Concerts, festivals, and more ways to enjoy your month on the cheap

We’re getting ready for summer fun, but that doesn’t have to mean dropping a ton of cash. This round-up of August free things to do in L.A. will keep you entertained all month long.

In addition to these special events, you can always fall back on our list of 100 things that are always free.

August 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 18, 25

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August brings us the crescendo of KCRW’s signature concert series, with seven events packed into the month at four different locales. The August 4 and 18 events will be particularly special for KCRW lovers, as they take place at the station’s brand-new Santa Monica studio building—so you can see where your donation dollars went while you enjoy some tunes. Various locations.

August 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18

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The most prolific free concert series of summer is back, with shows every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this month. Musical selections are eclectic and all performances are kid-friendly. Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles, 2230 W. 6th St., Westlake.

August 2, 16, 30

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This outdoor movie screening series is petite compared to some events, but comes with a chill, neighborhood feel. And it’s free, no tickets required, so just show up with your blanket and settle in for Remember the Titans (8/2), Sister Act (8/16), or Get Out (8/30). Sunset Triangle Plaza, 1523 Griffith Park Blvd., Silver Lake.

August 3, 10, 17, 24

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Stroll the La Brea Tar Pits until 8 p.m. on summer Fridays with free admission to this late-night series. If the general admission fossils and displays aren’t enough for you, there’s the option to upgrade to a special behind the scenes tour ($10) or screening of Werner Herzog’s 3D film Cave of Forgotten Dreams ($10). La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire.

August 3, 4

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Check out the handmade wares of over 150 local artisans at this Pasadena market. Unlike most craft fairs, this one goes into the evening hours (5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday; 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday) so you won’t get sun-scorched before finding anything to buy. In addition to the crafters, you’ll find food trucks, a beer garden, and entertainment. 275 S. Rayond Ave., Pasadena.

August 2

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The BOLD Beverly Hills initiative, now in its second year, is all about encouraging the Rodeo Drive district business to stay open later and attract Angelenos from across the city to come visit. To kick off the summer season, the city is closing down a stretch of the iconic street to host a free, public block party, with live music, art installations, pop-ups, and activations designed to create a vibrant street scene from 5 to 9 p.m. 200 and 300 blocks of Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills.

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

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It’s a summer dance party in Grand Park with this month-long series of free, open events. On August 3, 17, and 31, DJs drop in to spin tunes for an open-air get-down. On the alternating weeks, Dance Downtown offers themed dances, including lessons on disco (8/10) and Bollywood (8/24) moves. Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., downtown.

August 4

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View the Milky Way and a full sky of stars from the vantage point of Paramount Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains. The rangers will provide telescopes, activities, storytelling, and educational sessions about the ecological impact of urban light pollution. Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd., Agoura Hills.

August 18

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The L.A. Taco Festival is a day-long celebration of the city’s most beloved food, the taco. The festival is free to attend, though it’ll be up to you to pay for the tacos you buy from vendors including Kogi, Thai-Mex Cocina, Monster Tacos, and dozens more. A portion of the proceeds raised from the day’s sales will go to JOVENES, to support services for homeless youth in L.A. Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., downtown.

RELATED: How to See Free and Outdoor Live Music All Summer Long

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