This post covers things to do in July in Los Angeles, including nighttime, free, as well as family-friendly activities, all updated for 2023.
TOP 10 ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS IN JULY
This section will feature our top 10 activities to enjoy in LA throughout July.
For tips on the most popular tours and activities in LA, check out the following posts:
Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass.
1. Go to a Sporting Event
July is a great month to watch baseball, soccer, or women’s basketball.
Be sure to snack on a Dodger Dog at Dodger Stadium if you cheer on L.A.’s favorite baseball team.
Baseball
Soccer (Football)
Basketball
Seeing a big game is a great way to spend your afternoon or evening! For more things to do at night check the section down below.
2. Go to a Concert
Los Angeles has many options when it comes to enjoying music!
We’ve listed the highlights below, but you can find information about concerts at the website of the venue or click here to purchase tickets.
Concerts
- Fall Out Boy | July 2nd
- Sean Kingston/Shaggy/En Vogue | July 8th
- Charlie Puth | July 11th
- Kool and the Gang | July 14th, 15th
- Nickelback | July 14th
- Paramore | July 19th
- Jimmy Eat World | July 19th
- Hank Williams Jr. | July 21st
- Morgan Wallen | July 22nd
- Styx | July 27th | Costa Mesa
- Bryan Adams/Joan Jett | July 29th
Festivals
- Sad Summer Festival 2023 | July 29th | Irvine | Featuring: Taking Back Sunday, The Maine, PVRIS, and more
Other
- Hollywood Bowl Orchestra: Quincy Jones' 90th-Birthday Tribute | July 28th, 29th
- Los Angeles Philharmonic | various dates throughout July
3. Take a Sightseeing Tour
Take advantage of the great weather and head out on a tour! We offer pay-what-you-like walking tours and plan to introduce new tours soon.
Check out our calendar to book a walking tour.
Another great way to see Los Angeles is to take a bus tour. Read our post to find out about all the bus tour options in Los Angeles.
Another option is a studio tour. See what it is like to be an actor on set! Check out our post about Studio Tour options.
4. Attend A Show
From family-friendly musicals to more adult subjects, Los Angeles has several opportunities to add a show to the evening of your visit.
Theatre
- TINA - The Tina Turner Musical | July 1st - 9th
- Into the Woods | July 1st - 30th
- Beetlejuice the Musical | July 11th-28th
Family Friendly
- Jurassic World Live Tour | July 14th-23rd
- Bugs Bunny at the Symphony | July 30th
- Cinderella | July 14th-23rd
Comedy
- Druski | July 14th
- Dude Perfect | July 15th
- Neal Brennan | July 22nd
Check here for a list of all shows in the LA area. We have more nighttime activities listed below.
5. Celebrate the 4th of July
Come celebrate America’s 246th birthday with a multitude of events and activities happening in Los Angeles.
You'll find fireworks, music, partying, and more!
Here are some options:
Downtown LA Block Party by City Hall with live music, food vendors, and fireworks! Free for all to attend!
Santa Monica 4th of July Parade featuring floats, horses, and music among other things.
Hollywood Bowl 4th of July Spectacular featuring the Beach Boys. It runs July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.
If you’re in Long Beach, head to the Queen Mary where you can experience entertainment, music, and fireworks!
6. Attend the iPalpiti Summer Music Festival
Opening its 26th season, iPalpiti Summer Music Festival will feature a collection of nearly 30 prize-winning young musicians from around the globe.
Concerts can be enjoyed at the world-renowned Walt Disney Music Hall.
Dates haven't been released at the time of this post so keep checking under concerts/events for updates.
Ticket prices typically start for as little as $10!
7. Take in a Basquiat Exhibit
Finishing up a run in July is the Jena-Michel Basquiat exhibit called King Pleasure.
Not only will you see over 200 of his incredible artworks, but this immersive environment will showcase "music, the Black experience, pop culture, Black American sports figures, literature, and other sources."
The show takes place at the Grand LA.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Basquiat King Pleasure website, with kids running $25, students $28, and Adults between $32-$35.
