Photo: Hollywood Bowl
The Greek Theatre | Photo: Francisco Saiso Alva/The Greek Theatre
Dance DTLA | Photo: The Music Center
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 for nine Friday nights this summer (June 23 - August 18) with 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 - Hip Hop, Salsa, West African Dance, Reggaeton, Country Line Dancing, Samba, Afro-Cuban Rumba & Cuban Rhythms, Disco and Bollywood.
Dance DTLA is free and open to all ages. Wine, cocktails and other beverages are available for purchase onsite.
Sunday Sessions at Grand Park
Connecting The Music Center and City Hall, the 12-acre Gloria Molina Grand Park hosts some of LA's most popular events, including the annual Día de los Muertos and New Year's Eve festivities.
Each summer, Grand Park celebrates LA's vital contributions to the global House music culture with Sunday Sessions, a free dance party featuring numerous DJs on the Performance Lawn. The 2023 season is centered on the 20th anniversary of longtime collaborator Fusicology, a platform credited with introducing an eclectic mix of local and international DJs who have made significant contributions to the House scene over the past two decades. Sunday Sessions will take place from 3pm to 8pm on July 23, August 20 and September 17.
Grand Performances at California Plaza
Founded in 1986, Grand Performances presents music, dance, theater and more at California Plaza with a mission to "inspire community, celebrate diversity, and 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 2023 schedule, visit the Grand Performances website.
KCRW Summer Nights
One of LA's most popular outdoor dance parties, KCRW Summer Nights features KCRW DJs and musicians at cultural landmarks across LA. The free, all-ages events include: Chinatown (June 24, Aug. 26), Hammer Museum (July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27), Little Tokyo (July 15), Afro Funke 20th Anniversary @ Grand Performances (July 22), CAAM (Aug. 4), The Huntington Library (Aug. 5), KCRW HQ (Aug. 12, Aug. 19), La Plaza de Cultura y Artes (Aug. 20) and Descanso Gardens (Sept. 1).
BMO Stadium
Located at Exposition Park, BMO Stadium (formerly Banc of California Stadium) is the home of MLS's LAFC and Angel City FC of NWSL. Easily accessed from the Metro E Line, BMO Stadium is LA's first new open-air stadium since Dodger Stadium opened in 1962.
Upcoming concerts Fuerza Regida (July 15), HARD Festival (Aug. 5), Marco Antonio Solis (Aug. 12), RBD (Oct. 18-20 & 22) and Queen + Adam Lambert (Nov. 11-12).
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, Beyoncé and many more.
Two massive concerts are coming up at Dodger Stadium in 2023: Blackpink on August 26, and the Jonas Brothers on September 9.
Levitt Pavilion
Since 2007, hundreds of thousands of Angelenos have enjoyed free live music at Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park. Celebrating its "Sweet 16" season in 2023, 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 2023 calendar 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.
Highlights of the 2023 season include: (July 8), Le Tigre (July 9), Charlie Puth (July 11), Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit (July 14), Goth Babe (July 15), Jimmy Eat World + Manchester Orchestra (July 19), Tori Amos (July 21), Ween (July 28), Ziggy Marley + Trombone Shorty (Aug. 5), Regina Spektor (Aug. 10), Gipsy Kings feat. Nicolas Reyes (Aug. 12), Los Lonely Boys (Aug. 13), Chicago (Aug. 19), Michael Franti & Spearhead (Aug. 20), Darius Rucker (Aug. 23), Mt. Joy (Aug. 25), Lost '80s Live (Aug. 27), Sigur Rós (Aug. 28), Sylvan Esso (Aug. 31), Aly & AJ (Sept. 8), The Revivalists + Band of Horses (Sept. 10), Van Morrison + Taj Mahal (Sept. 17 & 19), Catch You on the Rebound: Brenton Wood + Barbara Mason (Oct. 7), Intocable (Oct. 8), Joe Russo's Almost Dead (Oct. 14) and Turnpike Troubadours (Oct. 20).
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.
