jean Dupuy in 1974, Soup & Tart: Los Angeles brings together 50 artists, musicians, and dancers, inviting them to use two minutes to improvise anything they want from song, action, movement, to text. As the performances move on, Los Angeles chefs like Mina Park and Kwang Uh of Baroo to Hannah Ziskin of Quarter Sheets will serve soup and tarts to on lookers. Tickets cost $30 a person. More info here.

Art & Beer Night Market LA (June 8) –> Art & Beer Night Market LA brings 25+ vendors, artists, and businesses in one place to Boomtown Brewery. There is no cover. More info here.

LA Pride in the Park (June 9-10) – M > To celebrate Pride two huge icons will take the stage for epic performances at L.A. State Historic Park. Megan thee Stallion headlines Friday, and Mariah Carey headlines Saturday. The line up also includes Fletcher, Gigi Goode, G Flip, The Scarlet Opera, Violet Chachki, Gottmik and more. Tickets start at $139. More info here.

Summer of Salsa (June 9) – M FA > The LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes Summer of Salsa series runs one Friday each month through the end the summer, highlighting some of city’s best salsa and Cuban bands in the process. Free to attend. More info here.

Water Lantern Festival (June 9-11) -> Make a wish and send it away on a floating lantern along with thousands of others. Enjoy local food trucks, vendors, and live music at this family friendly event that takes place at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in El Monte. Tickets start at $26.98. More info here.

Outdoor Movies at Skirball Cultural Center (June 9- July 7) -> The Skirball’s outdoor movie programming returns June 9 with a screening of Roman Holiday (1953) and June 23 with High Noon (1952) Guests are also granted access to the museum’s latest exhibits including Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare. Tickets cost $20 per person. 

Palos Verdes Street Fair and Music Festival (June 9-11) -> The Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is hosting a family friendly fair that includes a carnival, food vendors and live entertainment in the heart of the Rolling Hills Estate neighborhood. Admission and parking is free. More info here.

June Jubilee: A Celebration of Black Excellence (June 10) -> The Changing Tones Advisory Committee presents the inaugural June Jubilee an event that celebrates the rich Black culture in Los Angeles. Happening at the Central Library the day will include speakers, workshops, informative discussions, live entertainment and family friendly interactive activities. Free to attend. More info here.

Pickwick Vintage Show (June 10) -> The Pickwick Vintage Show is back at ROW DTLA with over 50 vendors showcasing an incredible assortment of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Tickets range from $10-$20 depending on time of entry. More info here.

Music Under The Stars (June 10) – M FA > Catch a free concert in front of Pasadena City Hall put on by the Pasadena Symphony and POPS, preceded by a performance from Bob Baker Marionette Theater and plenty of kid-friendly activities. No reservations required. Seating is first-come, first-served. More info here.

Levitt Pavilion Concerts (June 10-11, 16-18, 23-25) – M FA > The Levitt Pavilion’s annual summer-long series of free concerts features acclaimed and emerging talent from a broad range of music genres. All free to attend. No reservation required. More info here.

Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome (June 11) -> Mount Wilson Observatory continues its 2023 season of classical concerts hosted inside the historic 100-inch telescope dome, where the acoustics are said to be some of the finest in the world. This month the program features a Brass Quintet. There will be two musical performances, one at 3 p.m. and the other at 5 p.m. Tickets are $55 -> More information

53rd Annual LA Pride Parade (June 11) – M FA > The free annual event will include over a hundred floats and nearby fun from a Pride Village, to a street fair featuring food and activities as well as live performances. More info here.

Manhattan Village Presents The Summer Health & Wellness Event  (June 11) -> Manhatten Village invites the public to spend the afternoon participating in free outdoor classes from Corepower Yoga, Coreology and Cyclebar. Restaurants and retailers such as Sweetgreen and Kiehl’s will also be on hand offering samples. Alo will host a drink and shop too. The first 100 to check in will receive a Manhattan Village tote bag. Registration for the event is required.

