discover la: guide to outdoor music in LA
May 30, 2022
https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/events/the-guide-to-outdoor-music-in-los-angeles
Thanks to the beautiful year round weather, Los Angeles is home to some of the best outdoor music venues and events in the country. Whether you’re in the mood for pop, jazz, blues, alternative or EDM, there are music events taking place day and night that will keep you in the groove all the way to the fall.
Check with individual venues for updated schedules and current safety protocols.
DANCE DTLA - THE MUSIC CENTER
The Music Center's popular Dance DTLA series returns on select Friday nights this summer (June 3 & 17; July 8 - Sept. 2, 2022) for free lessons and dancing under the stars. Taking place from 7pm to 11pm on Jerry Moss Plaza, Dance DTLA features top local DJs and bands playing live while the crowd learns new moves - Salsa, Hip Hop, Bollywood, Tango, VOGUEing, K-Pop, Disco, Samba and more. Dance DTLA is free and open to all ages.
GRAND PERFORMANCES AT CALIFORNIA PLAZA
Now in its 36th year, Grand Performances presents world-class music, dance, theater, and more at California Plaza with a mission to "unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts." Free seating is open and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved seats in the VIP Balcony are available to Grand Performances members.
Guests are invited to pack a picnic, or dine-in / order to-go from the nearby Grand Central Market. An on-site bar will be set up on select evenings. For more info and the 2022 schedule, visit the Grand Performances website.
BANC OF CALIFORNIA STADIUM
Located at Exposition Park, Banc of California Stadium is the home of MLS's LAFC and Angel City FC of NWSL. Easily accessed from the Metro E Line (Expo), Banc of California Stadium is LA's first new open-air stadium since Dodger Stadium opened in 1962.
Upcoming concerts include Santana + Earth, Wind & Fire (June 18); The Killers with Johnny Marr (Aug. 27), Swedish House Mafia (Sept. 9), Imagine Dragons (Sept. 15), and Above & Beyond (Oct. 15).
DODGER STADIUM
One of the true cathedrals of Major League Baseball, Dodger Stadium has also hosted concerts by The Beatles, Elton John (as depicted in "Rocketman"), The Jacksons, David Bowie, U2, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Beyonce, and many more.
Upcoming concerts include Dead & Company (June 11), Viva! L.A. Music Festival (June 25), Lady Gaga: The Chromatica Ball (Sept. 10), and Elton John - Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour (Nov. 17 & 19-20).
LEVITT PAVILION
Since 2007, hundreds of thousands of Angelenos have enjoyed free live music at Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park. Celebrating its 15th anniversary season, Levitt LA curates a wide range of music genres that reflect the community's diversity, from emerging local talent to award-winning national and international performers.
The concerts are family-friendly and leashed pets are welcome! Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, or order up some delicious bites from the local vendors. Download the full 2022 program at the Levitt Pavilion website.
THE GREEK THEATRE
Opened in 1929, the historic Greek Theatre is one of L.A.’s premier outdoor music venues. Located inside Griffith Park, the 5,900-seat venue offers an intimate concert experience with state-of-the-art acoustics, excellent sight lines, and a picturesque setting.
The 2022 season kicks off with Belle & Sebastian on June 4. Highlights include Barenaked Ladies (June 10), Andrew Bird + Iron & Wine (June 15), Chris Isaak & Lyle Lovett (June 17), Brandi Carlile (June 24-25), Norah Jones (June 29), Fleet Foxes (July 8), The Chicks (July 25-26), Josh Groban (Aug. 2), Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (Aug. 18), Fitz & The Tantrums (Aug. 27), Lost 80s Live (Aug. 28), Goo Goo Dolls (Sept. 2), Jackson Browne (Sept. 4), Alicia Keys (Sept. 6-7), Bonnie Raitt (Sept. 24), Ringo Starr (Oct. 16), Death Cab for Cutie (Oct. 21), Toro Y Moi (Oct. 29).
HOLLYWOOD BOWL
The Hollywood Bowl is the largest natural amphitheater in the United States and is renowned as one of the world's premier outdoor cultural venues. The Bowl hosts the greatest artists from all genres of music, with Gustavo Dudamel and the acclaimed LA Phil at its core.
