The Hollywood Bowl celebrates 100 years: Everything you need to know
After the pandemic delayed the Hollywood Bowl’s centennial celebration by a year, the iconic outdoor venue is honoring its past and looking to the future.
Though The Bowl has been around for more than a century and remains one of the quintessential California experiences.
Take a spin through the venue’s history with tales of Janis Joplin and the Beatles, the L.A. Philharmonic and a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream†with Mickey Rooney.
We have memories about $1 shows, ushering at the venue and dozens of submissions from readers like you.
We’ll also share tips on the best ways to get to the Bowl and where to park, where you can grab a picnic on the way there and more.
- 1
The grande dame of amphitheaters, which celebrates its centennial this year, defines L.A. life as only Angelenos can understand.
- 2
Billie Eilish, Debbie Harry and Gustavo Dudamel channel Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and Leonard Bernstein.
- 3
In its history of dreamers versus big business, the Hollywood Bowl has strived, often with difficulty, to be a model of artistic and social democracy.
- 4
The Bowl slowly warmed to hosting rock concerts alongside its classical offerings. Here, 20 killer shows, from the Fab Four to funk and soul after COVID shutdown.
- 5
The Hollywood Bowl is a legendary concert venue, sure. But did you know it’s also a sprawling public park that’s perfect for a daytime stroll?
- 6
A list of famous appearances, from “A Star Is Born†in 1937 to “Xanadu,†“Beaches,†“Yes Man,†“Lucifer†and more!
- 7
To be an usher at the Hollywood Bowl is to be part of the vibrating community of this iconic landmark — one that depends on the symbiotic relationship between the performers onstage and the audience.
- 8
When a whiskey-swigging Janis Joplin played the bucolic Hollywood Bowl in September 1969, it was an odd match. But it left a lasting impression on Robert Hilburn.
- 9
You can bring your own food and drink to the Hollywood Bowl.
- 10
The Hollywood Bowl’s BYO-meal policy offers a unique opportunity to explore the venue’s surrounding restaurants and build a delicious picnic.
- 11
Try one of these 23 recipes for creating your own picnic basket at the Bowl this summer.
- 12
Who needs expensive box seats at the Hollywood Bowl when you’re falling in love?
- 13
For his 1934 production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ with Mickey Rooney and Olivia de Havilland, Max Reinhardt had the Hollywood Bowl dismantled, and oak trees shipped in from Calabasas. The extravagant production put the venue on the world map.
- 14
We asked readers to share their favorite Hollywood Bowl memories. Here’s what they had to say.
- 15
You don’t need to deal with gridlock and stacked lots at the Hollywood Bowl. You can take the Metro B (Red) Line and walk, ride a shuttle, or for the truly daring, bicycle.
- 16
Even the Hollywood Bowl itself encourages alternate options to parking on-site. But if you prefer driving yourself, here’s what you should know.
