This post covers the best things to do in LA in August, including free, family-friendly, as well as nighttime activities, and is updated for 2022.
- Top 10
- Nighttime Activities
- Free Things to Do
- Family-Friendly
- How's the Weather?
- Los Angeles Walking Tours
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST
August is the perfect time to visit Los Angeles.
The weather is warm and sunny, which lends itself to enjoying all the outdoor activities and other attractions, festivals, and events we've listed below.
For some of the most popular tours to take, we also have several separate posts:
Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist attraction discount pass, which is a great way to save money.
1. Attend a Game
Los Angeles is now home to quite a few major sports teams, which means you’ll never be at a loss for a good game or match while you’re in town.
During the month of August, both baseball and soccer are in their regular season, and the NFL is gearing up for theirs with a few pre-season matches.
Follow a link to check on the schedule of your favorite teams.
Basketball
Baseball
- Dodgers vs Padres (August 5th-7th) || vs Minnesota Twins (August 9th-10th) || vs. Miami Marlins (August 19th-21st) || vs. Milwaukee Brewers (August 22nd-24th)
- Angels vs Oakland Athletics (August 2nd-4th) || vs Minnesota Twins (August 12th-14th) || vs. Seatttle Mariners (August 15th -17th) || vs NY Yankees (August 29th - 30th)
Football
- Rams vs LA Chargers Preseason (August 13th) || vs. Houston Texans Preseason (August 19th)
- Chargers vs Rams Preseason (August 13th) || vs. Dallas Cowboys Presason (August 20th)
Hockey
Soccer
- Galaxy Leagues Cup Showcase (August 3rd) || vs Vancouver Whitecaps (August 13th) || vs Seattle Sounders (August 19th)
Find out what other sporting events are on in LA here when you visit.
Here are all the events happening in Los Angeles. And all of these games make great family outings!
Make sure you check out the other family-friendly activities in August.
2. See a Major Concert
There is always something happening in La-La Land, including big-name artists putting on concerts .
Here are a few of the acts coming through Los Angeles this August:
- Josh Groban | August 2nd
- Three Dog Night | August 2nd
- Sheryl Crow | August 3rd
- Third Eye Blind | August 5th
- Bruce Hornsby | August 6th
- Beach Boys | August 7th
- Trombone Shorty | August 10th
- Rob Zombie | August 12th
- Father John Misty | August 18th, August 19th
- Psychedelic Furs | August 18th
- Brad Paisley | August 19th
- Boy George and Culture Club | august 19th
- Gipsy Kings | August 19th, August 20th
- Three Dog Night | August 20th
- Shakey Graves | August 23rd
- Melissa Etheridge | August 23rd
- Diana Ross | August 26th, August 27th
- The Killers | August 27th
- Mötley Crüe/ Def Leppard/Joan Jett | August 27th
- Echo & The Bunneymen | August 26th, August 27th
- George Benson | August 28th
- Elvis Costello | August 28th, August 30th
- Rick Springfield/Men at Work | August 30th
Don’t forget to check out all the events happening in Los Angeles .
3. Go on Sightseeing Tours
What’s the best way to see Los Angeles? Taking a tour!
There are plenty of tours available in LA, including our pay-what-you-wish walking tours. We suggest starting with our Downtown LA Walking Tour .
If you don’t want to stick to someone else’s schedule, we also have a self-guided Los Angeles tour.
Other great options for visitors are Hollywood bus tours or the ever-popular hop-on-hop-off tours.
4. See a Comedy Show
Some of the greatest stand-up comedy in the world has come out of Los Angeles.
This is the town of the Comedy Store, where Richard Pryor and Robin Williams used to take the stage.
There's also the Laugh Factory, The Groundlings, The Improv, and so many others, places you'll find well both established comedians and also folks looking for their big break.
Check here for options for a list of comedy shows in Los Angeles in August
TIP: There is currently a Groupon for the Comedy Club LA and a Groupon for Jetpack Comedy.
5. Take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
This is a fantastic family-friendly outing for anyone who is a fan of the Warner Bros. movie and TV properties like Harry Potter, DC Universe movies, or Friends.
The Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood tour will take you through exhibits with props, vehicles, and clothing items, as well as fun set pieces that let you feel like you’re in the scene!
The best thing about these tours is that they’re included or discounted with several discount passes and combo packages.
For more family-friendly fun in August, check out the things to do with kids section below.
6. Visit Some Famous Theatres
Hollywood is full of famous movie theatres where notable and important films had their premieres, and a lot of them are all in the same area.
There are three really popular examples within a few blocks of each other:
- The TCL Chinese Theatre
- The Egyptian Theatre
- The Dolby Theatre
At least two of these venues were crafted by Sid Grauman, and the Dolby Theatre routinely hosts major events such as the Academy Awards.
Both the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre offer tours which allow you to get a behind-the-scenes look, and the Egyptian still operates as a traditional movie theatre to this day.
Whether you want to learn about these movie houses, see them from the outside, or even enjoy a film inside one of them, there are plenty of ways to experience the great theatres of Hollywood.
NOTE: Both the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre tours are available on at least one major Los Angeles tourist pass.
7. Enjoy a Theatre Production
Nothing beats a great theatre performance, and Los Angeles typically has much to offer. Click here for a full list of what's on in August.
This month, Moulin Rouge, is one of the most notable and popular musicals available in Los Angeles. It'll be performed at Pantages Theatre.
Another great option is The Prom, which is playing at the Ahmanson Theatre.
Check out all the shows happening in Los Angeles.
TIP: Groupon is currently offering $10 off of theatrical tickets when you spend more than $100.
8. Attend Jerk Fest
Jerk Fest is a cultural awareness festival that brings together the best of the Caribbean.
In addition to delicious jerk foods (shrimp, beans, fish, chicken and more) there is music, Carnival dancing and an organic farmers market.
For tickets and information, click here.
And if you want to keep having an amazing foodie-focused experience in Los Angeles why not also join a food tour?
9. See a Play for Free
The Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival returns in 2022 with theatre under the stars.
From June to September the Independent Shakespeare Company of LA puts on performances in Griffith Park.
Macbeth is on tap from August 6th - September 4th, Wednesdays through Sundays, at 7 PM.
Be sure to bring your blanket and a picnic basket. All are sure to enjoy the evening!
Only 450 seats are available for each show so be sure to register for a ticket. For information, visit the ISCLA website.
10. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
To make the most out of your time in LA, and save a lot of money while seeing the sights, consider purchasing a tourist attraction discount pass .
You’ll pay one fee up front and receive free or highly discounted entry into many of the city’s most popular attractions and activities.
These passes can save you up to 55% off of retail prices. They can also save you time by allowing you to skip the ticket line at select venues.
Attractions on Various Passes Include:
- Movie Stars Homes Tour
- Hollywood Sign Adventure Hike
- LA Martitime Museum
- Disneyland Transportation
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- San Diego Zoo
- SatWorld San Diego
For more information and our in-depth comparison of the discount passes available, check out our tourist pass post .
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT
There are plenty of things to do in La-La Land after the sun goes down.
Here we list some fun festivals, tours, markets, and events happening in August.
For more nighttime activities, don't forget to check out our post on things to do at night in LA .
Attend the Long Beach Jazz Festival
Jazz enthusiasts can spend a weekend in Long Beach taking in a number of talented jazz artists as they share their music.
The festival will take place at Rainbow Lagoon Park from August 12th-14th, 2022
For a complete lineup and tickets check out their website !
Go on a Ghost Tour
August is the perfect time to take advantage of the pleasant summer nights with an evening tour. And what could be more fun than a spooky ghost tour?
This Haunted Downtown Los Angeles tour starts at 6:30 pm and covers famous hauntings, serial killer stories, and unexplained happenings.
Sunset Concerts
The Skirball Cultural Center celebrates it's 25th year of free concerts.
In addition to the free music there's singing, dancing, food, drinks, and shopping.
There are four concerts in August and advanced registration is required.
For information on the August line-up, visit their website.
Experience Universal CityWalk
You'll find a huge selection of restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment at Universal CityWalk.
This pedestrian-only promenade is connected to the Universal theme park properties and tours but stays open long after the parks have closed.
In August, the nights will be warm and perfect for dining or enjoying happy hour on the patios.
Grab Drinks at a Tiki Bar
Summertime is the ultimate season for tropical drinks that can keep you cool and make you feel like you’re in paradise! A great tiki-bar ambiance also helps.
Check out these LA tiki bars for a cool atmosphere and some stellar drinks: Tiki-Ti, The Pacific Seas, and LONO Hollywood .
For more nighttime activities, don't forget to check out our post on things to do at night in LA .
FREE THINGS TO DO
You don't need to spend a fortune to have fun in Los Angeles, and August is the perfect time to enjoy all the outdoor events.
Here is our list of free things to do in August. For even more free activities, see our guide to free things to do in LA .
Smorgasberg in L.A.
Smorgasberg is the largest open-air weekly food market in America! Stop by every Sunday between 10am-4pm.
The market is free but you will definitely be tempted to spend a few bucks on a meal or two or three.
See their website for details.
International Surf Festival
Head down to Hermosa Beach for a few days of fun in the sun (and ocean!).
Typically held in early August, the International Surf Festival will include surfing championships, paddleboard races, volleyball tournaments, a sand castle design contest, and much more!
It is completely free to attend and watch the competitions.
JANM Free Family Days
At the Natsumatsuri Family Festival, guests can watch Japanese and Japanese American performances and participate in lots of activities and arts & crafts.
Plus, enjoy free dance and drum lessons, food samples, and souvenir photos!
The festival takes place from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Explore the Venice Beach Boardwalk
A warm and sunny summer day is the perfect time to visit Venice Beach's boardwalk.
You can window shop in various boutiques, people-watch, and watch the street performers sing or dance.
If you're a fan of hitting the gym, you can get a workout in at Muscle Beach, which is an open-air gym made famous by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Of course, you can also hit the beach and play in the sand!
Here is our list of free things to do in August. For even more free activities, see our guide to free things to do in LA.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
Los Angeles offers loads of summertime activities that are fun for people young and old!
Here are a few more family-friendly activities for August, including festivals and indoor skydiving.
And if you're looking for more things to do with the kids, check out our post on kid-friendly activities.
Attend a Chariot Parade
Enjoy this ancient traditional chariot parade as it moves from Santa Monica and to Venice Beach.
This popular festival brings singing, dancing, and celebration to thousands of onlookers.
In 2022 the festival takes place on Sunday, August 7th, from 10:00 am - 11:30 am.
OC Fair
Carnival rides, agriculture, games, food, and more await you and your family at the Orange County Fairgrounds!
Throughout the fair, there will also be a number of events and contests.
From July 15th - August 14th, 2022, you can enjoy the livestock and midway entertainment.
Attend The Rams Football Training Camp
For any sports fans, the Rams are hosting Training Camp at U.C. Irvine in Irvine, California.
The Rams Training Camp is completely free and fun for the whole family!
They will have meet and greets with former Rams Legends, play in a fun kid’s zone with face painting and games, eat great food, and the opportunity to watch the Rams practice up close.
Best of all, tickets to the Los Angeles Rams Training Camp are completely free! For more information, click here.
Nisei Week of Japanese Culture
This Japanese cultural festival includes a number of events that are fun for all!
Enjoy a parade, a World Gyoza Eating Championship, and street dancing - and many other activities - throughout this week-long festival.
The festival runs from August 13th - 21st, 2022. Check the website for a full schedule and more information!
Head to Zuma Beach
Located in Malibu just off Pacific Coast Highway, Zuma Beach is great for everyone!
There are breathtaking views of the ocean and the cliffs of Malibu surround the beach plus there are food kiosks, ample parking (for a fee), and lifeguards on duty.
Visit the Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier has been entertaining visitors since 1909 and now also houses Pacific Park.
Pacific Park is a small amusement park but has rides, carnival games, and delicious dining options.
August is the perfect time to enjoy this outdoor hotspot!
Go Indoor Skydiving
If anyone in your family has ever wanted to skydive without having to jump from a plane, going to iFLY Hollywood is the perfect solution.
You’ll be placed in a wind tunnel that replicates the feeling of flying through the air while remaining safely close to the ground.
And if you have a Los Angeles Pass for discounts, you’ll get 20% off your tickets!
For even more ideas, see our post on kid-friendly activities in LA.
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