Get your groove back this summer with a host of free Southern California concerts and tantalize your taste buds at exciting foodie events. From seaside Lobsterfest to the spicy fun of a classic chili cookoff, there’s something for everyone this August in So Cal.
Get out there and seize the day!
LA COUNTY
Sol y Mar in Rancho Palos Verdes
Malaga Cove Concerts in the Park‘s summer line-up features talented musicians across all genres. Jazz, rock, classical and even a boot-scooting night of Honky Tonk and cowboy classics!
And for LA County’s wine lovers – How about unlimited tastings during the Taste of San Pedro Happy Hour?
Don’t mind if I do!
Gourmet food, handcrafted beers, premium spirits and fine wines. Live entertainment and fire dancers throughout the evening. August 6th from 5-10pm.
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Magnolia at West Covina
$6 never bought you so much food. Famous deep pit BBQ beef, delicious potato salad, spicy baked beans and of course, birthday cake! Pre-order your tickets for the 56th Annual San Dimas Birthday Barbecue. Free pony rides, petting zoo, live entertainment and games for the kids. August 6th from 2-9pm at the Civic Center Park & Plaza.
The West Covina Concert Series continues with Cold Duck, Stone Cold and Sabor. Shows kick off Thursdays at 6pm and run approximately 3 hours.
Learn More about Magnolia
ORANGE COUNTY
Capella, Saviero, & Welton in Irvine
The City of Irvine’s Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts wrap up in August with family friendly tributes to two of the greatest bands of our generation. L.A.vation will crank out U2’s greatest hits on August 7th and a week later Dog N’ Butterfly brings a taste of Seattle down south with classic Heart covers all night long.
And for a casual night of neighborly fun, head to Beacon Park on the third Friday of the month. Friday Night Happenings features a different theme every gathering.
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Discover Saviero
Welton at Beacon Park
Sea Summit in San Clemente
The San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival is an all-day event taking place August 14th from 9am-7pm. Featuring more than a dozen bands, the popular “Salsa Challenge” and clowns, jugglers & face-painters for the kids, it’s the hottest party of the season.
On the 19th, get ready to say good-bye to summer and hello to the school year at San Gorgonio Park’s Concert & Movie in the Park.
Visit Sea Summit in San Clemente
Camden Square in Lake Forest
An 80s icon will headline Lake Forest’s 25 Year Anniversary Concert on August 21st. 5 years ago Men Without Hats began touring again and the popular act kicks off at 5pm at Sports Park.
Join the midnight madness with the annual Skatepark Summer Campout on August 12th. Bring your board and a sleeping bag! Park will be closed at 10pm with adult supervision for all campers. Entrance fee includes dinner, snacks and breakfast.
Visit Camden Square
Lighthouse & Superior Pointe in Costa Mesa
Lace up your running shoes on August 7th for the OC Fair 5k Fun Run. Race fee includes a free t-shirt and entry to the fair!
And for a nostalgic experience like no other, re-live the magic of E.T. the Extra Terrestrial in sync with the San Diego Symphony. Feel John Williams’ historic score come to live while watching Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece on the big screen in high definition.
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Learn More – Lighthouse
Pacifica San Juan in San Juan Capistrano
Tickle your funny bone on Saturday, August 13th at Second Stage Standup. Headline act, Tom Clark, can be seen on Last Comic Standing, Premium Blend and the Bob & Tom Show. Doors open at 7.
San Juan Summer Nites is a free festival on August 17th at the Historic Town Center Park. Enjoy live music, dancing and a host of food trucks and youth activities. Beer and wine will be for sale.
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Echo 56 in Newport Beach
Drop in to the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina on Sunday, August 7th for whole Maine lobster, live music and beach party. Proceeds from Lobsterfest support local charities.
The City of Newport presents an evening of stunning music featuring a free concert by the Pacific Symphony, led by Carl St. Clair, at the Newport Beach Civic Center. The event begins at 5:30pm on Sunday, August 14th with children’s activities and the concert runs from 7-8:30pm.
Discover Echo 56 in Newport Beach
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Elms in San Diego
Over the years Luau & Legends of Surfing Invitational has raised over $7 million for cancer research. Come to Scripps Pier, La Jolla on August 21st and take part in a fun day in the sun for a great cause.
Lovers of everything spicy can’t wait for this year’s Western Regional Chili Cookoff. Free chili samples, classic cars and ice cold beer in Del Mar.
Event takes place on Saturday, August 6th from 1pm until the chili runs out!
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Estancia at Cielo in Rancho Santa Fe
The theme for the 2016 Concert for the Kids is Rockin’ the Ranch. The bill features a number of powerful rock vocalists for a true “rock concert” setting. All proceeds from the show benefit the Fountains for the Children of the Californias. Purchase tickets here for the August 27th charity event.
On August 13th from 10am-6pm Cardiff-by-the-Sea will celebrate man’s best friend with the Dog Days of Summer! An annual one-day street fair for dogs and dog lovers, you’ll find dog contests, free concerts, a beer garden and thousands of furry friends.
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Seagrove in Carlsbad
Flicks at the Fountain is the most exciting way to see a film in Carlsbad. Swing by the Village Fountain every Thursday night through August 25th for a fun evening under the stars. Seating starts at 6pm and movies go on at dusk.
A 3-day party by the beach, Carlsbad Music Festival is the area’s most innovative musical showcase. Both ticketed and free concerts available on multiple stages August 26-28.
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Cottages at St. Cloud in Oceanside
The Oceanside International Film Festival is San Diego’s premiere expose of arthouse cinema. The festival kicks off with a red carpet gala on August 7th with events running every day through the 14th. Consult the online schedule for tickets and films.
On August 14th, rock to the grooves of Santana Ways, a tribute band featuring guitar riffs from our favorite Mexican rocker. Show starts at 2pm at the Melba Bishop Recreation Center.
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