FROM TOTS TO TEENS AND FAMILIES

• MULTIPLE LOCATIONS - Mall/Shopping Center Kids' Clubs. Many local malls shopping centers have weekly or monthly programs for children. The programs are usually during the week, last a half hour to an hour, and offer either a variety of entertainment or craft activities. Check your local mall events page for further information.

LECTURES/LECTURE SERIES

• "ALOUD" AT THE LOS ANGELES CENTRAL LIBRARY - Lecture series. Most programs begin at 7 p.m. in the Central Library's Mark Taper Auditorium. Wide variety of topics. Reservations required. Information: (213) 228-7025, www.lfla.org or www.aloudla.org.

• "DISTINCTIVE VOICES AT THE BECKMAN CENTER" AT UC IRVINE - Insights on Science, Technology and Medicine lectures. Events usually run September through June. Lectures are at 7 p.m. in the Beckman Center on the UCI campus and open to the public. Programs are by reservation only and fill up quickly. Visit the website listed and join the e-mail list to receive notices for each session and invitations to register online. Seating is limited. Information: (949) 721-2266 or www.voicesatbeckman.org.

• ZOCALO PUBLIC SQUARE LECTURE SERIES - Series of public lectures in a variety of locations throughout the Los Angeles area and on a variety of topics. Reservations are required for most events. Information: www.zocalopublicsquare.org.

LIBRARIES

• CITY AND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY PERFORMANCES AND PROGRAMS - Most libraries throughout Southern California offer patrons a wide variety of free performances, workshops and other events/activities. Some are geared toward adults, and others are special programs for teens or children. It is recommended that you check your local library website often for the best and most current information. In addition to individual city libraries, some Southern California library system links include:
  
  Los Angeles County Library System - www.colapublib.org
  Los Angeles Public Library - www.lapl.org
  Orange County Public Libraries - www.ocpl.org
  Riverside County Libraries - www.riverside.lib.ca.us
  San Bernardino County Libraries - www.sbcounty.gov/library/home
  City Libraries: For individual city libraries which are not part of a library system, check directly with your local library.

• LA OPERA "OPERA TALKS" - The LA Opera talks offers one-hour talks at various Los Angeles public libraries during the year, though not usually during the summer. The talks have takes place monthly at a number of Los Angeles County libraries BUT CURRENTLY ARE ON HIATUS. For information on current Opera Talks, call (213) 972-3157 or visit www.laopera.org, go to "Community."

MOVIES

Some of the most popular free summer programs are the free outdoor summer movies offered by many cities or organizations. Most of the city-sponsored movies are "G" or "PG" rated family films. Some of this summer's movies include (with many more to come):

• CITY OF COMMERCE - Movies in the Park. Films screen on Friday nights at dusk at Rosewood Park, 5600 Harbor Street and will be: September 20 - The Sandlot. Food trucks will be available for food purchases. Information: (323) 887-4434 or www.ci.commerce.ca.us.



• HOLLYWOOD/NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Friday Movie Nights at Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Boulevard. Films screen monthly from 7 - 9 p.m. in the courtyard and will be: September 27 - Hook. Information: www.ovationhollywood.com.

• LA HABRA - Summer Movies in the Park. Movies screen at sunset at the park listed, with activities beginning at 6 p.m. Films will be: September 20 - Jaws at Oeste Park. Information: (562) 383-4205 or www.lahabraca.gov.

• LONG BEACH - Queen Mary Movie Nights. Movies are screened at dusk; doors and activities begin at 6 p.m. Lawn chairs/blankets welcome. Films will be: September 18 - Wonka. Screenings are free with RSVP and paid add-ons/date night packages are available. Parking is $10 with validation. No outside food or alcohol except for light/small snacks. Information: www.queenmary.com, go to "What's On Deck."

• MARINA DEL REY - Marina Movie Nights presented by the LA Department of Beaches and Harbors. Films will screen at 8 p.m. in Burton Chase Park. No reserved seating; seating is festival-style on a first-come basis. An RSVP is not required but is recommended to be notified if there are any last-minute changes. Films will be: September 7 - Mean Girls, September 14 - 50 First Dates, September 21 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and September 28 - Sixteen Candles. Information: www.visitmdr.com/event/free-marina-movie-nights or http://beaches.lacounty.gov.

