If you’re not in London enjoying the Olympics (oh, I so wish I was!), Los Angeles has plenty of free events this Summer that will keep your schedule busy and keep you and your friends well entertained. My favorite radio station  KCRW is the most prolific organizer of awesome concerts and DJ sets all over town, often happening at the same time, leaving me always with the difficult task of choosing among equally exciting acts. Just take a look at this calendar and you’ll wish you had a clone, too!

My favorite events are the Summer Nights held at the Hammer Museum in Westwood (Made in LA concert series), at the Santa Monica Pier (Twilight concert series) and Chinatown.

I also enjoy attending concerts at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena, where every night (from Wednesday through Sunday) there is an eclectic array of genres going from blues to gypsy rock and world music. Another fantastic venue is the California Plaza in downtown with Grand Performances; I caught the most amazing performances here (from electric hip hop orchestras to contemporary jazz dances) their program is always a gem.

I absolutely love going every Sunday evening to Shakespeare in the Park in Griffith Park.  It’s the best place to bring a picnic basket and meet up with friends while enjoying the performances. Shakespeare always rocks!

More LA Summer must do’s (although, not free) are the concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and the movies at the Hollywood Forever (yes, the cemetery but it’s not so creepy as it might sound!) Both places are great for picnics and meeting up with friends. Pack up your basket and enjoy the rest of the Summer!!