As we make our way deep into the Summer and the month the city of Los Angeles is ready to dazzle you once again with an endless list of awesome events that are simply too good to be missed. From inspiring cultural celebrations to exciting water activities, we have our best of the best for you to enjoy in August of 2023 right here in LA.
So get ready to mark up your calendars and plan for a diverse range of entertainment experiences, including festivals, concerts, water activities, and much more. Its time to celebrate our favorite time of year in Los Angeles; the Summer!
1 – Top Festivals in August
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With so many incredible annual concerts that come to Los Angeles, the HARD Summer concert really stands out, with its reputation for bringing stellar lineups of stars. HARD summer is happening on August 5th-6th and you can grab General Admission and VIP tickets. Check out this mostly electronic music concert line-up, and get your tickets through their website!
Next on our list of amazing festivals in LA for August, is the Taste of Ecuador. Come to historic La Placita in Olvera street on Sunday August 6th from 10 am to 6 pm for the 23rd year(!) of this awesome foodie and cultural event. If you know some foodies be sure to bring them with you to taste some delcious eats. Expect a wide range of choices inspired by the different regions of Ecuador, as well as vendor booths, and even a parade.
Long Beach is known for big events and is featuring two really awesome fests in the month of August that caught our attention. First is the, Taste of Downtown Waterfront which is happening on August 9 and 10th right on East Shoreline Drive. This awesome foodie fest brings a taste of Downtown Long Beach’s culinary culture with sips and samples from various DTLB restaurants and bars. Its free to attend but you should register online ahead of time.
And on August 26th, gather up at the Rainbow Lagoon for a perfect combo of two of our favorite things: Tacos and Beer! The West Coast Taco & Beer Festival Guests will experience bottomless craft beer/hard cider/seltzers & other beverage tastings from local and regional breweries & beverage companies as well as access to culinary food vendors selling the all types of tacos + other street food items on their menu. Tickets entry ranges from $45 to $99 and should be purchased ahead of time.
Location: various
Pic Credit: @broadway world
2 – Best Free Activities in August
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Summer vacations, especially with the whole family can be costly, so what can you do this month in LA for free? First on our list is Sunset Picnic at The Annenberg Community Beach House. All guests are welcomed to picnic as the sun goes down. Bring your own picnics, along with blankets and games, on August 17th from 5 to 8 pm.
Back to school Giveaways! Attend one of these Back to School free events on Saturday August 12th, and get free supplies for your kids such as backpacks, school supplies, crafts. Also games, and even prizes! Some locations include the Harbor Community Health Center in San Pedro, Culver City Teen Center, and Grocery Outlet located at 2175 Rosecrans Ave, Compton, CA.
Learn to dance for free on Friday nights with Dance DTLA at the Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Anyone who wants to learn a new dance styles and dance the night away under the stars, are welcome on Fridays August 4th, 11th and 18th from 7 to 11 pm at Jerry Moss Plaza. Free to attend but RSVP at musiccenter.org.
For more amazing free event ideas this month check out Chinatown Summer Nights, Night Market at The Bungalow in Santa Monica on Thursday nights, and Garden Concerts for Kids at the Getty Center. Also explore free movies at the park and take the whole family. There are free outdoor movie screenings across LA but some of our favorites include Movies on The Green at Baldwin Park, Marina del Rey’s Free Movie Nights, and Family Movies Under the Stars in Buena Park.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @cbs los angeles
3 – August Fairs
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LA has a variety of fun and vibrant fairs happening this month, These fairs are celebrations of community, culture, and entertainment and really capture the essence of fun, free spirited lifestyle of Southern California.
First on our list is the OC County Fair. If you haven’t been there yet, you still have until August 13th to experience this mega event and one of the most popular fairs in all of California. Take the whole family, and enjoy fun rides, and carnival food and desserts. Also, the courtyard is open every day of the OC Fair, and wine enthusiasts are invited to indulge in a delicious glass of local wine.
Our next suggestion is the Ventura County Fair, from August 2nd-13th. Take a trip to beautiful Ventura County and enjoy this annual event, which is without a doubt, a highlight of summer for locals and visitors alike. Expect fun rides, delicious food, live music performances, and exhibitions showcasing the area’s rich agricultural heritage.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @ventura county fair
4 – Best Splash Pads
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The beautiful sunny weather is finally here, so it is time to beat the heat by visiting one of the city’s fantastic splash pads. Take your little ones and have a great time at one of these refreshing water playgrounds! Splash pads are great way to cool off quickly without all the cost and hassle that might come from going to a pool or waterpark.
First up for public splash pads is Virginia Ave Park in Santa Monica. This vibrant water playground offers fun and colorful water jets, cascading fountains, and interactive spray features, the splash pad invites visitors to cool off, laugh, and engage in awesome aquatic adventures. Surrounded by lush greenery and shaded seating areas, parents can relax and watch their little ones gleefully splash around.
There is another free splash pad at the Annenberg Community Beach House Splash Pad in Santa Monica. This is a must-visit destination for families looking to beat the heat and have a blast right by the beach. With its multiple water features, safe environment, and a range of other amenities, this water playground offers an unforgettable experience for children of all ages. Note that the Beach House is very popular in the Summer so plan to come early to avoid big crowds.
We also suggest visiting Alondra Park Splash pad in Lawndale. Nestled in the heart of Alondra Park off Manhattan Beach Blvd, this vibrant water play area is the perfect place for families seeking a cool and enjoyable experience. The splash pad offers a variety of interactive water features, from gentle sprays and misters to thrilling water jets and fountains. Your kids will love this splash pad!
If you’re in other parts of Los Angeles, especially the Valley where cooling off is really needed don’t worry we have you covered. Here is a list of free Splash Pads run by LA Parks and Recreation; Los Angeles Splash Pads
When its Summer in Los Angeles, a refreshing free splash pad to cool off is always within easy reach, no matter where you are in the city.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Annenberg Community Beach House
5 – Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Concert
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The Walt Disney Animation Studios Concert at the Hollywood Bowl is a remarkable celebration of the timeless music and unforgettable stories from Disney that have captured our hearts for generations.
Disney has an incredible ability to provide entertainment that transcends generations, and this event is no exception. From young children experiencing the magic for the first time to adults relishing in fond memories, this concert serves as a testament to the universality of Disney’s storytelling.
Come to the Hollywood Bowl on August 4th, and experience the Walt Disney Animation Studios Concert. Journey through the most iconic song and film moments of the studio’s treasured legacy live and in concert.
Expect aww-inspiring moments and special guests while Thomas Wilkins conducts the LA Phil in a program that will delight all Disney fans. And what makes this even more unique and special is that Disney Studios and Walt Disney himself are created and ran from nearby Burbank.
Location:2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
PIC Credit: @dapsmagic
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!