Arguably the most iconic venue west of the Mississippi, The Hollywood Bowl is a celebrated relic of the early twentieth century, and one of the most unique concert-going experiences you’ll ever have. Since its opening day in 1921, the Bowl has hosted the L.A. Philharmonic for hundreds of concerts, as well as ballets, jazz concerts, operas, and film screenings. Over the past two decades, The Hollywood Bowl has become a hub for pop stars and bands to dazzle audiences looking to witness a show in the scenic and historic amphitheater.
If you are planning on visiting the Hollywood Bowl, there are a few things you should know. Let us guide you through insider tips and tricks to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Getting There
We suggest you arrive at least one hour before your performance. You can find the gate time on your concert’s detail page for ticketed access to the amphitheater. A rideshare app will be your best friend the evening of, ensuring you avoid the parking lot jams. Get dropped off a few blocks away and walk in to avoid road closures and long traffic lines for parking access. Another great option is the 'Park & Ride' program. The Hollywood Bowl has created partnerships with parking lots in the Los Angeles area to help cut down on traffic near the Bowl. Simply park in one of the designated Park & Ride Lots and a shuttle bus will take you straight to the Bowl. A roundtrip bus ride costs $7 per person when pre-purchased, or $12 cash per person when purchased at the lot and requires exact change. You may purchase a Park & Ride ticket online until 10am on the day prior to the concert, or tickets may be purchased the night of your event in person at the lot.
BYO Policy & Dining Details
One of the perks of attending a concert or event at The Hollywood Bowl is their liberal BYO food & drink policy. If you are attending LA Philharmonic events, you can even bring wine bottles, wine glasses, and beer bottles inside. All containers, picnic baskets, and coolers must be able to fit underneath your seat, so keep that in mind when you are packing your food and drink. If you’re with a larger group, the Bowl is even equipped with fourteen picnic areas, but come early if that’s your goal. Picnic tables fill up fast!
Please note that certain events specify that “Special House Rules Apply” where specific items may be prohibited. You can find a full list of prohibited items on the calendar and event pages, so make sure to check your specific event’s listing before assembling your smorgasbord.
If you didn’t come with your own picnic basket, the Hollywood Bowl offers an amazing culinary program, curated by James Beard Award-winning Chef Suzanne Goin and restauranter Caroline Styne. If you have purchased box seats, you’ll be given the chance to order off a specialized menu that offers delicious three-course meals delivered straight to your seat! Take your pick of family-style feasts, a la carte starters, main courses and even desserts! Be sure to pre-order online the day before your concert. There are also three amazing marketplaces across the venue offering grab-and-go items that are ready to eat. And to top it all off, the Hollywood Bowl also offers five classic food & snack stands located throughout the Bowl with traditional stadium-style offerings such as gourmet pizza, tacos, all-beef hot dogs, vegetarian and vegan fare, burgers, BBQ sandwiches, popcorn, and desserts.
Seating Tips
The Hollywood bowl offers three types of seating options:
- Box Seats: canvas-covered collapsible chairs in groups of 4 or 6 surrounded by wooden partitions
- Super Seats: stadium-style seats set in the center of the theater, with built-in cup holders
- Bench Seats: traditional bench seating without specific seating assignments
No matter what tier of seat you choose, there is really not a bad seat in the house. Large video screens flank each side of the stage, giving you a close-up view no matter where you’re seated.
And if you’re seeking a bit more comfort, just ask an usher about their famous $1 seat cushion rentals!
Show Details
Each Tuesday and Thursday night, music lovers flock to The Hollywood Bowl to experience classical music under the stars. These Tuesday and Thursday shows are a great way to dip your toes and attend a first show at the Hollywood Bowl because good seats are usually available, and parking tends to be easier than on the weekends. The weekends feature various musical artists, film screenings, and events, so if you are looking for something particular head over to the website and check out the online event calendar to book a show tailored to your specific interests.
Rich in history and abundant concert-going opportunities, the Hollywood Bowl truly has something to offer everyone. Craving even more information on the origins of this spectacular music spot? Make sure to check out The Hollywood Bowl Museum onsite during your visit.