8. Catch a Flick at the LGBT Film Festival
From July 13th-23rd, you can attend Outfest, LA’s leading film festival that builds community and shares LGBTQ stories from around the globe.
For 11 days, festival-goers can expect 150 short films to be screened, a number of panels, and of course, parties!
Check their website for more information and tickets.
9. Celebrate Japanese Pop Culture
The Anime Expo (AX) returns to Los Angeles July 1st- 4th at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
This convention is one of the largest anime conventions in the world. In their exhibit hall, you'll find anime and manga publishers, merchandise, activities, video game companies, and much more.
There is likely to be a well-known figure from the industry there, along with workshops, screenings, and more.
For tickets, visit the Anime Expo (AX) website.
10. Get Free Tickets with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
Admittedly, these passes have a cost. However, if you plan well, you will essentially get several tickets to attractions or tours each day for free.
Tourist discount passes work by bundling multiple tickets into one price, usually between 20%-50% the retail price.
Read our post comparing the different LA tourist discount passes. Several bus tour companies, including hop-on-hop-off buses, also offer discounts and deals.
For more ideas for any time of year, be sure to read our master post on Things to do in LA.
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN JULY
Below is just a short sampling of the many things to do at night in July.
For suggestions on other nighttime activities, read the other sections of this post or our post on things to do at Night in LA.
Head to the 626 Night Market
Head to the 626 Night Market for loads of Asian foods, treats, and shopping!
It takes place two weekends this month: June 30th - July 2nd & July 7th-9th. This event is great for the whole family.
Snack on a cotton candy burrito, or Korean tacos, and sip on a giant baby bottle filled with an adult beverage. There is live music, vendors, and performers.
Attend an Outdoor Movie Screening
Could anything be more LA than spending time in front of the silver screen? It's even better when you can watch them outside on a nice summer night!
Street Food Cinema
Street Food Cinema is out "outdoor movie experience" combining the joy of movies with live music and gourmet food offerings.
It takes place at various outdoor parks around LA.
Past showings have included such movies as:
- A League of Their Own
- The Princess Bride
- Raiders of the Lost Ark
- Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
For a calendar of events and to purchase tickets visit the Street Food Cinema website.
Rooftop Cinema Club
Screenings are held on a rooftop so you have an awesome skyline view.
With cocktails, beer, wine, and popcorn on offer, deckchairs, and personal headphones, it is truly an experience to remember.
Past showings have included such movies as:
- Lost in Translation
- The Sandlot
- Dazed and Confused
- Independence Day
To purchase tickets, visit the Rooftop Cinema Club website.
For more outdoor movie screenings, see our Los Angeles Summer Guide.
Sustainable Wine + Dinner Series at the L.A. Zoo
Enjoy a custom four-course farm-to-table menu paired with wine.
This July 13th dinner is at the L.A. Zoo, with wine offerings from various area wineries.
A menu will be posted close to the date of the event and tickets can be posted here.
Walk Hollywood Boulevard
One of the most famous streets in the USA, Hollywood Boulevard, takes on a totally different feel once the sun goes down.
The lights from the theatres reflect off of the buffed stars on the Walk of Fame and it’s a fun atmosphere to take a stroll or grab drinks or dinner.
Read our full post on things to do in Hollywood.
See the Royal Ballet
From July 14th-16th, the Dutch National Ballet is performing Frida.
The play is inspired by the life of Mexican-born artist Frida Kahlo
Tickets can be booked online and are likely to go fast due to the short number of performance days.
See an Improv Or Comedy Show
L.A. is well known for comedy and improv.
You may be seeing seasoned Los Angeles improvisers, you might catch a group of comedy students, or you may be in on a night when Aziz Ansari is trying out new material.
Below are just a few places to catch an evening comedy show.
Improvisation
- Upright Citizens Brigade
- The Groundlings
- Comedy Sportz (family-friendly)
Stand-Up Comedy
For suggestions on other nighttime activities, read the other sections of this post or our post on things to do at night in LA.
Be sure to check out our Los Angeles Summer Guide for even more things to do at night.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN JULY
Los Angeles always has free events going on, for example, some of the items we’ve listed above like the 4th of July Parade in Santa Monica are 100% free to attend!
