One of the best things about summer is enjoying music under the stars! LA’s favorite outdoor venues have announced their summer season, with line-ups ranging from classical programs to pop, rock and cool jazz. Many outdoor concerts are free, such as Grand Performances and The Music Center’s Dance DTLA, not far from Circa. Major museums such as LACMA and The Getty Center are hosting free concerts as well. Come for the concert, stay for the art. So pack a picnic, bring your blanket, and celebrate summer with music under the stars.
Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068
Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell. The Summer 2023 Season is jam-packed with performances by acclaimed artists, such as John Williams and Dudamel conducting the LA Phil, and special events like the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 Concert, July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with The Beach Boys, and A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Concert Under the Stars Pasadena City Hall 100 Garfield Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101
June 10 Join the Pasadena Symphony & POPS for a free concert under the stars. Sing and dance to the best of Broadway, celebrating the music of Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cy Coleman, Stephen Schwartz and more. The concert is performed on the plaza in front of city hall, so bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Folding chairs may be rented for a small fee. This concert is free to the public, no tickets or reservations required. Gates open for food trucks at 7PM. Concert begins at 8PM.
Pasadena Symphony & POPS LA Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007
Pasadena Symphony & POPS has announced their 2023 Rusnak Summer Pops Series at Los Angeles County Arboretum. The six-concert series runs from June 24 to September 9 with a stellar line-up of guest artists celebrating the American Songbook, plus Principal Pops Conductor Michael Feinstein in concert. Gates open at 5:30PM for picnicking. Concerts begin at 7:30PM.
Grand Performances California Plaza 300 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071
Grand Performances returns to DTLA for its 37th year of free summer concerts at California Plaza. Hailed as the “Best Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series” by Los Angeles Magazine, Grand Performances presents world-class music, dance, theater, and more, in the heart of DTLA. Every Saturday from June to September 2023.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA Jerry Moss Plaza 135 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Join the thousands who love the chance to learn new dance styles and dance the night away under the stars. The Music Center’s Dance DTLA returns this summer for nine consecutive Friday nights of free in-person beginner dance lessons, starting with HipHop on June 23, with easy-to-follow steps so guests can hit the dance floor to practice some new moves. No dance experience necessary!
Off The 405 Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90049
Getty Museum announces its free Off The 405 annual outdoor summer concert series, bringing some of today’s most exciting bands to the stage for a memorable experience amid stunning architecture and breathtaking sunset views. The concerts will take place from 6-9PM on selected evenings, and begin with various live DJ sets in the museum courtyard. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and can bring in their own picnic items. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase before the show begins. The concerts are free to attend, but attendees need to RSVP for passes in advance.
The Ford 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E. Los Angeles, CA 90068
For sheer beauty and intimacy, it’s hard to beat The Ford for summer entertainment under the stars. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, the open-air amphitheater is relatively intimate at just under 1,200 seats; no patron is more than 96 feet away from the stage. Purchase your meal from the new Bodega at The Ford or pick up some local curated offerings in the Grab & Go Market. You can also bring your own food and drinks. Grab a table on the Zev Terrace or the entryway gardens, or eat in your seats.
Re:SET Concert Series Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. Pasadena, CA 91103
June 2, 3, 4 Re:SET, a fresh take on the multi-artist outdoor concert, comes to Los Angeles at Brookside at the Rose Bowl Stadium, featuring headliners Steve Lacy, boygenius, and LCD Soundsystem. Re:SET was conceived as an artist and fan friendly alternative to the standard summer concert experience. The venue will feature food and drinks from local restaurants, bars, and breweries, including HomeState, Broad Street Oyster Co., Goldburger, and more.
The Greek Theatre 2700 N Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Located within Griffith Park, the historic Greek Theatre stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. Throughout its history, the Greek has played host to some of the biggest legends in music, including Sir Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, and many more. This iconic venue has also served as a site for numerous high school graduations, community events and backdrops for television shows and motion pictures.
Jazz at LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036
Jazz at LACMA is back! Enjoy evenings of live music, picnicking, and community on the LACMA grounds. The free concerts are presented Friday evenings from April to November. Jazz at LACMA is a celebration of L.A.’s finest jazz musicians and has featured such legends as Wayne Shorter, The Yellowjackets, Quincy Jones All Star Orchestra with John Clayton, Arturo Sandoval, Jeff Lorber, and many more. Concerts are broadcast on KJAZZ (88.1 FM) every Sunday evening from 7–9 PM and include interviews with featured performers.
Music in the Gardens Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
For three Fridays this July, enjoy the sound of live music wafting through the garden as you enjoy the summer blooms. Music in the Gardens is included in the price of admission. No reservations are required. Please note that chairs, blankets, outside food, and picnics are not permitted.
Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #2: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #3: Pasadena Symphony and POPS
Photo #4: Pasadena Symphony and POPS
Photo #5: GrandPerformances
Photo #6: The Music Center
Photo #7: Getty Museum
Photo #8: The Ford
Photo #9: Rose Bowl
Photo #10: The Greek Theatre
Photo #11: LACMA
Photo #12: Descanso Gardens