Why stay home this summer because you don’t want to spend any money? Here are fun things you can do that won’t cost anything at all!
July 1-3 — Patriotic concerts in Long Beach: Take in “Let Freedom Ring” concerts by the Long Beach Municipal Band. Shows are at Whaley Park North on Tuesday, July 1, Los Cerritos Park on Wednesday, July 2, Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park at Marine Stadium on Thursday, July 3. (No concert July 4). All concerts start at 6:30 p.m. Bring chairs and a picnic. longbeach.gov/park/recreation-programs/programs-and-classes/municipal-band/
July 2-27 — Shakespeare in the park in Los Angeles: The annual Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival runs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays (except July 4). Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” is the July selection. Performances at the Dell atop the Old Zoo. General admission, but reservations are requested due to space limitations. Bring a picnic, blanket or low-back chairs. No liquor or dogs. It’s uphill from the parking area, so call 818-710-6306 for ADA access. (You can fork out $60 for a reserved seat.) Search Google Maps for Old Zoo Picnic area. indieshakes.org/free-shakespeare-2025
July 3 — Fireworks and music in Riverside: The annual “Concert for Heroes” will feature fireworks and music by the Riverside Philharmonic, including American classics, anthems and tributes. Bring lawn chairs, picnics and blankets. 7 p.m. at the National Cemetery amphitheater, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside. 951-787-0251 or riversidephilharmonic.org/concert
July 5 — Free movie in Lancaster: “Barbie” (2023) will screen on a 90-inch TV with light refreshments. Adults only. 3:30 p.m. Lancaster Library, 601 West Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, 661-948-5029 or lacountylibrary.org/event/13844038
July 10, 17, 24, 31 — Concerts in San Bernardino. Sizzlin’ Summer Nights concerts will take place Thursday nights starting July 10. At Al Guhin Park Amphitheater: Soul 3 Sixty (Motown) on July 10, Family Electric (EDM) on July 17. At Court Street Square: Hard Day Nights (Beatles covers) on July 24 and Smokin’ Cobras (rock oldies) on July 31. Gates open 5 p.m., music at 7:30. Al Guhin Park, 3650 Little League Drive, San Bernardino; and Court Street Square, 349 N. E Street. San Bernardino. facebook.com/SBCityParksAndRec
July 11 — Movie in the park, Irvine: “Mufasa: The Lion King” (2024) screens as part of the OC Parks Sunset Cinema series. Pre-show starts at 6 pm., movie begins at dusk. Mason Regional Park amphitheater. 18712 University Drive, Irvine. 949-923-2220 or ocparks.com/masonpark
July 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 — Free concerts in downtown Los Angeles: Grand Park Performances continue, with five shows this month. Concerts include Mystical Melodies with Saami Brothers Qawwal on July 12, Prelude: Bach Bebop with Suraj Partha on July 18, Berimbau: Sounds of Resilience! on July 19; She Speaks: Sultana’s Dream with Tanzila Ahmed on July 25 and KCRW Summer Nights Presents Baby Rose and Angélica Garcia on July 26. Concerts are 6-10 p.m. at the California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. grandperformances.org
July 16 — Jewelry crafting in Chatsworth: Join Seville Michelle and learn to make upcycled jewelry at the Chatsworth Branch Library. 11 a.m. Chatsworth Branch Library, 21052 Devonshire St., Chatsworth. 818-341-4276 or lapl.org/whats-on/events/adult-crafting-wednesdays-jewelry-making-seville-michelle
July 17 — Concert in Fullerton: Mariachi Divas perform at Craig Regional Park. Free admission and parking. Bring picnic stuff, chairs and blankets. Pre-show entertainment starts at 5 p.m. and the music kicks off at 6 p.m. 3300 State College Blvd., Fullerton. ocparks.com
July 18 — Movie in the park, Anaheim: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024) screens. Pre-show entertainment starts at 6 p.m. with the movie beginning at dusk. Yorba Regional Park. 7600 E. La Palma Ave. Anaheim. 714-973-6615 or 714-973-6838.
July 19 — Tribute concert in Simi Valley: Locked Out of Heaven & Britney Beep (Bruno Mars and Britney Spears tribute) performs. Food truck available. Leashed dogs on perimeters only. No smoking. Picnics, liquor allowed but no intoxication. 6:30 p.m, with Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Ave., Simi Valley (Corner of Erringer and Royal). 805-584-4400 or rsrpd.org
July 23 — Peruvian concert in Van Nuys. INCA Peruvian Ensemble will perform traditional Peruvian music from noon to 1 pm. Under the trees in front of the Van Nuys Branch Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave. Van Nuys. 818-756-8453 or lapl.org/branches/van-nuys
July 24-27 — Stage musical in Redlands: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be performed over four nights. Also a public dress rehearsal will take place on July 22. Picnics allowed; no liquor or dogs. 8 p.m., Smiley Park. 25 Grant St., Redlands. redlandsbowl.org/joseph-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat
Jul 25 — Movie in Ontario: “Mufasa: The Lion King” (2024) will screen. Summer Movies in the Park. 7 pm. Ontario Town Square, 224 North Euclid Ave., Ontario. ontarioca.gov/events/2025-07-26/summer-movies-park
July 26 — Dragon Boat Festival in Long Beach: Boat races, food trucks, vendors and cultural performances such as traditional Chinese arts, acrobats, dance, music and martial arts are all part of this annual festival. .Free for walk-up spectators. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Marine Stadium, 5225 E. Paoli Way, Long Beach. bdragonboat.com/index.php