The 25 Coolest Free Things to Do in LA This Summer

Image via Complex Original

Where: Spring and Main St. between 4th and 9th St.
When: 2nd Tuesday of every month, 6-10 p.m.
Why should you go: See great art and actually walk for a change 
Website: Downtown Art Walk

The Cores Gallery Row neighborhood of downtown LA offers a ton of art gallery, dining, and shopping options. For one day each month, the area actually feels like a real city and promotes walking from place to place, which is a nice alternative to the standard LA car confined evening. You can opt for the free walking tour, or you can simply meet up with some friends and walk from place to place until you stumble into an Uber car at the end of the night.

Where: 52 Windward Ave.
When: Wendesdays at 9 p.m., Burlesque at 11 p.m.
Why you should go: Burlesque is like stripping but classy and empowering
Website: The Townhouse / The Del Monte

It takes a little something extra to stand out among the stand-up shows going on every night of the week across Los Angeles. The Townhouse's basement speakeasy, The Del Monte, has made a name for itself with Red Light Wednesdays, their weekly night of burlesque and comedy. Though the drinks are a bit pricey, you can't beat the atmosphere.

Where: 300 W Second St.
When: Thursdays from 9:30-11:30pm
Why you should go: Who couldn't use more poetry in their life? 
Website: A Mic and Dim Lights

Angelenos are constantly asked to go to stand-up open mics, free improv shows, and thinly-veiled industry showcases. Rarely are we asked to take in some poetry. Hosted by veteran emcee BessKeep and DJed by JB, this venerable event has been the spot to catch the finest in poetry and beatboxing LA has to offer for years.

Where: 1805 W Sunset Blvd.
When: Tuesdays at 9 p.m.
Why you should go: You're tired of hearing the same five songs at every bar.
Website: Record Club

Are you as sick of hearing "Don't Stop Believin'" and that shitty Avicii song every time you go to a bar? The Record Club at El Prado has the cure you've been long been seeking. Those who sign up a week ahead of time bring vinyl to spin for their fellow patrons and receive a free drink for their troubles. Not only is the event free (you're on your own for beer of course), but have a chance of walking away with free 7" singles on the last Tuesday of every month.

Where: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd.
When: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (plus special event hours)
Why you should go: More interesting than a celebrity homes tour.
Website: Hollywood Forever Cemetery

If you're looking for a solemn place to remember old Hollywood, this probably isn't it. The cemetery is the final resting place of a number of early Hollywood luminaries including Cecil B. DeMille and Peter Lorre, and as such, is a must-see LA tourist attraction. If you do happen to have a little extra scratch, you can catch a movie or a concert if you stop by on the right night.

Where: 2000 Avenue of the Stars
When: Wed-Fri 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Why you should go: It's time to go beyond your Instagram feed.
Website: The Annenberg

This relatively new space for photography exhibitions is hungry for patrons, and that's certainly reflected in the price. Not only is admission free, but parking, that traditional Los Angeles secret wallet killer, is only a dollar. This summer's primary exhibition is "Country: Portraits of An American Sound," which runs through late September. According to the Annenberg, the exhibition, "uses historical and contemporary photographs to explore how images shape the public identity of country music performers and of the genre itself. Celebrated performers such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, and Hank Williams-as well as deejays, fans, executives and musicians-are seen in the works of photographers who documented multiple generations of this popular history."

Where: 943 – 951 N. Broadway
When: 2nd Saturday of every month, 5 p.m.-Midnight
Why you should go: There's more to Chinese food than General Tso's
Website: Chinatown Summer Nights

This is just one of the many amazing events and initiatives that KCRW has a hand in around Los Angeles. The station describes Chinatown Summer Nights as "Part food event, part summer party." Local food trucks and Chinatown restaurants will be on hand to show off their wares. You can eat and drink craft brews as you made your way through Chinese culinary demonstrations, video projections, and dance floors manned by KCRW DJs.

Where: 2000 N Fuller Ave.
When: Dawn to Dusk
Why you should go: You could use the exercise
Website: Runyon Canyon

The fitness culture of Los Angeles is on full display at Runyon Canyon. When the rest of the country thinks of hiking, they think of secluded, peaceful, distant trails. Runyon Canyon is accessible via a Hollywood side street. Though the view from Runyon is breathtaking, part of the joy hiking the canyon is people watching. On the weekends, you'll see aspiring starlets, sweaty screenwriters, and the occasional celebrity making the trek to the top of the canyon. An off-leash dog area and yoga in the park add to vibrant feeling of this scenic area.

