Los Angeles is home to some of the most iconic outdoor concert venues in the country. From historic amphitheaters tucked into the Hollywood Hills to scenic parks and urban stages, there is no shortage of incredible places to enjoy live music under the California sky.
Many of these venues host performances from world-famous artists, orchestras, tribute bands, and seasonal festivals throughout the year.
Come out to one of these fantastic outdoor concert venues and spend the evening with great live bands, delicious food, and good friends.
From beautiful summer sunsets to lively crowds and unforgettable performances, these venues offer the perfect setting for a memorable night in Los Angeles.
PIC CREDIT @HOLLYWOODBOWL
1 – Hollywood Bowl
Description:
No list of outdoor concert venues would be complete without the legendary Hollywood Bowl. Surrounded by rolling hills and towering trees, this historic amphitheater has welcomed generations of music lovers since 1922.
Its famous shell-shaped stage has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Los Angeles.
The Hollywood Bowl presents an incredible variety of performances throughout the season. Visitors can experience classical concerts by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, major touring artists, movie nights with live orchestras, jazz performances, and family-friendly events.
The diverse schedule offers something for nearly every musical taste.
Another reason people love the Hollywood Bowl is the relaxed atmosphere. Guests may bring their own food and wine to enjoy a picnic before many performances, creating a tradition that has become a staple of the LA summer experience.
Arriving early allows plenty of time to explore the grounds and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before the show begins.
Location: 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
2 – Greek Theatre
Description:
Nestled inside Griffith Park, the Greek Theatre combines natural beauty with exceptional acoustics. The intimate setting allows audiences to feel close to the performers while still accommodating thousands of concertgoers.
The venue regularly welcomes internationally known musicians from every genre, including rock, country, pop, Latin music, indie artists, and comedy performances.
Its smaller size relative to massive stadiums creates a personal, electric experience that many fans appreciate.
Before the concert, visitors can spend time exploring Griffith Park or enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants in Los Feliz.
The combination of beautiful scenery and outstanding entertainment makes the Greek Theatre one of the most popular concert destinations in Southern California.
One of the biggest advantages of attending a show at the Greek Theatre is the unique atmosphere.
Surrounded by towering trees and the hills of Griffith Park, the open-air venue offers a refreshing alternative to traditional indoor arenas.
As the sun sets and the stage lights come alive, the combination of crisp evening air, scenic surroundings, and world-class performances creates a memorable experience that keeps concertgoers returning year after year.
Location: 2700 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
3 – The Ford
Description:
The Ford offers one of the most unique outdoor concert experiences in Los Angeles. Hidden in the Cahuenga Pass near Hollywood, this hillside venue features terraced seating surrounded by native landscaping that creates an exceptionally peaceful atmosphere.
The performance schedule includes music from around the world, dance productions, theater, film screenings, cultural festivals, and family programming.
Many events highlight local artists alongside internationally recognized performers, giving audiences the opportunity to discover new talent in a striking setting.
Visitors appreciate the intimate environment and the relaxed pace of the venue. Picnic areas and shaded gathering spaces encourage guests to arrive early and enjoy the setting before the performance begins.
The Ford provides a wonderful evening for anyone seeking a smaller and more personal concert experience.
Location: 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E, Los Angeles, CA 90068
4 – MAC Los Angeles (MacArthur Park)
Description:
Located inside historic MacArthur Park, the venue formerly known as Levitt Pavilion has evolved into MAC Los Angeles (Music Arts Community LA). Despite the name update, its core mission remains the same: making the performing arts completely accessible to everyone through an incredible, free community concert series held throughout the summer.
The diverse concert lineup features everything from Latin alternative and jazz to soul, funk, folk, hip-hop, and international acts. Families, students, and visitors gather on the lawn to enjoy music in a welcoming, vibrant community environment that heavily celebrates LA’s rich cultural tapestry.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics while enjoying an evening outdoors. The relaxed setting, top-tier performances, and free admission have made MAC LA a beloved cultural destination for residents across the city.
More than just a concert venue, MAC Los Angeles embodies the city’s creative spirit by bringing people from every background together through live music.
The lively atmosphere, diverse audiences, and beautiful park setting create an experience that feels more like a neighborhood festival than a traditional concert.
Whether you’re discovering a new favorite artist or simply looking for a memorable summer evening without spending a dime, MAC LA offers one of the best free entertainment experiences in Los Angeles.
Location: 2230 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90057
5 – Hollywood Forever Cemetery (The Fairbanks Lawn)
Description:
For an outdoor concert experience that is uniquely Los Angeles, few places match the Fairbanks Lawn at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
It may sound like an unusual place for a concert, but don’t let the name fool you. This historic landmark is one of the city’s most vibrant and beloved cultural destinations, hosting intimate summer concerts under the stars.
Concertgoers spread out blankets on the lush grass as world class indie, alternative, and electronic artists perform on a temporary outdoor stage.
As day turns to night, the surrounding historic architecture and towering palm trees are illuminated, creating a breathtaking and deeply atmospheric backdrop.
An evening here is an event in itself. With crowds packing picnics, enjoying local food trucks, and listening to incredible live music in a peaceful, park-like setting, Hollywood Forever has firmly established itself as a legendary, bucket-list venue for live music in Southern California.
Location: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
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