As summer draws to a close, TeenTix LA is set to ignite August 2025 with a diverse and accessible calendar of cultural experiences, cementing its role as a vital link between young people and the vibrant arts scene across Los Angeles. The organization, a project of Community Partners, is dedicated to breaking down barriers that often prevent teenagers aged 13 to 19 from engaging with the arts, including ticket costs, transportation challenges, and feelings of not belonging in cultural spaces. Through its innovative free pass program, TeenTix LA empowers a new generation to become active participants, critics, and leaders in their arts community, fostering a culturally rich future for the region.
Empowering Youth Through Accessible Arts
TeenTix LA’s mission is deeply rooted in accessibility and youth empowerment. Research conducted in 2019 revealed that 43% of surveyed teenagers in Los Angeles cited ticket cost as a significant deterrent to arts participation, while 68% expressed discomfort or a feeling of being unwelcome in arts venues. In response, TeenTix LA offers a free digital pass that allows teens to purchase day-of-show tickets for just $5 at a growing list of partner organizations. This initiative not only makes cultural activites affordable but also cultivates a sense of ownership and belonging among young attendees. The program has already made a substantial impact since its soft launch in 2021, boasting over 4,000 passholders from more than 500 Southland zip codes and facilitating over 2,500 discounted ticket purchases.
Beyond affordability, TeenTix LA is committed to an anti-racist framework, actively working to uplift marginalized voices and increase access to art that is representative of diverse communities. This approach, alongside partnerships like the one with LA Metro, which provides free transit for GoPass students, addresses both financial and logistical hurdles, encouraging broader participation in Los Angeles‘ many cultural events.
A Snapshot of August’s Engaging Events
The TeenTix LA Events Calendar for August 2025 is brimming with diverse offerings across the city. Highlights from the calendar provide ample opportunities for discovery and engagement:
Visual Arts and Exhibitions
The Skirball Cultural Center leads with several compelling exhibitions. “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion” continues through August 31, alongside “Away in the Catskills: Summers, Sour Cream, and Dirty Dancing.” Art enthusiasts can also explore “Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity,” running into March 2026, and the ongoing permanent exhibition, “Noah’s Ark.” The center also hosts family-friendly activites such as Archaeology Digs, Family Art Studio sessions, and Amphitheater Happenings with storytelling and music jams.
The Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena offers a wealth of options, including the new “Creativity & Community Care Room” and the “my hands are monsters who believe in magic” group show. Teens can also engage with “Identity Remix,” an exhibition running throughout August. Special events include “Looking with iris” on August 30, an artist-led dialogue session, and workshops like “Stitch & Dye: Exploring Shibori Techniques,” “Political Letterpress Posters,” and an intergenerational “Family Letterpress” workshop towards the end of the month.
Craft Contemporary Museum provides ongoing general admissions, with free entry every Sunday, making it an accessible option for all. The museum’s August schedule features the IAO Olfactory Storylab Maker-In-Residence on various Saturdays, and a free, kids-friendly “Light Gauge Solar Potentials: Cook with the Sun” workshop on August 17. Other unique offerings include “Open Clay Time” on Fridays and “Smells Like Art: Last Saturday Multisensory Tours” and the “Ether Artist Roundtable: Scent and Storytelling” at the end of the month.
Performing Arts and Theatre
Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon presents a robust theatrical lineup. Events include performances of John Galsworthy’s “Strife,” Alice Childress’s “Wine in the Wilderness,” and Ellen Geer’s retelling of Chekhov’s “The Seagull: Malibu.” Shakespeare’s magical “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” also continues its run. Several performances offer “Pay What You Will” pricing, further enhancing accessibility. In Griffith Park, the Old Zoo will host a free performance of “Doctor Faustus” on August 21.
For film enthusiasts, Vidiots in Eagle Rock offers screenings of classics like “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and “Stormy Weather” on August 24, along with the 2025 release of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” towards the month’s end.
Shaping the Future of Arts Engagement
TeenTix LA is not just about providing access to individual events; it’s about nurturing a lifelong connection to the arts and fostering community. By encouraging teens to explore diverse festivals and cultural institutions, the program aims to cultivate informed and engaged citizens who value, support, and participate in a thriving arts sector. As August 2025 unfolds, TeenTix LA continues its vital work, proving that with strategic initiatives and community support, the rich tapestry of Los Angeles arts can be truly for everyone.
