Image via Complex Original
Summer came and left, and with it went the money you spent on weekend getaways and music festivals. It's OK if your pockets are on empty in Los Angeles, though, because there is much to do in the city, even if you have zero dollars to your name. From music and dancing to food tastings, L.A. has plenty of free options for fun. It's not quite cruising Melrose in a Bentley, but the 25 best free things to do in L.A. this fall will have you living the good life all the same.
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25. Record Club
Date: Every Sunday
Time: 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Location: 1805 W. Sunset Blvd.
Perfect For: Relaxing to good tunes and sipping free beer.
Website: elpradobar.com
Free beer for every record you bring to play—who would pass up such an offer? Beer and music go together like peanut butter and jelly. Record Club Sundays is the spot to be to relax before that bish Monday comes and kills your vibe.
24. Spotlight
Date: Until Dec. 31
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Various L.A. locations
Perfect For: Losing yourself in the music and not being afraid to get a little sweaty.
Website: thespotlightparty@gmail.com
Disco and house music, darkly lit dance floors, and installation art in one room. The perfect place to go if you want to lose your inhibitions and just move with some attractive people.
23. Patchwork Show: Edible Edition
Date: Oct. 5 - 6
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Various L.A. locations
Perfect For: Those who enjoy cooking and creating delicious treats.
Website: patchworkshow.com
You might think you can cook like Martha Stewart, but chances are you probably can't. Don't fret, this edible workshop allows you to be hands-on when it comes to creating food. Baby steps, before you know it you will be throwing down in the kitchen.
22. Asssscat
Date: Sept. 22
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: 5919 Franklin Ave.
Perfect For: A good laugh from some raw, crude, and (let's not forget) free comedy.
Website: losangeles.ucbtheatre.com
In case you're wondering, this comedy show is not about a cat's ass, but it will have you laughing your ass off. The showcase features both up-and-coming comedians and more established ones, plus great guests.
21. The Power of Photography: National Geographic 125 Years
Date: Oct. 26 - Apr. 27
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: 2000 Avenue of the Stars
Perfect For: Lovers of timeless photography
Website: annenbergspaceforphotography.org
Take a second away from Instagram selfies and engage with this National Geographic exhibit, which commemorates the publication's 125th anniversary, and shows how photography can be used to "explore, educate, inspire, document and preserve the world around us." You can decide whether the same applies to your selfies afterwards.
20. Karaoke in Grandma's Boudoir
Date: Sept. 18
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: 8475 Melrose Place
Perfect For: Blurting out the wrong song lyrics to songs you hear on the radio.
Website: marivanna.ru
You no longer have to be on your own when it comes to singing the wrong song lyrics. Karaoke at Grandma's Boudoir offers a fun-filled night of singing with a group of people once the restaurant shuts down for the night. No need to be embarrassed, there will be someone who sounds like a dying cat. Sing your heart out and get in your zone.
19. West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval
Date: Oct. 31
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: West Hollywood
Perfect For: Wearing the wild outfits people would call you crazy for sporting on the other 364 days of the year.
Website: visitwesthollywood.com
Halloween is the only day of the year when you can truly wear whatever you want and not get judged for it. Whether you want to dress up like Miley did at the VMA's or walk around screaming 2Chainz all night, go for it. There is no better place to be yourself on Halloween night than at the largest Halloween street party in the world.
18. CicLAvia
Date: Oct. 6
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Various L.A. locations
Perfect For: Exploring the outdoors of the heart of Los Angeles while getting some exercise.
Website: ciclavia.org
CicLAvia makes the busy streets of L.A. accesible to those who want to explore via foot or bike supporting both health and eco-friendliness. Don't let the change of weather hinder you from getting a fresh breath of air. Throw on some sweats and take it like a G.
17. Fallen Fruits
Date: Anytime
Time: Anytime
Location: Refer to the website to locate fallen fruit maps.
Perfect For: Lovers of art and fruit.
Website: fallenfruit.org
No need to spend bread on fruit at your local grocery store. Now all you have to do is refer to "Fallen Fruit" maps and go snatch up some free fruit. Don't worry, a little bruised fruit never hurt anyone. You get a two-for-one deal by being healthy and preserving the area. Just in time for fall.
16. Burrito Project
Date: Every second Sunday
Time: Check website for times.
Location: Popular meet-ups include West LA and Pasadena
Perfect For: Those who enjoy putting a smile on someones face.
Website: burritoproject.org
Chipotle who? Burrito Project is a non-profit organization where people come together to prepare burritos to pass out to the less fortunate in the L.A. area. Sometimes it's better to do something for someone else than always doing for yourself. The smallest gestures of kindness mean the most.
15. Dance Downtown
Date: Until Sept. 20
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: 210 W. Temple St.
Perfect For: Letting loose and dancing like the world is about to end.
Website: musiccenter.org
Nobody said you had to be a professional dancer in order to enjoy yourself. Just think Save the Last Dance or Grease, let loose, and shake what your mama gave you. Whether you prefer to dance alone or grab someone to mash up, make sure you're only seductively singing the lyrics to Ciara's "Body Party" in your head.
14. West Hollywood Book Fair
Date: Sept. 29
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: West Hollywood Park & Library, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd.
Perfect For: Book worms who want to expand their collection or just simply participate in the activities taking place.
Website: westhollywoodbookfair.org
A book fair doesn't necessarily mean you have to cash out. In this case, the West Hollywood Book Fair offers several activities including workshops, special book readings, and more for those people who like to keep a book in their hand. This is a chance for you to put down Fifty Shades of Grey and see what other novels you might actually enjoy.