Where: 135 N Grand Ave.
When: Every other Friday from 6:30-10:00 p.m.
Why you should go: There's more to dancing than the pelvic grind.
Website: Dance Downtown

Dancing in the club gets old eventually. Sure, you might be able to grind up on a lady, but you're equally likely to step on some guy's shoes and piss him off. Dance Downtown takes the stigma out of the dance floor. Warning: The coolness of each event varies from week to week. While Argentine Tango and Salsa may be just what you and your lady need to rekindle that romance, Line Dancing and K-Pop may not appeal to everyone.

Where: 1533 N Cahuenga Blvd.
When: Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. through July 20
Why you should go: So you know another street artist besides Banksy
Website: Project Gallery

Los Angeles based street artist Hueman has been getting a lot of heat lately. She graced the covered of LA Weekly's "People 2014" issue and has worked with Diddy and Nike among a host of others. Hueman is known for her bold, vibrant work that has enjoyed mass popularity and critical acclaim. If you want a sneak preview before you truck over to Hollywood, our own Andrew Lasane dropped a piece on the exhibition last week.

Where: 5303 Lankershim Blvd.
When: Last Friday of every month
Why you should go: Variety shows are the spice of life.
Website: Elixir the Show

"Imagine Mad Men meets the Rat Pack at the Playboy Club:" this is how Elixir pitches their monthly live show. We're sold. With elements of live music, comedy, and burlesque, Elixir offers a throwback variety show that promises to be as sexy, funny, and charming as the period of pop culture that it emulates.

Where: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd.
When: Sat 2-5 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Why you should go: When else are you going to see polo?
Website: Will Rogers Polo

Summer is a slow time for sports, especially if you aren't a big baseball fan. Add a little class to your spectatorship by watching free polo matches at Will Rogers State Park. The former Rogers estate, now owned by the State of California is home to the last remaining polo ground in Los Angeles. This polo ground is also historic: Walt Disney and Clark Gable once got their polo on here decades ago. If you want to stick around after the polo match, there is an entire 186-acre park surrounding the polo grounds, so there is plenty more to see.

Where: Various
When: August 25
Why you should go: You seriously need a reason?
Website: The National Park Service

On a handful of days each year, the National Park Service waives their modest entry fees and allows people to enjoy their parks free of charge. Few cities boast the proximity to as many national parks as Los Angeles. Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Seqouia, Pinnacles, Yosemite, and Zion are all a reasonable distance from SoCal. These parks have a wide range of climates and vegetation, so save whatever parks you don't hit for the free-entrance days in fall and winter.

Where: 3191 Casitas Ave.
When: 7 p.m., select dates from June 26 through August 31
Why you should go: Iambic pentameter is the sexiest meter.
Website: Independent Shakespeare Company

Since 1998, the Independent Shakespeare Company has been staging a summer festival in Griffith Park. This year's festival will feature Twelfth Night and Taming of the Shrew in repertory. The ISC promises an elegant take on Twelfth Night set in the Downton Abbey era which is already generating buzz in the local theatre world. The Griffith Park productions are generally well attended and well reviewed; they should make for an enjoyable evening, even for a Shakespeare novice.

Where: 5919 Franklin Ave.
When: Sundays at 7:30 p.m. 
Why you should go: There's a lot of bad improv out there; this is not bad improv.
Website: Assscat @ UCB

Assscat is the most famous of UCB's shows, and it also offers the most famous performers. LA's version often features actors like Any Daly (of Review), Matt Walsh (of Veep) and Zach Woods (of every comedy currently on television). Special guest stars are known to drop by as well. Regardless of the roster, the show never disappoints. Though Assscat is free, expect to pay in time, as the lines for these shows are notoriously long. Get there early if you actually want to get in.

Where: 5905 Wilshire Blvd. 
When: Fridays at 6:00 p.m.
Why you should go: The only time you hear jazz shouldn't be in elevators.
Website: Jazz at LACMA

Jazz at LACMA is a Los Angeles institution. Over 40,000 visitors pass through the museum during their jazz events, where sometimes you can catch jazz legends. Jazz at LACMA is a beloved stand-by for poor people trying to look classy to dates and out of work artists who want to do something besides watch Netflix, but even if you're lucky enough to have money, this event is well worth your time.

Where: West Hollywood
When: 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Friday and Saturday Evening
Why you should go: Drink and let someone else drive
Website: The Pick-Up Line

There aren't many LA neighborhoods where you can barhop. It's possible in Silverlake, Santa Monica, or Venice, but only the most stalwart walkers among us will make it past the first few destinations. Enter West Hollywood drunk trolly, the Pick-Up Line. Not only is the Pick-Up Line a free, efficient way to barhop,  but riders get discounts at some local businesses. New York ex-pats should check out the Surly Goat, on Santa Monica and North Hayworth, as it is the areas closest approximation to a Brooklyn craft beer bar.

