Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl is a 17,500-capacity natural outdoor amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California. Opened in 1922 and owned by the County of Los Angeles, it is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world. The venue hosts approximately 110 concerts each season from June through September, drawing around 1.2 million attendees annually.

History and Architecture

The Hollywood Bowl opened in 1922, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing its first concert there that same year. The venue was built as a public park in a natural bowl-shaped depression in the Hollywood Hills, taking advantage of the terrain's natural acoustics. The LA Philharmonic Association has managed and programmed the venue since its inception.

The Bowl has never closed for an entire season in its 100-plus-year history, with the sole exception of 2020 when the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kool and the Gang headlined the first full-capacity performance after the pandemic in July 2021 for the annual July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.

The Hollywood Bowl was awarded Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year at the Pollstar Awards 17 times, most recently in February 2024. The venue remains one of the most affordable concert experiences in Los Angeles, with $1 tickets available for many classical and jazz performances.

2026 Season

The 2026 season marks the LA Phil's 104th season at the Hollywood Bowl. Gustavo Dudamel returns for his 17th season as Music and Artistic Director. The season features Foo Fighters performing with the LA Phil and YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), David Byrne, The Beach Boys celebrating America's 250th anniversary, the Blue Note Jazz Festival, The Roots Picnic Experience with Nas, Counting Crows, Orville Peck, Lucy Dacus with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and Ruben Blades.

Two major additions debut in 2026. The Terri and Jerry Kohl Artists Pavilion, a 7,500-square-foot multipurpose building designed by RIOS with interiors by Frederick Fisher and Partners, will host artist events, VIP receptions, and operate as a public restaurant. The Hollywood Bowl Museum also unveils a completely reimagined permanent exhibition called "Hollywood Bowl: Soul of a City," the first full redesign since the museum's debut in 1996.

How the Venue Operates

The Hollywood Bowl operates as a partnership between the County of Los Angeles (which owns the land) and the LA Philharmonic Association (which manages and programs the venue). The season runs from June through September with approximately 110 concerts. Roughly 70 of these are LA Phil presentations, including 30 to 35 Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestral performances and 30 to 35 lease events produced by outside promoters.

Tickets go on sale through hollywoodbowl.com or by phone at 323-850-2000. Subscribers who purchase three or more concerts receive discounted pricing. The venue offers $1 seats for many classical and jazz performances, plus a free ticket distribution program for social service organizations.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

The Hollywood Bowl is not a venue most independent artists will headline directly. However, it matters for two reasons. First, the Bowl's lease events are produced by outside promoters like Live Nation and Goldenvoice, who sometimes book emerging acts as openers for established headliners. Second, the Bowl's commitment to $1 tickets and community access programs means that local artists can experience world-class performances affordably, which is an educational opportunity in itself.

For artists planning outdoor amphitheater tours, the Bowl represents the top tier of venue ambition. Use our Tour Revenue Calculator to model what different venue sizes mean for your touring income. Read our guide on how to book your first tour for a practical framework on building from clubs to theaters to amphitheaters.

Related Resources

• Tour Revenue Calculator - Estimate earnings from live shows
• How to Book Your First Tour: Step-by-Step Guide
• Complete Guide to Making Money as a Musician in 2026
• Hollywood Bowl Official Website