Few things capture the magic of summer in Los Angeles quite like an evening filled with live jazz. With its soulful melodies and laid-back rhythms, jazz creates the perfect atmosphere for warm nights under the open sky.
This summer, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is once again welcoming music lovers back for its popular Jazz at LACMA series. The free outdoor concert series celebrates some of L.A.’s top jazz talent while giving visitors a chance to enjoy live performances in one of the city’s most iconic cultural settings.
Starting in May 2026, guests can gather every Friday evening at LACMA’s Smidt Welcome Plaza, just steps from the museum’s famous Urban Light sculpture, for unforgettable nights of music beneath the stars.
Summer 2026 Jazz at LACMA Schedule
Friday, May 15: Julius Rodriguez Trio
Friday, May 22: Brian Swartz Quintet
Friday, May 29: Tierney Sutton and Tamir Hendelman
Friday, June 5: Paul Cornish Trio
Friday, June 12: Ralph Moore Quartet
Friday, June 19: Marvin Septet
Friday, June 26: Lynne Fiddmont
Thing to know before you go
Jazz at LACMA performances begin at 6 p.m. PT and are completely free to the public. Surprisingly, no tickets or reservations are required, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or low-profile chairs to enjoy the performances comfortably.
Please keep in mind that seating and picnic space at Smidt Welcome Plaza are limited and tend to fill up quickly on popular nights.
Additionally, L.A. County residents can take advantage of free museum admission after 3 p.m. on weekdays, making it easy to spend the afternoon exploring the galleries before settling in for an evening of live jazz.
LACMA says its mission through public programming and exhibitions is “to serve the public through the collection, conservation, exhibition, and interpretation of significant works of art from a broad range of cultures and historical periods,” while creating meaningful cultural experiences for audiences of all ages.
The concert series is made possible in part through support from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
For updates and additional performances throughout the season, visit the official LACMA events calendar at LACMA.
📍 Where: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036)
📆 When: Fridays at 6 PM
🎟️ Ticket Info: Free admission