Across Southern California, there are plenty of events to enjoy that won’t break the bank. In fact, there are free events for the family or to visit solo in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.<\/p>\n
ALSO SEE:<\/strong> 10 festivals and conventions to keep on your summer radar<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Always free. Los Angeles<\/strong> \u2014 Getty Center: This summer, the world\u2019s richest museum has extended hours, concerts, and free parking after 6 p.m.<\/a> on Saturdays. It offers priceless art treasures and frequent free events. It sits atop a hill in West Los Angeles. You can bring your lunch and nonalcoholic drinks. Admission is free, but timed admission tickets must be ordered in advance. Parking costs $20, or $15 after 3 p.m. Active and veteran U.S. military with ID park free. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. Call 310-440-7300 or go to getty.edu<\/a> to make reservations.<\/p>\n June 13, July 11, August 8. Lancaster <\/strong>\u2014 Head to the General William J. Fox Airfield<\/a> to view the free monthly display of classic, antique, and vintage aircraft. See the aircraft up close and meet and speak with their owners from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please contact the airport manager\u2019s office at (661) 945-0078. 4725 William J Barnes Ave. Lancaster. calendar.pw.lacounty.gov\/event\/aircraft-display-day-130\/<\/a><\/p>\n Now-August. Long Beach <\/strong>\u2014 Enjoy an entire summer of free live music and theater at the recently renovated 1929 bandshell at Recreation Park. \u201cLive At the Shell<\/a>\u201d entertains most weeks with free admission and parking. Bring your own picnic or buy food there. There\u2019s bench seating, or bring your own chairs. Events include: Shakespeare in the Park, the 3rd annual Long Beach Bluegrass Festival, plus rockabilly, country line dancing, classic rock, soul, Motown, and more. 833 Federation Dr, Long Beach. liveattheshell.org<\/a><\/p>\n July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8. Pasadena <\/strong>\u2014 Enjoy “Movies in the Park,” a free movie every month on Fridays. Movies include “Moana 2” at Villa Parke Community Center; “Sonic 3” at Robinson Park Recreation Center; “Despicable Me 4” at Washington Park; “Dog Man” at Grant Park, and “The Wild Robot” at Victory Park Recreation Center. The evening starts with crafts and games at 7 p.m., followed by the movie. Learn more: cityofpasadena.net\/event\/parks-after-dark-2025-kickoff-festival\/<\/a><\/p>\n July 11. Los Angeles Downtown<\/strong> \u2014 Attend the 100th anniversary Centennial Festival for the beautiful Central Los Angeles Public Library from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This will be a day filled with special events and festivities. 630 West 5th St., Los Angeles. Tickets aren’t required but highly encouraged. Get your free ticket at eventbrite.com\/e\/central-library-centennial-festival-tickets-1984983223255<\/a>.<\/p>\n ALSO SEE:<\/strong> From BBQ to fine dining, celebrate summer with these SoCal food festivals<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Now through August. Costa Mesa<\/strong> \u2014 Every Tuesday evening through August, enjoy a free outdoor dance class on the plaza at the Segerstrom Center. Professional instructors will provide group dance lessons at 6:30 p.m., sometimes followed by social dancing to great bands. All skill levels are welcome. Seated dance movement is also available for wheelchair users. This is free, no ticket required, but there’s paid parking in adjacent garages. Dance styles include Broadway, Line dance, Bollywood, Hula, Hip hop, and Latin. 600 Town Center Dr.Costa Mesa, Learn more: scfta.org\/shows-events<\/a><\/p>\n June 21: Santa Ana<\/strong> \u2014\u00a0Head to the Bowers Museum<\/a> for their free outdoor “World Cup Watch Party and Cultural Celebration”<\/a> on Father’s Day. Live music and dance, art projects, face painting, and viewing of the World Cup match<\/a>. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2002 North Main StreetSanta Ana. bowers.org\/index.php\/programs\/family-programs\/world-cup-watch-party-and-cultural-celebration<\/a><\/p>\n Free movies. Fullerton<\/strong> \u2014\u00a0Head to the Fullerton Public Library<\/a>‘s conference center to enjoy free afternoon movies on the big screen. Times vary. Upcoming shows: June 17: Some Like It Hot. June 20: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. June 20: F1: The Movie. June 27: Toy Story 4. July 18: Project Hail Mary. August 15: Sinners. July 21-24. The Hunger Games marathon. 353 W. Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton. fullertonlibrary.org\/movie-program<\/a><\/p>\n July 4. Brea Country Fair<\/strong> \u2014 Head out from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to this free annual event that includes live entertainment, a parade, a dog parade, a classic car show, games, exhibits, and free swimming at the Plunge. Swimming starts at noon. At City Hall Park<\/a>. 495 S. Brea Blvd. Brea. america250.org\/event\/country-fair\/<\/a><\/p>\n Sept. 5 and 6. Huntington Beach <\/strong>\u2014 The annual Civil War Days reenactment on Labor Day weekend is always free to visit. It starts at 10 a.m. on Sept. 5 and 6, 2026. There’s food, music, talks, and shopping. Reenactors come from all over the country. Anyone can sign up to participate, but must pass a safety test. The camp is located in Central Park behind the library, on Gothard St. between Slater and Talbert. Battle times are Saturday between 1:30 and 4 p.m. and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.