It’s summertime, and the Southern California streets are alive with artwork.
If you’re looking for a new and more creative way to enjoy the summer season, consider visiting some of the art walks in Southern California. Many of them feature open art exhibits, live entertainment and local vendors showcasing their work. The best part is that most of these events are free and open to all ages.
Here are 10 art walks to plan your visit throughout Southern California. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to visit each of their websites.
San Pedro Art Walk
The San Pedro Art Walk takes place on the first Thursday of every month, when art studios host an Open Studio Night. Art enthusiasts can visit many of the Downtown galleries, studios, and shops for an evening of receptions and special events, complemented by live music, food trucks and other local restaurant favorites. The city offers parking lots where you can park your car and opt to use the free red trolley to get the full Downtown San Pedro experience. If you’re interested in visiting all the art galleries, you can find a map of them on the art walk’s website, which provides a complete guide.
When: 6-9 p.m. Every first Thursday of the month.
Where: 300-400 W 7th St., San Pedro.
Information: 1stthursday.net.
Downtown Santa Ana Artwalk
The Downtown Santa Ana Artwalk has happened every first Saturday of the month since 1999. The monthly event is a product of The Frida Cinema, also located in the Downtown area, and is the city’s art house destination, offering special screenings and events. The Art Walk brings together the vibrant creatives of Orange County for one of the biggest nights, featuring local downtown artists, 20 galleries and museums, live music, and art performances.
When: 6-10 p.m. First Saturday of every month.
Where: 125 N Broadway, Santa Ana.
Information: dtsaartwalk.org.
Downtown Fullerton Art Walk
The Downtown Fullerton Art Walk is popular among locals and art enthusiasts who gather on the first Friday of the month to view the latest art exhibits, music acts and performance art. This art walk features over 30 venues offering free art activities within walking distance of each other. One of the latest exhibits hosted this month is the “Punk OC, From the Streets of Suburbia,” which documents the history of punk rock in Orange County. Each venue also offers maps for a self-guided tour, and some shops offer complimentary refreshments.
When: 6-10 p.m. First Friday of every month.
Where: 223 W Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton.
Information: instagram.com/fullertonartwalk.
Riverside Artswalk
The Riverside Artswalk is a monthly community event held on the first Thursday of every month. It celebrates the vast diversity of arts and culture in Riverside and the broader Inland Empire. Art lovers can visit over 22 downtown locations, including museums, galleries, and studios, which are a mix of visual and performing arts. This event also features local musicians who fill the air with live entertainment. Head to the center of Downtown Riverside, where visitors can experience some of the best dining and shopping spots in the city.
When: 6-9 p.m. First Thursday of every month
Where: 3535 University Ave., Riverside.
Information: riversideartscouncil.com.
Palm Springs Backstreet Art District
Although it’s not as large as the city’s Villagefest, which happens every first Thursday, the Palm Springs Backstreet Art District maintains a sharp focus on art. Some studios will often have artists crafting their work in real-time, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creators’ process. Visitors are invited to stroll through a dozen artist-owned galleries and studios that feature collections of contemporary art. The Backstreet Art District showcases a diverse range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and the performing arts, featuring some pieces produced by nationally and internationally recognized artists.
When: First Wednesdays of every month.
Where: 5-8 p.m., 2600 S. Cherokee Way, Palm Springs.
Information: backstreetartdistrict.com.
First Thursdays Art Walk – Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach keeps its creative spirit alive throughout the year with its First Thursdays Art Walk. Held monthly, this free event showcases the city’s vibrant art scene by featuring local galleries that open their doors for an evening of exhibitions, artist meet-and-greets, and community connections. The walk is supported by local institutions and businesses, reflecting the town’s deep-seated commitment to the arts.
When: 6–9 p.m. Every first Thursday of the month.
Where: Various locations throughout Laguna Beach.
Information: firstthursdaysartwalk.org
(Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
DTLA ArtNight
Downtown Los Angeles comes alive every first Thursday of the month during DTLA ArtNight, a monthly art walk that brings together over 30 galleries and creative spaces. The event highlights work from both local and international artists across a variety of mediums. It’s part of a larger effort to energize the neighborhood through culture, connection, and community.
When: 6–10 p.m. Every first Thursday of the month.
Where: Start at Emerging Gallery, 125 W. 4th St., Los Angeles.
Information: dtlaartnight.com.
El Segundo Art Walk
For one summer Saturday, the streets of El Segundo turn into a creative hub as more than 40 local businesses open their doors for the El Segundo Art Walk. The self-guided event gives visitors a chance to explore studio spaces and see original work from L.A.-based artists in pop-up galleries throughout Downtown El Segundo and Smoky Hollow. You’ll also find food trucks, live music, and other interactive experiences throughout the day.
When: 3–9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Downtown El Segundo & Smoky Hollow.
Information: esaartwalk.com.
(Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Pomona Art Walk
Every second Saturday, Downtown Pomona turns into a lively celebration of art and culture. The Pomona Art Walk features gallery exhibitions, a night market packed with food vendors, live music, and plenty of local businesses showing off creative work. The event also includes kid-friendly activities, making it a solid pick for families looking to explore the arts together.
When: 5–10 p.m. Every second Saturday of the month.
Where: 197 W. Second St., Pomona.
Information: downtownpomona.org
(Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Downtown Long Beach Art + Design Walk
Downtown Long Beach’s Art + Design Walk is a quarterly event that turns the neighborhood into an open-air gallery. From pop-up exhibitions and public art installations to live performances and workshops, the walk showcases creativity in all forms. It’s a chance to meet local artists, shop from makers, and experience the culture that shapes Long Beach’s diverse community.
When: 2–7 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Where: 200 Pine Ave., Long Beach
Information: downtownlongbeach.org
(Photo courtesy of DLBA/Sarahi Apaez)