The Bowl's centennial season kicks off on June 3 with Gwen Stefani, with highlights including numerous movie screenings and the 101 Festival (June 11-12), Juneteenth (June 19), the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (June 25-26), July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with Steve Martin & Martin Short (July 2-4), Kinky Boots (July 8-10), Kenny Loggins (July 15-16), Ricky Martin (July 22-23), Tribute to Peggy Lee & Frank Sinatra (July 27), Boyz II Men & TLC (July 29), John Fogerty (July 30), a-ha with Orchestra (July 31), Sheryl Crow (Aug. 3), Trombone Shorty (Aug. 10), The Gipsy Kings (Aug. 19-20), Flying Lotus (Aug. 21), Diana Ross (Aug. 26-27), Wynton Marsalis (Sept. 7-8), Fireworks Finale: Duran Duran (Sept. 9-11), Pink Martini (Sept. 14), Dave Matthews Band (Sept. 19-20), Grace Jones (Sept. 25), Pitbull (Sept. 27), Wu-Tang Clan & Nas (Oct. 4), New Order & Pet Shop Boys (Oct. 7-8), Florence + the Machine (Oct. 14-15), The Who (Nov. 1), and The Smashing Pumpkins & Jan's Addiction (Nov. 19).
THE FORD
Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, The Ford is second to none when it comes to sheer beauty and intimacy - no one at the 1,200-seat amphitheater is more than 96 feet from the stage.
Highlights of the 2022 season include Rufus Wainwright (June 14), Ani DiFranco (June 23), She & Him (June 25), Outfest Under the Stars (July 21-23), Kamasi Washington (Aug. 5), Terence Blanchard (Aug. 9), Warpaint (Aug. 19), Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 23) and the Bob Baker Marionette Theater (Sept. 4).
Concessions are provided by chef Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde, a women of color owned catering company that specializes in plant-based Mexican fare. BYO picnic, order a Todo Verde meal at the Terrace Café, or pick up something from the Grab & Go Market. Enjoy in the gardens, on the terrace, or in your seat.
JAZZ AT LACMA
One of the museum’s most popular offerings, Jazz at LACMA showcases LA's finest jazz musicians on Friday nights from April through November. Previous concerts have featured legends such as Wayne Shorter, The Yellowjackets, Quincy Jones All Star Orchestra with John Clayton, Arturo Sandoval, Jeff Lorber, Billy Childs, Tierney Sutton, Ernie Watts, and many more.
Jazz at LACMA takes place every Friday from 6pm - 8pm at the Smidt Welcome Plaza. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For the full schedule and info about the musicians, visit the LACMA website.
ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET
"Meet me at 3rd & Fairfax" for Thursday Night Music at The Original Farmers Market from June through August. Shop and dine at the historic marketplace, then enjoy live music - Reggae, Jazz, Salsa, Hawaiian, R&B, Doo Wop, Rockabilly, Texas Blues and more. Performances take place on the West Patio from 6pm - 8pm.
GETTY CENTER
The Getty Center's annual outdoor summer series, Off the 405 features performances by up-and-coming bands, along with DJ sets to open the night.
Upcoming performances include Bartees Strange (June 18), Los Retros (July 9), and Hand Habits (July 23). A special performance by Standing on the Corner (Aug. 27) will celebrate the Getty's exhibit, Working Together: The Photographers of Kamoinge Workshop.
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 views and explore the world-class art collection and exhibits. Free admission, register for tickets at the Getty Center website.
SKIRBALL
The Skirball Cultural Center celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Sunset Concerts series with "an eclectic lineup of path-makers and bridge-builders from around the world to Los Angeles." Highlights include Mamak Khadem (July 21), Rocky Dawuni (July 28), Nefesh Mountain (Aug. 4), Booker T. Jones (Aug. 11), ADG7 (Aug. 18), and Son Rompe Pera (Aug. 25). Doors at 6:30pm, concerts begin at 8pm. Concerts are free.
Limited timed-entry tickets to the Skirball's current exhibits - The Jewish Deli, Talking Back to Power, and Visions and Values - will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Last entry at 9:30pm.
JAZZPOP - HAMMER MUSEUM
JazzPOP returns for its 15th season with leading lights of West Coast jazz and improvised music in the Hammer Museum courtyard. This year's edition showcases innovative SoCal and Bay Area bandleader-composers who explore a range of influences, from hip hop to free jazz to Italian cinema, featuring infectious grooves, masterful improvisation, and dynamic ensemble interplay. The 2022 schedule includes Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble (Aug. 4), Tina Raymond Trio (Aug. 11) and Phillip Greenlief (Aug. 18).
SOFI STADIUM
The first indoor-outdoor stadium to be constructed, SoFi Stadium is the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. The state-of-the-art stadium hosted Super Bowl LVI, and will host the College Football Championship Game in 2023, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games in 2028.
Upcoming concerts include Grupo Firme (May 28-29), Kenny Chesney (July 23), Red Hot Chili Peppers (July 31), The Stadium Tour (Aug. 27) with Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Poison and Joan Jett; The Weeknd (Sept. 2-3), and Bad Bunny (Sept. 30-Oct. 1).