Last Updated on Sep 23, 2025
July kicks off with warmer weather and longer days, and L.A. really leans into it with outdoor concerts, movie screenings under the stars, and a slew of festivals. The cultural calendar is strong: Phantom of the Opera runs at the Pantages Theatre throughout the summer including July. Also on stage is Mamma Mia! at the Ahmanson Theatre, playing through mid‑July. For art lovers, exhibitions like Realms of the Dharma: Buddhist Art Across Asia at LACMA offer immersive experiences. Time Out L.A. flags many free and almost free offerings—park concerts, beachside events, and outdoor film nights—that help make the month feel like a festival city. Whether you're into big musicals, pop culture expos, or simply enjoying summer in the city’s many open air venues, there’s no shortage of options.
June 23, 2026 – July 19, 2025
Mamma Mia! is a feel-good musical sensation that weaves the timeless hits of ABBA into a heartwarming and hilarious story of love, identity, and family. Set on a picturesque Greek island, the plot follows Sophie, a young bride-to-be who secretly invites three men from her mother Donna’s past in hopes of discovering which one is her father. Featuring infectious songs like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “The Winner Takes It All,” the show blends comedy, romance, and dazzling choreography into a joyful celebration that has captivated audiences around the world. With its irresistible soundtrack and uplifting energy, Mamma Mia! continues to be a beloved favorite on stage and screen.
June 24, 2026 - August 9 2026
The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most iconic and longest-running musicals in theater history, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on Gaston Leroux’s classic novel. Premiering in London’s West End in 1986 and on Broadway in 1988, the show tells the haunting love story of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House and becomes obsessed with the young soprano Christine Daaé. Known for its lavish sets, dramatic staging, and unforgettable score—including songs like “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” and “Think of Me”—the musical blends romance, mystery, and tragedy into a mesmerizing theatrical experience that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
July 5, 2026 - July 25, 2026
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a spellbinding stage play and Tony Award-winning theatrical experience that continues the beloved Wizarding World saga, picking up 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Written by Jack Thorne, based on a story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Thorne, the production follows Harry—now a Ministry of Magic official—and his son Albus as they struggle with the weight of legacy, time travel, and dark secrets from the past. With dazzling special effects, innovative staging, and emotional depth, The Cursed Child brings magic to life on stage in a way never before seen, making it a must-see for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
July 17 - 18, 2026
We Will Rock You is a high-energy jukebox musical created by Queen and writer Ben Elton, set in a dystopian future where live music is banned and individuality is suppressed by a corporate-controlled world. Featuring over 20 of Queen’s biggest hits—including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and the titular “We Will Rock You”—the show follows a group of rebels, the Bohemians, who fight to bring rock music back to life and restore freedom of expression. With its electrifying score, humorous script, and powerful message about the importance of creativity and resistance, the musical has become a global phenomenon, celebrating the enduring legacy of Queen’s music for new generations.