What It Is
The Hollywood Bowl is a 17,500-seat outdoor amphitheater nestled in the Hollywood Hills, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic's summer season since 1922. It's the largest natural amphitheater in the United States, and on any given summer night, you might find a classical symphony, a rock band, a film screening with live orchestra, a comedy show, or a jazz legend — all under open sky with the Hollywood Hills as backdrop.
The venue is owned by LA County and jointly managed with the LA Philharmonic Association. The season runs roughly June through September, with over 100 performances. And critically: bringing your own food and wine is not just allowed — it's the tradition.
The 2025 Season (Just Announced)
The 2025 summer season was unveiled February 11, 2025. Major highlights:
Gustavo Dudamel's Farewell + Foo Fighters
After 15 seasons as Music & Artistic Director of the LA Phil, Dudamel is departing. A week in August celebrates his tenure, including a landmark concert with the Foo Fighters backed by the full orchestra. One of the most anticipated tickets of the summer.
Opening Night: The Best of Broadway
June 14, with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular
Three nights (July 2-4) with the Beach Boys and special guest John Stamos, backed by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. A Bowl tradition.
Wes Anderson Film Nights
Three nights in July — the LA Phil performs live scores to Wes Anderson films projected on the shell screen.
Studio Ghibli / Joe Hisaishi
Three-night tribute to the legendary anime composer.
John Williams
The traditional three-night September salute.
Full Films with Live Orchestra
Amadeus, How to Train Your Dragon, Top Gun: Maverick.
More Highlights
Chance the Rapper (Juneteenth), St. Vincent symphonic show, Herb Alpert, The Roots with Nas / T.I. / De La Soul, Jon Batiste (closing night Sept. 28), Santana & The Doobie Brothers, Andrea Bocelli, Lewis Capaldi, Jack Johnson.
Tickets: New subscriptions available now. Individual LA Phil tickets on sale May 2025. Check hollywoodbowl.com or call 323-850-2000.
The Experience
Going to the Hollywood Bowl isn't just seeing a concert — it's a ritual.
Picnicking
Most people arrive 1-2 hours before the show, spread blankets or set up at their seats, and eat a full meal before the music starts. Bringing your own food and wine is the classic Bowl experience. People go all out — charcuterie boards, full dinners, champagne.
Bench Seats
The upper sections with bench seating — cheap, communal, festive. This is where the party atmosphere is. First-come, first-served within your section, so arrive early.
Box Seats
Premium, table-style seating close to the stage. Where the picnic game goes next-level. Tablecloths, proper dinnerware, the works.
The Sound
The iconic band shell focuses sound outward through the natural amphitheater shape of the canyon. Excellent for an outdoor venue. The current design dates to 2004 (Hodgetts + Fung).
Getting There & Parking
Park & Ride Shuttles (Best Option)
The Bowl operates Park & Ride express buses from lots across LA County: LA Zoo lot (closest), Ovation Hollywood, Ventura lot, Burbank, Pasadena, Lakewood, Torrance, Chatsworth, Culver City. Shuttle passes are available when you buy tickets. This is the move — skip the parking nightmare entirely.
Metro + Rideshare
Metro Red Line to Hollywood/Highland, then walk (25 minutes uphill) or rideshare to the venue. Rideshare drop-off areas are designated near the entrance. Note: The Bowl does not have easy Uber/Lyft pickup after shows — plan for a walk to a pickup zone or use the shuttles.
Driving & Parking
On-site parking is extremely limited, expensive, and stacked (you can't leave until the lot empties). Pre-purchased parking passes are the only way to guarantee a spot. Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068.
What to Know
- Bring layers. Summer nights in the Hollywood Hills get cool after sunset. A jacket or blanket is essential.
- Outside food and drink is allowed — including wine and beer. No hard liquor, no glass in Bench sections (transfer to plastic cups).
- Gates open 1.5-2 hours before showtime. Arrive early. Half the experience is the pre-show picnic.
- Bench seats are first-come, first-served within your section. Arrive early for better positioning.
- No re-entry once you leave.
- The Bowl Museum is free and open before shows and during daytime hours.
Quick Facts
- Opened: 1922
- Capacity: 17,500 (largest natural amphitheater in the US)
- Location: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
- Season: June–September
- Owned by: Los Angeles County
- Managed by: LA Philharmonic Association
- Outside food: Allowed (wine, beer OK; no hard liquor, no glass in Bench sections)
- Best transit: Park & Ride shuttle from multiple LA County locations
- Historic performers: The Beatles (1964, 1965), Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring your own food and wine to the Hollywood Bowl?
Yes, the Hollywood Bowl is famous for its picnic-friendly policy. You can bring your own food, wine, and beer. Many people arrive early to enjoy a picnic dinner before the show.
What is the best place to sit at the Hollywood Bowl?
The best seats are in the Garden Boxes (sections A-F) for the closest experience, or the mid-range Terrace sections for a great balance of view and value. The Bench seats are the most affordable.
How do you get to the Hollywood Bowl?
The Park & Ride shuttle from various locations is the easiest option. You can also take the Metro Red Line to Hollywood/Highland and walk, or use rideshare.
