Looking for the perfect July summer plans? Here are 7 can’t-miss concerts and events happening in Los Angeles this month

July naturally calls for some fireworks, but there’s more to the month than Independence Day. July in Los Angeles means music, beach time, community festivals, and of course, some patriotic festivities. Time to start filling the calendar.

The largest anime expo in North America arrives at the LA Convention Center on the first of July. The exhibit halls will be packed with leading anime artists, game makers, and writers. You’ll also have the chance to attend panels where industry leaders discuss their upcoming projects. Additional events will include dance parties, a fashion show, and nightly live performances. One-day adult tickets start at $55.

When: July 1 – 4, 8am – 11pm
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center

One of the country’s longest-running 4th of July celebrations, Americafest, now in its 91st year, provides a day of family-friendly fun. The parking lot at the Rose Bowl opens at 12pm so that tailgaters can get a jump on their celebrations, and the Family Fun Zone, which features giant inflatables, crafts, and entertainment opens at 2pm. The doors to the main event open to general admission ticket holders at 5:30pm. Musical performances and motorcycle stunts will keep you occupied until the spectacular fireworks display begins.

When: July 4, 2pm – 9:30pm
Where: Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103

For a truly unique Independence Day celebration, spend the afternoon on board the Queen Mary, the retired ocean liner that is permanently moored in Long Beach. The Fourth of July celebration will include special tours of the legendary ship, family games, arts and crafts, and a patriotic movie screening. Guests will also be treated to a performance by the Pointer Sisters, and of course, fireworks will cap it all off after the sun sets. Admission starts at $44 for adults and $24 for children ages 4 to 11.

When: July 4, 2pm – 10pm
Where: The Queen Mary

Legendary composer John Williams is responsible for some of the most recognizable film scores of all time, and for 3 nights in July, the Los Angeles Philharmonic will bring 2 of them to life at the Hollywood Bowl. On Thursday, July 6, the LA Phil will perform Williams’ score of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets live-to-picture as the film plays on the big screen. On Friday and Saturday nights, they’ll do the same for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This is a unique cultural experience that is sure to delight the young and old alike.

When: July 6 – 8, 8pm
Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90068

D23 is the official Disney Fan Club, so named because it was in 1923 that Walt Disney landed in Hollywood and founded Disney Studios. The D23 Expo is the ultimate destination for fans of all things Disney. For 3 days, fans will be treated to celebrity appearances, previews of what’s coming up at Disney theme parks, and sneak peeks of upcoming Disney films. There will also be plenty of Disney memorabilia on display and available for purchase. You can buy tickets for 1 day or for all 3, and D23 members receive a discount.

When: July 14 – July 16
Where: Anaheim Convention Center

This twice-yearly event is the perfect opportunity to get out and sample the incredible dining experiences Los Angeles has to offer. This summer’s dineL.A. lasts for 15 days and includes over 300 restaurants, providing ample opportunity to discover a new favorite. Participating restaurants will offer prix fixe 2-course lunches for $15 to $25, and 3-course dinners for $29 to $95, so there’s a price point for everyone. This is also a great chance to try exclusive restaurants like Providence, that might otherwise be out of reach. To take part, just make a reservation directly with the restaurant of your choice.

When: July 14 – 28
Where: Over 300 LA restaurants

The Orange County Fair has been a family tradition for generations of Southern California residents. The 23-day event includes everything you want from a county fair – carnival rides, midway games, blue ribbon cows, and of course, deep-fried everything. The Pacific Amphitheater will also host a variety of top musical talent during the fair’s run. Fair admission is included with your ticket to see Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Band Perry, Colbie Caillat, The Isley Brothers, or any of the other concerts on the schedule.

When: July 14 – August 13
Where: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

This festival, now in its 37th year, celebrates the lotus flowers that float in Echo Park Lake. Each year, the event honors the contributions that Asian-Americans have made to Los Angeles, and this year highlights the Bangladeshi community. The event will include a variety of displays of Bangladeshi art, food, and culture as well as dragon boat races, which have become a permanent feature since they were introduced in the year that the festival was hosted by the Chinese community. Admission to the festival is free.

When: July 15 – 16, 12pm – 9pm
Where: Echo Park Lake, 751 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026

Newly expanded to 3 days, the FYF Fest returns to Los Angeles with a killer lineup. Missy Elliot and Bjork will headline on Friday, Frank Ocean takes the main stage on Saturday night, and Nine Inch Nails rounds out the weekend on Sunday. Also appearing are in-demand artists like Erykah Badu, A Tribe Called Quest, and Solange. 3-day passes start at $299 and provide access to all stages and food and drink vendors.

When: July 21 – 23, gates open at 5pm on Friday, and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday
Where: Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA 90037

This free event brings the world’s best surfers together for 9 days of competition. Over a million people will flock to Huntington Beach to watch these expert surfers ride the waves. In addition to the chance to watch these incredible athletes in action, there will be BMX and skateboarding demonstrations, art installations, live music, and outdoor movie screenings.

When: July 29 – August 6, 6am – 7pm
Where: Huntington City Beach, 315 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Thanks to the laid back culture and temperate climate, LA has a bit of a year-round summer vibe, but that carefree feeling really peaks in July. Be sure to catch some fireworks, eat some fair food, or take in a bit of live music to really embrace the LA summer experience.