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Best Free Attractions Near Los Angeles

Hammer Museum - Hammer Museum
(credit: Hammer Museum)

You have likely heard that old saying that free is me. With many consumers struggling in today's economy, it is not surprising that free attractions are of greater interest these days, especially around the Los Angeles area. Whether you have a family or not, with a little time and effort doing research, you can locate some fun events that essentially will not cost you a penny, that is unless you want to pick up a souvenir or two along the way. With that in mind, take a look at some of these fun and free events.

brewery art walk
(credit: Niki S./yelp)

Brewery Artwalk
2100 N. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 638-9382
breweryartwalk.com

If you're a lover of art, this place should be on your agenda. A twice annual open studio weekend held in what is tabbed as the world's largest art complex, the event is held in the spring and fall. This year's event takes place April 2-3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests will be treated to more than 100 resident artists, with the ability to discuss art with the artists and even purchase some of their work. Artists in a wide array of talents will be on hand, including those in the areas of architecture, ceramics, design, fashion, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, video and much more.

downtown la dtla art walk
(credit: Downtown Art Walk)

Downtown LA Art Walk
4th St. and Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 617-4929
downtownartwalk.org

Enjoy this free, self-guided walking tour with galleries, restaurants and bars in several surrounding blocks of Downtown Los Angeles from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the second Thursday of each month. The galleries and restaurants spread beyond to the Fashion District, South Park and the Financial District. Downtown Art Walk offers more than 50 galleries, 25,000 monthly guests, dozens of local businesses and tons of entertainment for free to the visiting public. Visitors will be treated to a variety of galleries, with parking available in a number of lots around the Historic Core and Downtown. Upcoming spring tours include April 14, May 12 and June 9.

california plazA
(CREDIT: Chris C./YELP)

California Plaza
350 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 687-2190
www.grandperformances.org

When audiences and artists come together, the possibilities are endless. At California Plaza, the allure of music, dance, film, and the spoken word come alive, as artists from nearby and far bring their talents to the Los Angeles area. From free concerts all summer, to spending the perfect free date night with that special person, there are events for just about everyone's liking. For some 30 years now, California Plaza has delivered on its promise to promote culture and bring people together, with more than 1 millions Southern California residents having enjoyed their time at these entertaining events.

Related: Best Art Galleries In Beverly Hills

Griffith Park
(credit: CBS)

Independent Shakespeare Co.
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(818) 710-6306
www.iscla.org

Along with the beautiful surroundings of Griffith Park, the Independent Shakespeare Co. offers guests a day of entertaining theater. Patrons can enjoy classical plays that provide a diverse cast, along with dynamic speaking and innovative staging. Founded nearly 20 years ago, ISC brings the world actors who have a love for the classical works. Having moved the summer festival to Griffith Park in 2010, ISC performed for more than 43,000 visitors in 2014. Audiences are treated to pre-show performances by myriad of local artists. ISC hosts the Salon Series (discussions regarding the intersection of Shakespeare and contemporary culture), and families can attend pre-show workshops about the plays. All of the summer events are entirely free.

hammer museum
(credit: Hammer Museum)

Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 443-7000
hammer.ucla.edu

If you like the idea of free admission to see some amazing exhibitions and public programs, then you've come to the right venue. Even though each and every one of Hammer's programs are free, a large number of them do require a ticket. Tickets are available at the Box Office one hour prior to the start of the program. Currently running through May 22, "Catherine Opie: Portraits" gives attendees a glimpse into the Opie's evocative images of contemporary America. Drawn from her own circle of creative friends—visual artists, fashion designers, and writers - her sitters come out from the darkness as if lit from within by their intellectual potency. The Hammer Museum is showcasing a dozen portraits from this recent series alongside a new abstract landscape.

Related: Guide To Hermosa Beach

Dave Thomas has been covering the sports world since his first job as a sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Pennsylvania back in 1989. He has covered a Super Bowl, college bowl games, MLB, NBA and more. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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