Whether you’re looking for a small concert in an independent venue or an indie rock show in an outdoor amphitheater, we sift through many emails to deliver what we feel are the best indie shows in Los Angeles. Grimy Goods has been curating the best concerts in Los Angeles for almost two decades. Many of these artists we’ve already seen live, or have featured in our Best New Music and Artists You Should Know features. It’s never easy to narrow down, but just know you’ll always experience a hell of a show with our hand-picked concerts in Los Angeles.
Kim Gordon at Pacific Electric — Aug. 2
Kicking off the month, Kim Gordon takes over Pacific Electric on Aug. 2, with Sasami and Sarah Register opening the evening. The Sonic Youth co-founder remains one of alternative music’s most influential voices, blending experimental rock, noise rock, art rock, and post-punk while continuing to tour behind her acclaimed 2024 album The Collective.
St. Vincent at Hollywood Bowl — Aug. 2
One of modern rock’s most inventive performers, St. Vincent brings her electrifying live show to the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 2. Annie Clark’s fearless blend of art rock, indie rock, art pop, and experimental pop arrives in support of her Grammy-winning 2024 album All Born Screaming. Anoushka Shankar kicks off the evening with a set not to miss.
Death Cab for Cutie at Greek Theatre — Aug. 2–3
Over two nights, Death Cab for Cutie returns to the Greek Theatre on Aug. 2-3, joined by Nation of Language. The beloved indie rock outfit just played a surprise small venue show this past May, and now they ready to captivate audiences at the Bowl with their mix of indie rock, emo, and dream pop.
Death Cab For Cutie give Santa Barbara Bowl a nostalgia filled performance
Nation of Language Captivates at the Fonda, Proving Their Alt Synth-Pop Brilliance Once Again
Meridian Brothers at The Regent — Aug. 5
Expect an evening full of musical curveballs when Meridian Brothers perform at The Regent on Aug. 5, with Mexican Institute of Sound and Madrugada opening the show. The Colombian ensemble twists together psychedelic cumbia, tropical music, experimental rock, and Latin folk.
Die Spitz at the Fonda Theatre — Aug. 5
Austin punk quartet Die Spitz storms into the Fonda Theatre on Aug. 5, with Cashier kicking things off. Their explosive blend of punk rock, grunge, and alternative rock has made them one of underground music’s fastest-rising live acts. The band also performs later this month at Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields.
Iceage at Hollywood Forever — Aug. 6–7
Few bands channel beautiful chaos quite like Iceage, who perform at Hollywood Forever’s Masonic Lodge on Aug. 6-7. The Danish outfit seamlessly blends post-punk, punk rock, art rock, and noise rock as they return to the stage following the release of For Love of Grace & the Hereafter.
Poppy at Hollywood Palladium — Aug. 7
Genre boundaries won’t mean much when Poppy hits the Hollywood Palladium on Aug. 7. Her unpredictable fusion of metalcore, alternative metal, industrial, electronic pop, and hyperpop comes in support of her latest album Empty Hands.
Boy Harsher at Milky’s — Aug. 7
Darkwave favorites Boy Harsher head to Milky’s on Aug. 7 for an intimate Los Angeles performance ahead of the tour. Recently signed to Atlantic Records and with a new album on the way, the duo has built a devoted following through their brand of hypnotic darkwave, synthpop, EBM, and industrial music.
Boy Harsher Unveil “Hard Beat,” Announce New Album GET MEAN and Pre-Tour Shows in Brooklyn and LA
RÜFÜS DU SOL with Ben Böhmer at Kia Forum — Aug. 6, 7, 11-13
Five nights at the Kia Forum find RÜFÜS DU SOL joined by Ben Böhmer for one of the month’s biggest electronic events. The Australian trio blends melodic house, electronic, indie dance, and atmospheric pop while touring behind their latest album Inhale / Exhale.
The McCharmlys at Sid the Cat Auditorium — Aug. 8
Nostalgic rockers The McCharmlys perform at Sid the Cat Auditorium on Aug. 8, with Twin Seas opening the night. Their jangly mix of throwback garage rock, surf rock, and power pop continues to make them one of Southern California’s most charming live bands, and they’re currently showcasing newer material.
Jill Scott at YouTube Theater — Aug. 11-12
Soul icon Jill Scott brings her unmistakable voice to YouTube Theater on Aug. 11. A master of neo-soul, R&B, jazz, and spoken word, Scott is celebrating her new album, Too Whom This May Concern.
Helado Negro with Reyna Tropical at The Ford — Aug. 13
Set beneath the trees, Helado Negro and Reyna Tropical team up to bring you Helado Tropical at The Ford on Aug. 13. With the two beloved Latin artists, expect a warm blend of indie folk, electronic, ambient pop, and Latin experimental set to make you move or soothe.