13. Old School Tuesdays
Date: Until Feb. 25
Time: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Location: 2926 Main St.
Perfect For: The proud old-school heads who aren't afraid to show their true age.
Website: circle-bar.com
If you automatically scream when "Purple Rain" or "Juicy" comes on the radio then Old School Tuesday's is for you. Come out on Tuesdays to show off your beatboxing and break dancing skills in your best throwback 'fit.
12. Movie Night Mondays
Date: Until Oct. 28
Time: Check website for times.
Location: Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Perfect For: Enjoying classic films you haven't seen in years at an outdoor theatre.
Website: facebook.com/TropicanaMovieNight
If you haven't already had the pleasure of visiting an outdoor theatre, now is your chance. Bring the homies and snacks and watch old flicks that you either love or never saw. Beats the hell out of out paying $15 to see some newly released 3-D garbage.
11. Archery Lessons
Date: Until Dec. 28
Time: Times vary; refer to website.
Location: 6350 Woodley Ave.
Perfect For: Those who want to remain active or just try something new.
Website: woodleyparkarchers.org
Just because summer has come to an end doesn't mean that you can't remain active. Instead of doing your regular activities, try something outside of your normal comfort zone. Challenge your aim. Who knows, you might end up being the next Robin Hood.
10. Jazz at LACMA
Date: Until Nov. 22
Time: Free after 3 p.m., Mon. - Fri.
Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Perfect For: A little jazz to relax your mind
Website: lacma.org/programs/music/jazz-at-lacma
Close your eyes. Do you hear that? It's the sound of beautiful music being made. Jazz at LACMA gives you an opportunity to relax and unwind while some of the best jazz musicians in the area give you a taste of what real jazz sounds like.
9. In The Next Room or Vibrator Play
Date: Until Sept. 28
Time: Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.
Location: 11246 Magnolia Blvd.
Perfect For: The sexually clueless who need some enlightment
Website: voiceplaces.com
A classic play that focuses on a topic that so many people were too afraid to discuss: sex and the many people who are clueless about the subject. Not only will you get to enjoy a well done production, but you may also acquire some new knowledge for your personal life.
8. WEHO Late Night Weekend Trolley
Date: Every Weekend
Time: 8 p.m. - 3 a.m
Location: Santa Monica Blvd.
Perfect For: Nights when your feet just won't get you to your destination and you're too wasted to drive.
Website: weho.org
Too drunk to drive? Or maybe you just want to see what all the hype is about. This entertainment trolley will pick you up until the wee hours of the morning and it just might be your luck that you bump into one of your favorite celebrities. One step under a party bus, WEHO will safely transport you to your destination and even offer you breakfast. Score!
7. MOCA Thursdays
Date: Every Thursday
Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: 250 S. Grand Ave.
Perfect For: Those who enjoy art with a twist.
Website: moca.org
Who said art had to be boring? Not MOCA. The exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art speak volumes. Literally. If you don't like your art to just stare back at you, then Thursday night at MOCA is probably a go.
6. L.A. County Fair
Date: Until Sunday, Sept. 29
Time: Open from 12 p.m. Thurs. - Fri.; 10 a.m. Sat. - Sun.
Location: 1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Perfect For: An outing with the family or significant other for a fun date night.
Website: lacountyfair.com
This particular county fair has been gracing the Los Angeles area for almost a century. It must be quite enjoyable to stick around for so long. Not that it's surprising. Who doesn't like games, rides, and sweets? Ferris wheels and cotton candy go hand in hand. Who said you had to be a little kid to enjoy the county fair? Embrace the little kid inside of yourself.
5. Angel City Jazz Festival
Date: Oct. 4 - 13
Time: Times vary; check the website for details.
Location: 200 S. Grand Ave.
Perfect For: Two non-stop weekends of jazz for the true lover in you.
Website: angelcityjazz.com
Not enough people appreciate jazz music, but if you do this festival is an event you won't want to miss. Showcasing every subgenre one can think of, it's perfect for the music lover who prefers jazzy to Jay Z.
4. Close Your Mouth and Open Up Your Mind
Date: Weekday evenings, Saturday afternoons (in Spanish) and Sunday mornings
Time: Times vary; refer to website.
Location: Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center in Tarzana
Perfect For: People who are stressed out and need to unwind.
Website: sahajameditation.com
Traffic got you stressed out? Try some Sahaja Meditation to find the tranquility and focus. Best of all, it's free and you don't need to be an experienced yogi to participate.
3. Oktoberfest at Alpine Village
Date: Oct. 25 - 27
Time: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Perfect For: Beer guzzlers who love free food and busty babes in costume.
Website: laoktoberfest.com
Whether you drink beer or you just want to participate in the chicken dance, Oktoberfest will fulfill all your fantasies. Free food, bottomless beer, and wine with live music, and let's not forget the eye candy.
2. Get Tickets to a Television Taping
Date: Check websites for dates.
Time: Check websites for times.
Location: Check websites for locations.
Perfect For: Someone who pretends they are in a studio audience every time their favorite show comes on.
Website: latourist.com
Have you ever watched The Tonight Show with Jay Leno or Jeopardy and wished that you were part of the studio audience that always seems to be having so much fun? Put your name in for free tickets and you can be part of television history.
1. Feast of San Gennaro
Date: Sept. 27 - 29
Time: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Location: Between Hollywood Blvd. and Sunset Blvd.
Perfect For: Indulging in delicious Italian cuisine with friends and family
Website: feastofla.org
Pass up on a slice of pizza and head over to the Italian feast to show some love to your taste buds. Whether you are going with the entire family or alone, the Feast of Gerrano makes for a fun day full of food, live music, comedy, and more.
