The Hollywood Bowl is an open-air amphitheater in the hills above Hollywood, famed for its white band shell and for a summer concert season that is one of the great Los Angeles rituals. Its schedule typically runs from early summer through late September, and it is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Concerts range from classical and film music to jazz, pop and rock, and the setting, with the lights of the city beyond the hills, is part of the show.
The Bowl is unlike any indoor venue. The shell frames the stage, the seating rises up a natural hillside, and the tradition of bringing a picnic is part of the culture: many guests arrive early to eat with friends before the music starts. Food and drinks are sold on site, and picnic baskets are common, though rules on what you can bring are posted, so check them when you book. The setting is relaxed and social, with a crowd that mixes classical devotees, pop fans and out-of-towners on a night out.
Because the season is summer, the weather is usually warm during the day and cools quickly after sunset, so bring a jacket. Seats vary a lot, from the boxes near the stage to the benches higher up the slope, and the benches can be hard, so a cushion is a good idea. The venue is on a hillside with limited parking, so many visitors use the park-and-ride shuttle service from lots around the city, which also avoids the traffic jam leaving the area. Check the venue's transport guidance for the current options.
Season dates and lineups vary each year, so look up the schedule to see what is playing during your visit. A visit outside the main season may be limited to the small museum on site and the grounds, so a concert is the best reason to come. The Bowl suits couples, friends and families with older children, and fireworks concerts around the July holiday are a particular treat. Plan to make a full evening of it, with an early arrival, a picnic and a late departure.
What to expect
The experience
Open-air concert at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater. The main season runs in summer, roughly June through September; programs vary by date.
Best time
Summer evenings during the concert season; check the schedule for what is playing. Bring a jacket for after sunset.
How long
A full evening, with picnic time before the show.
Tips
Take the park-and-ride shuttle where available, bring a jacket and a cushion, check the picnic rules, and arrive early to eat and find your seat.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Music lovers and anyone who wants a classic Los Angeles summer night.
- Families
- Good for families with older children; check age and bag rules.
- Couples
- One of the most romantic evenings in the city, with a picnic and a sunset.
- Pair with
- Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame are a short drive away.
- Time needed
- A full evening.
Good questions
When is the Hollywood Bowl season?+
The main concert season runs in summer, roughly from June through September. Check the venue schedule for exact dates and lineups.
Can I bring a picnic?+
Picnics are a tradition at the Bowl. Check the venue rules on food, drink and containers before you go.
How do I get there?+
Many visitors use park-and-ride shuttles, which avoid the limited parking and the traffic leaving the area. Check the venue guidance for current options.
What should I wear?+
Layers. Days are warm in summer, but evenings cool quickly, and the benches can be hard, so a cushion helps.
What kind of music is played?+
A mix of classical, film music, jazz, pop and rock. Lineups change each year.
