Friends, we’ve reached the deep summer, when the ocean gets warm and the days are hot. It’s time to get out in the shade and enjoy those outdoor concerts and other fun activities, before they fade away for another year. Here are some of our favorites.
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Aug. 1 — Studio City: Enjoy “Viva la Cultura: Folklórico Performance” from 2 to 2:45 p.m. at the Studio City branch library, Learn about Mexican art, music, history, storytelling, and culture through the folk dance “baile folklórico.” All ages. 12511 Moorpark St., Studio City. lapl.org/events/viva-la-cultura-folklorico-performance
Aug. 1 — Tustin: How do you feel about bubbles? The District at Tustin Legacy is holding a Bubble Blast from noon to 2 p.m. with a live DJ playing family-friendly tunes, multiple bubble play stations, a giant foam zone in the AMC Fountain Courtyard. Yeah, you’ll want to bring a towel to dry off. 2437 Park Ave., Tustin. thedistricttl.com/events
Aug. 4 — Many locations: This is the annual National Night Out Against Crime, when neighborhoods and police get together for community events, so check your area to see what they have going on. Learn more: natw.org/about
Aug. 5 — Ontario: Enjoy the Summer Concert Series at Ontario Town Square in the downtown amphitheater. The fun event starts at 5 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m. There will be food vendors and shopping. This week: Britain’s Finest (The Beatles Experience). Ontario Town Square, 224 N. Euclid Ave., Ontario. OntarioCA.gov/SpecialEvents,
Aug. 5 — Montebello: The city is closing out its summer concert season with Anything For Latinas: Selena Tribute from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Montebello City Park. This is family-friendly. Selena-inspired outfits are welcome. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and dance moves. Bring your own picnic or there will be food vendors. Limited parking; attendees are encouraged to use the free shuttle service from Montebello City Hall. The park is at 1301 West Whittier Blvd., Montebello. City Hall is at 1600 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello. eventbrite.com/e/montebellos-2026-concerts-at-the-park-tickets-1990142233995
Aug. 6 — Fullerton: Come hear the all-female Mariachi Divas play at Craig Regional Park, part of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series. Event starts at 5 p.m. concert at 6 p.m. 3300 State College Blvd., Fullerton. ocparks.com/news/oc-parks-presents-2026-summer-concert-series-and-sunset-cinema-film-series
Aug. 6 — Redondo Beach: Head to the pier for a 6 p.m. concert by the Hot Lava Band (a B-52s tribute) at Fisherman’s Wharf on the west side of the pier. It’s part of the pier’s Summer of Music program with live music on Thursdays and Saturdays. 100-500 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach. redondopier.com/summer-of-music/
Aug. 6 — Riverside: Enjoy the interesting Riverside ArtsWalk every first Thursday, including free admission to The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture as well as many other downtown arts destinations from 6 to 8 p.m. Artists On Main, located between 5th and 10th streets, is coordinated by the Riverside Arts Council. The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, 3581 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. riversideartscouncil.com/about-artswalk
Aug. 6 — Simi Valley: It’s comedy night with “Laughter at the Library” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Featuring comedians Karen Rontowski, Steve Mazan, and Marty Fidelman. Simi Valley Public Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley. simivalley.librarycalendar.com/event/laughter-library-761
Aug. 7 — Los Angeles: Head to the Afrobeats free outdoor dance party on the Jerry Moss Plaza at the Music Center from 7 to 11 p.m. Live DJ sets, free step-by-step guided dance lessons and nonstop dancing. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. musiccenter.org/tickets-free-events/summer-at-the-music-center/
Aug. 8 — Lancaster: Head to the General William J. Fox Airfield to view the free monthly display of classic, antique, and vintage aircraft. See the aircraft up close and meet and speak with their owners from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please contact the airport manager’s office at 661-945-0078. 4725 William J Barnes Ave., Lancaster. calendar.pw.lacounty.gov/event/aircraft-display-day-132/
