No matter how scorching our summer days get, nighttime in Los Angeles is usually a welcome breeze of slightly cooler temperatures, beckoning us outside to bask in the Southland’s magical after-hours. And there’s nothing like enjoying music with your friends and family in a communal outdoor setting.

Whether swaying to jazz at LACMA or dancing to global beats, here are some of the best ways to make memories under the stars through the sound of music.

KCRW Summer Nights

July & August; locations and times vary

The beloved local radio station’s seasonal all-ages, outdoor parties present DJs, live bands, food and drink at various venues including Union Station on July 19 (DJs José Galván), Kidspace Museum on Aug. 2 (“Yo Gabba Gabba” DJ Lance Rock) and Descanso Gardens on Aug. 29 (DJ Jason Bentley), plus so much more. Visit kcrw.com/summer-nights-2025.

Grand Performances

July & August; 6 p.m. 

Downtown’s California Plaza backdrops an array of family-friendly early evening music events reflecting the city’s diverse culture and creativity — from “Mystical Melodies” on July 12 to Latin ska on Aug. 9. More at grandperformances.org.

Levitt Pavilion

July & August; 6-7 p.m. 

MacArthur Park’s summer concert series showcases bilingual evening gatherings where jazz, hip-hop, rock and more uplift the local community and visitors alike. Visit levittlosangeles.org.

Jazz at LACMA

Friday nights; 6 p.m., now through October

Every Friday night, the iconic Urban Light display outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art makes for an atmospheric free live jazz experience and kickoff to the weekend. More at lacma.org.

Gloria Molina Grand Park

Holidays and Sundays through August; times vary

Beginning with a huge summer block party on July 4 headlined by Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist D Smoke, Gloria Molina Grand Park in Downtown L.A. is one of the places to be for summer. Dance the night away during the park’s “Sunday Sessions” series, plus family activities and food truck stops. More at grandparkla.org/blockparty.

Off the 405 at the Getty

July & August; 6 p.m.

The Getty Museum’s free outdoor music series features top music artists including Nashville-based singer Madi Diaz on July 12, L.A.-based singer/songwriter Empress Of (Lorely Rodriguez) on July 26 and musician/film composer Emili Mosseri on Aug. 23. Reservations required. Visit getty.edu.

Sunset Concerts at the Skirball

July & August; 6 p.m.

The annual music series features genres from around the globe via local and touring artists in the museum’s courtyard. Guests can arrive early and stroll through the exhibits for free, but there is a $20 parking fee. Check out Helado Negro and Rodrigo Amarante (July 17), Meridian Brothers and La Perla (July 24), Frente Cumbiero and MULA (July 31) and Say She She (Aug. 7). Reservations recommended. skirball.org/sunsetconcerts.

Lina Lecaro is an award-winning editor and journalist born and based in L.A. covering entertainment and culture. Follow her on Substack and @linalecaro on Instagram.

Michele Raphael is a culture, lifestyle and travel writer and editor based in L.A. Find her @michelebraphael on Instagram.