Summer is getting closer which means it’s time to start planning some family outings to the Hollywood Bowl. For many families, it isn’t summer without attending a Hollywood Bowl concert. You’ll find everything you need to know in our Guide to the Hollywood Bowl — from parking to dining to other nearby family-friendly attractions.
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068
Hours:
Concert tickets may be purchased in person at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office or online. The Box Office opens for the season on April 29th at 10:00 am.
Box Office Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (April 29-May 6)
Beginning May 8: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Tuesday through Sunday)
Description:
The Hollywood Bowl opened in 1922 and since that time this world-famous venue has showcased a variety of musical talents ranging from The Beatles to Ella Fitzgerald to Stevie Wonder to John Williams.
During the summer, the Bowl hosts “Classical Tuesday and Thursdays” with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Jazz at the Bowl, Weekend Spectaculars, KCRW’s World Festival, Sunday Sunset Concerts, and Special Concerts.
The Bowl was selected as the “Best Major Outdoor Venue in the United States for the 14th consecutive season by Pollster.”
Commuters are most likely familiar with the Muse of Music, the 15-foot-high granite fountain at the entrance of the Hollywood Bowl (adjacent to the 101 Freeway). (Sculptor George Stanley designed the fountain as well as the Oscar statuette).
Families may choose to purchase tickets to individual concerts, to a series (such as “Classical Tuesdays” or Sunday “Sunset Concerts”), or “5 or More CYO – choose your own.”
Special Events and Attractions:
Hollywood Bowl Opening Night is scheduled for June 16, 2018. The evening concert features Diana Ross and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and concludes with a fireworks finale.
The July 4th Fireworks Spectacular features The Go-Go’s this year (also performing on July 2 and 3 as well).
Additionally, be sure to plan a visit to the Hollywood Bowl Museum. The Museum opened in 1984 and offers “in-depth exhibitions for both first time visitors and returning Hollywood Bowl enthusiasts to enjoy collections of historical media and artifacts from the archives.”
Admission to the Museum is free; though hours vary depending on the season. Be sure to check the website before visiting.
Parking:
Parking isn’t easy at the Hollywood Bowl, but the good news is that there are several options available. The parking lots located adjacent to the Bowl are all stack-parked, meaning there is no early exit. Parking prices vary depending on which lot you park in and the event, but can range in price from $22-$60.
Another option is to utilize the Park & Ride/Bowl Shuttle Service. Families pay to park at a specified lot (generally $7 per person, roundtrip when pre-purchased and $12 per person, roundtrip when purchased the day of), and then take a shuttle to the Bowl. Perhaps the most economical option is to park at the Hollywood and Highland Center (for free!) and then take one of the shuttles to the Bowl ($6 per person, roundtrip. These tickets are available in advance).
Be sure to check the website before your concert to determine which parking options are available for your specific date.
Food:
A number of dining options are available to Hollywood Bowl guests. The Bowl’s “culinary program is brought to life by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (of celebrated local restaurants Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern, and The Larder).”
Families may opt to purchase a Picnic Box, which can be preordered online and then enjoyed at your seat or at any of the Bowl’s designated picnic areas. All Picnic Boxes are served cold to room temperature and offer vegetarian options as well. A menu is available online.
There are also three on-site Marketplaces which offer ready-to-eat speciality sandwiches, salads, sushi, baked goods, cheese, and more. You can find everything you need to create your own picnic on site.
“Two large wood-burning grills are the focus of” The Backyard, a farmers‘ market-driven restaurant. The Backyard offers grilled entrees (fish, steaks), salads, and more. Reservations may be made online.
A more casual, and perhaps more family-friendly, option is to take advantage of the Street Food stands found at the Bowl. These stands offer diverse choices such as sandwiches, nachos, speciality hot dogs, salads, BBQ, pizza, and more.
Most popular may be to Picnic at the Bowl. Families will find 14 different picnic areas, some of which open up to four hours before the concert begins. Families can then make sure everyone has their favorite foods from home but enjoy them in a relaxed, beautiful setting. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to read the “house rules” if you have any questions on items that are prohibited at the Bowl.
Nearby Attractions:
The Hollywood Bowl is conveniently located near many other Hollywood-area attractions including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood and Highland Center, and TCL Chinese Theatre. Click here to read our post 14 Fun Things To Do With Kids in Hollywood.
MOMSLA IS YOUR SOURCE FOR THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES WITH KIDS.
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