Aug.11 — Long Beach: Bring your blanket or chairs to Summer at the Shell Tuesdays Concert in the Park, featuring the classic rock band The Emperors from 6 to 8 p.m. At the historic 1929 Shell in Recreation Park (between Federation Drive and Park Avenue). There’s bench seating and a lawn. liveattheshell.org
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Aug. 13 — Fountain Valley: Prepare for fun at the Como La Flor Band: A Tribute to Selena at Mile Square Regional Park,, part of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series. Event starts at 5 p.m. concert at 6 p.m. 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley. Free admission and parking. ocparks.com/events/oc-parks-summer-concert-series-como-la-flor-band-tribute-selena
Aug. 13-15 — Whittier: Free Shakespeare in the park at 7:30 p.m. nightly, presented by Whittier Shakes. The play will be “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” No tickets required. Bring a Palm Park, 5703 Palm Ave., Whittier.whittiershakes.com/a-midsummer-nights-dream
Aug.14 — Los Angeles: Check out this Bollywood free outdoor dance party on the Jerry Moss Plaza at the Music Center from 7 to 11 p.m. Live DJ sets, free dance lessons and nonstop dancing. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dance DTLA 2026 Summer of Dance musiccenter.org/tickets-free-events/summer-at-the-music-center/
Aug. 15 — Redlands: It’s time for the fireworks finale to the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival with Tchaikovsky and more. Seating is first come, first served, so get there early. The bowl has bench seats, as well as some grassy areas for blankets or lawn chairs. You’re not allowed to save seats or bring canopies. You can bring a picnic, but your cooler must fit under your seat. Ushers will collect voluntary donations at intermission. 25 Grant. St., Redlands. redlandsbowl.org/fireworks-finale
Aug. 16 — Orange: Enjoy a free “Symphony in the Cities” outdoor concert at the Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University. For the whole family. Musical playground at 5:30 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m. The concert is free but sign up online for free tickets and also a free parking pass. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs or a blanket. Aitken Arts Plaza, 415 N. Glassell St., Orange. muscocenter.org
Aug. 16 — South Pasadena: Head to the concert in Garfield Park to see the New Romantics (Taylor Swift tribute) from 5 to 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic. Garfield Park, 1000 Park Ave., South Pasadena. southpasadenaca.gov/events
Aug. 24 — Norco: Want to learn how to sew? Join this “Sewing Social” where library staff will help you lear. Bring your own recycled fabric or decorations to add. Machines, needles, thread and scissors will all be provided. Ages 12 and up. From 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Norco branch library, 3240 Hamner Ave., #101B, Norco. rivlib.libcal.com/event/17148600
Aug. 25 — Everywhere: All national parks in the U.S. will be free to visit on Tuesday, Aug. 25 — the 110th birthday of the National Park Service. Free entry days this year are only for U.S. citizens and legal residents. The nine national parks in California are Channel Islands (the boat ride won’t be free), Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Lassen, Pinnacles, Redwood, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and Yosemite. Plan to arrive at sunrise to avoid the thundering herds. nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm#free_entrance_days
Aug. 27 — Dana Point: Enjoy this Taylor Swift tribute band, Dream Like Taylor, and Katie Ferrara at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach Park, part of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series. Event starts at 5 p.m. concert at 6 p.m. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. ocparks.com/events/oc-parks-summer-concert-series-dream-taylor
Aug. 27 — San Clemente: Go see the Pacific Symphony’s “On the Go” quartet at the Ole Hanson Beach Club, All shows start at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Concerts are weather-permitting. 105 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. pacificsymphony.org/sotg
Aug. 28. — Dana Point: Head to Salt Creek Beach Park to see the classic “Top Gun” (PG 1986). Sponsored by OC Parks. Character meet-and-greets, DJ-led games and food for purchase. Fun starts at 6 p.m. movie at sunset. Free admission and parking. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point ocparks.com/events/oc-parks-sunset-cinema-series-top-gun-1986
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