Southern California is buzzing this weekend with events that celebrate summer’s vibrant blend of music, art, surf, and community. From beachside festivals and art shows to big-name concerts and outdoor movie nights, there’s something happening in every corner of LA and Orange County.
Many summer concert series are winding down at the end of the month, so now is the time to soak up the sounds of local bands and open-air performances. Whether you're strolling through Laguna’s forested art village, watching pro surfers ride the waves in Huntington, dancing to electronic beats at SoFi, or catching a tribute band at the OC Fair, the region is offering a full spectrum of summer fun.
Here are some weekend picks from Nataly Tavidian for August 1–3:
Sawdust Art Festival – Laguna Beach
A beloved summer tradition featuring over 180 local artists, live demos, hands-on classes, music, food, and drinks in a creative outdoor village setting.
Dates: Ongoing through August 31
Location: Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Website: https://sawdustartfestival.org/
International Surf Festival – South Bay
This multi-day celebration includes surf contests, beach volleyball, paddle races, and lifeguard competitions across the South Bay beach cities.
Dates: July 30 – August 3
Website: https://www.surffestival.org/
U.S. Open of Surfing – Huntington Beach
A premier WSL surf event featuring pro surfers, music, a vendor village, and beachside action.
Dates: July 26 – August 3
Website: https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2025/lt/349/lexus-us-open-of-surfing/main
Pageant of the Masters – Laguna Beach
A theatrical art experience where live performers recreate famous artworks on stage under the stars. This summer’s theme is "Gold Coast: Treasures of California."
Dates: Nightly through August 29
Time: ~8:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.foapom.com/
Angel City FC Watch Party – El Segundo
Join fans at Rock & Brews to cheer on Angel City FC in their match against Seattle Reign.
Date: Friday, August 1
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Rock & Brews, El Segundo
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/official-watch-party-angel-city-fc-seattle-reign-tickets-1448160309469/
Terranea Sound Series – Rancho Palos Verdes
Live music with an ocean backdrop at Nelson’s. This weekend features Cassie B (Friday) and Fair Avenue (Saturday).
Dates: August 1 & 2
Time: Doors 6 p.m., music 7–10 p.m.
Website: https://www.terranea.com/summer-celebrations
Redondo Beach Summer of Music
Free live music on the pier every Thursday and Saturday. This Saturday, enjoy oceanfront tunes from 6–8 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 2
Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
Website: https://redondopier.com/events
Manhattan Beach Concerts in the Park
Family-friendly Sunday concerts in Polliwog Park. Bring a picnic and enjoy laid-back live music.
Date: Sunday, August 3
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Polliwog Park Amphitheater
Website: https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/services/learn-about/concerts-in-the-park
Lady Gaga – The Mayhem Ball at The Kia Forum
Lady Gaga wraps up her four-show LA run this weekend with high drama, theatrical sets, and powerhouse vocals.
Dates: August 1 & 2
Location: Kia Forum, Inglewood
Website: https://www.ticketmaster.com/lady-gaga-the-mayhem-ball-inglewood-california-08-01-2025/event/09006292E6B7384A
Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán – Hollywood
Watch cult classics under the stars. This weekend: Scarface (Friday) and Beverly Hills Cop (Sunday), with DJs and drinks.
Dates: August 1 & 3
Time: Doors 6 p.m., film ~8:15 p.m.
Location: 1615 Vine Street, Los Angeles
Website: https://www.themontalban.com/rooftopevents
Hard Summer Festival – Hollywood Park
A two-day EDM and hip-hop festival featuring Kaytranada, Gesaffelstein, Busta Rhymes, Dom Dolla, and more. After-parties take place across LA.
Dates: August 2 & 3
Location: Hollywood Park, Inglewood
Tickets and info: https://hardsummer.frontgatetickets.com/
Shuttles and logistics: https://www.hardsummer.com/shuttles/
Maren Morris: The Dreamsicle Tour – The Wiltern
Maren Morris performs new hits from her latest album Dreamsicle on Saturday night at the Wiltern.
Date: August 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Wiltern, Los Angeles
Website: https://www.ticketmaster.com/maren-morris-the-dreamsicle-tour-los-angeles-california-08-02-2025/event/090062970EA154C3
OC Fair & The Hangar Tribute Shows – Costa Mesa
The OC Fair continues with rides, food, and nightly concerts. Saturday’s headliner at The Hangar is Which One’s Pink, a Pink Floyd tribute band.
Dates: Fair runs Wednesdays–Sundays through August 11
Concert: August 2 at 8:15 p.m.
Location: OC Fairgrounds
Website: https://ocfair.com/oc-fair/entertainment/the-hangar/
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