Brother Ali with Live Band at Blue Note Los Angeles — Aug. 14
Bringing his lyrical storytelling to an intimate setting, Brother Ali performs with a live band at Blue Note Los Angeles on Aug. 14. The Minnesota MC remains a respected force in underground hip-hop, blending conscious rap, alternative hip-hop, and soulful production.
Interpol at Santa Barbara Bowl — Aug. 14
A night of post-punk revival awaits as Interpol takes the stage at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Aug. 14. Not quite “Los Angeles,” but worth the drive and a spot on our list. The New York band helped define the early 2000s indie rock era with their signature blend of post-punk, alternative rock, and dark atmospheric songwriting, and still delivers one of the best live performances.
Oldies 2 Souldies: Joey Quiñones & More at the Greek Theatre — Aug. 15
A soulful summer evening awaits as Joey Quiñones (Thee Sinseers), Mayer Hawthorne, and Trish Toledo take over the Greek Theatre on Aug. 15, alongside Kelly Finnigan, Mirah Avila, The Lovelites, The Intruders, Blue Magic, Adrian Carmine, and more. Get ready to be transported to the golden age of soul, R&B, and funk.
Angine de Poitrine at Teragram Ballroom — Aug. 17–18
French duo Angine de Poitrine lands at the Teragram Ballroom on Aug. 17-18. The polka-dot costume band is a spectacle to see live, ripping out some of the most manic jam rock. Get ready to get weird.
Passion Pit at The Bellwether — Aug. 18–19
It’s hard not to smile when Passion Pit returns to The Bellwether on Aug. 18-19. Michael Angelakos continues to deliver euphoric indie pop, synth-pop, and indietronica favorites as the band celebrates its beloved catalog.
Just Like Heaven at Brookside at the Rose Bowl — Aug. 22
Our favorite music festival returns this August. Just Like Heaven is gonna be a scorcher, and not just because of the end-of-August heat. The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Whitney, STRFKR, TV Girl, Chromeo, The Rapture, Feist, Twin Peaks, Matt and Kim, Pixel Grip, This Is Lorelei, Tanlines, Girl Tones, and more!
A Gen Z Love Letter to Just Like Heaven — my first time attending the millennial-heavy music fest
Slayyyter at Shrine Expo Hall — Aug. 23–24
Electro Pop provocateur Slayyyter takes over the Shrine Expo Hall on Aug. 23-24, with Pearly Drops opening. Her infectious blend of hyperpop, dance-pop, and club music arrives in support of her latest album WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. Get ready to sweat!
The Breeders at Hollywood Palladium — Aug. 24
Alternative rock legends The Breeders perform at the Hollywood Palladium on Aug. 24, joined by Twisted Teens. Kim Deal’s influential band continues to mix alternative rock, indie rock, and garage rock while celebrating more than three decades of iconic releases. The band will also perform on Aug. 29 at Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields.
Earthless at Zebulon — Aug. 25
Get ready for an evening of marathon jams when Earthless plugs in at Zebulon on Aug. 25. The San Diego trio remains a powerhouse of psychedelic rock, heavy rock, stoner rock, and instrumental improvisation. Liberate Elemental Forces (LEF) open.
W.I.T.C.H. at Teragram Ballroom — Aug. 25
Zambian rock pioneers W.I.T.C.H. arrive at the Teragram Ballroom on Aug. 25 for a rare Los Angeles appearance. The legendary group helped define Zamrock through a vibrant mix of psychedelic rock, garage rock, funk, and blues and continues to tour behind their new album, Lazy Bones!!
Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra at Blue Note — Aug. 25–26
Hollywood meets a jazz club when Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra perform at Blue Note Los Angeles on Aug. 25-26. Goldblum’s longtime ensemble specializes in classic jazz, swing, and standards, performing selections from its recordings and beloved live repertoire. We sure hope Jeff’s wife makes an appearance with her gymnastics on top of his piano!
Rachel Chinouriri at El Rey Theatre — Aug. 26
Rising British star Rachel Chinouriri heads to the El Rey Theatre on Aug. 26. Her emotionally rich blend of indie pop, alternative pop, folk-pop, and soul comes in continued support of her 2024 album release What a Devastating Turn of Events. The artist will also perform just a few days later at Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields.
Com Truise at 1720 — Aug. 27
Synth lovers should make a beeline for 1720 on Aug. 27, where Com Truise returns with his signature retro-futuristic sound. Known for lush synthwave, chillwave, electronic, and IDM productions, if vibes are your jam, you’re in the right place.
David Byrne at Hollywood Bowl — Aug. 28-29
One of music’s greatest storytellers, David Byrne brings his singular vision to the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 28 & 29. The former Talking Heads frontman continues to merge art rock, new wave, worldbeat, and experimental pop while touring behind his 2025 album Who Is the Sky?
