Things to do in Los Angeles today

Each summer, Bard fanatics watch their favorite works come to life at the historic Old Zoo in Griffith Park. For 16 years running, Independent Shakespeare Co. has put on a series of lively productions each week, inviting audiences to take a seat on the grass (bring a picnic blanket) and enjoy performances like this season’s headliner, Shakespeare political thriller Coriolanus, which will be followed by the self-explanatory The Comedy of Errors. With construction of a permanent stage still in process on the main lawn, this summer’s shows will again be held in the dell at the top of the Old Zoo—meaning available space is smaller, and although performances are still free, reservations are required.

Burbank’s hillside amphitheater the Starlight Bowl hasn’t started its summer season yet, but it’s still the launch site for a patriotic drone show, which has taken the place of Burbank’s annual Fourth of July fireworks. You can watch from down the hill at McCambridge Park; show up early to enjoy live music before 400 drones light up the sky at 9pm.

There’s something about watching fireworks over the ocean. Every year in Marina del Rey, fireworks explode over the marina channel and spectators gather all over to watch on the 4th of July: at Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village, as well as from Marina “Mother’s” Beach, waterfront hotels and restaurants, and on boats. Fireworks start at 9pm and last for about 20 minutes. Arrive early to the area’s county parking lots.

It isn’t summer in L.A. until the first cemetery screening brings hoards of movie-lovers to Hollywood Forever Cemetery, toting folding chairs, picnic blankets, snack spreads and lots of booze. Each year, Cinespia brings classic cult favorites to the hallowed resting place of such Hollywood greats as Rudolph Valentino and Bugsy Siegel. The series typically releases its slate one month at a time, with summertime screenings at the cemetery and a few off-site ones on either end (usually at L.A. State Historic Park). For each evening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, pack a picnic (yes, booze is allowed), pose in the photo booth and enjoy DJ sets, dance parties and all sorts of other magical mischief that’d otherwise be strictly forbidden behind the cemetery gates. For 2026, Cinespia’s 25th(!) season in the cemetery, June includes Fast Times at Ridgemont High (June 6), The Matrix (June 13), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (June 20) and Legally Blonde (June 27); July kicks off with a pair of fireworks-accompanied screenings, Shrek (July 3) and Jurassic Park (July 4), followed by Pulp Fiction (July 11), Rosemary’s Baby (July 18) and Edward Scissorhands (July 25). In addition, Cinespia is teaming up with See’s Candies this year to sell specially branded candy boxes during screenings. The outdoor screenings are an L.A. rite of passage, a quintessential summer experience and one of the best film venues in the city. Just be sure to get your ticket early, arrive early, pee early… it’s a...

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on July 4th at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with a star-studded concert headlined by alt-rockers the Smashing Pumpkins and country powerhouse Chris Stapleton, hosted by the iconic Queen Latifah. This historic, charitable event kicks off at 3pm with a pre-event Block Party Village featuring free food, drinks and giveaways, followed by the main concert at 6pm, which culminates in a spectacular fireworks and drone show. Tickets are a symbolic steal at just $17.76, with 5,000 free tickets donated to local first responders and veterans. All ticket proceeds benefit Feeding America, and out-of-town fans can catch the entire celebration livestreamed on the official America250 app. (Note: The event is presented by America250—the nonpartisan nonprofit established by Congress under the Obama administration—which is distinct from D.C.’s Freedom 250.)

The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned for another season of screenings to LEVEL in Downtown L.A. Known for excellent film choices and a steady supply of snacks and booze, Rooftop Cinema Club is your snazzy, comfortable and less stressful alternative to other outdoor movie screenings. You don’t even need to bring your own camping chair—Rooftop Cinema Club provides you with your very own comfy lawn chair (with optional blankets for purchase to up the coziness). And instead of listening to the movie over loudspeakers, you’ll get a set of wireless headphones so you never have to miss a word. Find the full schedule on their site, or in our outdoor movie calendar.

Valley dwellers are hard-pressed to find many fireworks options on the Fourth, without shelling out for a Universal Studios ticket. But Warner Park in Woodland Hills has the SFV covered with this annual extravaganza, starting with live music at Lou Bredlow Pavilion (this year’s acts are local band Marshmallow Torch and Steely Dan cover band Doctor Wu) and culminating in a 20-minute fireworks display. Local food trucks and arts and crafts are also on hand for the occasion.

It’s official: Los Angeles has soccer (football?) fever. The city is hosting eight FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium between June 12 and July 10. Don’t have the cash to score tickets? You’re in luck. While it won’t be quite the same as having a seat right on the pitch, there will be a rotating slate of fan zones across L.A. County, with official watch parties held from Venice to Downtown L.A. to Burbank to Pomona. Some of these events are free, while others are charging a nominal fee. In any case, you’ll get to enjoy live match viewing and immersive fan experiences closer to home and still be part of the global moment. One highlight from the lineup: “The Heart of the City” Fan Zone at Union Station from June 25 to 28, which will offer four days of free, all-ages programming at the transit hub, screening the matches both in the historic Ticket Concourse and outside.

If you’re on the hunt for a cheap, lively way to celebrate Uncle Sam, shake it over to Gloria Molina Grand Park, and watch Downtown L.A. light up for free—for the fourth year running, the park has swapped out fireworks for more eco-friendly drones. The Fourth of July celebration will also offer food truck fare, interactive art exhibits—including an AR experience inspired by the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—and two stages of live music. At the Backyard Stage, you’ll find local talent including trumpeter Tatiana Tate, L.A. Tropifunk Collective and Kaimera; the Front Yard Stage will be headlined by global sound DJ collective Pangea Sound. The tunes begins while the sun is still high in the sky, so settle in for an all-day picnic—note that no booze is allowed, though—and relax. Best of all, the event is Metro-accessible via the Civic Center/Grand Park station (though $10 parking is also available at the Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall). Be sure to stay for the 9pm L.A.-themed drone show from Grizzly Entertainment—a flurry of some 700 illuminated drones above the Music Center—at 9pm. 

Even if you don’t buy a ticket to board the Queen Mary, there are other options for viewing Long Beach’s Fourth of July fireworks display. Three free, synchronized fireworks shows—the grand finale to “Sea to Shining LBC,” a weeklong celebration of America’s 250th birthday—will be launched simultaneously from barges off Granada Beach in Belmont Shore, Junipero Beach in front of the Long Beach Museum of Art and the Queen Mary waterfront. Starting at 9pm, the 20-minute display will be easily viewable from most of the Long Beach waterfront’s attractions, including Lions Lighthouse in Shoreline Aquatic Park, Shoreline Village, the downtown waterfront, Granada Beach, Cherry Beach and Junipero Beach. If you’d rather watch from the water, you can also set sail with City Cruises or Harbor Breeze Cruises, which depart from Rainbow Harbor on the Fourth.