\u00a0 Learn more: hbhistory.org\/civilwar<\/a><\/p>\n Free to visit Saturdays and Sundays. Jurupa Valley<\/strong> \u2014 The Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center is open on Saturdays and Sundays only. The Museum of Discoveries, showcasing rocks, minerals, fossils, and Native American art, is free. Look for Eddy, the life-size replica of an Ice Age Mammoth. Wander the botanical gardens, turtle pond, and look for butterflies and dinosaur sculptures. Parking is $10. 7621 Granite Hill Drive, Jurupa Valley. jmdc.org<\/a><\/p>\n June 4, July 2, August 6. Riverside<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Enjoy strolling the Riverside ArtsWalk<\/a> every first Thursday of the month, including free admission to the Riverside Art Museum (Julia Morgan Building) and The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, as well as many other downtown arts destinations. It takes place from 6-8 p.m. at 22 downtown locations, including galleries, studios, and more. Riverside Art Museum, 3425 Mission Inn Ave. Riverside, The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, 3581 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. riversideartscouncil.com\/about-artswalk<\/a><\/p>\n June 12-14. Eastvale <\/strong>\u2014\u00a0It\u2019s time for the 2026 Corcoran Spring Night<\/a>, from Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a 3-day celebration of local arts and artisans. There will be family activities, live demonstrations and workshops, food for purchase, and more. 14600 Baron Dr. Eastvale. allevents.in\/eastvale\/2026-corcoran-spring-night\/100001987771677597<\/a><\/p>\n July 18. Perris <\/strong>\u2014 Head to the Southern California Railway Museum for the 3rd Annual Taste of Perris Music Festival, starting at 4 p.m. This is for all ages. Free admission and parking for a day of great live music, dance, vibes, food for sale, and more. 2201 South A St., Perris. RSVP at eventbrite.com\/e\/taste-of-perris-music-festival-tickets-1980066058884<\/a><\/p>\n June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6. Riverside <\/strong>\u2014\u00a0Enjoy the monthly Storytime in the Gardens at the University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens. Admission is free, but parking on campus is paid. This event is held on the first Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. until October. Look for the docents in Alder Canyon or the meeting room to hear a story read out loud. This is designed for ages 3-8. No registration is required. Paid parking is in the BG Visitor Lot, Lot 10, or Lot 13 Blue. Location:1 Botanic Gardens Dr.Riverside. gardens.ucr.edu\/events<\/a><\/p>\n June-July. Beaumont<\/strong> \u2014 This year features the return of Beaumont Nights at Towncenter. This downtown Beaumont market offers family-friendly entertainment, artisans, local vendors, and food trucks. Held on Thursday evenings, except for May 28 and June 4. 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. \u00a0Entertainment Lineup: June 11: Noche Caliente; June 18: Totally 80’s Night with Flashback Heart Attack; June 25: Family Fun Night with Disney Channel hits; July lineup to be announced. Located on Beaumont Avenue between 6th and 8th Street. communitycalendar.beaumontca.gov\/bmca<\/a><\/p>\n May-August. Redlands<\/strong> \u2014 Enjoy this free summer Live & Loud Concert Series at the Mountain Grove and Citrus Plaza Shopping Centers. From 7 to 9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes. Performers include Bruno Mars Tribute \u201cUptown Funk”, Travis Felton, Ashley Humble, Brandon Wildish, Woody Garcia, Shea Givens, Apryle Dalmacio, Shawn Jones, Erik James, and more. Citrus Plaza Food Court, 27510 W Lugonia Ave, Redlands, and Mountain Grove Food Court, 27511 San Bernardino Ave, Redlands. Learn more: MTgrove.com\/events\/<\/a><\/p>\n June-August. Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival<\/strong> \u2014 “Music Under the Stars<\/a>” for free. June 19: Yacht Rock Symphony; June 23: Finals of the Redlands Bowl Concerto Competition; June 26: Ticket To The Moon: The ELO Experience; June 30: Ashes & Arrows country; July 3: Patriotic Pops; July 7: The Filharmonic Filipino group July 10: Leyenda Folklorico; July 14:The Sweet Caroline Tour; July 17: The Hutchins Consort; July 23-26: Disney’s Frozen: The Musical; July 28: TAIKOPROJECT ; July 31: West Side Story in Concert;\u00a0 August 4: Navy Band Southwest Winds Ensemble; August 7: The Doo Wop Project; August 11: The Glenn Miller Orchestra; August 14: Fireworks Finale! with The Redlands Symphony. Location: 25 Grant St., Redlands. redlandsbowl.org<\/a><\/p>\n June 13, July 18, August 15. City of San Bernardino<\/strong> \u2014 Starlight Cinema Movies in the Park returns this summer at city parks. The fun starts at 6 p.m. Movies start at dusk. Each night includes a themed craft related to the film, giant outdoor games (Checkers, Jenga, and Connect 4), a prize raffle, trivia for kids, food, and vendors. Activities start at 6 pm; the movie starts at dusk. Upcoming shows: June 13: Zootopia 2 at Delmann Heights Park; July 18: The Grinch at Hudson Park; Aug. 15: Detective Pikachu at Nicholson Park. Bring your chairs, a blanket, and a snack.<\/p>\n July 11. Wrightwood<\/strong> \u2014\u00a0This is the 62nd year for the Wrightwood Mountaineer Days<\/a>, when this woodsy mountain town celebrates its heritage and local pride. Stroll around the town and explore eateries and shops. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., families can enjoy games such as an axe-throwing competition, pony rides, a petting zoo, gunfighter performances, can-can girls dancing, and a parade with floats and local bands.6007 Park Dr., Wrightwood Learn more and register here: wrightwoodchamber.org\/mountaineer-days-4\/<\/a><\/p>\nLos Angeles County<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Orange County<\/h4>\n
Riverside County<\/strong><\/h4>\n
San Bernardino County<\/strong><\/h4>\n