Events & Entertainment at LA 2028
The Olympics are about more than just the competition. Discover the incredible array of fan zones, concerts, cultural celebrations, sponsor experiences, free public events, and family activities that will make LA 2028 an unforgettable festival of sport and culture.
Olympic Fan Zones & Live Sites
Free Public Viewing Areas Across LA
Watch the Games on giant screens with thousands of fellow fans
Can't get tickets to every event? No problem. LA 2028 will host massive fan zones throughout the city where you can watch live Olympic action on giant LED screens, enjoy food and drinks, participate in sports activities, and soak up the Olympic atmosphere—all completely free.
LA Live Olympic Park
The main Olympic celebration hub
LA Live in downtown Los Angeles will transform into Olympic Central—the largest and most elaborate fan zone. Expect multiple giant screens, live performances, food trucks, sponsor activations, and nonstop programming from morning until late night.
- Screens: Multiple 40-60 foot LED displays
- Capacity: 20,000+ people at peak times
- Hours: 8am-midnight daily during Games
- Features: Live DJs, concerts, Olympic merchandise, meet-and-greets
- Access: Free entry, Metro E Line to Pico station
Prime location between Crypto.com Arena and the Convention Center. Expect massive crowds for Team USA medal events and big finals.
Santa Monica Pier Fan Zone
Beach vibes meet Olympic celebration
The iconic Santa Monica Pier and beach will host a spectacular waterfront fan zone. Watch the Games with your toes in the sand, then cool off in the Pacific Ocean between sessions.
- Location: Santa Monica Beach & Pier
- Screens: Beachfront giant screens, sound systems
- Vibe: Laid-back California beach culture
- Activities: Beach volleyball courts, surfing demos, yoga sessions
- Access: Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica, free beach parking challenging
Perfect for afternoon sessions—watch swimming finals at sunset. Especially popular for beach volleyball, surfing, and other California-centric sports.
Long Beach Waterfront Live Site
Harborside Olympic festivities
Long Beach will host water sports and marathon events, plus a dedicated fan zone along the waterfront with views of the marina and venues.
- Location: Shoreline Aquatic Park & Rainbow Harbor
- Focus: Water sports coverage (rowing, kayak, beach volleyball)
- Capacity: 10,000+ along waterfront promenade
- Features: Live music stages, craft beer gardens, family zones
- Access: Metro A Line to Downtown Long Beach
More relaxed than downtown LA crowds. Great spot if you have tickets to Long Beach events—arrive early and enjoy the fan zone before your session.
Griffith Observatory & Park Viewpoint
Olympic viewing with iconic LA views
Griffith Park will offer a unique elevated Olympic experience—watch the Games with panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign as your backdrop.
- Setting: Outdoor amphitheater and lawn spaces
- Atmosphere: Picnic-style viewing, bring blankets
- Evening programming: Sunset screenings and nighttime events
- Activities: Hiking trails, Observatory visits between sessions
- Access: Shuttle buses from Metro stations, limited parking
Best for evening sessions and finals. Arrive for sunset, watch athletics or swimming finals under the stars with the LA skyline glowing below.
Pasadena & Rose Bowl Plaza
Soccer and community celebration
The Rose Bowl will host soccer matches, and the surrounding plaza area will feature a family-friendly fan zone emphasizing community and local culture.
- Focus: Soccer coverage plus marquee events
- Family amenities: Kids zones, sports clinics, face painting
- Local flavor: Pasadena restaurants and vendors
- Old Town connection: Easy walk to Pasadena's shopping and dining
- Access: Metro L Line + shuttle, or park and ride
Fan Zone Tips
- Arrive early for big events: Popular finals can draw 15,000+ people. Come 2-3 hours early for good viewing spots.
- Bring blankets or chairs: Most fan zones have lawn/standing areas—bring something to sit on for comfort.
- Stay hydrated: July-August LA heat is intense. Water stations available but bring your own refillable bottle.