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 10 am - 4 pm.
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.
Public Star Party at Griffith Park Observatory
One Saturday every month, the Observatory hosts a night where guests can try amazing telescopes between 2 pm - 9:45 pm on the lawn.
Official dates for July 2023 have yet to be announced, but keep your eye on the Griffith Observatory calendar for updates.
Head up early for an evening hike at sunset! Check out other things to do in Griffith Park.
Free Concerts at California Plaza
In the heart of downtown LA, Saturdays from June to September 2023 concerts are held in California Plaza.
Performances include "world-class music, dance, theatre, and more" and Los Angeles Magazine named it "Best Free Outdoor Concert Series".
Bring along a blanket and a picnic. For more information, visit their website.
Additional Summer Nights Concerts
KCRW presents a variety of summer concerts at numerous venues throughout Los Angeles.
The evening concerts feature a variety of musical genres and are free and open to people of all ages!
More information is available on the KCRW Summer Nights website.
Free Workouts
There are loads of places to get a free workout in Los Angeles. Head to Venice’s famous Muscle Beach to watch the bodybuilders or join in!
Go to Santa Monica’s stairs or snap an Instagram pic of the Micheltorena Stairs Silver Lake.
Check out these suggestions for free workouts.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach
Alfredo’s Beach Club in Long Beach offers free nighttime movies throughout the month of July for people of all ages.
Moviegoers can also enjoy food trucks, snack shops, and kettle corn!
All movies begin at dusk. Click here for a full schedule.
NOTE: They have not updated their 2023 schedule as of the time of this post, but it's expected they will return with many movies again this year.
Catch the Grunion Run
Something that’s enjoyable and unique to southern California is the Grunion Run.
The Run is when thousands of tiny, silvery fish come onto the sand to spawn during the full or new moon!
For those interested in wild marine life, this is an event not to be missed. Check the schedule here.
Go to the Broad Museum and take a Public Tour
The Broad Museum has an incredible collection of contemporary art and amazingly the general admission is free with a pre-reservation!
What many people don’t know is that the Broad offers public art tours on most days. Typically they are at 1:15 pm and 3:15 pm. There are also some Spanish tours on the weekends.
In 2023 they are currently offering limited tours. Check their website for additional information
TIP: Our guide to free things to do in LA lists a number of activities and events that won’t cost you a dime!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN JULY
Families with children can always find something to please in the City of Angels! Here are some of the best things to do with kids in July in LA.
For more ideas, take a look at our post on things to do in LA with kids.
Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival
Held at Marine Stadium in Long Beach, the Dragon Boat Festival is sure to delight people of all ages!
In 2023, it takes place on July 29th from 9 am to 6 pm.
Best of all, it's free to attend.
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy boat races, Chinese acrobats, martial arts demonstrations, and dance performances among other things.
Echo Park Lotus Festival
On July 15th-16th take the whole family to the 41st annual Lotus Festival in Echo Park! The festival is free to attend.
This festival offers entertainment, a children’s area, a Chinese pavilion, arts & crafts vendors, and dragon boat races among other things.
There will also be a food court and a tea house and a ceremony.
Shakespeare by the Sea
Enjoy a Shakespearean drama or comedy throughout multiple locations in LA for free!
Shakespeare by the Sea runs from June 22nd - August 4th at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro.
In July, you'll have a chance to see Hamlet, and best of all admission is free!
Zimmer Children’s Museum
LA’s The Cayton Children's Museum (formerly the Zimmer) is loaded with hands-on and interactive exhibits for little ones to enjoy!
Located in Santa Monica, the museum also offers classes, scheduled programs, and arts and crafts.
Entrance is currently $15 each for adults and children (age 1 and above).
Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm.
Attend The Rams Football Training Camp
For any sports fans, the Rams are hosting Training Camp July 29th-August 9th 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 have 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.
For more ideas of things to do with kids in LA, see our post Things to do in LA with Kids.
Make sure to have a look at our Los Angeles Summer Guide for dozens of things to do, including free activities, festivals, and family-friendly events that happen only in the summer!
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