There are summer traditions in L.A., and then there’s the Hollywood Bowl—our hillside mecca for symphonies, singalongs, and surprise fireworks. The LA Phil just dropped the full lineup for its 2025 season, and if you’re the kind of parent who plans your family calendar around music under the stars (or if you just really, really love a good picnic), this one’s for you.
This year’s slate isn’t just stacked—it’s cinematic, celebratory, and slightly surreal in the best way. Where else can you watch Cynthia Erivo play Jesus and listen to Jurassic Park’s T-Rex roar in sync with a full orchestra?
Let’s talk highlights.
Broadway, But Make It Biblical
Yes, that was Cynthia Erivo cast as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. The Emmy-Grammy-Tony trifecta (plus three-time Oscar nominee) will take center stage for three performances of the rock opera, directed by Sergio Trujillo with Stephen Oremus on musical direction. It’s big, bold, and only-in-LA theater.
The Summer of John Williams (and Dinosaurs)
There’s a whole cinematic slate this year, including Jaws in Concert, Jurassic Park in Concert with Gustavo Dudamel himself, and Maestro of the Movies, a tribute to the one and only John Williams. Bring your light sabers, your popcorn, and maybe your emotionally prepared kids—the suspense is real.
And if cartoons are more your speed, Bugs Bunny at the Symphony returns with live orchestra and big-screen antics. Yes, it’s still Looney after all these years.
Hugh Jackman, Grace Jones, and The Roots? Same Summer.
Opening Night’s gala stars Hugh Jackman belting hits from The Greatest Showman and The Music Man. Meanwhile, the Blue Note Jazz Festival brings Grace Jones, WILLOW, and De La Soul, and A Roots Picnic Experience returns with Method Man, Redman, DJ Quik, and more hip-hop icons packed into one explosive show.
Other genre-hopping headliners include Juanes, Diana Ross (yes, two nights), Alabama Shakes, and a farewell tour from Cyndi Lauper. You may need a second calendar.
Dudamel’s Swan Song (Almost)
This is Gustavo Dudamel’s penultimate summer at the Bowl, and he’s not going quietly. He’s leading eight performances, including a two-orchestra mash-up with L.A.’s Philharmonic and Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony, plus a global dance journey culminating in Boléro.
And in a deeply personal series, Dudamel celebrates 50 years of El Sistema—the Venezuelan music education program that shaped his own career—with four nights of orchestral magic.
Fireworks, Fairytales, and Free Concerts
Of course, the season isn’t all star power and high drama. The annual July 4th Fireworks Spectacular goes full throwback with Earth, Wind & Fire. There’s a Sound of Music sing-along (costumes encouraged), and a free “We ? LA” concert on April 1 honoring first responders and fire-affected communities.
Pack the Blanket, Book the Babysitter
With over 70 concerts from June through September, this is more than a season—it’s a cultural buffet. Whether you’re after classical deep cuts, pop nostalgia, or just a dreamy date night that doesn’t involve Netflix, the Bowl has you covered.
Just don’t forget the picnic!
For tickets, lineups, and the full schedule, head to hollywoodbowl.com.
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