10 free ways to mark the end of summer with music, movies and museums – Press Enterprise

Summer will officially be over in a few weeks and if you want to say goodbye to the season by having a little fun but don’t want to spend any money, there are plenty of free ways to end summer in the area.

There are free events like outdoor movies and concerts in the park still happening for the summer. Plus there are also museums and other venues where you can visit for free all year round.

So to help you start saying goodbye to summer while being nice to your wallet, here are ten free things you can do in the area.

California Science Center

700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles. 323- 724-3623 or californiasciencecenter.org

This is a great place for kids who can check permanent exhibits that explore things like the ecosystem and space. Visitors can also get a closeup look at the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Admission is free daily. Special exhibits require ticket purchases.

Grand Performances in Los Angeles

350 South Grand Ave. Los Angeles, grandperformances.org

This weekend is your last chance to see free summer performances at Grand Park’s California Plaza in the heart of downtown L.A. Check out a Black Lives Matter poetry performance starting at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 and end the season with a dance party and cumbia concert by Gurpo Kual at 6 p.m. Aug. 26.

La Habra Movies in the Park

Oeste Park, 2300 W. Lambert Road, La Habra, lahabraca.gov

You have one more chance to grab lawn chairs for the family and chill out in the evening with a free outdoor movie in La Habra. The city’s free Movies in the Park summer series ends Friday, Sept. 8 with “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” The movie starts at 6 p.m. and not only is admission free each screening includes a free hot dog, chips and a soft drink. Candy and popcorn will be available for $1.

Manhattan Beach Concerts in the Park

Polliwog Park Amphitheater, 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. manhattanbeach.gov

End the summer at the beach with some free music at Manhattan Beach’s Concerts in the Park series. The series ends Sept. 3 with a blues-infused show by The Blue Breeze Band. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and food. The event runs from 5-7 p.m.

Museum of Latin American Art

628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach. 562.437.1689 or molaa.org

This Long Beach gem is dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino Art. Currently on exhibit is “”Compassionate Lens,” a collection of photos and videos from artists all across Latin America. Admission is free on Sundays only and reservations are required. Kids ages 12 and under always get in free.

Old Courthouse Museum

211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana. 714-973-6605 or ocparks.com/historic-sites/old-orange-county-courthouse

Walk through history inside this 30,000-square foot granite-and-sandstone building which has been restored to look as it did when it opened in 1901. It still houses government offices as well as an exhibition gallery with temporary and permanent exhibits where visitors can learn all about local and regional history. Admission is free daily.

Ontario Summer Concert Series

Celebration Park North, 4980 South Celebration Ave., Ontario, ontarioca.gov

There’s no need for expensive concert tickets to listen to music from one of the hottest bands around because Ontario’s summer concert series ends Aug. 31 with Red Hot Tribute, a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band.  Attendees will need to bring their own blankets and chairs.  Pre-concert activities start at 5:30 p.m. and the band will take the stage at 7 p.m.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.  949-494-3050 or pacificmmc.org

This facility rescues, rehabilitates and releases all sorts of marine mammals and members of the public are welcomed to visit some of the inhabitants. People can see animals like California sea lions, Northern elephant seals, Pacific harbor seals or Northern fur seals as they recover and prepare to go back out in the wild. Admission is free but they also welcome donations for their important cause.

Pomona Concert Band

G. Stanton Selby Bandshell in Ganesha Park, 1575 North. White Ave., Pomona, pomonaconcertband.org

Listen to patriotic music, classical and pop music plus Broadway tunes at this free concert series from the Pomona Concert Band. The final show of the summer is Thursday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. No reservations required and people are welcome to bring picnic baskets and blankets to the show.

The San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum

1170 W. Third St., San Bernardino. 951-544-4449 or sbdepotmuseum.com

Learn all about the history of San Bernardino and its railway past at this San Bernardino venue. Visitors can see hand-drawn vehicles, horse-drawn buggies, an 1890 Fire Department Hose Wagon that’s been in the Rose Parade several times and even the first car ever driven in San Bernardino. The museum is open Saturdays only from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. but admission is free.