What to Know40th Annual Summer Concert SeriesGreat PerformancesCalifornia PlazaDowntown Los AngelesJune 6 through Aug. 29; the concerts happen most Saturdays, with July 4 offFree admission

‘Tis the season for the lofty setting of summer goals, those outsized, can-we-do-it dreams that will take loads of planning, funds, and get-up-and-go gumption.

But here’s one glad-hearted goal that won’t require money, and only a little time each week, and you’ll be able to complete it by the end of August: You can dance, sway, move along, or bask in the rhythm at every Grand Performances concert a California Plaza.

As warm-weather goals go, this sounds doable and utterly delightful, quite frankly.

The beloved Downtown Los Angeles tradition, a summer-fun sound spectacular, is turning 40 in 2026, and the just-released schedule is brimming with excellent and uplifting shows.

Afrofuturistic jazz is on the roster, and timeless Korean songs, and mariachi music, too, sweet.

Grupo Soñador, Wachiwara, and DJ Turbo Sonidero open the summer fun June 6, and several great artists and nights will follow over most Saturdays, right through to the Season Finale on August 29.

Sandy AltamiranoSandy Altamirano

Dance most Saturday nights, from June 6 through Aug. 29, as Grand Performances celebrates its big 40th at California Plaza in DTLA.

A tribute to the music of Stevie Wonder, a concert celebrating The Art of the Crossfade, and a show remembering the great Ritchie Valens are also adding to the 2026 spirit.

“This lineup celebrates artists who are pushing boundaries, blending genres, honoring tradition, and creating entirely new forms,” said Liz Garo, Artistic Director of Grand Performances.

“We’ve curated a series that invites audiences to experience the richness of cultures from around the world while seeing themselves on stage, a reflection of the creative spirit of Los Angeles.”

While Saturday nights, except for July 4, will be the theme, there are some special Friday night happenings on the Grand Performances calendar, evenings that will feature COLA artists from the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs COLA Individual Artist Fellowship.

Celebrate this major milestone for a major cultural gem, a free-to-all concert series that have added to the music and vibrancy of DTLA for four dance-ready decades.