Jazz, people-watching, and a full-on summer vibe First time at Jazz at LACMA, and somehow I really thought getting there at 5 for a 6 p.m. start was gonna put me ahead. Parking? Still annoying. I got lucky and found a lot with one space left, but $20 for parking definitely deserves a mention because paying for parking is always a little painful. Even getting there an hour early, it was already extremely crowded. I was very glad I brought lawn chairs, a blanket, and snacks because while they do have food trucks, the food options felt pretty limited for the amount of people there. By the time I got settled, I was pretty far from the actual music. I could hear it just fine, but actually seeing the performers was another story. The vibe Now that part was absolutely worth it. Being outside on a summer night, listening to great music, surrounded by families, couples, friends, and beautifully dressed people just enjoying themselves... it really was such a vibe. Some people had full picnic setups with blankets, tables, food, wine, charcuterie, the whole thing. It was so cute seeing couples posted up, having their little summer night. And me? I was perfectly happy people-watching because I love an art crowd anyway, and adding jazz culture to it just made it even better. The style, the energy, the atmosphere... just a really lovely way to spend a night. Final thoughts If you go, come prepared. Bring chairs, bring snacks, and definitely expect a crowd. It may not be the best setup if your goal is actually seeing the performers up close, but if you're there for the music, the people, and the overall experience, it's absolutely worth it. First time definitely won't be my last. Such a good summer night. read more

I will be here off and on every Friday night this summer. It's too fun! But you have to come early. Otherwise it's Jae's to find a place to sit. read more

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Jazz series @ LACMA is great for gathering of friends or a cute date night! You get to picnic on the LACMA lawn while listening to Jazz music. It's Free! For best seating get there early - like 1-2 hrs before showtime!! You can take games to pass time. There is food & wine available for purchase. read more

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I've been coming to Jazz at LACMA for years and I use to really love it. While the Jazz performers are amazing (10 Stars for the jazz) some visitors have put a damper on the overall experience due to their poor etiquette. The performance starts around 6:00 and on a recent visit I arrived at 4:00 to get good seats. However, two ladies including one who was volunteering at the information booth reserved around 18 seats (I counted) for their late arriving friends. One lady bragged to her friends about how she saved "All these seats" with grocery bags. Add to it the loud, excessive talking and the experience feels more like what's been shown in those recent Carnival cruise ship videos. Just saying. In the past, the super social crowd catered to the picnic area away from the main stage but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. I felt bad when an elderly man in a wheel chair arrived early probably hoping to get an end chair but they were all on a grocery tote lockdown. SMH. If the Jazz at LACMA director and organizers would do better at enforcing seating policy and remind visitors to keep the lively chatter to a minimum near the performance stage, the experience could be as awesome as it once was. Otherwise, we might be seeing rows of rhythmic fans in the future. read more

Fun, free thing to do in LA!!! You can also reserve tickets to the museum - free after 3pm for SoCal residents. During the summer, they have a series of jazz concerts at 6pm every Friday. You can picnic - bring your own food and drinks (wine, etc is ok too!). They do have seats lined up in front of the stage but there are also areas off to the side on the grass people can picnic or bring their chairs to enjoy the ambiance and music. It does get packed so I suggest you get there early to grab a good spot. There is a paid parking lot you can access off of 6th street. You can also try to find street parking - your chouce. If you have an out of town guest, they will enjoy this. As the evening gets dark, the light turns on in the hackground so it's beautiful. The stage is literally in front of the Urban Lights...you must've seen it while driving down Wilshire. A must do! read more

*** Art + Live Jazz = good summertime. *** One of my fave pastimes in an LA summer. LACMA books really great artists to enjoy. Of course prkg can be a hassle so be early. Pack your own goodies or try their vendor. *** Never gets old to me, and it's free! *** read more

