Just because the 4th of July weekend is over, it doesn’t mean that the fun is over this month. July brings a vibrant calendar of events that won’t break the bank. These West Los Angeles free festivals and things to do offer something for everyone.

Ever Present, The Getty Center, ​​Brentwood

Ever Present is a novel series of experimental performances at the Getty Center. This program features contemporary artists from diverse disciplines, such as music, dance, performance art, and film. Ever Present will showcase these artists’ site-specific works that engage with the museum’s architectural design, gardens, and permanent collections.

Ever Present pays homage to the inscription above Robert Irwin’s Central Garden at the Getty Center, which reads: “Ever present / Never twice the same / Ever changing / Never less than whole.” The inscription reflects the idea that art is constantly evolving and can be experienced in novel ways each time we encounter it. ​​The Ever Present series is a great way to experience art in an immersive way. The next performance will be held on July 13 and 14, 2024, featuring a recreation of a 1960s performance piece by artist Joan Jonas.

Night Market at The Bungalow, Santa Monica

Offering panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, The Bungalow is an upscale restaurant and bar. Located in the ​​​​Fairmont Miramar – Hotel & Bungalows, this beach-side eatery feels like a luxury mansion. The Night Market at the Bungalow is a weekly event held every Thursday in July from 5:00-11:00 p.m. The event offers free admission and is open to people of all ages, including pets. 

The Night Market boasts numerous local food and beverage vendors, family-friendly experiences, live musical performances, and celebrity guest appearances. You can expect popular food vendors such as Tacos 1986, Steamin’ Burger, Chickies Hot Chicken, Cookies by Linda, and Gooey Center Bakery. Moreover, the Night Market also houses a separate kids’ play area with complimentary face painting and monthly visits from adoptable dogs from Wags & Walks.

Movies at the Steps, The Culver Steps, Culver City 

Movies at the Steps is a free outdoor movie night series held every Friday in July at The Culver Steps. The Culver Steps, a well-loved events venue, is home to an office building, ground-level retail shops, a restaurant pavilion, a well-appointed plaza, and a majestic staircase. 

Movies at the Steps features the screening of family-friendly classic films at sunset on their iconic steps. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and enjoy complimentary popcorn (while supplies last). There’s also free one-hour parking available at The Culver Steps. The next movie night is on the 12th of July, showing “Stuart Little,” followed by ​​​​​​”Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” on the 19th of July, and “101 Dalmatians” on the 26th of July.

Jazz at LACMA, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Miracle Mile

​​The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), is one of the most exhaustive art museums in the world, housing an expansive collection of over 152,000 artworks. Jazz at LACMA is a free summer concert series featuring some of the city’s most renowned jazz musicians. It is held every Friday evening in the summer at the Smidt Welcome Plaza, behind LACMA’s arresting Urban Light installation. 

Seating for visitors is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are also welcome to bring picnic baskets and blankets and soak in the ambiance on the encompassing grass areas. Past performers have included jazz legends such as Wayne Shorter and Quincy Jones. Upcoming performances include artists Marvin Smith, Jonathan Pinson, and Joshua White.

Summer Tunes Under the Stars, Original Farmers Market, Fairfax

Every year, the Original Farmers Market hosts a lively summer music series—Summer Tunes Under the Stars. This year, the event is every Thursday night from June to August on the central Plaza from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The program includes performances by well-known artists of diverse genres, including jazz, rock, salsa, and more. 

Summer Music at the Original Farmers Market is an excellent venue to unwind and enjoy live music outdoors. Visitors can grab a bite from one of the several vendors at the market and find a spot to sit and listen to the music. Upcoming shows include performances by The Jazz Cartel, DJ Ricky Rocks, and ​​Beach St. A GoGo!, a 60s cover party band.

Photo courtesy of The Culver Steps.