As we move into peak summer in West L.A., we cannot help but make the most of the beautiful warm weather. Luckily for us, in August, there are several exciting outdoor events. To help you plan your social calendar on a budget, we have curated a guide to August’s finest free events and things to do in West Los Angeles. 

Sunset Concerts, Skirball Cultural Center

The Skirball Cultural Center is a well-known museum and venue dedicated to exploring the history and culture of the Jewish people, featuring interactive exhibits, art collections, and educational programs. The Skirball’s Sunset Concerts offer a fun summer escape featuring a diverse lineup of musicians highlighting indie, folk, and world music from L.A. and beyond in their scenic courtyard. Attendees can visit the museum’s galleries for free, enjoy live music under the setting sun, and savor delectable food and drinks at this free outdoor event. Next month’s lineup includes musician ​​​​​​​​Waahli’s performance on August 1, singer, songwriter, and indie-rock artist Vagabon’s show on August 8, and a DJ dance party featuring Jauretsi and Tosstones on August 16.

“Every year for the past 26 years these Sunset Concerts nights have reminded us how lucky we are to live in Los Angeles, how diverse our community is, and how love of music is so quickly something we can all share,” said Skirball Cultural Center President and CEO Jessie Kornberg. “I don’t know of a more intimate outdoor concert venue in the southland, and seeing these artists here is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

When: August 1, 8, and 16

Time: 6:00 p.m. onwards

Movie Under the Stars at Runway, Playa Vista 

Playa Vista’s well-appointed outdoor mall Runway is hosting its Summer Series—Movie Under the Stars. Every Thursday, the mall’s turf transforms into an inviting open-air cinema where classic Hollywood movies such as “You’ve Got Mail,” “Cars,” and “The Parent Trap” are screened. Guests can immerse themselves in a world of cinematic fun. We suggest arriving early to secure your spot and place your take-out order from one of the many restaurants at Runway. Our favorites are Superfine Playa, Dan Modern Chinese, SOL Mexican Cocina, and Neighbors.  

When: August 1 and 8

Time: 9:00 p.m. onwards

Cinema Fantastique: Epic Choral Soundtracks, Burton Chace Park, Marina del Rey

Now in its 24th year, the Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series returns with symphonic and pop concerts at picturesque Burton Chace Park. This event promises to be an entertaining evening of popular cinema soundtracks played live by the Marina del Rey Symphony, accompanied by a chorus. Led by Maestro Steven Allen Fox, this free concert will include music from iconic movies such as “The Lion King,” “Star Wars,” “Conan the Barbarian,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and “Independence Day.” 

When: Saturday, August 10

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods, West Hollywood

CicLAvia is a non-profit organization that has been making streets accessible throughout Los Angeles County since 2010. CicLAvia closes streets to car traffic and opens them for people to walk, skate, bike, play, and explore parts of L.A. Next month, the organization is hosting its 54th event, titled CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods. Attendees can enjoy the pop-up park for the day and explore the city of West Hollywood in their favorite people-powered way, whether walking, jogging, biking, roller skating, skating, or simply spectating. People of all ages and abilities are welcome. 

When: Sunday, August 18 

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

OFF THE 405, Getty Center

The Getty Center is a museum housing European art and photography, located off the 405 freeway in West Los Angeles. OFF THE 405 is the Getty Center’s annual outdoor summer concert series that brings some of the country’s most well-loved musicians and bands to the stage for an unforgettable experience amid awe-inspiring architecture and breathtaking sunset views. 

The next OFF THE 405 performance is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, by artist duo titled Woods. Established in Brooklyn in 2004, Woods includes co-founders Jeremy Earl and Jarvis Taveniere, joined by John Andrews. Their music is characterized by its rustic and psychedelic sound, blending elements of folk, rock, and lo-fi indie. This event is free, but tickets are required. 

When: Saturday, August 24

Time: DJ set at 6:00 p.m. Performance at 7:30 p.m.

Concert at The Skirball Cultural Center. Photo by Timothy Norris for Skirball Cultural Center.