• MARINA DEL REY - Movies on the Lawn. Outdoor films screen on the beachfront lawn at the Jamaica Bay Inn, 4175 Admiralty Way. Event seating begins at 7 p.m. and movies begin at dusk. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite to ensure a space; link to Eventbrite available on website. Low chairs and blankets only. Upcoming films will be: September 15 - Toy Story 2, September 22 - Leap, September 29 - The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, October 6 - The House with the Clock in It's Walls, October 13 - Goosebumps, October 20 - Matilda and October 27 - Hocus Pocus. Information: www.jamaicabayinn.com, go to "Happenings." or www.eventbrite.com/e/outdoor-movie-night-at-jamaica-bay-inn-tickets-862510952477



• SANTA CLARITA - City Cinemas in the Park. Films screen at 8 p.m. in the park listed, with food trucks available one hour prior to the film. Movies will be: September 27 - Jumanji at The Centre. Information: (661) 250-3787, (661) 250-3777 or www.santaclarita.gov/citycinemas.

• YORBA LINDA - Movies in the Park. Outdoor movies screen at dusk (about 7:30) at Hurless Barton Park, 4601 Casa Loma Avenue. Films will be: September 21 - Kung Fu Panda 4. Information: (714) 961-7160 or www.yorbalindaca.gov.

MUSEUMS

The following is a partial listing of free museum days. It is recommended that you confirm the availability of all events/open days prior to visiting the museum since free entry days and times may change periodically. Also, some programs may not have been restored in post-pandemic schedules.



• BROAD MUSEUM - The Broad is LA's new contemporary art museum. It is located in downtown Los Angeles on Grand Avenue next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The museum is closed on Monday; hours vary on other days of the week. Advanced tickets may be reserved online, or there is an onsite standby line each day for admission on a first-come basis. See website for additional details. Information: (213) 232-6250 or www.thebroad.org

• CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER - There is free admission to all permanent exhibition galleries at the California Science Center (excludes IMAX and special exhibits). The museum address is 700 Exposition Park Drive (Los Angeles Colisum area). Information: (323) 724-3623 or www.californiasciencecenter.org

• CHINO YOUTH MUSEUM - The Chino Youth Museum offers Free First Friday programs from 3 - 5 p.m. Programs include art projects, snacks, time to explore the museum, exhibits and entertainment. Also for July, first 1000 people at Museum get in free. The museum is located at 13191 6th Street in Chino, one block north of the Chino Transit Center. Information: (909) 464-0499.

• FIRE STATION/MUSEUM OPEN HOUSES - Two area historical fire stations offer free tours on Saturdays. In San Pedro, Old Fire Station 36 (located at 638 Beacon Street) is open from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. In Hollywood, Old Fire Station 27 is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Both offer a variety of artifacts and exhibits. Information: (323) 464-2727 or www.lafdmuseum.org.

• THE GETTY CENTER - Free admission; parking is $15, but $10 after 5 p.m. The museum does not require parking reservations. Off the 405 Freeway at Getty Center Drive. There are a variety of art-related and storytelling activities for children and families, free programs, lectures and movies, and more. See the museum's calendar for listing of events and programs. Information: (310) 440-7300 or www.getty.edu

• GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY - There is no admission charge to enter the observatory, but a fee for planetarium shows. Monthly public star parties offer the public a chance to try out telescopes and talk with amateur astronomers from 2 - 9:45 p.m. Check for upcoming star party dates. Information: (213) 473-0800 or www.griffithobservatory.org

• HOMESTEAD MUSEUM - Free admissions and programs like behind-the-Scenes tours and children's storytelling hours. Some programs require reservations. The museum is at 15415 East Don Julian Road in the City of Industry. Information: (626) 968-8492 or www.homesteadmuseum.org.

• HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS AND BOTANICAL GARDENS - Free admission the first Thursday of every month. Tickets are required and reservations become available on the first date of the month prior to the visit (i.e. reservations for the first Thursday in August become available starting July 1). Reservations for free days fill up quickly. Also, check monthly schedules for free lectures and other presentations. Information: (626) 405-2100 or www.huntington.org

• THE IRVINE MUSEUM OF ART - The Irvine Museum of Art is a small OC museum dedicated to the preservation and display of California art of the Impressionist period (1890 - 1930). 18881 Von Karman Street, Irvine, Ground Level. Admission policy had changed; admission is free now only for seniors, students and children. Information: (714) 476-2565 or http://www.irvinemuseum.org/

• LONG BEACH MUSEUM OF ART - Admission to the Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday. Museum address is 2300 East Ocean Boulevard. Information: (562) 439-2119 or www.lbma.org

• LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART (LACMA) - Check website for current admission policies and program for LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles. Information: (323) 857-6000 or www.lacma.org

• MULTIPLE LOCATIONS - BANK OF AMERICA "MUSEUMS ON US" PROGRAM - Over 70 museums nationwide are now offering free admission on the first weekend of every month for anyone showing a Bank of America check, ATM or credit card. Visit website for list of museums. Information: www.bankofamerica.com/museums.

• MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MOCA). Admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Thursdays from 5 - 8 p.m., 250 S. Grand Avenue. Information: www.moca.org.

• THE MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART - LONG BEACH Check museum website for all current policies and programs. Address is 628 Alamitos Avenue. Information: (562) 437-1689 or www.molaa.org/

• NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - The Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Boulevard at Exposition Park in the downtown Los Angeles/USC campus vicinity, offers free museum admission every first Tuesday of the month. Information: (213) 763-3466 or www.nhm.org

• NORTON SIMON MUSEUM - The Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, offers free admission from 6 - 9 p.m. on every first Friday of the month. Information: (626) 449-6840 or www.nortonsimon.org

• ONTARIO MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART - The Museum is located in the Historic Old City Hall Building, 225 South Euclid. Hours are noon - 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and admission is free. Also a variety of art and public programs. Information: (909) 983-3198 or www.ci.ontario.ca.us

• ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART - The Orange County Museum of Art offers free admission and is closed on Mondays. The Museum is now located in Costa Mesa at 3333 Avenue of the Arts. Information: (714) 780-2130 or www.ocma.art

• PAGE MUSEUM AT THE LA BREA TAR PITS - The Page Museum allows visitors to watch fossil excavation and assembly and has interactive displays of the Tar Pits and Southern California during the Ice Age. Free admission day is the first Tuesday of the month (except July and August). The museum is located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd. Information: (323) 934-7243 or www.tarpits.org

• SOUTHWEST MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN - The Southwest Museum of the American Indian, part of the Autry Museum system, is open to the public from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m on Saturdays. The Museum is located in the Mt. Washington area at 234 Museum Drive. Information: (323) 667-2000 or www.theautry.org

• UCLA FOWLER MUSEUM - The museum regularly offers free admission and a variety of free music, film and art-related programs. The Fowler Museum is located on the UCLA campus. Information: (310) 825-4361 or http://www.fowler.ucla.edu

• UCLA HAMMER MUSEUM The museum offers a wide selection of lectures, poetry readings, music and other programs and performances. See the event calendar on museum website for a full schedule of events. 10899 Wilshire Boulevard at Westwood. Information: (310) 443-7000 or http://www.hammer.ucla.edu

NATURE CENTERS/PROGRAMS/EVENTS

• CHINO HILLS - ENHANCED TRAILS MAP - Want to discover all 28 trails in Chino Hills? The newly enhanced trails map shows all trailheads, trail connections and quarter-mile markers. New features also include added photos of actual trails and trailhead signs. With even more interactive capabilities, users can pinpoint exact locations of each trail and learn what city parks and facilities are nearby. Previous map attributes still available include distance, difficulty, estimated time, elevation and more. Information: www.chinohills.org/trails

• CYPRESS - Nature Walks at the Nature Park. The Cypress Nature Park, 4201 Ball Road, is open for walks on ten Saturdays during the summer from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. No pets allowed. 2024 dates will be: June 15 and 22, July 6, 13, 20 and 27, and August 3, 10, 17 and 24. Information: (714) 229-6700 or www.cypressca.org

  

• GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY STAR PARTIES (LOS ANGELES) - Summer 2024 dates: August 10 and September 14. All events are from 2 - 9:45 p.m. Admission to the Observatory grounds and building is also always free (with a fee for shows in the Planetarium). Information: (213) 473-0800 or www.griffithobservatory.org

• IRVINE RANCH CONSERVANCY ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS - The Irvine Ranch Conservatory and the City of Irvine offer a variety of free hiking, mountain biking, and interpretive programs as well as wilderness access days in Bommer Canyon, Hicks Canyon, Quail Hill Trail Head and other areas. Though many are free, advance registration is required. Register at website listed. Information: (949) 724-6610 or www.letsgooutside.org/explore/IOSP.

