These upcoming free events are cool ways to enjoy summer in Los Angeles without having to worry about burning a hole in your wallet.
MUSICKCRW’s Summer Nights: This concert series features the taste-making radio station’s favorite up-and-coming artists, including singer/songwriter Diego Garcia on June 11 and Seattle indie rock unit Motopony on June 25. These shows go down at One Colorado, in the heart of historic Pasadena. Audience members of all ages are welcome. 7:30pm, June 25One Colorado, 24 East Union Street, at North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena (626-564-1066 or www.onecolorado.com)Also, I Like to Rock: Another KCRW concert series on Thursday nights starting July 1. The night features music from KCRW DJs plus a duo of buzzable bands. The series lineup includes garage rockers The Soft Pack, pop quartet Grouplove and the Tom Petty-influenced The Henry Clay People. Station members get VIP entrance for these all ages shows, and the Hammer’s galleries will stay open until 9pm. 7pm, Thursdays through July10899 Wilshire Boulevard, at Westwood Avenue, (310-443-7000 or hammer.ucla.edu)
NATUREFree National Park Admittance: Celebrate summer in one of California’s breathtaking national parks. On June 21, park admission is waved in honor of the first day of summer. This means free entrance to Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Yosemite and more. For more information, visit the National Park Service’s website. June 21
Catalina Birthday Cruise: Those with summer birthdays can party at sea by sailing to Catalina Island for free on their birthday. Birthday sailors must travel to the island on their actual day of birth and can stay on Catalina for up to 30 days before returning home free of charge. (800-481-3470 or www.catalinaexpress.com)CULTUREDowntown Art Walk: This self-guided gallery night goes down on the second Thursday of every month. More than 40 galleries in the historic core feature paintings, photography, drawings, light installations and more. Start at the art walk lounge, where you’ll find maps, a bike valet service, free refreshments and much witty banter. June 9, noon - 9pm434 South Spring Street, at FILFIL (213-617-4929 or www.downtownartwalk.com)Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival: Pack a picnic, head to Griffith Park and immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare. The Independent Shakespeare Company’s summer season includes "Othello" and "Much Ado About Nothing."7pm, July 8 - August 29Griffith Park, near the Old Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, (818-710-6306 or iscla.org)Grand Performances: This summer series in downtown’s California Plaza celebrates LA's diversity. This means an eclectic lineup of jazz, chamber music, film screenings, theatre and dance. The weekday Lunch Box Series is free for downtown workers looking for noon hour culture.Begins July 17300 South Grand Avenue, at North 3rd Street, (213-687-2159 or grandperformances.org)