August 2026 is less “one giant festival weekend” and more LA at full summer spread: museums in landmark mode, outdoor screens, late-night sky-watching, and amphitheaters doing what amphitheaters do. Dates below are only included when the research stated the 2026 timing, with soft language where an annual event has not posted its final dates yet.

The move: buy the ticket early when there is a ticket, arrive early when there is parking, and keep one flexible night for the thing that announces late. August rewards people who plan just enough to look spontaneous.