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Guide for Newcomers
What is the Hollywood Bowl?
Pollstar magazine's Best Major Outdoor Venue (eight years in a row!), the Hollywood Bowl is the largest natural outdoor amphitheater in the United States.
The Bowl is a friendly sociable place where Southern Californians gather to picnic and enjoy outstanding music under the stars. Throughout the summer the LA Phil presents the best in jazz, classical, Broadway, and world music, featuring artists that range from Sarah Chang to Diana Krall, John Williams to Pet Shop Boys, and Nancy Wilson to Arcade Fire.
The Bowl is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
The Bowl Walk is a great way to learn about the Bowl and enjoy the park-like grounds. Pick up a flyer at the Bowl Museum or the Information booth (next to the Box Office).
How do I get to the Bowl?
The Bowl is located at 2301 North Highland Avenue, just off the Hollywood Freeway. (Area Map)
Please note: BOWL PARKING IS LIMITED. To assure yourself a more enjoyable experience, we highly recommend using one of the 14 Park & Ride locations or four Shuttle Bus lots. Find out more. If you do decide to drive yourself, please allow plenty of time before the concert begins.
Full information on ways to get to the Bowl
Park and Ride information, locations, and tickets
Parking Map of the Bowl
Where will I sit?
There are three types of seating at the Bowl: box seats, SuperSeats, and bench seats. Box Seats (A) are canvas-covered collapsible chairs in groups of 4 (or 6) surrounded by wooden partitions. A six-person box is seated as the four-person box shown above, with seat 5 located in front of seat 6, to the right of seats 2 and 4. SuperSeats (B) are stadium-style plastic seats molded for comfort, with built-in cup holders and set in the center of the audience. Most of the seating at the Bowl consists of numbered Bench Seats (C) which start right next to the Terrace boxes and go all the way to the back of the theater. (There is no lawn seating available.)
Seat cushions are available to rent for a nominal charge. Ask any usher for details.
Large video screens on both sides of the stage provide a more intimate experience, no matter where you sit.
What dining options do I have?
You may bring your own food and drink (details below) or purchase on site; options range from a gourmet restaurant to concession stands, all managed by the Patina Group. You can even order dinner in advance to be served at your box.
More information on dining options.
Exactly what food and drink you can bring depends on the type of event:
Policies for LA Phil presented concerts.
Policies for lease events (concerts presented by other organizations)
You may eat at your seats (whether box seats, SuperSeats, or bench seats) or at one of the picnic areas scattered around the grounds. Come early because picnic benches are popular!
How do I get tickets? How much do they cost?
Ticket prices start as low as $1 on many nights for bench seats in the back and rise to upwards of $100 for box seats at the front of the house.
Bowl patrons can get tickets in several ways:
- Subscription: these packages of 3-10 concerts assure you the same seats throughout the season. In addition to many special benefits (including discounts and exchange privileges), subscribers always get first choice of other programs. Available online and by phone at 323.850.2000.
- Encore program: after subscriptions are sold, you may purchase any five concerts and receive a voucher for an additional concert free. Available online and by phone 323.850.2000.
- Individual tickets: Individual tickets are available at the Box Office, online, by phone and through Ticketmaster outlets.
- Group Sales: discounts are available for many concerts for groups of 10 or more. To arrange a group outing, please call 323.850.2050.
- Senior rush tickets at $10 (with photo ID) may be available on the day of a performance for some Tuesday/Thursday concerts. Call 323.850.2000 for availability.
What about the kids?
Although there is no minimum age for admittance, regular evening concerts at the Hollywood Bowl are generally not suitable for young children. In any case, children ages two and up must have a ticket to enter the theater, must sit in the seat indicated on the ticket, and should be able to sit quietly through a concert. (Children under two years of age do not require a ticket.) Management may require that baby strollers and carrying devices be checked at the Operations Office.
Instead of evening concerts, we recommend that children ages three to eleven attend SummerSounds: Music and Art for Kids at the Hollywood Bowl, a very popular festival of performing arts designed especially for children, held each weekday morning for six weeks during the summer. More details at HollywoodBowl.com and 323.850.2000.
What should I wear?
People wear whatever they find comfortable (but no bare feet, please!). Be aware that it can become quite cool later in the evening, so it's a good idea to bring a blanket or an extra jacket.
I'm new to classical music. How do I choose a concert?
All the Tuesday and Thursday night classical concerts are designed especially for Bowl audiences, so it's hard to go wrong. If you're looking for something in particular, use our online Calendar where you can locate concerts featuring your favorite performers, composers, musical styles, or even your favorite instrument.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are a great way to get acquainted with the joys of the Hollywood Bowl; good seats are usually available and it's easier to park than on the weekends.
What is the policy on smoking?
By law (LACC 17.04.645), smoking is not permitted on the Hollywood Bowl grounds, except in designated areas. Violators are subject to removal. Smoking in any other areas could lead to arrest and would be considered a misdemeanor. Please refer to the map below for the areas at the bowl designated for smoking.
What else do I need to know?
The Hollywood Bowl is near various hotels that can provide overnight accommodations for those who are traveling.
On some mornings, rehearsals at the Bowl are open to the public. Call 323.850.2000 for the latest information.
Audience Services representatives are available to assist with all your Bowl-related questions, seven days a week, 10am to 6pm, at 323.850.2000.
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