The Hollywood Bowl is an outdoor amphitheater in Los Angeles that holds concerts, classical music, and other performances from May through October
The Hollywood Bowl sits in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, California, and is the largest natural amphitheater in the United States. It opened in 1922 and is still operated by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. The venue holds about 17,500 people and hosts performances nearly every night during its season, which typically runs from late May through early October.
The Bowl is not a theater with a roof or walls — it is an open-air venue shaped like a bowl, which is where it gets its name. The stage sits at the bottom, and the seating rises up the hillside in sections. Because it is outdoors, performances happen only during the warmer months, and weather can affect what you see and hear.
Key Takeaways
- The Hollywood Bowl operates May through October each year, with performances almost every night during that window.
- Seating is divided into sections by price and distance from the stage, with the cheapest seats in the back and upper sides.
- You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the Bowl, which many people do to save money.
- Parking fills up quickly on performance nights, so arriving early or using public transit or rideshare is often faster than driving.
How seating sections and prices work
The Hollywood Bowl divides its seating into lettered sections that wrap around the stage. Sections closest to the stage and directly in front of it cost the most. Sections on the sides and farther back cost less. The exact price for any seat depends on the performer, the night of the week, and how far in advance you buy the ticket.
The cheapest seats are usually in the back sections, labeled with letters like T, U, V, and W. These seats are far from the stage but still have a view. Mid-range seats are in sections closer to the stage but on the sides. The most expensive seats are in the front-center sections, where you have the clearest view of the performers. Many people choose mid-range seats as a balance between cost and view quality.
Ticket prices for the same seat can vary by $20 to $50 or more depending on the artist performing and the day of the week. Weekend shows usually cost more than weekday shows. Popular artists draw higher prices than less well-known performers. The Bowl releases ticket prices for each show individually, so there is no single price list.
What you can bring and what is not allowed
The Hollywood Bowl allows you to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the venue. Many people bring picnic baskets, sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and snacks. You can also bring your own wine or beer in a sealed container, but you cannot bring spirits like vodka or whiskey. Once you open a bottle inside the Bowl, you must finish it or throw it away before you leave — you cannot take an open container out.
You cannot bring glass bottles, cans, or hard liquor. You also cannot bring large bags, backpacks, or luggage — the Bowl has a bag policy that limits what you can carry in. Blankets and small cushions are allowed, and many people bring them to sit on the concrete or metal seats. Umbrellas are allowed but can block the view of people behind you, so use them only if it rains.
Cameras and phones are allowed, but the Bowl asks that you not use them during performances out of respect for other guests and the performers. Professional cameras and recording equipment need special permission.
Getting to the Bowl and parking
The Hollywood Bowl is located at 2301 North Highland Avenue in the Hollywood Hills. If you drive, parking is available on the grounds, but it fills up quickly on popular show nights. Parking costs $15 to $20 depending on the lot you use. Arriving at least an hour before the show starts gives you a better chance of finding a spot close to the entrance.
Public transit is an option if you live near a Metro line. The Hollywood/Highland Metro B Line (Red Line) station is about a 10-minute walk from the Bowl entrance. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate at the Bowl, but pickup can be slow after the show ends because many people are leaving at the same time. If you use rideshare, plan to wait 15 to 30 minutes after the performance ends before requesting a ride.
Some people take the Metro to the Bowl and then use rideshare to get home, which avoids the parking lot traffic. Others arrive very early, eat dinner in the area, and then head to their seats. The Bowl's website shows parking and transit information for each show.
How to buy tickets and what to know before you go
Tickets are sold through the Hollywood Bowl's official website and through Ticketmaster. You can also buy tickets at the Box Office window on the grounds during business hours. Tickets usually go on sale several weeks before a show. Popular artists sell out quickly, sometimes within hours of going on sale.
When you buy online, you choose your seat from a map that shows available spots and their prices. You can see exactly where your seat is and what the view will be like. Fees are added at checkout — Ticketmaster charges a per-ticket fee plus a processing fee, which can add $5 to $15 to your total depending on the ticket price.
The Bowl opens its gates about an hour before the show starts. You can arrive early, find your seat, and settle in. Most shows last between 90 minutes and two hours, with no intermission. The Bowl does not have assigned concessions — you can bring your own food, or you can buy food and drinks at the concession stands inside, which are more expensive than outside food.
Weather and what happens if it rains
Because the Bowl is outdoors, weather affects every show. On clear nights, the experience is excellent. On hot nights, bring water and sunscreen. On cool nights, bring a jacket or sweater — the Hollywood Hills can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than downtown Los Angeles.
If it rains, the show usually goes on unless the rain is heavy enough to be unsafe. Light rain is common in the Bowl's season, and most performances continue. If a show is cancelled due to weather, the Bowl will reschedule it or offer refunds. Check the Bowl's website or your email for updates if rain is in the forecast.
Types of performances and the season schedule
The Hollywood Bowl hosts the Los Angeles Philharmonic for classical and orchestral concerts, but it also books rock, pop, jazz, and world music artists. The schedule changes year to year. Some performers return every summer, while others appear only once. The Bowl publishes its full schedule in the fall for the following summer season.
The season typically opens in late May and closes in early October. The Bowl is dark (closed) from October through May. Special events like the Hollywood Bowl's opening night gala or holiday concerts sometimes happen outside the regular season, but these are rare. The Los Angeles Philharmonic performs most nights, and guest artists rotate in throughout the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a blanket or cushion to sit on?
Yes. The seats are concrete or metal, so many people bring blankets, cushions, or small pillows to sit on. Avoid large blankets that might block the view of people behind you. The Bowl allows small personal items like these.
What time should I arrive before a show?
Arriving 60 to 90 minutes early gives you time to park, walk to your seat, and settle in without rushing. If you are driving, earlier arrival helps you find parking closer to the entrance. If you are using public transit, check the Metro schedule and plan your arrival accordingly.
Are there restrooms at the Bowl?
Yes, restrooms are located throughout the venue. They can get crowded during intermission or after the show ends, so plan accordingly. Using the restroom before the show starts or during the performance is usually faster.
Can I leave and come back during a show?
Yes, you can leave your seat and return, but you will need to keep your ticket stub or have your ticket scanned again when you re-enter. The Bowl staff can direct you to your section if you forget where you are sitting.
What is the best section to sit in if I am on a budget?
Sections T, U, V, and W in the back are the cheapest and still offer a view of the stage. Sections on the far sides (like A or Z) are also less expensive. You trade distance and angle for a lower price, but most people can still see and hear the performance from these seats.