David Byrne brings magnificent wonder and activism to Shrine Auditorium Show
Nas, The Roots at F&M Bank Amphitheater of Long Beach — Aug. 28
Hip-hop history takes the stage as Nas headlines the F&M Bank Amphitheater in Long Beach on Aug. 28, joined by The Roots and De La Soul. Together, these trailblazing artists represent the very best of East Coast hip-hop, jazz rap, conscious rap, and alternative hip-hop, celebrating decades of groundbreaking music.
Long Beach Amphitheater changes its name to F&M Bank Amphitheater — Community Pops Off
Nas & The Roots Announce Limited Shows: A Great Night in Hip Hop
Nick Waterhouse at Zebulon — Aug. 28
Vintage soul and rhythm & blues come alive when Nick Waterhouse performs at Zebulon on Aug. 28. The Los Angeles musician continues to blend R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, and garage rock while making for an unforgettable night of dancing and rocking out.
Daisy Chain Fields at Great Park, Irvine — Aug. 29
Finally, a music festival where women dominate the lineup. Chappell Roan, Doechii, Katseye, Bikini Kill, Die Spitz, Not For Radio, Garbage, Mitski, Santigold, The Breeders, Karen O, Stevie Nicks, and more. Featuring an inspiring mix of today’s most beloved women artists and the badass iconic leading ladies who paved the way for them, Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields is the festival everyone will be raving about for years to come.
The Black Lips at Teragram Ballroom — Aug. 29
Expect a healthy dose of glorious mischief when The Black Lips roll into the Teragram Ballroom on Aug. 29. The Atlanta band remains a staple of garage rock, punk rock, psychedelic rock, and lo-fi rock, currently touring behind 2025’s Season of the Peach.
Noname at Fonda Theatre — Aug. 29 & Sept. 1
Chicago lyricist Noname performs two nights at the Fonda Theatre on Aug. 29 and Sept. 1. Her thoughtful blend of alternative hip-hop, jazz rap, spoken word, and neo-soul continues to resonate as she tours behind her latest album Sundial.
Thee Sacred Souls with LA LOM at Santa Barbara Bowl — Aug. 30
A sunset drive is well worth it when Thee Sacred Souls headline the Santa Barbara Bowl on Aug. 30, joined by LA LOM and The Womack Sisters. Not quite “Los Angeles,” but worth the drive and a spot on our list. The San Diego trio has become one of soul music’s brightest modern voices, mixing vintage soul, R&B, and Chicano soul while touring behind 2024’s Got a Story to Tell.
Muse at Hollywood Bowl — Aug. 31
Closing out the month in epic fashion, Muse headlines the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 31, with Portugal. The Man and The Temper Trap rounding out the bill. The British trio continues to pair arena-sized alternative rock, progressive rock, hard rock, and electronic elements as they celebrate a catalog filled with modern rock anthems.
More Shows This August
Monsieur Periné at Burton Chase Park (FREE) — Aug. 8
The McCharmlys at Sid The Cat Auditorium — Aug. 8
Sparta at Permanent Records Roadhouse — Aug. 11
Ani DiFranco, Valerie June at The Ford — Aug. 12
BOYO, Fime, Cody’s Program at Gold-Diggers — Aug. 13
Melanie Martinez at Kia Forum — Aug. 14
Al Green, The Womack Sisters at Hollywood Bowl — Aug. 14
Karol G at SoFi Stadium — Aug. 14
Ethio Cali, DJ Nu-Mark at California Plaza (FREE) — Aug. 15
Abe Vigoda, Callahan & Witscher, Debt Rag, The Intima, DREAM_MEGA at The Smell — Aug. 15
Tomahawk, Melvins at The Belasco
Heathen Axe (ft. John Dwyer) at Permanent Records Roadhouse — Aug. 16
Deb Never at The Echo — Aug. 18
Black Joe Lewis at The Venice West — Aug. 18
The Black Heart Procession aat Gold-Diggers — Aug. 19
Matthew Dear, The Juan MacLean, Mesmé at Lodge Room — Aug. 21
Goldfinger, The Vandals, The Suicide Machines at Hollywood Palladium — Aug. 22
Ritchi Forever with members of Las Cafeteras, The Altons, Thee Sinseers & More at California Plaza (FREE) — Aug. 22
Daniel Caesar, 070 Shake at Honda Center — Aug. 23
Black Marble, The Serfs at 1720 — Aug. 23
Caught a Ghost at One Colorado (FREE) — Aug. 28
The Temper Trap at The Bellwether — Aug. 28
Courtney Barnett, Built to Spill, Zoh Amba at Hollywood Palladium — Aug. 29
La Luz at The Venice West — Aug. 29
Son Rompe Pera, Bloco Obini, QVLN at California Plaza — Aug. 29
Avenged Sevenfold, Good Charlotte, A Day To Remember at BMO Stadium — Aug. 30
Ramones 50th Anniversary w/ John Travolta, Billie Joe Armstrong, Travis Barker & more at Hollywood Bowl — Aug. 30