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Sunday Funday at The Wallis (June 11) – FA > The next edition of Sunday Funday comes to The Wallis with a kid-friendly performance by Nathalia, plus a dance session with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. The event starts at 11 a.m. on the Promenade Terrace. Free to attend. No RSPV necessary. More info here.

The Music Center’s Love Amplified Poetry Jam (June 14) – FA > The Music Center hosts Love Amplified Poetry Jam, a free public event in collaboration with Complexions Contemporary Ballet Co-Founder and Artistic Director Dwight Rhoden, Terrell “The Artist” Lewis and Tiffany Bong of UniverSOUL Hip Hop. The event kicks off with an outdoor screening of the short film Black is Beautiful on Jerry Moss Plaza followed by a poetry jam that includes spoken word, dance and music. More info here.

Mighty Cool Pinot (June 15) -> Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans wine-centric road show makes a stop in Los Angeles at Neuehouse Hollywood. Guests are treated to wines from premier, limited-production wineries such as CRU Winery, Hahn Family Wines, Mer Soleil and Scheid Family Vineyards. Tickets cost $75 and includes wine tastings paired with passed bites and food stations from the Neuehouse resident chefs. More info here.

American Contemporary Ballet Presents Concerto Barocco (June 15-25) -> Choreographed by George Balanchine, The Los Angeles American Contemporary Ballet’s latest work takes place on the 28th floor of Two California Plaza. Tickets start at $40. More info here.

Roaring Nights at the L.A. Zoo (June 16) -> The Los Angeles Zoo’s annual after-hours music series, Roaring Nights, is back for summer 2023 and this time them is the 80’s. Come experience a party atmosphere featuring DJs, an 80’s cover band, a Silent Disco combined with animal feedings plus a number of food trucks. Tickets cost $25. More info here.

Trans Pride Los Angeles (June 16-17) -> The details for this years Trans Pride Los Angeles are still TBD but you can save the date and check the official event page here for updates.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet (June 16-18) – M > Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Music Center, with stunning ballet performances featuring music by artists that include Kendrick Lamar, Logic, Drake and Lenny Kravitz. Tickets start at $34. More info here

Bloomsday 2023 (June 16) – FA TP > The Hammer celebrates author James Joyce and his novel Ulysses with Bloomsday, a theatrical blend of staged readings and musical performances all centered around the author’s most iconic work. Performances are followed by festivities in the museum’s courtyard with more live music and Guinness on tap. Admission is free and the box office opens one hour before the event. More info here.

Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (June 17-18) – TP >  The annual jazz festival returns to the Bowl for a two-day concert that includes performances by Kamasi Washington, Leon Bridges, West Coast Get Down, Poncho Sanchez and others. Tickets start around $40. More info here.

Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance (June 18) -> Get up-close with some of the world’s most luxurious vehicles at this annual free car show in the heart of Beverly Hills. Free to attend. More info here.

Q Con LGBTQ+ Comic Con (June 17) – FA > Q Con celebrates the diversity of LGBTQ+ comics, games, and popular media. The day includes panel presentations, meet and greet with comic creators and publishers, a costume contest and more. The event is free to attend and family friendly. More info here.

MOCA x Insomniac & Secret Project Present Party/After-Party Sessions (June 17) -> MOCA, with an assist from Insomniac / Secret Projects, is hosting concerts and a dance party built around Carl Craig’s Party/After-Party sound and light installation currently on exhibition at The Geffen Contemporary. Tickets are $15. More info here.

Korean Movie Night (June 17) – M > Korean Movie Night presents a screening of Parasite at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles. Tickets cost $18 per person. More info here.

Garagiste Wine Festival (June 17) -> Garagiste Festival is Los Angeles’ only wine festival that exclusively features wines from commercial California ‘garagiste’ winemakers. The wines are poured by the winemakers or owners themselves at the festival offering a rare opportunity to meet the sources behind the wine. Ticket prices range from $65.00 to $135. More info here.

