August in Los Angeles is packed with rhythm, flavor, and sunshine! Everything you need to enjoy the final stretch of summer. We’ve rounded up the best events across the city this month to help you make the most of these vibrant days and warm nights.
From open-air music festivals and concerts in the gardens to refreshing water play parks and family-friendly food events, August invites everyone to dive into something fun. This is the perfect time to dance under the stars, indulge in seasonal eats, and cool off with unique summer experiences you’ll only find in LA.
LifeHacksLA invites you to get outside, and take part in all the exciting moments August has to offer. There’s a whole lot of LA magic waiting to be enjoyed, music, food, fun, and all.
1 – Sizzling Summer Nights
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Head over to the Autry Museum for Sizzling Summer Nights, part of the Autry After Hours Series! Every Thursday from 6 to 9 PM, the museum transforms into a lively open-air celebration of Latin music, dance, and culture. There are free salsa lessons to get everyone moving, and a separate stage for kids.
Each week brings a different live salsa or Latin fusion band, keeping the energy high and the beats irresistible. As the music pulses through the plaza, you can grab tasty tacos and sip on a refreshing margarita—because what’s summer without great food and drinks under the stars?
It’s a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can dance, laugh, and connect with your community, all surrounded by the beauty of Griffith Park.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 7th, when Sizzling Summer Nights will honor the legendary Héctor Lavoe with a special tribute that will have you dancing all evening long.
His music is iconic in the salsa world, and this night promises to be one of the summer’s highlights. So gather your friends, and come celebrate the rhythm of summer at the Autry!
Location: Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Pic Credit: @youtube
2 – Monster Truck Freestyle Mania
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Get ready for some carnage! From August 22–24, Monster Jam roars into the Crypto.com Arena for a high-octane weekend of adrenaline-pumping action. This year’s event promises to be more electrifying than ever before, featuring a groundbreaking twist.
Monster Jam trucks will join forces with Freestyle Motocross (FMX) bikes for the first time in event history. These two titans of motorsport are set to unleash gravity-defying stunts and jaw-dropping performances that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Dive into the excitement with Monster Jam Trackside, this pre show event starts approximately one hour before each event. This immersive experience offers an inside look at the competition, with driver interviews, pit crew insights, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it takes to keep these monster machines running.
Attendees can also enjoy the Judges Zone Overview, exciting giveaways, and a spectacular Opening Ceremonies followed by Power Rush Truck Introductions that amp up the energy before the main event.
Monster Jam at the Crypto.com Arena is revving up to be one of the hottest tickets of the summer. Don’t miss your chance to witness history as Monster Jam pushes the limits of motorsport like never before!
Location: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
PIC Credit: @monsterjam
3 – Cali Splash Park
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This is one of the most fun activities to do in August with the kids! This massive inflatable aquapark turns the lake into a floating playground with obstacle courses, climbing walls, trampolines, slides, and more, and is all set against the scenic backdrop of the Santa Clarita hills. It’s fun for all.
This super large water playground is open Wednesdays through Sundays and it’s packed with over 45 fun and challenging obstacles, including giant slides, bouncers, wiggle bridges, and climbing walls.
Life vests are required and provided, making it a safe environment for everyone to play.
A visit to Cali Splash Park is the perfect outdoor activity for families in August. Bring your sunscreen, water shoes, and sense of adventure. You can pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake after your session.
With its refreshing water, wide-open spaces, and unforgettable fun, Cali Splash Park is a summer highlight you won’t want to miss in August.
Location:32132 Castaic Lake Dr, Castaic, CA 91384
PIC Credit: @fever
4 – Arboretum Summer Night Series
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Summer evenings in Los Angeles just got even more beautiful and fun for everyone! Mark your calendar for the Arboretum Summer Series on Fridays kicking off on August 1st. This beloved outdoor concert series takes place at the stunning Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden and is the perfect blend of music, nature, and community.
Gates open at 5:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to claim your picnic spot before the music begins at 6:00 PM. Picnic baskets, lawn chairs, blankets, and even umbrellas are all welcome. The concerts feature a rotating lineup of lively performances, with genres ranging from jazz and folk to soul and indie pop.
The last entry is at 7:30 PM, so be sure to arrive early to soak in the full experience. And here’s a pro tip: Arboretum members get in for free, so if you’re not a member yet, this might be the perfect reason to join!
Your ticket doesn’t just get you access to the music, it also includes admission to the gorgeous garden, prepare to take lots of beautiful pictures because roses are in full bloom this time of year.
Take a leisurely stroll before the concert and admire the roses, tropical plants, and peacocks that roam the grounds.
And since we are talking about music, remember the POPS Summer Concerts are happening on Saturdays also here at the Arboretum.
On August 9th, enjoy Music of Bond, James Bond, and Classical Mystery Tour – A Tribute to The Beatles is on August 23rd. Have fun everyone!
Location: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
PIC Credit: @thearboretum
5 – Best Food Festivals in LA this Month
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Here we have some delicious events happening this month, for all of you craving a good bite or fun foodie event.
Dine LA Restaurant Week is in full swing through August 8th, offering food lovers the perfect excuse to try something new. From trendy hotspots to high-end dining destinations, participating restaurants feature specially curated prix-fixe menus at unbeatable prices.
Next up, head to Taste of Ecuador on August 10th for a vibrant cultural celebration in the heart of LA. This free family-friendly event takes place in Downtown Los Angeles and features authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, live performances, artisan vendors, and more.
It’s a flavorful way to explore South American traditions without leaving the city. It’s a festival full of energy and delicious bites, this is your chance to try that ceviche for the first time!
Later in the month, make your way to 123 Farms in Cherry Valley for the start of Lavender Nights, beginning August 21st. This dreamy evening event combines food, music, and over half a million twinkling lights for a truly enchanting experience.
Enjoy dishes made with ingredients grown right on the farm, sip on seasonal lavender cocktails, and relax to live acoustic music as you wander through lavender fields lit up with dazzling displays.
It’s the perfect late-summer escape just outside the city, and a must-visit for anyone who loves farm-to-table fare with a side of magic. This event is open from Wednesday through Monday from 5 to 10 pm.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @kidsoutandaboutla
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