Where: 2800 E Observatory Rd.
When: Wed-Fri noon-10 p.m.; Sat, Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Why you should go: Here's your chance to see the stars through the smog.
Website: Griffith Observatory

Every observatory worth its salt has a big ass telescope. That's a given. And the big ass telescope at the Griffith Observatory doesn't disappoint. There are a number of other attractions to entertain you at the Observatory as well. A Foucault pendulum, a star projector, and a huge mural in the central rotunda are just a few of the other attractions at the Griffith.

Where: 200 Santa Monica Pier
When: Thursdays from 7-10 p.m.
Why you should go: This pier concert series is peerless.
Website: Santa Monica Pier

Normally, the Santa Monica Pier is about as unironically normcore an attraction as you could imagine. Though the view is wonderful, you have to wade through a sea of windbreakers, bucket hats, pooka shell necklaces, and backwards store-faded baseball caps once you're there. But Thursday nights during the summer, the pier actually gets pretty cool. It's hard to find a more diverse line-up than what the Twilight Series in store for their 30th anniversary. You'll hear everything from Australian alt rock to Arabic electro at the pier this summer.

Where: 10899 Wilshire Blvd.
When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Weekends
Why you should go: It's always good to expand your artistic horizons.
Website: The Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum is home to a variety of high brow, avant-garde, and experimental projects, and they offer all of their programs for free. This summer's slate features dance pieces, television production, drop-in sessions on mindful awareness, and a "Literary Death Match."

Where: Various Locations
When: Various Times
Why you should go: Design is art you engage with every day. It's worth learning to appreciate.
Website: LA Design Festival

Throughout the latter half of June, the Los Angeles Design Festival connects a host of events across a variety of design disciplines. The festival provides the opportunity to learn about all types of design including architecture, interiors, product, fashion, automobile, and entertainment design. Some events invite you into green buildings while others take place in studios featuring interactive wall art. One of the festival's centerpieces are galleries that you might not normally see, including those with furniture, ceramics, and lighting collections. Of course, many of the events also involve booze. Many of the events are free, but some of require a small fee. 

Where: 1822 Sunset Blvd.
When: Mondays at 8:30 p.m.
Why you should go: These bands probably won't play for free much longer.
Website: The Echo

The Echo provides a great service to emerging artists and audiences alike with their Monday Night Residency. An up-and-coming band is given four consecutive weeks of free dates to build their fan base, while audiences are given free music in a world of increasingly pricey concert tickets. Through June you have Joel Jermone and Babies on Acid ("experimental thriftstore folk") and July brings Corners ("garage rock in its purest form"). August's act is yet to be announced.

Where: 7522 Sunset Blvd.
When: Monday nights and various other events as per schedule
Why you should go: Nerdist is about more than just podcasts.
Website: NerdMelt LA

NerdMelt, housed in Meltdown Comics, the indie comic book store and mecca of Chris Hardwick's Nerdist empire, is quickly become one of the essential stand-up and sketch venues in the city. Unlike many other comedy spots in LA, they don't require a two-drink minimum. Think of NerdMelt as the UCB of stand-up and podcasting. Most nights, you can see stellar shows like Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail or Harmontown at a reasonable price. That's right, on a weekly basis, you can be in the presence of Silicon Valley's Kumail Nanjiani or Community's Dan Harmon for $10. On Mondays, and roughly one other night a week, open mics and other events are absolutely free.

Where: Various
When: Various
Why you should go: See the hosts with the most in person.
Website: Kimmel / Conan 

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or in this case, when in Rome do as the barbarians (tourists) do. Everyone and their mother, actually make that everyone's mother, wants to see TV tapings when they come to Los Angeles. Whether you opt for Conan or The Price is Right, these events are a blast. I recently went to Conan, and it was a great experience. The band puts on quite a show, Conan is as impressive as you would expect, and the guests were great, even though we went on a day when they had C-Listers on the couch.

Where: 1200 Getty Center Dr.
When: Tue-Thu, Sun 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Why you should go: One of the best art collections in the world is free once you pay for parking.
Website: The Getty Museum

LA is often knocked for its lack of culture and once you've seen enough froyo spots, 24-hour gyms, and plastic surgeons, you'll likely tend to agree. Even so, there are some parts of LA where culture thrives. The Getty, LA's answer to the The Met, is just such a place. Despite their impressive collection, The Getty offers free admission. Parking is $15, so make sure you all pile into one car to reduce costs. Not only is the Getty's collection impressive, but the architecture and sculpture on the grounds alone is worth the parking fee. If you have time, check out the Getty Villa in Malibu for a more classical feel.