Jazz at LACMA - Joshua White Quintet 02Aug'24 ... 5-stars - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It was nice music, nice atmosphere and a fun out of the box free things to do. The music starts at 6pm and it's on time! Tip: arrive no less than 2 hours early to get a good spot for your blanket, chair, etc. bring snacks, or a picnic and maybe even a card game or something to pass the time and enjoy your friends while waiting. Some people order Uber eats and meet the delivery guy by the parking gate. The parking I paid was $22. There is parking entrance on 6th street (not Wilshire) that takes you up on an elevator right to the court yard where the concert is. If that lot is full drive around the museum (turn right on Curson) and there is another lot there as soon as you turn right. If that one gets full... there is another parking across the street from that one... you will most likely see a "public parking" A-sign right away. Dogs as welcome! read more

Jazz at LACMA - Ready to enjoy! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I love LACMA jazz nights so much! Nothing like hanging with friends, having wine, eating snacks and listening to some jazz. Amazing scenery and a great place to watch the sunset while enjoying some chill music. Only problem is parking. Unless you don't mind paying $21 then just park in the LACMA lot. Honestly, it's worth it paying the $21 and then you just walk a small bit back to your car after. Can't wait for next Friday to go back. No entry fee by the way. read more

The Friday evening I went was HBCU night. It was nice to see so many attendees out representing their colleges, sororities and fraternities. Pros: *Food is sold onsite at the venue. However, you can bring your own food and beverages. *Mixed variety jazz artist (you can check the website for date/music lineup). *The event is free. *The crowd is diverse (a mix of all ages, cultures, families, singles and even pets). *You can bring your own lawn chair and blankets if you would like to crate your own sitting/picnic space. All areas are first come first serves so arrive early. *EV parking is available in the parking structure. *Before attending jazz you can also check out the museum, tar pits or take pictures at the urban light landmark after the sun goes down. *Bathroom stalls are onsite in a small portable building structure equipped with sinks and mirrors. The lines can get long. Cons: *Parking fills up really quick (you might want to arrive around 4:30p if you want to park nearby or in the parking structure onsite). There is a fee to park in the parking structure. *There is limited seating in front of the office the stage. *It's hard to hear the band from some of the grass/picnic areas (you can walk closer to stage and stand on feet). read more

Jazz at LACMA - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It's always lots of fun. The music is really cool. You have to bring your own food and drinks because there's limited food and drink to buy. The only bad thing is that if you arrive just a little late there is no chairs and no spots on the grass to sit on. Also, you have to find parking somewhere on the streets or parking lots that are limited. It's gotten really crowded since we started going many years ago. It happens on Fridays and Saturdays best of all it is free. read more

Jazz at LACMA - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is the place to be for a good time with Friends & family/ what an amazing experience. Old artists, new artists you name it we were thrilled to relax and enjoy. read more

Great atmosphere, lots of people but the vibe was super chill. Bring blankets , games, food ( they have a food truck but they ran out of certain food items) and kick back and relax read more

LACMA is in the heart of Los Angeles near mid town. As long as I've known, live jazz happens every Friday. Different performers come on a stage and wow the audience with amazing live music. It one of the free things in life to enjoy. The court yard has seat near the stage but people also pack their favorite foods and beverages along with blankets and chairs. People get there at least an hour early to reserve their spot. Because it's outdoors you are competing with the conversation, laughter and kiddos playing all around. If you wanna listen to the Jazz, you might be best sitting in the chairs near the stage. It's usually a perfect night as the hot summer starts to cool down. K-Jazz sponsors this event and I enjoy it every year. read more

Jazz at LACMA - LACMA city light exhibit - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Food was good, service was excellent and of course the ambiance was off the chart! The music was great!

Always a pleasure coming here to see and hear jazz. They have the best artists performing free of charge to people. There is a mixed variety of cultures to sing, laugh, dance, eat and sip . So much fun o. Fridays during the summer months read more

Jazz at LACMA - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Love the jazz plus the delish food! Go it's free every Friday! Been going there for years! read more

Been going for 20 years and always the best entertainment, audience and environment. Really represents the many cultures of SoCal! Get there early for seats or to picnic: and food is available and you can bring in wine. Parking is expensive at the 6th street lot and can be difficult also if not there early. Best summer event for free! read more

Latin Jazz at LACMA Saturday afternoon at 5pm. Is one of my all time favorite. The people are diverse and laid back. The music is great and the atmosphere is chill. A great event, for families, lovers and friends. There's dancing or if you prefer a walk the park is lovely. read more

