There’s nothing quite like enjoying live music out in the open air. When you can feel the sun or the night sky like a physical presence directly overhead while the music blares in your ears, there seems to be that added element of magic pervading the air.
That said, if you want a truly unforgettable outdoor music experience, you need not look further than Los Angeles. For one thing, the weather’s always nice, especially during the summer when there’s a festive mood taking hold of just about everybody in the city. When it’s summer in the City of Angels, the days are brighter and the nights are more pleasant. To top it off, the city has some of the best outdoor music venues not just in the whole state of California but around the world. Wherever your musical interests may lie, Los Angeles has a wide range of outdoor music haunts to provide you the outdoor music fix you need. So if you want to experience the singular outdoor music experience offered in Los Angeles but still at a loss on where to go, pull up a chair and take the time to read through our outdoor music spot recommendations.
The Rose Bowl
Not only is The Rose Bowl home to the UCLA Bruins and The Tournament of Roses Football games, it has also staged some of the biggest and most memorable concerts over the years, which include U2, Justin Timberlake, and Jay-Z. The seats are nestled in a wide open area that offers a nice view of the stage, even when you’re sitting in the furthest corners. Better yet, the world-renowned outdoor stadium has made further improvements thanks to the $164.5 million Rose Bowl Renovation Project that recently got completed in late 2013. The recent enhancements include a new press box, a new video board, and a more spacious stadium rim, all of which contribute to enhancing the music outdoor experience even further.
Click here for Rose Bowl Stadium event schedule & ticket availability.
The Greek Theatre
If you’re looking for an outdoor music spot with a more urban, bohemian vibe, The Greek Theatre is always an inspired choice. The Greek Theatre is a beautiful 5,700 seat outdoor amphitheater embedded in the hillsides of northern Los Angeles, a small outdoor venue perfect for listening to live music under the stars. Every single seat provides a clear view of the stage. The lively yet intimate atmosphere combined with stellar musical acts booked by the venue on a regular basis sets the mood for a night of great music with family and friends. Every musical event is also a great night for food and drinks, courtesy of the bevy of food stalls, fruit stands, and outdoor bars stationed everywhere. The only downside is that parking can be a bit of a mess. That said, the Greek Theatre is an excellent outdoor venue that you need to try at least once in your life.
Visit GreekTheatreLA.com for schedule and to purchase tickets.
The Hollywood Bowl
With a seating capacity of 17,376, the iconic Hollywood Bowl is the largest natural outdoor amphitheater in the United States. But the amphitheater has made its mark not only for its size. For eight consecutive years, the Hollywood Bowl has been voted by Pollstar Magazine as the Best Major Outdoor Venue in the entire country. Not surprising, considering the venue’s spectacular outdoor ambiance, superior sound system, and stunning HD video screens. Since it was built in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has played host to some of the greatest musicians in the world such as ABBA, Prince, and The Doors. It’s also where you can catch the most talented musical acts from across a wide variety of musical genres. The themed musical events cater to eclectic musical tastes. Whether you love classical music, jazz music, World music, rock music, or some other type of music that defies categorization, the Hollywood Bowl always has something for you. Last but not least, you better not miss the opportunity to see L.A. Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in their annual summer visits.
Hollywood Bowl Event Schedule & Tickets.
Jazz at LACMA
Nothing beats the experience of unwinding to a relaxing night of live jazz music after the daily grind of a busy work week. As to that, you’d be doing yourself a favor by attending the Jazz at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) on Friday nights during the summer. It’s the hub of jazz culture in Los Angeles, where both casual and seasoned jazz enthusiasts congregate to enjoy live jazz performances from the finest jazz musicians in Southern California. For over 20 years, Jazz at LACMA has hosted free live performances by legends such as Wayne Shorter, John Clayton, Kenny Burrell, Les McCann, Billy Childs, Arturo Sandoval, Cannonball-Coltrane Project and Ernie Watts. You can even bring your own snacks and wine, the better to sit down on the grass and bask in the heady mixture of sights and sounds unique to the live jazz experience. To have a more complete experience of the event, it’s recommended that you visit the iconic museum both before and after the event.
You can purchase tickets to the Jazz at LACMA here.
Sunday Sessions at Grand Park
The electronic dance scene in Downtown LA is very much alive, thanks to the Sunday Sessions held monthly during the summer at the Grand Park each year. Organized by Ecletech’s Eduardo Castillo, the Sunday Sessions is an emerging cultural phenomenon where the city’s best DJs go to showcase their talents. The event takes place at the green expanse of the Grand Park’s Performance Lawn, giving the crowd a lot of room to lounge around and dance to their heart’s content. And unlike most electronic dance events, the Sunday Sessions is an all-ages affair. Bring your children with you and nobody will bat an eye. It is highly recommended that you bring a blanket where you and your companions can sit on, of course. There’s lots of great food to satisfy the palate as well courtesy of several food trucks stationed across the courtyard between the big fountain and the stage. Also, don’t let the day end without trying the cocktails at the Pattern Bar.