• TEMECULA - Park Adventures. The Around & About Temecula Park Adventure Series takes you on a virtual tour of all the parks located in the City of Temecula (over 40). Visit every park online, experience the amenities and learn some history or interesting facts along the way. View episodes at the website listed. Information: www.temeculaca.gov/parkadventures

• TORRANCE/MADRONA MARSH PROGRAMS - Nature Walks are every fourth weekend of the month on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. - noon. Explore the preserve with a trained docent. Also Audobon Bird Walks every 4th Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m., plus special lectures, classes, habitat restoration opportunities and more. The Madrona Marsh Nature Center is located at 3201 Plaza Del Amo. Information: (310) 782-3989, www.torraceca.gov or www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com

• VARIOUS LOCATIONS - NATIONAL PARKS - A free or discounted passes are available from the National Parks System to all active duty military personnel with proper identification (CAC Card or DD Form 1173). The pass admits owners and accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas, or the pass owner and up to three additional adults at sites that charge per person. Also, all National Parks will have free admission to the public for Juneteenth on June 19, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoor Act on August 4 and for National Public Lands Day on September 28. Information: www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm, or go to "Stores" at www.store.usgs.gov.

SENIORS

• CYPRESS. Cypress Senior Center Cinema. Free movies at the Senior Center are shown every Wednesday. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 12:45 p.m. Weekly movie titles posted to website. The Cypress Senior Center is located at 9031 Grindlay Street. Information: (714) 229-2005 or www.cypressca.org/seniorcinemas.

• IRVINE. 15th Annual Healthy Living Expo. The Expo will take place on September 20 from 9 a.m. - noon at the Lakeview Senior Center, 20 Lake Road. The event is designed for adults ages 50 and over and will include fitness demonstrations, health screenings, educational presentations, and a wide variety of health and wellness exhibitors. Information: (949) 724-6900 or www.irvineseniors.org/expo.

• ROSSMOOR. Rossmoor Senior Club. Programs for seniors will take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Rush Park Auditorium, 3001 Blume Avenue. Each date will feature a social hour, guest speaker, coffee, snacks and games. Information: (562) 430-3707 or www.rossmoor-csd.org.

SHAKESPEARE/THEATER/PERFORMING ARTS/MUSIC

• LONG BEACH - KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND (TURN)TABLE. Knights of the Round (Turn)Table is a monthly event modeled after a book club. Each month a different historically significant album is chosen, and participants listen to both sides and discuss it. Back in the day, people used to listen to the records while staring at the album artwork and liner notes. The programs seek to recreate this experience in the company of other music lovers. The September program will take place September 19 and will feature TheTalking Heads "Remain in Light." The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Beachwood Brewing and Distilling, 3630 Atlantic Avenue. RSVP required. Information: (562) 595-0081, www.bixbyknollsinfo.com/knights or www.bixbyknollsinfo.com, go to "events."

• LONG BEACH - VIRTUAL SHAKESPEARE AND FRIENDS ALOUD. "Shakespeare and Friends Aloud." This season of Shakespeare Aloud hosts readings of Shakespeare's plays and covers works of friends and contemporaries like Christopher Marlow, John Fletcher, Thomas Kyd and others. Community members are invited to participate as readers or audience members. Events will take place on Thursdays at 4 p.m. on Zoom. Register via the links on the Carpenter Arts/Arts for Life website. Upcoming readings: August 1 - Henry VI, Part III, August 8 - Henry VI Part III (continued), August 15 - Henry VI Part III (continued), August 22 - Pericles, Prince of Tyre by William Shakespeare, August 29 - No reading, September 5 - No reading, September 12 - Pericles (continued) and September 19 - Pericles (continued). For an extra touch, participants can add Shakespeare-themed background images to their Zoom experience. Information: (562) 985-7000 or www.carpenterarts.org/artsforlife.

• SANTA MONICA AND SYLMAR - LA OPERA OUTDOOR SIMULCASTS. The LA Opera will be presenting two free outdoor simulcasts of the opera "Madame Butterfly" on September 21. "Opera at the Beach" will take place at the Santa Monica Pier. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the broadcast will begin at 6 p.m. "Opera in the Park" will take place at El Cariso Community Regional Park, 13100 Hubbard Street in Sylmar. The broadcast will begin at 6 p.m. Events are free to attend and open to all ages. Information: www.laopera.org, go to community and learning, or www.laopera.org/community/opera-for-all/free-opera-broadcasts-2.

