You've planned a day at one of LA's best beaches and figured out where to see fireworks, but there are far more free things to do in July after the long weekend. From an OC surf fest to a slew of summer concert kickoffs, these are the best ways to make the most of your month without breaking into your wallet.
July 3
Rhondesia; SkyBar
Let your freak flag fly at this rooftop pool party from A Club Called Rhonda.
July 3
'Merica Fest'; Angel City Brewery
Salute the nation at this all-American party, complete with a beer garden, BBQ and backyard games.
July 4
Fourth of July Block Party; Grand Park
Watch Downtown LA light up for free at this patriotic street party.
July 4-25
Monday Movie Nights Upstairs; Upstairs
Pair free flicks and cinematically-themed cocktails as Ace Hotel hosts its '80s to the MaxX July series.
Photograph: Courtesy Spencer Lowell
July 6-27
Summer Concert Series at the Grove; The Grove
Get your game on and go play at the Grove with nostalgia-drenched concerts from Smash Mouth, Plain White T's and more.
July 7-28
Made in LA Music; Hammer Museum
Mark the Westwood museum's biennial exhibition with free performances by Poolside, Peanut Butter Wolf and more.
July 7-Sep 8
Twilight Concerts; Santa Monica Pier
Listen to tunes by the beach as this beloved series kicks off with sets from Mayer Hawthorne, BØRNS, Psychedelic Furs and more.
July 9, 10
Lotus Festival; Echo Park Lake
Celebrate the bloom of Echo Park Lake's beloved floating flowers with this food, music and cultural fest.
Photograph: Kate Wertheimer
July 9-23
Sound in Focus; Century Park
Catch headlining sets from Nas, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at this KCRW and Annenberg-presented series.
July 15
Odd Nights at the Autry; Autry National Center
Head to the latest installment of this monthly market, nighttime dance party, happy hour and shopping extravaganza.
July 23-31
US Open of Surfing; Huntington Beach
Hit the beach to cheer on the country's biggest pro surfers at this annual competition.
Through Aug 20
Shakespeare by the Sea; Various locations
Enjoy Shakespeare's plays (either Othello or Cymbeline) at various parks and amphitheaters around Southern California.
Through Sept 4
Free Shakespeare in Griffith Park; Old Zoo
Grab a picnic—but leave the booze at home—and head to the Old Zoo for either Richard III or The Tempest.
Ongoing
Free concerts; Various locations
Listen to some tunes without breaking the bank with free shows at the Echo, the Satellite, Grand Park and more.
Ongoing
Free museum days; Various locations
Make the most of free days at LACMA, the Natural History Museum and more, plus always-free museums like the Hammer, Getty and Broad.