Los Angeles isn't always 'pay-to-play.' There are free museum days, free concerts and other free activities in LA well worth checking out--especially if you're on a budget.
1. Book Readings and Author Events
On the social side of the 'reading can be fun' argument, book readings are a fantastic way to meet your favorite author and other book fans, and learn about our history through books about LA. Independent bookstores like Book Soup and Skylight Books are my personal favorites as they tend to foster a sense of community in their events.
2. Free and Fashionable
The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) has a massive collection of costumes, textiles and accessories--both historic and present-day. You're free to check it out at no cost. So why not drop in and discover the next Stella McCartney?
3. Go Green
If you're eco-conscious or eco-curious, you might have heard of a fantastic LA organization called Tree People. They accept volunteers and teach people about sustainability and trees. They also offer a free 45-minute informational tour of their park on Saturdays at 11 a.m. You'll learn about their Center For Community Forestry and inevitably become eco-inspired by their gardens, nursery and environmental learning center.
4. Music For the Body, Mind and Soul
Every Angeleno's favorite hand-picked music radio station, KCRW, is a champion of many year-round free events. They've had music-centric free public talks with director Jason Reitman and musical artist Cut Chemist among others. Check the KCRW website for their calendar of free events.
5. Pioneering Free-dom
If you're fascinated by California's rich history, you'll love the Homestead Museum. Is Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and style your thing? Even better. This historic site features two 19th and early 20th century homes and a private cemetery. Admission if free for public tours and most special events. Guided tours take place from Wednesday through Sunday (at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.).
6. Fridays in Venice
Got Friday on your mind? But don't want to blow a lot of cash? Then First Fridays in Venice could be the social event for you. On the first Friday of the month--as the name implies--the stores and galleries of Abbot Kinney stay open until 10 p.m. It's a great chance to check out all the beachy bohemian pageantry that Venice is known for--and get a little exercise too!
7. Banking on Burbank
If you live over the hill, you have already discovered Burbank's secret playland (cowboy bars, karaoke, jazz joints). The neighborhood also often hosts free events throughout the year--from the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival to shopping nights and winter holiday caroling.
8. Inquiry is Always Free
Do you have a probing mind that seeks to connect science and spirituality and other big heady subjects? Join other inquiring minds once a month at the Center For Inquiry West for their Cafe Inquiry night. During this casual get-together, you can enjoy coffee and chats with other people, as well as guest speakers.
9. History of Books
Libraries are becoming increasingly rare (thanks to Google, Wikipedia, Amazon and other online factors), making them near-historical gems. Come visit one of the crown jewels of libraries, the Los Angeles Central Public Library in Downtown. Their free 'Thursdays at Central' feature lunchtime talks about books and interesting historical themes (from 12:15 to 1 p.m.)
10. The Deep End
Twelve-year-old kids and young-at-heart seniors can learn how to swim for free at some of the facilities of the LA Department of Recreation and Parks. The City's pools offer free lessons for youths of 17 and under and senior citizens and disabled people.
