Hollywood Bowl

Built in the early 1920s, the elegant Greek-style natural outdoor amphitheater, cradled in a small mountain canyon, is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl orchestras, and often hosts internationally known conductors and soloists on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Friday and Saturday concerts typically feature orchestral swing or pops concerts. The summer season also includes a jazz series; past performers have included Natalie Cole, Dionne Warwick, and Chick Corea. Other events, from standard rock-'n'-roll acts like Radiohead to Garrison Keillor programs, summer fireworks galas, and the annual Mariachi Festival, are often on the season's schedule.

To round out an evening at the Bowl, many concertgoers use the occasion to enjoy a picnic dinner and a bottle of wine -- it's one of L.A.'s grandest traditions. You can prepare your own or order a picnic basket with a choice of hot and cold dishes and a selection of wines and desserts from Patina's on-site catering department, which also provides delivery to box seats; call tel. 323/850-1885 by 4pm the day before you go to place your food order. Arrive a couple of hours before the show starts to dine while listening to the orchestra or band tune up. Tip: Lease events, often mainstream pop and rock concerts, have their own rules about what you can and cannot bring in, especially in regards to alcohol, so check if your event is a regular part of the L.A. Phil season, or not, before you head out. 

Free Morning Music at Hollywood Bowl -- It's not widely known, but the L.A. Philharmonic's summer morning rehearsals are generally open to the public and absolutely free. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30am to 12:30pm, you can see the program scheduled for that evening. Non-L.A. Phil rehearsals are only open subject to the artists' discretion. So bring some coffee and doughnuts (the concession stands aren't open) and enjoy the best seats in the house.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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