- Sunscreen essential: Even evening events—LA sun is strong through 7-8pm.
- Check daily programming: Each fan zone will have its own schedule of live performances, meet-and-greets, and special events.
- Free but crowded: Security screening required. No large bags, coolers, or alcohol from outside.
Cultural Events & Concerts
The LA 2028 Cultural Olympiad
A months-long celebration of arts, music, and culture
Every Olympic Games includes a Cultural Olympiad—a program of artistic and cultural events running for months before and during the Olympics. LA, as the entertainment capital of the world, will deliver an unprecedented cultural program celebrating the city's diversity and creativity.
Expect hundreds of events across Los Angeles County starting in Spring 2028 and building to a crescendo during the Games:
Olympic Music Festival
World-class concerts and performances
LA's legendary music scene will take center stage with a series of concerts featuring international superstars and local talent. Venues will range from intimate clubs to massive outdoor stages.
Hollywood Bowl Olympic Concert Series:
Nightly performances during the Games. Past Olympics have featured artists like Coldplay, Beyoncé, and local philharmonic orchestras. Ticketed events, $50-$300.
Free Park Concerts:
Grand Park downtown, Exposition Park, MacArthur Park will host free evening concerts showcasing LA's diverse music scenes—hip-hop, Latin, K-pop, rock, electronic.
Olympic Closing Concert:
Massive free concert on the final weekend at SoFi Stadium plaza or LA Memorial Coliseum. Lineup announced closer to Games—expect A-list performers.
Arts & Museum Programming
Olympic-themed exhibitions and installations
LA's world-class museums will curate special Olympic exhibitions exploring the intersection of sport, art, and culture:
- LACMA: "Olympics in Art" exhibition featuring historic Olympic posters, photography, and contemporary interpretations
- Getty Center: "Ancient Olympics to Modern Games" tracing 3,000 years of athletic competition
- Broad Museum: Contemporary artists' takes on Olympic themes and athletic movement
- Natural History Museum: "Human Performance: Biology of Champions" exploring the science of athletic excellence
- Grammy Museum: "Olympic Anthems: Music of the Games" celebrating Olympic theme songs and national anthems
Many museums will offer free or discounted admission days during the Olympics. Check individual museum websites closer to the Games.
Street Art & Public Installations
Olympic art transforming the city
LA's vibrant street art scene will explode with Olympic-themed murals, sculptures, and interactive installations throughout the city:
- Arts District murals: Downtown's Arts District will feature massive athlete murals by local and international artists
- Olympic Rings installations: Giant Olympic Rings at iconic LA locations—Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier
- Athlete sculpture trail: Temporary sculptures along Metro lines celebrating Olympic sports
- Light installations: Nighttime projections on City Hall, Union Station, and major buildings
- Community art projects: Neighborhoods creating their own Olympic murals and public art
All public art is free to view. Consider a self-guided Olympic art walking tour between events.
Film & Theater
Olympic stories on screen and stage
Hollywood will naturally play a major role, with Olympic-themed film screenings and theatrical productions:
- TCL Chinese Theatre: Classic Olympic films and documentaries (Chariots of Fire, Miracle, etc.)
- Hollywood Bowl: Screenings with live orchestra performing Olympic film scores
- Santa Monica Pier: Free outdoor movie nights featuring sports films
- Mark Taper Forum: Special theatrical productions exploring Olympic themes and athlete stories
- Film Independent: Showcase of Olympic documentaries from around the world
Olympic Celebrations & Parades
Medal Celebrations & Victory Ceremonies
Celebrate with the champions
Medal ceremonies happen throughout the day at various venues, but LA 2028 will also host special evening medal celebration events:
Nightly Medal Plaza (Location TBA):
Free public ceremony where multiple sports' medalists are celebrated together. Music, video highlights, and the athletes on stage receiving their medals. Expect 5,000-10,000 attendees nightly.