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They Serve ALCOHOL and I don't think that is a good thing but the Crowd is Civilized and the Music is Soothing. The Patio Restaurant has a Menu that is satisfactory. read more

You can't beat LACMA jazz Friday nights. Whomever is responsible for booking the talent, hats off to you. The museum gets famous jazz players to come to the museum to play for you for free. You can't get better than that. What is fun is that you picnic, people watching (is off the hook) or dine at Rays which is tasty. The mushroom pizza is terrific. If you have kids, this is the spot, parents sit on the back lawn where the kids can have fun and yet there are speakers so that everyone can hear the music. Kids are dancing all around, which is so cute. Parking is easy yet for a fee. Otherwise, good luck finding parking. Not easy in this neighborhood. I don't have any secret tips, so if you don't have a friend in the neighborhood to park your car, either uber or pay the parking fee. Which balances out for free jazz and the museum. read more

Jazz at LACMA - Sitting at Rays and watching the ppl go by while listening to awesome jazz. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My friend told me about free jazz night at LACMA and since I just moved to the neighborhood it sounded like the perfect way to wind down after a long day of work. It goes from 6-8 every Friday but get there early to get a good spot - keep in mind it gets pretty crowded, but it's a very happy and nice crowd. My boyfriend and I sat further back because we brought our little dog who sometimes get anxious in crowds and the sound was great back there too. I think there are food trucks but you can also bring any snacks or food that you want. Bring a blanket at least, some chairs if you'd like. People brought dogs and kids and everyone had space and seemed comfortable. Highly recommend! It goes on through November. read more

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So much fun! Free concert series given outdoors at LACMA every Friday in the Summer- check LACMA website for calendar. - Come early. It will be easier to find parking (on-site parking is a nightmare if you come after the concert has started) and a spot (the front areas get filled quickly) - Bring blankets or towels to sit on the floor, and snacks! You can also buy food and drinks on site (limited menu but you can smell the delicious fries as you walk around!) - The crowd is great and very diverse (families, groups of friends, young and old). People often comes with their dogs as well - If you arrive too late (up to 30 mins before starting time), you may have a hard time hearing the band. You can still walk around and come closer to the stage, but you won't have a picnic spot close to the band. read more

Jazz at LACMA - Jazz band - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Fun experience! Came one night for this event and had a great time. This series of events happens every friday in the summer and it's a good fun time for the whole family. The band sets up outside and there are a bunch of chairs in front of the stage. There's also alot of lawn space around the area next to the various museums and we put a large towel down and just laid around on the grass. The music was good, good vibes and lots of people were doing picnics during the show. Museum is also open during this time and LA residents with valid proof of address can get free admissions. If you are from out of town, no worries, I just asked some people who were exiting the museum for their sticker and they willingly gave it to me to use. Good times. read more

Fun LA activity! It's cute coming on a Friday evening and just relaxing to music and people watching. This is from 6-8pm, but people come earlier to scope out seats. You can sit at the chairs that are in the center. There are also grass areas so bring a blanket if you want to sit there since the grass can be wet. The best area is the grass area that's in the back that elevated so you can still see the band. You are allowed to bring food and drinks. Apparently the rule is you are allowed to bring as many drinks that don't get you wasted? We just brought two bottles of wine. Lots of cheeses and crackers and fruits. This is a very cute spot for a date because you can still chat with each other while listening to music. After you are done, you can check out the spots like the lights, museums, tar pits, etc! Definitely would recommend read more

We had the best time!!!! This is the best concert series in Los Angeles. PRO TIP: We picked up a picnic tote for two from 6th & La Brea Brewery which included everything we needed for the evening! The adorable tote was just $40 and we got spiced crunchy chickpeas, two main courses, two cookies, and two crowlers of local craft beer! This really made the evening for us. Thank you, 6th & La Brea Brewery! read more

