12 free summer concert series events in Southern California

Summer has finally arrived and the warmer weather also means the return of a local tradition: free summer concerts.

With eclectic lineups spanning a wide variety of music genres, these concert events that are popping up all over Southern California do not require a ticket.

If plunking down hundreds or thousands of dollars to see acts like Taylor Swift, Metallica, Morgan Wallen, Blackpink and Beyoncé is not in the budget this year, here are a dozen spots to catch free live entertainment this summer.

Some events require free advance reservation. Check the official websites for details.

City of Glendale Free Summer Concerts

The shows are happening at three locations from Wednesday, July 5 through Friday, Aug. 25 featuring tribute, party, pop and rock bands, as well as swing ensembles and other types of music. The series kicks off at Vergudo Park on July 5 with The Curse, a Cure tribute band. On Friday, July 7 the series takes place at the Brand Library and Art Center Lawn with the Blue Breeze Band playing Motown tunes while the shows at City Hall’s Perkins Plaza start on Thursday, July 27 with the Verdugo Swing Society.

When/Where: 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Verdugo Park, 1621 Canada Boulevard; 7 p.m. Thursdays at City Hall’s Perkin Plaza, 613 E. Broadway; and 7 p.m. Fridays at Library and Art Center, 1601 W. Mountain Street.

Information: glendaleca.gov

ALSO SEE: OC Parks announces the lineup for its free 2023 Summer Concert Series

Grand Performances in Los Angeles

Global music takes center stage through Saturday, Aug. 26 at the California Plaza in the heart of downtown L.A. The series started in June and upcoming highlights include a Saturday, July 15 show by Chicano jazz pioneer Garrett Saracho. On Saturday, July 29 Native-American and African-American singer Martha Redbone performs a mix of folk, blues, and gospel; Dublab will host a tribute to the late Art Laboe on Saturday, Aug. 5; and in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, DJ Battlecat will perform with a live band on Saturday,  Aug. 12.

When: 6-10 p.m. every Saturday through Aug. 26.

Where: 350 South Grand Ave. Los Angeles

Information: grandperformances.org

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles

MacArthur Park becomes a musical hotspot every summer thanks to this free musical series that’s bringing more than 30 shows to the area this year. The series includes several genres of music from cumbia and salsa to rock and jazz and hip-hop and soul. The upcoming weekend of music includes R&B artist Tolliver and drag and performance art collective Haus of Derma on Friday, July 7 followed by a night of Rock, cumbia and Mexican Folklorico with sets by Amandititita, El Conjunto Nuevo Ola and Pacifico Dance Company on Saturday, July 8. On Sunday, July 9 it’s a night of Latin alt-rock with Virrey, plus the sounds of Sirreño, which is an offshoot of Regional Mexican music, with Los Del Momento. One of the biggest shows will likely be the Saturday, July 22 performance by Grammy winning Latin fusion stars La Santa Cecilia.

When: 7-10 p.m. on Fridays-Saturdays; 5-8 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 3

Where: MacArthur Park, 2230 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles

Information:  levittlosangeles.org

Manhattan Beach Concerts in the Park

Blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics are encouraged at Polliwog Park for the city’s free summer concert series, which runs Sunday, July 2-Sunday, Sept. 3. It all kicks off with the Satin Dollz, who will take you back in time with a performance reminiscent of the WWII USO Camp Shows. Then it’s back to the ’90s with So Rad, a band that plays rock and pop songs from the that era on Sunday, July 9.

When: 5-7 p.m. July 2-Sept. 3

Where: Polliwog Park Amphitheater, 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach

Information: manhattanbeach.gov

ALSO SEE: 32 free summer concerts coming to Levitt Pavilion in Los Angeles

MoVal Rocks in Moreno Valley

Moreno Valley is putting it’s new City Amphitheater to use this summer with its MoVal Rocks concert series, which runs Thursdays through Aug. 3. There’s no show on July 6, but the music comes back with the country and rock cover band Silver Lining on July 13.

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 3.

Where: Civic Center Amphitheater, 14075 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley

Information: moval.org

OC Parks Summer Concert Series

The annual series is held at various parks throughout the county on Thursday evenings and runs through Aug. 24. The series brings a variety of musical acts including well known touring bands like The Rembrandts at Irvine Regional Park on July 6 and Ozomatli to the same park on July 13. Patrons are able to bring their own picnic items and blankets for seating. On-site concessions will be available for purchase.

When:  5-8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 24.

Where: Craig Regional Park is located at 3300 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton; Mason Regional Park, 18712 University Dr., Irvine; Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange; Carbon Canyon Regional Park, 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea; Mile Square Regional Park, 6801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley; Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

Information: ocparks.com