Victory Parades:
For major Team USA gold medals (basketball, gymnastics all-around, track 100m), expect impromptu mini-parades or celebrations in fan zones. After the Games, a full Team USA celebration parade may occur in late August.
Opening Weekend Festivities
LA's biggest party in decades
The weekend before Opening Ceremony (likely July 8-9, 2028) will feature citywide celebrations:
- Olympic Torch Relay finale: The Olympic flame's final miles through LA, ending at SoFi Stadium
- Welcome concerts: Free concerts across the city welcoming the world
- Nations parade: Participating countries' athletes and cultures showcased in downtown LA
- Street festivals: Olympic-themed block parties in every major neighborhood
- Fireworks spectacular: Synchronized displays across multiple venues
Closing Weekend Celebration
Go out with a bang
After the Closing Ceremony, LA will continue celebrating through the weekend:
- Farewell festival: Multi-day music and cultural festival (August 12-14, 2028)
- Athlete meet & greets: Medalists appearing at various locations for photos and autographs
- Olympic Park stays open: Fan zones remain active through the weekend
- Final parties: Clubs, bars, and venues hosting Olympic-themed closing parties
Sponsor Activations & Brand Experiences
Interactive Sponsor Pavilions
Free experiences from Olympic partners
Olympic sponsors create elaborate interactive experiences open to the public. These are completely free and often include giveaways, photo opportunities, and hands-on activities:
Coca-Cola Olympic Park
Expect Coca-Cola to create a massive activation zone with:
- Free Coke products and limited-edition Olympic bottles
- Virtual reality experiences of Olympic sports
- Photo ops with Olympic Rings and athlete cutouts
- Pin trading station (Olympics' biggest collectible)
Visa Athlete Zone
Visa typically offers:
- Meet-and-greets with Visa-sponsored athletes
- Contactless payment demos and Olympic-themed cards
- Exclusive merchandise only available via Visa payment
- Sweepstakes for VIP event tickets
Samsung Technology Showcase
Olympic tech partner Samsung usually features:
- Latest smartphone and VR/AR technology demos
- 360-degree Olympic video experiences
- Photo booths with athlete AR filters
- Limited-edition Olympic phone accessories
Nike/Adidas Athlete Experiences
Sportswear brands create immersive zones:
- Try Olympic sports with coaching from pros
- Speed testing, vertical jump measurement
- Limited-edition Olympic gear releases
- Athlete autograph sessions and panels
Most sponsor activations are located in or near fan zones. Expect lines for popular experiences—arrive early or during off-peak hours (weekday mornings).
Family-Friendly Activities
Olympic Sports Try-It Zones
Kids and adults can try Olympic sports
Free zones where visitors can try their hand at Olympic sports with equipment and instruction provided:
- Track & Field: Sprint timing, long jump pits, shot put throw stations
- Gymnastics: Foam pits, balance beams, trampolines (supervised)
- Archery: Beginner-safe archery ranges with instruction
- Table Tennis & Badminton: Open play areas with equipment
- Basketball & Volleyball: Half-courts and beach volleyball pits
- Skateboarding & BMX: Beginner ramps and courses with helmets provided
- Climbing walls: Scaled for all ages and abilities
Kids Olympic Academy
Educational programs for young fans
Free daily programs teaching kids about the Olympics, sports, and cultures:
- Olympic history lessons: Interactive exhibits about ancient and modern Olympics
- Geography & culture: Learn about competing nations through games and activities
- Meet Olympians: Q&A sessions with athletes (schedule posted daily)
- Olympic values workshops: Lessons on excellence, friendship, respect
- Pin trading for kids: Dedicated areas to trade and collect Olympic pins
Mascot Meet & Greets
Photo ops with Olympic mascots
The official LA 2028 mascot (to be announced) will appear throughout the city:
- Scheduled appearances at fan zones (posted daily)
- Roaming character appearances at venues
- Special kids-only meet-and-greet time slots
- Mascot-themed activities and games
Lines can be long during peak hours. Best times: weekday mornings or late afternoon before evening crowds arrive.
