Your Friday jazz night starts here.
Pick up an all-inclusive jazz basket from Descanso — right across the street from LACMA — and arrive ready for a summer of free live jazz under the Los Angeles sky.
The Jazz Basket
$70 · Serves 2
What's included:
Chips & salsa frita
Clásico guacamole
Ceviche campechano
El Descanso margarita
Mexican blanket
Reusable picnic bag
To order: Call 213.672.2444 or visit descansorestaurant.com
5773 Wilshire Blvd · SAG-AFTRA Plaza
35 seasons of free jazz under the Urban Light
Every Friday evening from May through October, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art hosts one of the city's most beloved free events — Jazz at LACMA. Concerts run from 6 to 8 pm at the Smidt Welcome Plaza, just behind Chris Burden's iconic Urban Light installation on Wilshire Blvd.
Now in its 35th season, the series celebrates L.A.'s finest jazz musicians and has featured legends including Wayne Shorter, Arturo Sandoval, Billy Childs, and Ernie Watts. Admission is completely free — no tickets, no reservations required.
Guests are welcome to bring blankets, low chairs, and something good to eat and drink.
Flavors of Michoacán, right across the street
Descanso — Flavors of Michoacán is located at 5773 Wilshire Blvd, directly across from LACMA's main entrance. Before the music starts, stop in and pick up a jazz basket packed with everything you need for a perfect Friday evening on the plaza.
Each $70 basket serves two and includes Descanso's signature chips and salsa frita, clásico guacamole, ceviche campechano, two El Descanso margaritas, a Mexican blanket, and a reusable picnic bag.
Parking is validated at the SAG-AFTRA Plaza.
This summer's lineup
Jazz at LACMA kicks off May 1 with vocalist Michelle Coltrane celebrating the John Coltrane Centennial. Every Friday, 6–8 pm, free.
May 1 — Michelle Coltrane: Coltrane Centennial
May 8 — Lao Tizer Band
May 15 — Julius Rodriguez Trio
May 22 — Brian Swartz Quintet
June 5 — Paul Cornish Trio
June 12 — Ralph Moore Quartet
June 19 — Marvin "Smitty" Smith Septet
June 26 — Lynne Fiddmont
July–October — Full schedule at lacma.org
Jazz at LACMA
When: Every Friday · 6–8 pm · May 1 – October 2025
Where: Smidt Welcome Plaza, LACMA · 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Admission: Free, no tickets or reservations required
What to bring: Low chairs, blankets — and a Descanso jazz basket
Descanso Restaurant
Address: 5773 Wilshire Blvd · SAG-AFTRA Plaza, Los Angeles
Parking: Validated at SAG-AFTRA Plaza Order: 213.672.2444 · descansorestaurant.com
On the radio: Jazz at LACMA airs Sundays 7–9 pm on KJAZZ 88.1 FM
Seating at Jazz at LACMA is first-come, first-served. Your basket doesn't have to be.
Call or order online — pick up before the music starts.