Highlights of the 2023 season include: Charlie Wilson + En Vogue (July 12), Kool & The Gang + Village People (July 14-15), Sparks + They Might Be Giants (July 16), Diana Krall (July 19), Café Tacvba with the LA Phil (July 21-22), Reggae Night XXI (July 23), Quincy Jones 90th Birthday Celebration (July 28-29), Tears for Fears + Cold War Kids (Aug. 2), Portugal. The Man + Chicano Batman (Aug. 6), Joe Bonamassa (Aug. 9), Rubén Blades (Aug. 11), Carla Morrison (Aug. 12), Maggie Rogers (Aug. 13), Gladys Knight (Aug. 16), My Morning Jacket + Fleet Foxes (Aug. 20), Herbie Hancock Celebrates Wayne Shorter (Aug. 23), Boy George & Culture Club (Aug. 25-26), Air Supply + Michael Bolton (Sept. 3), Buddy Guy (Sept. 6), Fireworks Finale with Maxwell (Sept. 8-10), Jacob Collier with the LA Phil (Sept. 13), The Lumineers (Sept. 15), Pixies + Modest Mouse (Sept. 17), John Legend (Sept. 23), Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (Sept. 24), Incubus (Oct. 6), Sting (Oct. 7), The Postal Service + Death Cab for Cutie (Oct. 13, 15, 17), Snoop Dogg & Friends (Oct. 20-21), KISS (Nov. 3) and Hozier (Nov. 4).
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 2023 season include: Mac DeMarco (July 14-16), Darren Criss (July 23), Jorge Drexler (July 29), Local Natives (Aug. 1-2), 7th Annual Boleros de Noche (Aug. 5), Lucinda Williams (Aug. 10), Bob Baker Marionette Theater: "It's a Musical World" (Aug. 13), ¡Azúcar! by CONTRA-TIEMPO (Aug. 18), FILAM JAM with JayR & The Filharmonic (Aug. 19),José James (Aug. 26), Element Band (Aug. 27), Thee Sacred Should (Aug. 30), Noche de Cumbia (Sept. 1), Os Mutantes (Sept. 3), Flypoet (Sept. 9), Ryan Beatty (Sept. 14), Laufey with the LA Phil (Sept. 16), Celebrating Samba with Viver Brasil (Sept. 17), Hermanos Gutiérrez (Sept. 28), Canciones de Mi Madre (Sept. 30), Jazzy Ash & The Leaping Lizards (Oct. 1), Al Sur de la Frontera (Oct. 6), Los Angeles Folk Festival (Oct. 7-8), 20 Años de Grandeza Mexicana (Oct. 14), Un Viaje por Buenos Aires with GD Tango (Oct. 15) and serpentwithfeet: Heart of Brick (Oct. 21).
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 from Sinatra-style Swing to The Beatles, Rockabilly, Psychedelic Cumbia, Fats Waller Stomp, Reggae, R&B, Outlaw Country and more. Performances take place from 6pm to 8pm on the Plaza near the Clock Tower.
Off the 405 - 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 shows include Etran de L'Aïr (July 22), Rahill (July 29) and Alabaster DePlume (Aug. 26).
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.
JazzPOP - Hammer Museum
Now in its 16th season, JazzPOP at the Hammer Museum invites luminaries of West Coast jazz and creative improvised music to the museum's courtyard for Thursday night concerts. The 2023 edition features stellar ensembles led by three California bandleader-composers who explore a range of influences in their music, from bebop to indie rock, abstract grooves and non-Western musical sonorities: Hafez Modirzadeh Quartet (Aug. 3), Steph Richards' Phantom Power (Aug. 10) and the Eric Revis Trio (Aug. 17).
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 in 2022, the College Football Championship Game in 2023, and will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games in 2028.
Upcoming concerts include Morgan Wallen (July 22) Taylor Swift (August 3-5 & 8-9), Metallica (Aug. 25 & 27), Beyoncé (Sept. 1, 2 & 4), Ed Sheeran (Sept. 23) and P!nk (Oct. 5).