Celebrate Summer With Music Under the Stars
One of the best things about summer is music under the stars. The balmy weather and luminous nights are perfect for packing a picnic and heading out to an open air concert. All around town, you’ll hear the soundtrack of the season, from eclectic world beats to funky grooves, cool jazz, classical programs, and popular musical acts. Come for the concert, stay for the art. Major museums such as LACMA, Skirball Cultural Center, and The Getty Center are hosting free concerts this summer. Whatever your musical vibe, the choices are endless when you live at The Pearl.
2301 N Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
The Hollywood Bowl turns 100! Since its opening in 1922, our favorite outdoor amphitheater has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles and Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell. HERE is your guide to the Bowl’s centennial festivities, with everything you need to know about how to celebrate the 100 years of summer.
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Jazz at LACMA is back, with open seating and picnicking on the 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, 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.
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Cue the music! Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through September 30, enjoy live entertainment as talented musicians make their way through The Grove. Stop by The Fountain Bar for a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine alongside delicious light bites. Located directly adjacent to the fountain and tucked under one of the most stunning trees at The Grove, The Fountain Bar provides a relaxing yet refined getaway, serving creative cocktails and appealing wines.
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Come explore the Zoo on a beautiful summer evening! Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to see what your favorite animals are up to during twilight hours, while enjoying musical performances, a dance party, and fun games. Full bars will be available for guests 21 and older. LA Zoo Friday Nights are July 8, July 15, July 22 and July 29.
California Plaza
300 S Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Grand Performances returns to DTLA for the 36th 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 at the breathtaking California Plaza in the heart of DTLA. Every Saturday from June to September 2022.
Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Off the 405 is the Getty Center’s 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. All performances take place in the Museum Courtyard, with a cash bar offering beer, cocktails, and bites. Arrive early to enjoy the Getty Center’s spectacular ambiance and explore the world-class art collection and exhibits. Free admission.
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Marking twenty-five extraordinary years, this milestone season of Sunset Concerts brings an eclectic lineup of path-makers and bridge-builders from around the world to Los Angeles. Join in the fun this summer to sing, dance, and celebrate music’s unique power to bring people together and forge cultural bonds. Arrive early to eat, drink, shop, and enjoy complimentary access to the exhibitions. Concerts are free. Advance reservations are required.
LA Arboretum
301 N Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
Principal Pops Conductor Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena POPS announce the expansion of the POPS Summer Concert series to six concerts in summer 2022 at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. The six-concert series runs from June 25 to September 10 with a stellar line-up of multiple award-winning guest artists including Grammy-award winning singer Melissa Manchester, SAG Award winner LaChanze (The Help), Tony nominees Tony Yazbeck and Michael Cavanaugh and Tony Award winner Lillias White, plus Michael Feinstein in concert.
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.
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. Bring your own food and drinks and grab a table on the terrace or garden for your picnic. You can also purchase your meal from The Ford Terrace Café or local curated offerings in the Grab & Go Market.
Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #2: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #3: LACMA
Photo #4: The Grove
Photo #5: LA Zoo
Photo #6: Grand Performances
Photo #7: Getty Center
Photo #8: Skirball Cultural Center
Photo #9: Pasadena Symphony and Pops
Photo #10: The Greek Theatre
Photo #11: The Ford