Free events in Santa Monica, CA

Opening night unfolds in Leimert Park with a free celebration featuring performances by Lalah Hathaway and Chief Adjuah, plus additional artists, along with art, food, and music. This kickoff introduces the Los Angeles Jazz Festival, a 17-day citywide experience that aims to make all of LA the stage and to welcome up to 250,000 attendees. Created by Martin Ludlow, the festival blends culture and tourism to celebrate jazz, stimulate regional economic activity, and elevate minority- and women-owned businesses, with a core commitment to social justice and environmental responsibility. It also aspires to become the third largest international jazz festival worldwide and the largest Black-owned jazz festival.

LA Jazz Festival presents Jazz in the Park at Lanark Park, part of a free 24-concert series in parks across the Los Angeles region. Enjoy live performances spanning jazz, soul, hip hop, and more in an open-air setting. Admission is free with RSVP, and a confirmed RSVP is required for entry. Bring a blanket and relax with friends and family while the music plays. Artists will be announced.

Jazz in the Park brings Cameron Graves to Edward Vincent Jr Park in Inglewood for a free outdoor concert. This series spans 24 performances in parks across the Los Angeles region, presenting world-class music that ranges from jazz and soul to hip hop and beyond in welcoming community spaces. Attendees can bring a blanket, relax with friends and family, and enjoy live music under the open sky. Admission is free with RSVP, and RSVP confirmations are required for entry.

Enjoy a free outdoor movie night in Westwood Village as Cinema Under the Stars turns Broxton Plaza into an open air theater. Settle in with blankets and low back lawn chairs, bring friends and family, and pick up favorite movie snacks from Westwood Village businesses. Ahead of the screening there are kid friendly activities, community tables, giveaways, and unique pop ups hosted by local organizations and brands. This edition features Ferris Bueller's Day Off, part of a summer lineup that also includes Zootopia 2 and Back to the Future. Broxton Plaza sits in the center of Westwood Village and offers a pedestrian friendly setting that regularly welcomes community gatherings, live entertainment, outdoor dining, and cultural programs. Admission is free, and registration is encouraged for event updates and reminders. Westwood Village shares updates, special announcements, and information about future events. Submitting an RSVP adds an email to the Westwood Village database for updates about Westwood Village.

Shop for curated local handmade goods, art, and vintage finds at the Makers Hive Market, a free, family-friendly pop-up vendor market at Santa Monica Place. You can browse from 35+ local makers and small businesses, enjoy live music throughout the day, and bring your pet along. The event is held in the Center Plaza area.

LA Jazz Festival presents Jazz in the Park at Lafayette Park in Los Angeles. This free concert is part of a 24 show series bringing top talent to parks across the region, with music spanning jazz, soul, hip hop, and more. Admission is free with an RSVP, and a confirmation is required for entry. Settle in on a blanket with friends and family and enjoy live music in the open air. The artist lineup will be announced.

Put your trivia skills to the test at SoCal Vibes Surf Club in Santa Monica. There is no cost to play, and prizes are up for grabs. Gather a team of up to six and tackle questions together. Early arrival is recommended to get preferred seating.

Western Wednesday at Santa Monica Place is a free weekly country-and-line-dancing event held every Wednesday in August. Drop in for boot-scootin’ line dance lessons led by pros, plus complimentary giveaways while supplies last. There’s also a pre-dance Happy Hour at nearby restaurants, including LouLou Restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory, and Curious Palate.

Head Games Trivia Night brings a lively competition to Wall ST Pizza in Los Angeles. Grab something to eat and a drink while you test your knowledge for a shot at prizes. It is free to take part, and teams of up to six people can compete. Arriving early is recommended to secure preferred seating.