New partnership will expand access to free concerts, cultural programming, and family-friendly events celebrating the diverse communities of Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES — The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) and Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, is taking another major step in the revitalization of MacArthur Park by launching a year-round series of free arts, music, and cultural events at the Music • Arts • Community • Los Angeles (MAC • LA) formerly Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles
Today, the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners has approved a partnership with MAC • LA to produce and manage an ambitious calendar of performances, cultural celebrations, educational workshops, and community events from September 2026 through September 2027, transforming the iconic Bandshell into a lively community hub where people of all ages can come together to enjoy free entertainment.
The year-round programming is supported by a $250,000 investment, including $150,000 from Council District 1 and $100,000 from the California Community Foundation. The funding advances ongoing efforts to expand programming, enhance maintenance, and improve MacArthur Park.
“This partnership will transform the MacArthur Park Bandshell into a year-round gathering place where families, young people, elders, artists, and neighbors from all walks of life can celebrate culture, build community, and create memories together,” said Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. “Safety is built through connection. When our public spaces are active, welcoming, and filled with community, they become places where people feel they belong and look out for one another. As we continue the work of revitalizing MacArthur Park, we are investing not only in physical infrastructure, but in the joy, connection, and sense of belonging that make neighborhoods safe and strong.”
Following a competitive Request for Proposals process, MAC • LA was selected based on its extensive experience delivering community-centered arts programming, cultural engagement, event production, and public outreach.
The year-long program will feature:
· Free live concerts showcasing local, national, and emerging artists
· Visual arts exhibitions and interactive community art experiences
· Native American and Maya Indigenous cultural programming
· Arts education and entertainment industry workshops
· Family-friendly Community festivals and cultural celebrations
In addition to programming, MAC • LA will oversee artist recruitment, event production, community outreach, multilingual marketing, public safety planning, and the creation of a Community Advisory Board to ensure local voices help shape the programming.
“MacArthur Park has always been one of Los Angeles’ most treasured public spaces, and this partnership represents an exciting new chapter for the park,” said Jimmy Kim, General Manager, Department of Recreation and Parks. “By bringing free, high-quality arts and cultural programming to the Bandshell year-round, we are creating opportunities for families, artists, and communities to come together while celebrating the rich cultural diversity that defines this neighborhood.”
The MacArthur Park Bandshell has served as a gathering place for music, civic events, and cultural expression for generations. This new programming builds on ongoing efforts to create a vibrant, welcoming park experience through safe, inclusive events that bring residents and visitors together.
Programming is expected to begin in September 2026, with a full calendar of free and low-cost events announced in the coming months.