Best Outdoor Concerts This Summer In LA
There might be nothing greater than taking in a concert on a warm summer evening in Los Angeles. With the lights of the city around you, a cocktail in hand, and a tune in your ear, summer is just right in LA.
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90150
(323) 850-2000
www.hollywoodbowl.com
Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl feature a wide variety of events including Classical Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jazz at the Bowl (featuring a special performance by Queen Latifah), two KCRW World Festivals (with M83, Zooey Deschanel and M.Ward's band She & Him, and supergroup Goat Rodeo, made up of virtuosos Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, and Stuart Duncan), Weekend Spectaculars, and special concerts including Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and a Josh Groban 4th of July Spectacular. There is quite literally something for everyone. And who can resist enjoying amazing music while sipping wine under the stars at the bowl? Don't forget to bring your own picnic to the grounds!
Saturdays Off The 405
The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.edu
After spending the day enjoying the artwork and gardens of the Getty, linger longer as DJ sets and concerts wind down the sunset-laden Saturday evenings. Up-and-coming bands headline each event and food service is available until 8:30 p.m. nightly, with a cash bar on site during the show. Concerts run 6 to 9 p.m. in the courtyard and are free.
Grand Performances
California Plaza
350 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 687-2159
www.grandperformances.org
Your weekends in downtown are about to get better. Starting June 21 and running through Aug. 24, be sure to head to California Plaza to enjoy food, drinks, beautiful (working!) fountains, and a fantastic lineup of great music running the gamut of musical styles and themes. From Latin to dance, to classical to rock, and even sock puppetry, this free concert series is a must visit. Select events feature family-friendly lineups (start the fun by taking Angel's Flight to the venue) and free bike valet to encourage sustainability.
Family Amphitheater Performances and Sunset Concerts
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500
www.skirball.org
Two summer-long performance series give both families and adults the chance to enjoy outdoor performances. Kids and their parents can dance and sing to world music concerts each Saturday and Sunday afternoon from June 22 through Sept. 1st; additional hands-on activities, including up-close encounters with wild animals, are included in the series (activities included with price of admission.) Thursday nights, July 25 through Aug. 29, be sure to check out the free Summer Concert series boasting bands with musical traditions from around the world, including music from America, Israel, Sierra Leone, Iran, and Brazil.
Twilight Concerts
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8901
www.twilightseries.org
The 29th installment of Twilight Concerts begins July 11 and continues every Thursday all the way through Sept. 12. The lineup features a little bit of everything from both classical and contemporary artists, and their motto, "Bands + Pier + Beach + Friends + Free = Awesome x5," couldn't be more right on.
Sizzling Summer Nights
The Autry in Griffith Park
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 667-2000
www.theautry.org
This all-ages dance party features the best salsa bands in LA cranking out their hits every Thursday evening starting July 11 through Aug. 15. Enjoy the drinks and taco bar, take in the museum, learn to dance with free salsa lessons, or take the kids for a spin around the kids-only dance floor. Members can party for free, while guests pay just $10 for entry to both the sizzling night and the museum.
