Outdoor concerts are a wonderful way to enjoy summer in Los Angeles. Here are some of the best extended music series over the summer. For single weekend music festivals consult the Los Angeles Music Festivals Guide.
1. Summer Season at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the LA Philharmonic and other performers are scheduled throughout the summer at the historic Hollywood Bowl.
When: June through September
Where: 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
Cost: Varies
Info: (323) 850-2000, www.hollywoodbowl.com
More: Hollywood Bowl Visitors Guide
2. Grand Performances Summer Festival
Grand Performances' summer series at California Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles presents world-class, world-renowned artists along with some of the finest homegrown talent. Food and beverages available for purchase.
When: June through October
Where: California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles
Cost: FREE
Metro: Red Line to Pershing Square
Info: 213-687-2159, www.grandperformances.org
More: Profile of Grand Performances
3. Ford Amphitheatre Summer Season
The Ford Amphitheatre presents jazz, world music, dance, classical music, theater, film, choral events, and family shows in an outdoor amphitheatre. Food and beverages available for purchase.When: May - October, See website for schedule.
Where: Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 E. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood
Cost: Prices vary.
Info: 323-461-3673, www.fordamphitheater.org, Schedule
More: Ford Amphitheatre Guide
4. Music Spotlight Series at Universal CityWalk
Live bands and DJ performances are scheduled Friday through Sunday at the "5 Towers" stage at Universal CityWalk throughout the summer.
When: Friday-Sunday, June through Labor Day Weekend, 7:00 pm Fir-Sat, 6 pm Sun with exceptions
Where: 5 Towers Stage, Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Cost: Free
Parking: $10 and up
Metro: Red Line to Universal City Station, free shuttle to CityWalk Info: www.CityWalkHollywood.com
5. Pershing Square Summer Concert Series
Five weeks of free outdoor evening and lunchtime concerts and films three days a week on Pershing Square featuring a variety of musical genres and performers. Concerts are free with lawn seating.
When: Late June through late August, Wed lunch time concerts, Sat concerts 8-10; Friday movies at dusk
Where: Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St. Downtown Los Angeles
Metro: Red Line to Pershing Square
Cost: FREE
Info: 1-888-527-2757, www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/
More: Things to Do in Downtown Los Angeles
6. Twilight Dance and Music at the Santa Monica Pier
The Annual Thursday Twilight Music and Dance Series at Santa Monica Pier features some of LA's favorite hometown and visiting bands.
When: Thursdays, End of June or beginning of July through August
Where: Santa Monica Pier
Cost: Free
Parking: 1550 Pacific Coast Highway Lot for a fee, no parking on the Pier
Info: (310) 458-8900, www.twilightseries.org
More: Things to Do in Santa Monica
7. LA County's Free Concerts in Public Places
LA County's Free Concerts in Public Places is a diverse schedule of free public concerts in community venues in all the districts of Los Angeles County.
When: May through October, (click on each month on the website)
Where: Various locations throughout LA County
Cost: FREE
Info: http://lacountyarts.org/free.html
8. Live Music at Hollywood & Highland
On Tuesday Wine and Jazz evenings in the Babylon Courtyard at Hollywood & Highland the music is free and bar sales benefit Project Angel Food.
When: June through August, Tuesdays 7-9 pm
Where: Babylon Courtyard at Hollywood & Highland Center, corner of Hollywood and Highland, Hollywood, CA 90028
Cost:: Free
Metro: Red Line to Hollywood & Highland
Info: www.hollywoodandhighland.com
More: Hollywood & Highland Visitor Guide
9. Sizzling Summer Nights
LA's top Latin bands perform at the Autry National Center in Griffith Park starting at 6:30 pm; There are salsa lessons during intermission; children's dance floor
When: Every Thursday in July and August, 6:00 pm
Where: Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles
Cost: regular museum admission applies; Free for members
Info: 323-667-2000, www.autrynationalcenter.org
10. Summer Concerts at the Grove
Wednesday night concert series for four weeks at the Grove shopping center near the LA Farmers Market in the Fairfax District.When: Wednesdays July 11 to August 1,2012 7:30 pm
Where:The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Info: www.thegrovela.com
Check out the visitors guides to The Grove and the LA Farmers Market
There are lots More Summer Concert Series on Page 2
Information was accurate at the time of publication, please check with the venues for up to date information, or contact the Los Angeles Travel Guide with changes.
