Summer Nights in Los Angeles: Your Guide to Evening Activities
If you’re looking for something to do on a summer night in Los Angeles, we’ve got you covered. Here are some ideas of what to do in L.A. on a summer evening when the long, sunny days wind down into balmy nights.
Go to a Drive-In Movie
Experiencing an outdoor movie at night was once a traditional summer activity, but now drive-in theaters are rare gems. Fortunately, Los Angeles still boasts several spots for enjoying this nostalgic summer pastime.
Cinespia: Enjoy an outdoor film series at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, screening a variety of films on most Saturdays throughout the summer.
Eat | See | Hear: A fusion of food truck festivals, outdoor movies, and concerts, happening at different locations every summer Saturday.
Vineland Drive-In: This is the last remaining old-fashioned drive-in movie theater in the L.A. area, nestled in the City of Industry, east of downtown. They screen first-run movies as well.
Street Food Cinema: This event takes place in various parks, featuring outdoor movies, delicious food trucks, and live music every Saturday, all summer long.
Roof Top Cinema Club: Located on the rooftops of some of L.A.’s coolest buildings, this cinema offers cozy seating, wireless headphones, iconic films, and stunning views.
See a Show Outdoors
Attending a summer evening concert or theater performance can be one of the most delightful experiences during L.A.’s dry, warm summer nights.
Hollywood Bowl: A staple of Los Angeles, this venue is favored by many residents for summer concert series.
Greek Theatre: Frequently rated as one of North America’s top small outdoor venues, the Greek Theatre hosts a summer-long schedule packed with musical performances.
Ford Amphitheater: An affordable and fun option, the Ford features a range of innovative shows suitable for diverse audiences, including family-friendly performances.
Grand Performances: Located outdoors amidst beautiful fountains in downtown, this free concert series is perfect for summer nights.
Theatricum Botanicum: This intimate theatre company showcases annual performances of Shakespeare and other classics in a stunning outdoor venue in Topanga Canyon.
Stay Up Late at a Summer Night Festival
Although these festivals do not occur every week, planning ahead will elevate your summer evening experience tremendously.
626 Night Market: As California’s first Asian night market, it takes place in Pasadena, typically running from early July to early September over the weekends.
LA Food Fest: Hosted at Santa Anita Park, this festival significantly contributed to the recognition of L.A.’s vibrant street food scene. It usually occurs on a Saturday in June.
Chinatown Summer Nights: This event combines food and cultural festivities, taking place downtown over multiple weekends from mid-June to early August, highlighted by the vibrant glow of Chinatown’s neon lights.
Orange County Fair: Kicking off in mid-July, this month-long event is much more festive in the evening, featuring delicious food, entertaining rides, and various exhibits.
Numerous LA attractions typically open during the day now also host summer evening events, such as Summer Nights in the Garden at the Natural History Museum, Night Garden at Descanso Gardens, and Jazz at LACMA.
Catch a Game
Spend a delightful evening in L.A. watching one of the local sports teams play.
Go to an LA Dodgers Game: Located near downtown, Dodger Stadium provides an excellent venue for enjoying a night game.
Go to an Anaheim Angels Game: For those with allegiance to the team in red uniforms down in Orange County, they also host night games.
See the Red Tide Glow
While red tides during the day can cause unpleasant sights and odorous reminders, at night they present a magical spectacle. Tiny organisms emit an electric-blue glow when disturbed. As waves crash at night, these organisms create brilliant flashes of light along the wave’s crest.
Hang With the Fish
Just 26 miles offshore, Catalina Island offers a unique chance to see flying fish. This exciting natural phenomenon occurs in the summer and is truly unforgettable.
Alternatively, check out the Grunion Run. While they don’t literally “run,” these fish put on an impressive show during their spawning season, typically occurring around the full moon. At some Los Angeles beaches, you may encounter “Grunion Greeters” who provide insights and enhance your viewing experience.
