What makes July in Los Angeles a must-visit month?

July in Los Angeles is synonymous with a vibrant, infectious summertime spirit. The city comes alive with a plethora of activities, from outdoor movie screenings to beach getaways. This month, the city offers a diverse array of events, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Whether you are a local or a visitor, Los Angeles in July is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored.

Top 10 Activities and Attractions in July

Los Angeles is brimming with activities throughout July, making it an ideal time to explore the city. Here are the top 10 activities and attractions you shouldn’t miss:

1. Sporting Events: July is a fantastic month for sports enthusiasts. Catch a baseball game at Dodger Stadium and enjoy a classic Dodger Dog. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels have several home games this month. Soccer fans can watch the LA Galaxy in action, with four home games scheduled. Additionally, the Los Angeles Sparks women’s basketball team also has four home games in July.
2. Music Festivals: Los Angeles hosts several music festivals in July. Notable events include the Lost in Dreams Festival at LA State Historic Park on July 12-13, the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival at the Greek Theatre on July 13, and the Sound and Fury Festival at Exposition Park from July 13-15.
3. 4th of July Celebrations: Celebrate America’s 247th birthday with a variety of events in Los Angeles. Highlights include the Downtown LA Block Party by City Hall, the Santa Monica 4th of July Parade, and the Hollywood Bowl 4th of July Spectacular featuring Harry Connick Jr. In Long Beach, the Queen Mary offers a unique experience with entertainment, music, and fireworks.
4. Anime Expo: The largest anime convention in the US, Anime Expo, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from July 4-9. This annual event attracts over 100,000 attendees and features an extensive exhibit hall, video screenings, concerts, and a fashion show.
5. RuPaul’s DragCon: Celebrating the art of drag, RuPaul’s DragCon offers attendees the chance to meet contestants and well-known drag artists. The event includes panel discussions, merchandise, VIP events, and parties.
6. Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival: This festival, celebrating an international sport with roots in Southern China, features food, performances, and races with over 100 amateur teams. The event takes place in Long Beach.
7. Colombian Independence Festival: Celebrating Colombian culture, this festival offers a variety of foods, music, and performances. With three stages featuring different genres, including salsa, merengue, EDM, and reggae, the festival attracts thousands of attendees.
8. Tourist Attraction Passes: Save money by bundling multiple tickets into one price with tourist attraction passes. These passes offer significant savings, allowing you to visit several attractions each day for free or at a reduced cost.
9. 626 Night Market: Held on two weekends in July (July 5-7 and July 12-14), this event offers a wide range of Asian foods, treats, and shopping. Enjoy live music, vendors, and performers in a family-friendly atmosphere.
10. Outdoor Movie Screenings: Enjoy a unique movie experience under the stars with Street Food Cinema and Rooftop Cinema Club. Past showings have included classics like “A League of Their Own” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

Free Things to Do in July

Los Angeles offers a variety of free events and activities in July. Here are some highlights:

• Santa Monica 4th of July Parade: This parade is 100% free to attend and features floats, horses, and music.
• Smorgasburg: The largest open-air weekly food market in America, Smorgasburg is held every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. While entry is free, you might be tempted to spend on delicious meals.
• Public Star Party at Griffith Park Observatory: On July 13th, guests can try out telescopes and enjoy the night sky from 2 pm to 9:45 pm.
• Free Concerts at California Plaza: From June to September, enjoy world-class music, dance, and theatre performances every Saturday.
• KCRW Summer Nights: These free evening concerts feature a variety of musical genres and are open to all ages.
• Moonlight Movies on the Beach: Alfredo’s Beach Club in Long Beach offers free nighttime movies throughout July, complete with food trucks and snack shops.
• Broad Museum Public Tour: The Broad Museum offers free general admission with a pre-reservation and public art tours on Tuesdays and Fridays at 3:00 pm.
• Lotus Festival: Held on July 13-14 at Echo Park, this festival highlights Asian and Pacific Island communities and celebrates the culture of the Philippines.
• Shakespeare by the Sea: Enjoy free Shakespearean drama and comedy performances at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro from June 21 to August 3.
• Cayton Children’s Museum: Formerly known as the Zimmer, this museum offers hands-on interactive exhibits for children. Admission is $15 for adults and children aged 1 and above.

Nighttime Activities in July

Los Angeles transforms into a vibrant playground at night, offering a wide range of activities:

• 626 Night Market: As mentioned earlier, this event is perfect for nighttime exploration with its array of Asian foods, live music, and performances.
• Outdoor Movie Screenings: Street Food Cinema and Rooftop Cinema Club provide a unique movie-watching experience under the stars.
• Hollywood Boulevard: The famous boulevard takes on a different feel once the sun goes down. The lights from theatres reflect off the stars on the Walk of Fame, creating a fun atmosphere for a stroll, dinner, and drinks.
• Improv or Comedy Shows: Los Angeles is known for its comedy and improv scene. Catch seasoned improvisers or comedy students at various venues across the city.
• Free Concerts: KCRW Summer Nights and California Plaza offer free concerts featuring a variety of musical genres.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles in July is a city that never sleeps, offering an endless array of activities and events. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a music lover, or someone looking to explore the city’s cultural offerings, there is something for everyone. Take advantage of the warm summer nights and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles.

For occasional travelers, we recommend visiting the Griffith Park Observatory for the Public Star Party. It’s a unique experience that offers stunning views of the night sky and the city. For expert travelers, consider exploring the lesser-known neighborhoods of Los Angeles, such as Silver Lake or Echo Park. These areas offer a more authentic and local experience, away from the usual tourist spots.

Los Angeles is a city of endless possibilities, and July is the perfect time to explore its many facets. Whether you’re here for a short visit or a long stay, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.