Summer in L.A”¦ the beaches, the perfect weather, the long days and the free arts! There’s so much to take advantage of; and you can walk, bike, metro or carpool to all the fun. Here’s a list of various free and low-cost events happening this summer in and near Boyle Heights.
In Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles
S.O.Y. Artista Program (Summer of Youth Artist Program)
Self Help Graphics and Art- July 11 to August 23 (Free for students 12-18)
This youth artist program is an eight-week summer art-training workshop for local youths (12-18 years old) who are recruited from local youth groups, schools, and other community centers in East LA. The project’s goal is to fortify and expand the use and access to art through Self-Help’s facilities and resources.
For more information: http://www.selfhelpgraphics.com/programs/youth-community-art-programs
Boyle Heights Farmers Market and Monthly Art Walk
Mariachi Plaza every Friday and Sunday from 3pm to 8pm (Free to everyone)
Offering a friendly, family oriented setting for shopping and socializing. Enjoy live entertainment, a monthly art walk and activities for kids. Shop for produce, prepared food, arts and crafts and more.
For more information: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boyle-Heights-Farmers-Market/132285533463497
*For more local food markets view Mercado del Pueblo
J.A.M Sessions ”“ LA County Arts Commission
East Los Angeles Civic Center- Every Friday at 6pm from July 6 to August 24 (Free to everyone)
Enjoy a different J.A.M. session every Friday night on the stage of the Civic Center Amphitheatre for ArtsFest 2012 followed by a free movie in the park. From salsa to hula, accordion to drumming””each week you’ll get to try out a new art form with your family, friends and community. Picnic and lawn chairs welcome.
For more information: http://www.fordtheatres.org/en/events/category/id/60
Corazon del Pueblo
Weekly multiple events at free or low cost
A community space providing art shows, workshops, poetry readings, music, enlightenment and community.
For schedule and more information: http://www.facebook.com/corazondelpueblo
East Side Drum Circle
Hollenbeck Park- Every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 3pm to 6pm (Free to everyone)
If you enjoy making your own live beats, bring a drum, maraca or bucket and join the drum circle. Community members gather for music, a potluck, conversation and community. Open to all ages.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/443806532297248/
Free Music Nearby
Grand Performances at the California Plaza
Multiple events Thursday through Sunday noon and 8pm (Free to everyone)
GP presents free performing arts that reflect the best of the global culture and inspire community among the diverse people of Los Angeles. Events include live music, dance, multimedia presentations and more.
For More information: http://www.grandperformances.org
Pershing Square Downtown Stage Free Summer Concert Series
Multiple events Wednesdays through Saturdays from July 11 to August 8 (Free to everyone)
This summer marks the five-year anniversary of the Pershing Square Downtown Stage Free Summer Concert Series.
For more information: http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/
Big! World! Fun! At the Ford Amphitheatre ”“ LA County Arts Commission
Saturdays starting at 10 am from July 7 to September 1 (Children are free; Adults are $5)
The Big!World!Fun! family series takes place over eight Saturday mornings in the summer. These hour-long music, dance and theatre performances are for children ages 4 to 10 and their families. Come early for pre-show craft projects and stay for post-show meet-and-greets with the performers.
For more information: http://www.fordtheatres.org/en/events/category/id/36
Summer Concerts at Levitt Pavilion ”“ MacArthur Park and Pasadena
Multiple events and concerts return this summer Thursday- Sunday from July 5 to September 9 (Free to everyone)
A diverse lineup of emerging and seasoned artists are scheduled to perform in this summer series. Events and concerts vary at MacArthur Park and Memorial Park.
For more information: http://www.levittla.org/ and http://www.levittpavilionpasadena.org/
Classes Downtown
Music Center Active Arts ”“ Downtown Los Angeles
Multiple events starting July 7 through September 15 (Free to everyone, may require RSVP)
Do you enjoy dancing, singing, playing instruments? A variety of classes will help you learn various forms of dance, drumming, ukulele and more. All levels welcome
For more information: http://www.musiccenter.org/events/activearts/
Museums in Los Angeles
Various museums nearby offer free admission on selected days. To view a list of free days in Los Angeles museums, click here
If you have more events to add to our list, please write us your suggestions in the comments below.
Abe Flores is a Boyle Heights resident and Advocacy Field Manager for Arts for LA, an arts education advocacy organization, where he leads advocacy workshops to create networks of arts advocates in L.A. County.