• WEST HOLLYWOOD - FREE THEATRE IN THE PARKS. In September Pacific Opera Project will return to West Hollywood's Free Theatre in the Parks series with "Cinderella Story," a musical revue of beloved opera and musical theater tunes telling the story of Cinderella. There will be six performances at 4 p.m. on September 7 and 8, 14 and 15, and 21 and 22 at Kings Road Park, 1000 Kings Road. RSVPs are not needed. Information: www.pacificoperaproject.com or www.weho.org/community/arts-and-culture/theatre.

SPECIAL EVENTS/OTHER

• IRVINE - PALMS COURT ART COMPLEX EXHIBITS Upcoming exhibition: "Thank You, Good Night: Concert Photography." Explore the magic, passion and sheer artistry of performances shaped by the cultural landscape of music history. "Thank You, Good Night: Concert Photography" will survey the sights and sounds of live music from a diverse range of photographs from the 1960s to today. The exhibit will take place from September 29 - December 29, and the opening reception will take place on September 29 from 1 - 3 p.m. The Palms Court Art Complex is located at the OC Great Park in Irvine, Sand Canyon exit off the 5 Freeway. Information: (949) 724-6247 or www.cityofirvine.org/great-park/arts-park.

• PASADENA - 16TH ANNUAL PASADENA ARTWALK/MARKET. The Pasadena ARTWalk returns to the Playhouse Village on September 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. There will be over 180 hand-selected artisans with a focus on fine art, including visual art and photography, original fashion and jewelry design, paper goods, innovative home decor and houseware and more. The event will take place on Green Street between Los Robles and El Molino (use 561 E. Green Street for navigation). Information: www.playhousevillage.org or www.jackalopeartfair.com/artwalk.

SPORTS/RECREATION/DANCE

• CICLAVIA EVENTS There will be two upcoming CicLAvia open streets events. During these events, streets are closed to cars and open for walking, biking, skating, etc. On August 18 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., CicLAvia Meet the Hollywoods will take place over 6.6 miles of streets in East Hollywood, Hollywood and West Hollywood. On September 15 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. CicLAvia Lincoln Heights will take place on 1.16 miles of Broadway Avenue in Lincoln Heights. Events usually include a variety of activity hubs. Find maps and additional details on website. Information: www.ciclavia.org.

• LOS ANGELES (DOWNTOWN AND VICINITY) - Yoga at The Bloc. The Bloc, 700 West 7th Street, will present a fall FitspoLA yoga class/event on September 21 from 9 a.m. - noon. The event is presented by UCLA Health and the class will be led by LA Fitness instructors. All-levels class will be from 10 - 11 a.m.; there also will be a wellness village from 9 - 10 a.m. and after the class from 11 a.m. - noon. Reservations required via Eventbrite. Information: www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-fall-fitspola-series-yoga-presented-by-ucla-health-tickets-978861309527 or www.theblocla.com.

• LOS ANGELES (SOUTH) - J&J Line Dancing Classes. Free Line Dancing classes are offered on Mondays from 4:30 - 7 p.m. at Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Beginner classes eare from 4:30 - 5:40 p.m. and Advanced classes are from 6 - 7:20 p.m. All participants will need to sign a waiver before participating. Information: (323) 290-6636 or www.baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com.

• PASADENA - Free Fitness Classes at Playhouse Village Park. Free group exercise programs are offered on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. Classes are led by local fitness studios. Classes on 2nd Thursdays are yoga and classes on 4th Thursdays vary. See website for current class information. Registration required. The Playhouse Village Park is located at 701 E. Union Street. Information: (626) 744-0340 or www.playhousevillage.org.

• REDONDO BEACH - Yoga at the Pier. The Redondo Beach Pier offers a free yoga class every second Saturday of the month from 10 - 11 a.m. at the West End of the pier. Also on Wednesdays in September from 6 - 7 p.m. is sunset yoga. Information: www.redondopier.com.

• SANTA MONICA - Wellness and Waves. Every Saturday, September 7 - October 26, immerse yourself in wellness at the Santa Monica Pier from 8 - 10 a.m. Meet under the iconic Santa Monica Yacht Harbor sign at 8 a.m. for a group run from 8 - 9 a.m. Or ... come for yoga at the west end of the pier from 9 - 10 a.m. Registration is required. Information: www.santamonicapier.org/wellness-and-waves.





     

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