Thing to do
Grand Central Market
Downtown's public market has traded on Broadway since 1917, and today more than 40 vendors serve food from across Los Angeles under one roof, seven days…
Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is a 17,500-seat amphitheatre in the Hollywood Hills, open since 1922 and the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
At a glance
- Type
- Outdoor amphitheatre
- Area
- Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, United States
- Official site
- hollywoodbowl.com
Good to know
- Summer concert season
- Picnic areas
- Park and Ride buses
- Museum
Why we recommend it
The Hollywood Bowl opened on 11 July 1922 in a natural hollow in the Hollywood Hills, and its concentric white shell has been the backdrop to summer evenings in Los Angeles ever since. With room for around 17,500 people, it is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
A night at the Bowl is a quintessential Los Angeles experience. The season mixes classical concerts by the LA Phil with jazz, film nights with live orchestra, pop and rock acts and fireworks evenings, so the crowd and atmosphere vary from show to show. Seating ranges from boxes near the stage, where people dine at small tables, to benches high up the hillside with views over the shell.
Picnicking is part of the ritual. Many concertgoers arrive early to eat at the picnic areas on the grounds or in their seats, and the Bowl also has its own food and wine outlets. Check the venue's current rules on what you can bring before you pack, as policies can differ between LA Phil and leased events.
The Bowl suits couples, families with older children and groups of friends, and the cheaper seats higher up make it surprisingly affordable for a major venue. It can get cool after sunset, so bring a jacket and a cushion for the bench seating. Allow time before the show to get through security and find your seat.
Getting there takes some planning. Traffic and parking near the venue are notoriously slow, so many people use the Bowl's Park and Ride buses from designated lots, or drive to a shuttle lot close by and ride the shuttle nearly to their seats. Shuttle tickets are sold separately. The Hollywood/Highland Metro station is also within walking distance up Highland Avenue. Booking early is wise for popular nights such as fireworks shows and film screenings with live orchestra, which often sell out well ahead. Leave plenty of time to arrive, because security checks and the walk up from the entrance take longer than many people expect, and it is worth knowing which entrance is nearest your seats before you set off.
Outside concert times, the Hollywood Bowl Museum tells the story of the venue and its performers; check the website for opening days. For tickets and general questions, the LA Phil lists +1 323-850-2000 and [email protected].
Hollywood Bowl FAQs
When is the Hollywood Bowl season?
The main concert season runs through the summer months; check the website for the current calendar.
How many people does the Hollywood Bowl hold?
About 17,500.
When did it open?
On 11 July 1922.
Who performs there?
It is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and it also hosts jazz, film and pop concerts.
Can you bring a picnic?
Picnicking is a long tradition at the Bowl; check the current rules for your event before you go.
How do you get there?
Park and Ride buses and shuttles are the easiest option; you can also walk up from Hollywood/Highland Metro station.
Should you bring a jacket?
Yes. Evenings in the hills can turn cool after sunset.
How can you contact the box office?
The LA Phil lists +1 323-850-2000 and [email protected] for general and ticketing questions.