Renovated Music Center Plaza invites public to experience new restaurants, dance under the stars at Dance DTLA: Cumbia party, a community procession, LA Master Chorale’s “Big Sing”-along, and relax at the Splish Splash Plaza Bash in celebration of the renovated outdoor venue.
The Music Center in Downtown LA will celebrate the much-anticipated grand re-opening of The Music Center Plaza with free public festivities throughout Labor Day weekend from Thursday, August 29 through Sunday, September 1, following a 20-month, $41 million renovation of the expansive outdoor space.
The 53-year-old Plaza has been updated into an accessible, welcoming outdoor urban space as a “plaza for all” to enjoy. Serving as a principal public square for Los Angeles County, the reimagined Plaza creates a fifth venue on the Music Center campus, providing a place where people can not only dine and gather at five food establishments, but also connect with friends and colleagues. The Plaza will be home to free and low-cost events and activities that showcase the talents of the many artists and distinctive communities that comprise the culturally rich County of Los Angeles.
The Music Center will host a major community celebration of the Plaza in partnership with Los Angeles-based LA Commons, which engages communities in artistic and cultural expressions, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Music Center’s longest-standing resident company.
Complete with singing, music, dance and visual art, the Plaza for All Celebration will invite Angelenos to commemorate and embrace the new public space as the county’s “plaza for all” (schedule and artists subject to change).
The free event will include a public procession featuring performers and members of the many communities that comprise all five districts of Los Angeles County. It will commence at Grand Park and culminate at The Music Center Plaza, where it continues with a giant sing-along as the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s annual Big Sing 2019 brings thousands together as one community to sing popular songs under the direction of Grant Gershon, Kiki & David Gindler, Artistic Director, and special guest conductors. Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks.
Thursday, August 29: 4-7 p.m.—Go Get Em Tiger and The Mullin Wine Bar will host special grand opening events with music, games, and special treats for Grand Avenue residents, businesses, and neighbors in Downtown Los Angeles.
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m.–midnight—The Music Center’s free Dance DTLA: Cumbia returns to its Plaza “home” to celebrate the official grand opening of The Music Center Plaza. Dance lovers will enjoy an evening of Cumbia under the summer stars with beginner dance lessons, followed by extended hours of dancing and music until midnight.
Saturday, August 31, 4–7:30 p.m.—Plaza for All Celebration features Los Angeles Master Chorale’s Big Sing 2019, beginning at 4 p.m. in Grand Park, followed at 5 p.m. by Procession from Grand Park to the Plaza. From 6–7:30 p.m. Big Sing 2019 gathers for sing-along on the Plaza.
Sunday, September 1, Noon-6 p.m.—The Music Center’s Splish Splash Plaza Bash when The Music Center Plaza becomes a free, fun, casual hangout on a long holiday weekend. The newly renovated space will be transformed into a giant backyard party filled with free games and activities, splashing in The Music Center fountain, great food, and more. The first five chefs from the “emerging chefs” program at Abernethy’s, a new full-service restaurant on the Plaza, will be on hand preparing and selling their individual versions of backyard bites and treats.
These are free public events open to all ages. No outside alcohol is permitted on The Music Center Plaza. Food and beverages will be available for purchase where noted in the listings.
For more information: musiccenter.org