Frenchielandia (June 17) -> French Bulldogs will descend onto Santa Anita Park for a day of fun in the sun and one heart pounding Frenchie race. Tickets cost $10. More info here.

Pasadena Chalk Festival (June 17-18) – M FA > The Pasadena Chalk Festival returns to The Paseo for a two day-long event featuring art and music featuring some 200 murals and over 500 artists  This event is free to attend. More info here.

CicLAvia South LA Presented by Metro (June 18) – M FA TP > L.A.’s biggest and longest running open streets initiative heads to South LA with a car-free course along Vermont Avenue. Runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend. Rain or shine event! More info here.

Juneteenth Wellness Day at CAAM (June 18) – M FA > Celebrate Juneteenth with a day of wellness activities at California African American Museum. Free to attend, the one hour yoga flow and meditation will take place at 10 a.m. followed by a sound bath at 11 a.m. More info here.

Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival (June 19) – FA > The Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival brings 300 Black-owned businesses, plus multiple stages of live music, DJ’s and spoken word performance to Leimert Park Plaza. Runs noon to 9 p.m. Admission is free. More info here.

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Shakespeare By the Sea (starting June 22) – FA TP > The 26th anniversary season of Shakespeare By the Sea kicks off in June at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro with productions of Hamlet and Twelfth Night. All shows are free to attend, but donations are gladly accepted. Performances run at locations throughout L.A. and Orange County through Aug. 5. More info here.

The Music Center’s Dance DTLA (starting June 23) – M FA TP > Free evening dance parties return to The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza every Friday throughout the summer. Dance instructors will be on hand to teach guests easy-to-follow steps, allowing everyone to get into the groove right from the jump. More info here.

Delicious Little Tokyo (June 24)-> Delicious Little Tokyo returns for a culinary journey through the historic neighborhood. Activities include a History of Little Tokyo Food Tour, emoji-pan decorating workshop and a self guided food tasting tour. More info here.

Venice Fest (June 24) – FA > Head to Venice Fest for a day of fun for all ages. featuring local bands, yoga, games, and classic cars on display. There’s also a beer garden and food trucks to refuel.  Free to attend. Runs noon to 8 p.m. More info here.

Harry Potter in Concert (June 24) -> The Hollywood Bowl kicks off their slate of summer movie programming with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in concert. The Los Angeles Philharmonic will play the film’s score live to screen, and tickets start as low as $17. More info here.

Pier 360 (June 24-25) – M FA > This two-day, all-ages, free festival hosted at the Santa Monica Pier features ocean sports competitions, interactive games, a beer garden, a “museum of beach life,” and plenty of live music on both days. More info here.

Public Star Party at Griffith Observatory (June 24) – FA > Every month, Griffith Observatory hosts a free public star party with the help of volunteers from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers, and The Planetary Society. More info here.

Day Trip Festival (June 24-25) -> Day Trip the two day house music festival takes over the Queen Mary Waterfront with acts that include Dombresky, Claptone, Meduza and Dom Dolla. Tickets start at $129. More info here.

Off The 405 (June 24) – FA TP > Live outdoor music is back at The Getty this summer with the annual Off the 405 concerts. Next up in the series is performance by drummer, composer, and producer Makaya McCraven. Free to attend with reservation. More info here.

Out Block PartyM FA TP > Angel City Brewery teams up with  GLAAD, Makeshift Muse, and Truly LA for a Pride-focused afternoon block party featuring unique vendors and performers. Portions of Traction Ave and Rose St will be shut down to vehicular traffic for the event, which runs from noon to 6 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

626 Night Market (June 30 – July 2) -> 626 Night Market events return for an 11th season at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. The market features 300+ food vendors alongside crafts, arts, games, music, and entertainment. Tickets are $5 per-sale and $6 cash at the door. More info here.


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