Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl stands as one of America’s most beloved outdoor music venues. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, this iconic amphitheater has hosted everyone from The Beatles to Billie Eilish since opening in 1922. If you’re planning to travel for music events in Los Angeles, the Bowl should be at the top of your list.
This isn’t just another concert venue. The Hollywood Bowl is a Southern California institution where world-class performances meet picnic dinners under the stars. Over 100 summers have passed since the first show here, and the magic hasn’t faded one bit.
Music Events at the Hollywood Bowl in November 2025
| Event Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Junior H | November 7-8, 2025 |
| SmartLess Live with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett | November 15, 2025 |
For details about the events. visit Hollywood Bowl’s official website.
Getting Your Tickets
Shows at the Hollywood Bowl sell out fast, especially for big-name artists. The 2025 season typically runs from June through September, with occasional special events in May and October. Check the official website as early as February when the season schedule drops.
Ticket prices vary widely. You can score seats in the back sections for around $20-30, while prime box seats near the stage go for $100-300 depending on the artist. The middle terrace sections offer the best value for most people.
Sign up for the Hollywood Bowl email list to get presale access. Members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic also get early booking privileges, which is worth considering if you’re a regular visitor.
Where to Sit
Garden Boxes (Section 1-13): These are the premium spots right up front. You get actual tables, not just seats. People bring elaborate picnic spreads here. The sound is great, but you’re looking up at the stage.
Pool Circle and Terrace Boxes: Mid-level seating with excellent views and sound. These are the sweet spot for most concertgoers. You still get the box experience with tables for your food and drinks.
Bench Seating: Further back but still enjoyable. The sound quality remains strong thanks to the Bowl’s natural acoustics. Bring a cushion because you’ll be sitting on wooden benches for a few hours.
Super Seats: The back section of the venue. Cheap and cheerful. The sound travels well, and you get the full scope of the place. Just bring binoculars if you want to see facial expressions.
The Picnic Tradition
Here’s what makes the Hollywood Bowl special: picnicking is not just allowed but encouraged. Gates open about two hours before showtime, and people arrive early to set up elaborate meals. We’re talking wine, cheese boards, sushi, full BBQ spreads. Some folks bring candlesticks and flowers.
If packing a picnic sounds like too much work, the venue has several dining options. The Marketplace offers pre-made boxes with sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Wine and beer are available throughout the venue. Just remember that glass bottles aren’t allowed, so transfer your wine to plastic cups or buy it there.
Boxes and some terrace seats come with tables, which makes dining much easier. Bench seats require more creativity. A small cutting board across your lap works well.
Getting There
The Hollywood Bowl is located at 2301 North Highland Avenue. Parking is available but limited. Lots open about two hours before showtime and cost around $20-25. They fill up fast for popular shows.
The smarter move for traveling for music events at the Bowl? Take the Park and Ride shuttle. Park at one of several lots around LA for free, then hop on a shuttle that drops you right at the entrance. The Hollywood and Highland subway station connects directly to the venue via shuttle as well.
Rideshare drop-off happens at the bottom of the hill. Be prepared for a decent walk up. After the show, the rideshare pickup area turns into chaos. Many people walk down to nearby streets to catch their rides and avoid the congestion.
What to Bring
A few essentials will improve your experience. Low-back chairs are allowed on bench seats and make those wooden planks much more comfortable. A light jacket or blanket is necessary because temperatures drop once the sun sets. Even in summer, it gets chilly.
Bring a small flashlight or use your phone to navigate in the dark. The Bowl dims lights during performances. If you’re picnicking, pack food in soft-sided coolers only. Hard coolers aren’t permitted.
The 2025 Season
The Hollywood Bowl continues to book incredible talent across all genres. In 2025, expect to see a mix of classical performances by the LA Phil, pop and rock legends, jazz nights, film-score-to-picture screenings, and tribute shows. The Fireworks Finale concerts around July 4th are spectacular.
Movie nights at the Bowl have become hugely popular. They screen classic films while a live orchestra performs the score. Recent years have featured everything from Star Wars to The Little Mermaid.
Live Music Getaway Travel Tips
If you’re making a music venue trip to LA specifically for the Hollywood Bowl, build in some extra time to explore. The venue sits just below the Griffith Observatory, which offers stunning city views during the day. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a short drive away, though it’s more touristy than magical.
For accommodations, Hollywood and West Hollywood put you closest to the venue. Downtown LA is about 20 minutes away and often has better hotel deals. Santa Monica and Venice Beach are 30-40 minutes depending on traffic but give you that classic California beach experience.
Food and Drink
Beyond what you bring yourself, the Hollywood Bowl has stepped up its food game. Multiple bars serve wine, beer, and cocktails. The prices aren’t cheap, but this is LA at a premium venue. Expect to pay $15-20 for drinks.
Food stands sell everything from tacos to Mediterranean bowls. Quality is decent for venue food. The lines can get long right before showtime, so hit them early or wait until after the show starts when crowds thin out.
Sound and Acoustics
The Bowl’s shell-shaped stage isn’t just for looks. It projects sound naturally across the venue, which means even the cheap seats offer good audio quality. Recent upgrades to the sound system have improved things even more.
The venue’s location in a natural amphitheater creates unique acoustics. You’re surrounded by hills that help contain and reflect the sound. On quiet songs, you might hear coyotes howling in the distance, which is very LA.
Best Practices
Arrive early. This can’t be stressed enough. The parking and shuttle situation requires extra time. Plus, watching the sun set over the hills while enjoying your picnic is half the experience.
Check the weather and dress in layers. LA weather in summer is usually perfect, but the Bowl’s microclimate runs cooler than downtown.
Respect your neighbors. The relaxed picnic vibe only works when everyone keeps volumes reasonable. Save the loud conversations for after the show.
Planning Your Visit
The Hollywood Bowl represents everything great about live music getaways. The combination of world-class performers, stunning natural setting, and casual California vibes creates something special. Whether you’re traveling for music events regularly or planning a one-time trip, this music venue delivers an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Book your tickets early for the 2025 season. Pack a great picnic. Bring a jacket. Show up early enough to actually enjoy your meal before the music starts. Do these things and you’ll understand why this music city landmark has been selling out shows for over a century.
The Hollywood Bowl proves that sometimes the venue matters just as much as the artist. This is one of those places where even a mediocre show becomes a great night out. When the show is actually good, it becomes unforgettable.
FAQs
The best way to get to the Hollywood Bowl, is to skip the parking hassle and use the Park and Ride shuttle system. Park for free at lots throughout LA, then take a direct shuttle to the venue. The Hollywood/Highland Metro station also connects via shuttle. Rideshare works but expect major delays after shows when thousands of people request rides simultaneously. Many smart travelers walk down Highland Avenue a few blocks to catch their Uber or Lyft away from the crowds.
Yes, and you should. The Bowl actively encourages picnicking. Bring whatever food you want in soft-sided coolers. Wine and beer are allowed, but no hard liquor or glass bottles. Transfer wine into plastic bottles or cups. Many music travelers visiting LA specifically plan elaborate picnics as part of the experience. Gates open two hours before showtime, giving you plenty of time to set up. If you’re flying in and can’t pack food, the venue’s Marketplace sells pre-made picnic boxes.
Even during summer shows in July and August, temperatures drop significantly once the sun sets. Expect it to feel 15-20 degrees cooler than daytime LA temperatures. Bring layers even if it was 85 degrees during the day. A light jacket or blanket is essential for comfortable evening viewing. This catches many music travelers off guard, especially those coming from humid climates where warm days mean warm nights. The Bowl sits in the hills where cooler air settles after dark.