This summer, Grand Performances will feature artists including Grupo Soñador, DJ Spinna, Monalisa and Kassa Overall. (photo by Sandy Altamirano)

Grand Performances, Downtown Los Angeles’ longest-running presenter of free outdoor concerts, on May 4 unveiled its 40th annual Summer Concert Series, featuring an electrifying mix of global stars, local trailblazers and cross-genre collaborations. The season runs June 6-Aug. 29 at California Plaza in the heart of DTLA.

Marking four decades of free, accessible arts programming, Grand Performances has entertained more than 1 million people since its inception with live performances, workshops, master classes and audience discussions. The 2026 season spans continents and generations, with sounds ranging from cumbia, mariachi, Afro-Latin fusion, funk, soul, RnB to Ethiopian and Afrofuturistic jazz, traditional Korean and indigenous rhythms.

The season opens on June 6 with cumbia standouts Grupo Soñador and Wachiwara, launching the milestone year with a high-energy, multigenerational dance celebration.

Season highlights include a nod to 40 momentous years, as Grand Performances welcomes back past performers with programs that shine a light on influential figures who have shaped Los Angeles’ music and culture; GP’s 40th anniversary celebration on June 13 with Jungle Fire, Healing Gems, DJ Liza Richardson and special guests; A Wonder-Full Tribute to The Music of Stevie Wonder on July 18 featuring DJ Spinna, Monalisa, MC Cognito and guests; and a tribute to Roy Ayers on Aug. 1, led by famed composer Sly5thAve with a 12-piece ensemble that includes drummer Kassa Overall. Toward the end of the season, an all-star lineup for Ritchie Forever on Aug. 22 features Irene Diaz, Joey Quiñones, Nick Waterhouse and Shannon Shaw, to celebrate the legacy of Ritchie Valens.

“For 40 years, Grand Performances has been a gathering place where Los Angeles comes alive through music, culture, and shared experience,” said Rafael González, president and CEO of Grand Performances. “Each season builds on that rhythm, bringing together artists and audiences from around the world and reflecting the many voices that shape this region. This year, we honor that legacy by continuing to open our stage, free and for everyone, so that every Angeleno can find themselves in the experience and feel part of something larger.”

In addition to its Saturday concerts, Grand Performances will present the city of Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs COLA Individual Artist Fellowship as part of the Friday night lineup. COLA supports accomplished local artists in developing new work with the freedom to innovate and experiment across disciplines including design, visual arts, literary arts and performing arts. Additional Friday night performances will be announced soon.

“This lineup celebrates artists who are pushing boundaries, blending genres, honoring tradition and creating entirely new forms,” said Liz Garo, artistic director of Grand Performances. “We’ve curated a series that invites audiences to experience the richness of cultures from around the world while seeing themselves on stage, a reflection of the creative spirit of Los Angeles.”

For information, visit grandperfomances.org.

California Plaza is located at 350 S. Grand Ave.