Jazz at LACMA - Pro Tip: The picnic tote from 6th & La Brea Brewery is just $40 for two, including dinner and local beer! This made our night! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Always a nice time to come out and relax and listen to jazz. The only thing I can really suggest is just get here early. The concert typically starts at 6 PM and ends at 8 PM and if you get there closer to start time you probably won't really find close up seating, but there's really no bad seating areas. You can bring your own lawn chairs and food and everything and sit on the small grassy area or they have chairs set up which get taken really quickly. on this particular night it was kind of cool outside and they actually had heat lamps so that was nice. There is no cost and there is street parking in surrounding neighborhoods. They do have a restaurant where you can purchase food and drink and I believe there may be a min cost as this restaurant is in close proximity to the stage area. If you are going, get there early especially if you want one of their front and center seats read more

Fall Jazz Season at LACMA on Friday is an experience! I wasn't sure what my friends had in mind when I accepted the invitation...my Uber dropped me curbside and it was way larger of an event from what I remembered! I figured we'd grab a table at Ray Stark and dine as the music played on. The Courtyard has seating on a first come first serve basis. Ray Stark a minimum. Then everyone else just finds a place on the grass etc...as expected spotted them with little effort. Well my brilliant friends planned it out perfectly. They arrived early to take in the art and reserve a courtyard table. Then as the party of six rolled in the wine and music flowed. It was so lovely, the temperature perfect, an easy Friday evening with a crossection of LA. Food, fun, friends- what could be better? read more

Jazz at LACMA - Friday night jazz... - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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FREE Jazz performance!!! This is the 23rd year they are organizing Jazz Nights. Tables & chairs are setup in the courtyard, next to Coffee & Milk shop. People will come in the early afternoon, setup their picnic table and enjoy the food & wine. The show starts at 6pm sharp for 2 hours. No better way to enjoy a beautiful evening with live Jazz music!! Parking: $12 (since no admission fee for the show, come with your family or friends in one car, totally worth it!!) read more

Jazz at LACMA - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is the absolute BEST thing to do in the summer with your family, GF/BF, friends.... Friday night Jazz series where everyone & anyone is welcome & it's FREE!!!!! Bring your own food and wine or buy it there. You can be as fancy pants as you like or just bring some fast food and a blanket or chair. Music starts at 5pm but folks arrive around 4 to save seats. By 4:30pm you'll see why others showed up so early. Space goes fast so plan ahead. Parking is abundant and should be free if you search. read more

One of my very favorite things to do in LA in the summertime (added bonus: it's free)! Pack yourself a picnic (or a bottle of wine, at the very least) and a blanket and park it for some world class live jazz and people watching. The shows start at 6 but people seem to get where really early to grab a good spot--I personally don't mind being a little ways away from the amps so I can chat away with my friends, but you do you. Drinks (and snacks, I think!) are also available for purchase onsite, but there's a Whole Foods about half a mile away and I prefer to bring my own. The parking struggle is real at LACMA, so be sure to read the signs if you choose to park on the street. I gave up and parked in the lot for $15 last time, which I figured was okay since the event itself is free. Another little perk to parking in the lot is a you get to mosey by the tar pits and a colorful art installation. We were with kiddos who got a kick out of both! Speaking of kids, this event is 100% family-friendly. Put this on your summer bucket list! read more

Amazing show , amazing atmosphere, amazing people . Loved every second . If you're around please check it out . Get there at least an hour early to get a decent spot . ITS FREEWE read more

First off, the setup is right around the corner in Hancock Park from where the LACMA Friday night jazz concerts are held (a 3 minute walk). The positives....great music, LACMA provides adequate seating, and enough room for blankets and those who wish to bring their own folding chairs. The negative...LACMA does not restrict folks from blocking the view of the entertainers. Too often one cannot see the talent because it is blocked by amateur folks dancing DIRECTLY IN FRONT of the stage. Dancers should be required to perform to the side of the stage and not right in front of it. That's the way it is on Friday night jazz concerts. read more

A friend of mine suggested we have a GNO listening to Jazz at LACMA and I was sold. There are quite a bit of people so make sure to get there early to find parking and a spot to lay your blanket on. When we got there, parking was actually free in the parking lot underneath but trying to find a spot was a bit difficult. When we eventually found a spot, we went to the main level and claimed our spot. We bmhad a picnic while listening to live jazz and chit chatting. BYOB also!! And friendly to the 4 - legged furry family members. For a more laid back Friday evening, pack a picnic and go enjoy the music! read more

