We have that too. Free concerts in the park. Lunchtime concerts at the train depot museum. Movie nights in the park. The local drama club (?) puts on plays in the park, plays at their playhouse. We also have a half dozen major events over a year's time that are free. Prob another half dozen events (wine tastings for example) with music that require a ticket. Tons of stuff at the university. And more. We may attend a couple of ticket events, several of the free events.
Yeah, my hometown of 1000 people has multiple world class music venues, the highest concentration of nationally respected artists in the country, some of the best restaurants I've ever been to, a legendary spa, two ski hills, multiple eco parks, and tons of community events. Granted, it's not LCOL, but for sure, there's great stuff to do all over.
That saod, I wouldn't be happy living in my hometown, nor would I be happy living in a smaller city with fewer options than I have now. I've lived in many different places, I've only been really happy in big cities.
For me, the range of experiences/options is worth it, but I'm also not paying for a big detached home with a yard, so the H in HCOL isn't all that relevant.
It all depends on personal priorities.
That said, I firmly believe that just because someone genuinely prefers an HCOL city doesn't justify them bitching about the cost. The cost is either worth it for them or it isn't, I have no pity for people feeling like victims of their own personal preferences.