The Pearl Celebrates Summer with Music Under the Stars
It just wouldn’t be summer without music under the stars. And you can literally experience celestial concerts at Mount Wilson Observatory, under the magnificent vaulted dome of their 100-inch telescope! For a more terrestrial encounter, Los Angeles Historic State Park and KCRW Summer Nights have great line-ups all summer long, not far from The Pearl. Many outdoor concerts are free, such as Grand Performances and The Music Center’s Dance DTLA. 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.
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome Mount Wilson Observatory
Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan curates thoughtful musical adventures under the magnificent vaulted dome of the 100-inch telescope, the instrument with which astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered our place in an expanding universe and so expanded our comprehension. The dome for the telescope is a 20th century temple to science, with acoustics that rival the great cathedrals of Europe and provide a unique setting for this ambitious music series. Access to Mount Wilson is via the Angeles Crest Highway (CA Hwy 2) from the 210 Freeway at La Canada Flintridge.
Los Angeles Historic State Park 1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Get ready to party in the park! Los Angeles State Historic Park provides an extraordinary opportunity for recreation in the heart of Los Angeles. All summer long, the park is offering an exciting program of events including outdoor concerts and movies, Art in the Park, wellness activities, and more. Within its 32 acres of open space directly adjacent to Chinatown, visitors can wander pathways, enjoy a view of downtown, and discover and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Los Angeles.
KCRW Summer Nights Various locations
KCRW Summer Nights is BACK! Your favorite radio station has teamed up with some of the best cultural hotspots around Southern California to throw excellent summertime parties. These nights are free, all-ages, outdoors, and feature your favorite KCRW DJs, bands, exhibits, and more. So mark your calendar, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to party!
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 and Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell. The Summer 2024 Season is jam-packed with performances by acclaimed artists, such as John Williams with the LA Phil, Mozart Under the Stars, Barbie The Movie: In Concert, The Gispsy Kings, and the ever-popular Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks.
Grand Performances California Plaza 300 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071
Grand Performances returns to DTLA for its 38th season of summer concerts at Historic California Plaza in downtown Los Angeles. Hailed as the “Best Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series” by Los Angeles Magazine, Grand Performances is the longest running presenter of free outdoor concerts, poetry, theater, and dance in downtown Los Angeles, with the mission to inspire community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA 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 eight Friday nights of free in-person beginner dance lessons, starting with Bollywood on June 21, with easy-to-follow steps so guests can hit the dance floor to practice some new moves. Other dances include Salsa, Reggaeton, Colombian Cumbia, Samba, Hip Hop and more. No dance experience necessary!
Jazz at LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036
Celebrate L.A.’s finest jazz musicians with Jazz at LACMA! Enjoy evenings of live music, picnicking, and community on the LACMA grounds. The free concerts are presented Friday evenings from May through October. Jazz at LACMA has featured such legends as Wayne Shorter, The Yellowjackets, Quincy Jones All Star Orchestra with John Clayton, Arturo Sandoval, Jeff Lorber, and many more.
OFF THE 405 Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90049
OFF THE 405 is the Getty Center’s annual free 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. Food and beverages are available for purchase before the show begins. The concerts are free to attend, but attendees need to RSVP for passes in advance.
Pasadena Symphony & POPS LA Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007
Pasadena Symphony & POPS has announced their 2024 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.
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 local curated offerings in the Grab & Go Market. You can also bring your own food and drinks and grab a table on the Zev Terrace, the entryway gardens, or in your seats.
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 more. The Greek Theatre features a variety of food options to satisfy even the most selective of palates. So leave the cooking behind and enjoy fresh delicious food options, including the North & South Concession Stands and the Mango Cart Beer Garden.
Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Live outdoor performances and music add extra magic to the idyllic garden ambiance. Experience a synergy of culture and nature with Shakespeare, opera, global music, jazz, classical, and more. Some performances are included in the price of membership or admission. Others are ticketed events. Food and drinks are available for sale at two concession locations in the Courtyard: The Market and Jones Coffee at Descanso. Outside food and beverages, except for water bottles, are not allowed in the Gardens.
Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Mount Wilson Observatory / Photo: Irina Logra
Photo #2: Mount Wilson Observatory
Photo #3: Los Angeles Historic State Park
Photo #4: KCRW Summer Nights
Photo #5: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #6: Grand Performances
Photo #7: The Music Center
Photo #8: LACMA
Photo #9: Getty Museum
Photo #10: Pasadena Symphony and POPS
Photo #11: The Ford
Photo #12: The Greek Theatre
Photo #13: Descanso Gardens