Best Family Events to Attend
Kid-friendly Olympic sessions
If you have tickets, these sports are especially great for children:
- Gymnastics: Exciting, easy to understand, shorter sessions
- Swimming: Fast-paced, multiple races per session
- Beach Volleyball: Outdoor, relaxed atmosphere, music between points
- Skateboarding & BMX: Cool factor, tricks and action
- Equestrian: Kids love horses, beautiful outdoor setting
- 3x3 Basketball: Fast, outdoor, constant action
- Soccer: Familiar sport, exciting atmosphere
Avoid: Long sessions like marathon, tennis (can go 3+ hours), and evening sessions that run past bedtime.
Nighttime Entertainment
After the Sun Sets
LA's nightlife meets Olympic excitement
The Olympics don't stop when the sun goes down. From evening events to late-night parties, LA will be alive 24/7 during the Games:
Evening Fan Zone Programming
Fan zones stay open until midnight with special evening programming:
- Live DJ sets: International and local DJs spinning after athletics finals
- Medal ceremony replays: Watch the day's medal ceremonies on big screens
- Evening concerts: Live bands and performers, 8pm-11pm
- Food trucks and beer gardens: Extended hours for dining and drinks
- Late-night screenings: Replay highlight reels and iconic Olympic moments
Olympic Viewing Parties at Bars & Restaurants
Bars and restaurants across LA will host Olympic watch parties with extended hours:
- Sports bars: Every screen showing Olympics, special menus, drink specials
- Rooftop bars: Downtown and Hollywood rooftops with Olympic viewing (reservations recommended)
- Breweries: Local craft breweries releasing Olympic-themed beers and hosting viewing parties
- Beach bars: Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach bars with ocean views and Olympic screens
Night Markets & Food Festivals
LA's diverse food scene will shine with Olympic-themed night markets:
- Smorgasburg LA: Sunday night market with food from 100+ vendors plus Olympic viewing
- Grand Central Market: Extended hours, international food stalls representing Olympic nations
- Koreatown Night Market: K-pop, Korean BBQ, and Olympic screenings
- Little Tokyo Evening Festival: Japanese culture, food, and Olympic celebration
Late-Night Events at Venues
Some Olympic sessions run late, creating incredible nighttime atmospheres:
- Swimming finals: Evening sessions at SoFi (7pm-10pm) with electric atmosphere
- Track & Field finals: Coliseum under the lights for iconic races (8pm-11pm)
- Beach Volleyball: Santa Monica beach volleyball can run until 11pm with music and lights
- Basketball semifinals/finals: 8pm+ tip-offs at Intuit Dome
- Boxing finals: Evening sessions with Vegas-style production
Metro runs extended hours during Olympics. Check schedules but expect last trains around 1am-2am during Games.
Free Events & Public Activities
Experience the Olympics Without Tickets
You can have an incredible Olympic experience without spending a dime on event tickets:
Free to Everyone:
- All fan zones and live sites (watch every event live on big screens)
- Marathon course viewing (42km through LA streets—free to watch anywhere)
- Race walk, cycling road race, and triathlon courses
- Olympic Torch Relay viewing (check route and timing)
- Medal Plaza evening ceremonies
- Public art installations and murals throughout city
- Many museum Olympic exhibitions (free/discount days)
- Sponsor activation pavilions and brand experiences
- Parks and beaches with Olympic programming
- Street festivals and neighborhood celebrations
Low-Cost Options:
- Preliminary round tickets ($25-$50 for many sports)
- New Olympic sports often have affordable tickets
- Museum entry ($15-$25, often free days available)
- Metro day pass ($7 for unlimited travel to all zones and fan zones)
- Park concerts and outdoor screenings (donation-based)
Note: Specific events, locations, and schedules for Cultural Olympiad and fan zone programming will be announced in 2027-2028. Check LA28.org for official updates and daily programming schedules during the Games.