Great way to spend a Friday evening! Especially with the kiddos. Grab a blanket, bring a picnic basket and a bottle of wine- don't forget to invite a few of your favorite people! Arrive early to get a good spot on the grass but expect crowds around you regardless; all part of the fun. The music isn't terribly loud which is nice. You don't have to yell to have a conversation. Parking can be a pain but there's street parking and lots that are a bit pricey. read more

Jazz at LACMA - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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With so many free summer events, I know there's a lot to choose from, but LACMA Jazz Night is at the top of our lists for bringing our out-of-town visitors to as well as just kicking it with our friends after work on a Friday. They also have Latin Jazz on Saturday nights. Parking is $10 in one of the lots (there's plenty of parking), and it's free after 7pm, but keep in mind that the event is only from 6-8pm. You CAN use card for parking. Grab a bottle of wine, some comfortable seating or blankets and some good friends and you'll have yourself a chill and charming night. TIP: This is a spot that alot of families attend so if you're triggered somehow by children running around or are on a first date and don't want to get into the conversation about kids, be aware that this is an all ages zone. read more

such a fun way to spend the evening! you can bring in your own food and drinks. while the event is free, expect to pay about $20 to park

Jazz at LACMA, twenty years plus, going strong, free for the listening! Twenty years is exactly how long it took me to experience Angelinos from all walks of life, brought together by a love of music performed by the jazz world's best and brightest. Great artists such as "Wayne Shorter, John Clayton, Kenny Burrell, Les McCann, Billy Childs, Arturo Sandoval, Cannonball-Coltrane Project, and Ernie Watts. Over 42,000 visitors attend the program annually from April through November."* Last night I was added to the head count with intent to return again and again. UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music professor, Clayton Cameron** along with his sextet, entertained from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, took just a brief intermission, finished their second set as daylight faded and Chris Burden's "Urban Light" backlit the stage. Park in the lot off Sixth Street for $12, trust me it's worth it unless you live at Park La Brea or the surrounding neighborhood and can hoof it. Come early bring the whole family, pups too, along with a picnic to camp out on Broad Pavilion's lawn. Light snacks and beverages offered at Patina Group kiosks here. Or grab upscale dinner and drinks at Ray's & Stark Bar. Make a ressie if you want to sit in shade, closer to the bar and onstage action. Snag a table near C+M at LACMA for coffee, tea, milkshakes, sandwiches and sweets. * http://www.lacma.org/programs/music/jazz-at-lacma ** https://www.ted.com/talks/clayton_cameron_a_rhythm_etic_the_math_behind_the_beats read more

Loooooove LACMA jazz nights! It's the perfect outing for a Friday evening with friends. Pack yourself a picnic or do what we did and grab a picnic tote bag from 6th & La Brea on your way there! Lots of yummy vegan options AND awesome beer to go! read more

More Los Angeles discoveries: this. Was invited by friends to be part of a large group -- well, eight or so -- for Latin jazz here last Saturday night. Grumbled a bit about the parking sitch as I arrived; ended up parking to the east in the SAG/AFTRA lot for $15 or so, and was unclear exactly where the "bandshell" was for the performance. Silly grumbling on my part. It was just a 5 or 10 minute walk to the west either along 6th Street or through the Tar Pits lot to reach the LACMA grounds. Spread out were lots of people on blankets, mats, and with chairs. Still, there were plenty of places for us. The music was lovely; not too loud and not too soft. The sky was blue, the leaves on the trees filtering the light of late afternoon and evening. Such a mixed crowd, too. It looked like Dr. King's dream out there. Will be back. read more

The best way to spend a Friday night! We enjoy coming here with our friends. Not many places you can go in LA totally FREE and enjoy a live jazz performance. Bring some blankets, chairs, wine and snacks and prepare yourself for a night of fun. The environment is always laid back and the crowd is pretty friendly. Great place to come on a Friday with your date and just kick back. And did I forget to mention that it's FREE! read more

Jazz at LACMA - Lovely way to spend a Friday night listening to jazz - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California