One Massive Summer Arts Takeover: Hyper SoCal 2026

Experience 40+ partner spaces and a vibrant series of festivals, music, and art across five Southern California counties.

Get ready for a regional takeover as Glendale Library, Arts & Culture and Brand Library & Art Center unveil the Summer 2026 season of Hyper SoCal, transforming the Southland into a massive, interconnected stage for creative expression. Originating at the Brand Library & Art Center, this dynamic initiative unites more than 40 partner spaces across five counties—stretching from the shores of Santa Barbara to the high desert of Lancaster and down to the docks of San Pedro. Whether you are catching live music, exploring multi-day festivals, or discovering contemporary exhibitions in unexpected settings, Hyper SoCal bridges the gap between artists and audiences to celebrate the vibrant energy and creativity that define our region.

A Summer of Discovery and Connection

The Summer 2026 season offers a diverse array of programming that invites exploration across the region. Highlights include “Concrete Wave: 60 Years at Vans” at the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim, documenting the birth of skateboard culture. Nature lovers can visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for “Still Growing,” a centennial celebration of California’s native plants, while those seeking interactive events can join the 23rd Annual TARFEST on June 27 or the Dragonfest Expo at the Martial Arts History Museum on August 1.

This variety is central to the initiative’s mission. As Exhibition Coordinator Stephanie Sherwood notes, Hyper SoCal is designed to create “opportunities for discovery,” whether that involves “encountering a new artist, visiting a space for the first time or experiencing arts and culture in a more interactive way”.

About the Organizers

The initiative is a testament to the long-standing cultural leadership of Glendale Library, Arts & Culture (GLAC) and the Brand Library & Art Center.

• Brand Library & Art Center: Since 1956, this institution has served as a cornerstone for the arts in Southern California. As a unique branch of the Glendale library system, it focuses specifically on visual arts and music, providing the public with free access to specialized collections, exhibitions, concerts, and hands-on craft programs.
• Glendale Library, Arts & Culture: Founded in 1907, this department operates eight neighborhood libraries. It is supported in part by the Glendale Library Arts & Culture Trust (GLACT) and works closely with the city’s Arts and Culture Commission. Their collective mission is to transform Glendale—known as the “Jewel City” and the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County—into a premier arts and culture destination.

Plan Your Summer Journey

By integrating arts into the daily life of the community, Hyper SoCal 2026 continues to enrich the region’s quality of life and bolster the local creative economy.

For a complete list of more than 40 partner institutions and their specific summer programs, visit BrandLibrary.org/Hyper-SoCal or follow the journey on social media using @BrandLibrary   #BrandLibrary #HyperSoCal