General Information
NFT Map: 3
Address: 2301 N Highland Ave
Hollywood, CA 90068
General Information: 323-850-2000
Website: www.hollywoodbowl.com
Ticketmaster: 213-480-3232
Overview
You know the final scene in Beaches, where the divine Miss M sings Wind Beneath My Wings in that amazingly panoramic concert setting with impeccable acoustics? Yup, that’s the Hollywood Bowl. This historic and beloved concert venue is another wonder of that sweet Hollywood magic. It’s mere yards away from the 101 freeway, yet it feels like another world. Pack up your own food (and booze) take the hike up to the amphitheater seats, and soak up the sounds of Beethoven, something tasty from the Playboy Jazz Festival, or—if you prefer the hipper route—a mature mash-up such as The Decemberists with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
The bowl originally opened in 1922, although its signature “shell” recently endured a much-needed face-lift and debuted with improved acoustics in 2004. The official season runs from June through mid-September when fireworks light up the weekend and some twists on classical tunes (how about Bugs Bunny on Broadway?) make it a welcome event even for the uninitiated. In other words, it’s the place to bring anyone you want to impress—from your parents to that special someone. The program is varied and less expensive than you might think. So much so, it’s almost amazing how many Angelenos haven’t been to the Bowl. Don’t let yourself be one of them.
How to Get There—Driving
The Hollywood Bowl is located on Highland Avenue, just north of Franklin Avenue. From the 10, exit at La Brea, and drive north. Turn right at Franklin Avenue, and head east until you reach Highland Avenue. Make a left turn, and the Bowl will be just ahead on your left. From the 101, exit at Highland Avenue and follow the signs to the Bowl.
Parking
There are a stingy 2,800 on-site parking spaces for an 18,000-seat amphitheater. If that doesn’t stop you from wanting to park, you have to deal with pricey stacked parking lots operated by the Bowl. Parking rates range from $17 to $35. There are many privately run lots open for business when there’s a concert, but skip those rip-offs. The way to do it is by parking at the Hollywood & Highland lot, validating your ticket at mall customer service (or picking up a quick snack), and walking up the hill with your picnic basket. You definitely won’t be alone. It’s cheaper, less difficult for the return trip home, and besides, a little exercise never killed anyone.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
The Park & Ride service, available for all “LA Phil Presents” concerts, lets you park at one of 14 lots around town and ride a shuttle to the Bowl for $5, round-trip (when purchased in advance; on-board purchases cost $10). The Bowl Shuttle service offers free parking at four different locations and a $5 round-trip shuttle every 15 minutes or so starting 2.5 hours before show time. For Park & Ride and Bowl Shuttle information, visit the “Getting to the Bowl” section of www.metro.net.
The MTA Hollywood Bowl Shuttle (line 163) offers non-stop service to and from the Bowl when there’s a concert. Catch the bus at Hollywood and Argyle, steps away from the Hollywood/Vine Metro Rail Red Line stop. The shuttle is free with a round-trip Metro Rail ticket. You can also take the 156 bus from the San Fernando Valley or downtown. 800-266-6883; visit www.mta.net.
Where to Eat
Fill your basket with Trader Joe’s Camembert, dry salami, and a bottle of two-buck-Chuck and join the thousands munching en plein air before the concert. Picnic areas open up to four hours before the concert, and tables are first come-first serve. If DIY is not your thing, the Hollywood Bowl offers a variety of overpriced dining choices, all owned and operated by Patina at the Bowl, part of chef Joachim Splichal’s catering and restaurant empire. Whether it’s lobster and Veuve Clicquot at the exclusive Pool Circle or popcorn from a concession stand, you will find something to simultaneously ease your hunger pangs and the weight of your wallet. The Rooftop Grill offers sit-down service pre-concert, and the two Marketplace outlets sell sushi and other foodie nibbles to go.
Tickets
Subscription series go on sale earlier than individual seats for all “LA Phil Presents” concerts, and subscribers can add individual tickets to their orders before the general public. Individual tickets go on sale in May. Prices in those coveted box seats can approach $100 per person most nights, but the Bowl still offers their famous $1 seats for many concerts. Call the box office at 323-850-2000 or visit www.hollywoodbowl.com. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster.