Summer is the time of year to unwind, relax and have fun.
But having a great time doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. To help you save, Boyle Heights Beat has compiled a list of free or low-cost activities for you and your family, right in your neighborhood.
Parents can enroll their children in art workshops or swimming classes. Couples can get fit together by participating in exercise classes. And families can attend a fun outdoor movie night.
Besides the events listed before, there are many other free and low-cost events nearby. Likely sponsors are the weekly Boyle Heights Farmer’s Market, Downtown L.A.’s Grand Performances, local parks, events, churches and community and youth centers.
Don’t wait. Get your calendar ready and enjoy the summer.
THEATER
Casa 0101 Theater
Casa 0101 will offer free performance classes for youth and adults this summer. You can also watch a musical production of “Little Red,” an adaptation of the old fable, “Little Red Riding Hood.” Edward Padilla produced and directed the play, which will run from June 26 to August 2. “Pay what you can” tickets are available for a minimum of $5 on preview days June 26, 27 and 28.
Casa 0101 Theater
2102 E 1st St.
Los Angeles
Little Casa
2009 E. 1st St.
Los Angeles
www.casa0101.org/
Center Theatre Group
The Center Theatre Group will host free bilingual workshops for all ages. Workshops include puppet and mask making led by Beth Peterson and El Teatro Campesino on August 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and stenciling glyphs on costumes on August 22 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Center Theatre Group’s The Shop
2856 E. 11th St.
Los Angeles
https://www.centertheatregroup.org/education/the-shop/
RECREATION
Roosevelt Swimming Pool
Swimming is a healthy way to enjoy the summer. The Roosevelt Swimming Pool will offer junior lifeguard classes for children ages 10 to 17 and swimming classes for various ages. The pool will also be open to the public on weekdays between June 22 and August 15 from 10 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. On weekdays from August 16 to August 29, pool hours are 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. Check the website for fees and waivers.
456 S. Mathews St.
Los Angeles
www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/pdf/poolPrg/rooseveltSum.pdf
The Wellness Center
The Wellness Center, located inside the historic General Hospital, offers free workout classes for youth and adults year-round. This summer, classes include aerobics for seniors, yoga for the family, Zumba, dance fitness for kids and fitness for cancer survivors. Zumba classes are Mondays from 5 to 6 p.m. The family yoga class is on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m.
1200 N. State St
Los Angeles
www.thewellnesscenterla.org/
ARTS
East Side Drum Circle
The East Side Drum Circle will make a comeback this summer at Hollenbeck Park. Families and people of all ages are welcome to bring drums, guitars and other instruments for a huge musical potluck. Bringing a dish is optional; alcohol and drugs are prohibited. Join the drum circle the second Sunday of each month starting on July 19 at 12 noon.
Hollenbeck Park
415 S. St. Louis St.
Los Angeles
www.facebook.com/eastside.drumcircle?fref=ts
Soy Artista at Self Help Graphics & Art
Self Help Graphics will be hosting free art training workshops for youth between 12 and 18. These workshops include photography, screen-printing, mixed media art and animation-phone art. The Soy Artista program will run from July 6 through August 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register on the first day of the program.
1300 E 1st St.
Los Angeles
www.selfhelpgraphics.com/
ENTERTAINMENT
East L.A. Civic Center
OK, this one is not in Boyle Heights but nearby. The East Los Angeles Civic Center will launch Arts Fest 2015 this summer starting with a concert and fireworks show on June 28. Other events include a Family Fishing Derby at 7 a.m. on both July 4 and Sept. 5, Japanese Folk Dance class on July 17 at 6:30 p.m., and a farmer’s market every Wednesday and Saturday. Free movie nights will be offered at sunset on July 17, July 24, July 31, and August 21.
East L.A. Civic Center
4801 E 3rd St.
Los Angeles
http://parks.lacounty.gov/
Concert & Fireworks Show
On June 27, Hollenbeck Park will be home to the 9th annual Boyle Heights Concert & Fireworks Show. This free family-friendly activity begins at 5 p.m. There will be food for sale, live music and entertainment for kids. Fireworks begin at dark.
Hollenbeck Park
415 S. St. Louis St.
Los Angeles
www.facebook.com/events/399954686865365/
Photos by Daisy Escorcia, Eddie Ruvalcaba, Abe Flores, USC/Gus Ruelas, Center Theater Group Website, East Side Drum Circle Facebook Page.
