The Hollywood Bowl is a Los Angeles institution. Putting on world-class performances during the summers ranging from movie sing-a-longs, to concerts performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, to spectacular firework shows.

Most recently, I attended a showing of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets accompanied by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The movie is played on large screens set up above the stage, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic plays all of the music throughout the movie. I would highly recommend this experience, especially to any Harry Potter fans! The music of Harry Potter is wonderful and hearing it played live along with the movie is truly an unforgettable experience.

I have also attended the very popular Sound of Music Sing-A-Long, which is a fun night! There is a costume contest so loads of people dress up for the event and everyone boos for the villains and cheers for the heroes throughout the movie along with the obvious singing.

Parking is always difficult at the Hollywood bowl, so this past time I bought tickets for the Hollywood Bowl “Park and Ride” service. It was very convenient and I would highly recommend it! The parking lots by the Hollywood Bowl are very limited and range from $18-$50. After the show ends, the lots also get seriously congested because everyone is trying to leave at the same time. However, with the Park and Ride, there are 14 different options for starting lots ranging from Sherman Oaks to Arcadia to East L.A. Also, tickets for the Park and Ride are only $7 per person when purchased in advance and $12 per person when purchased at the lot.

There are three types of seating options at the Hollywood Bowl. The most expensive are the box seats which are in groups of 4 or 6 and include canvas-covered collapsible chairs and collapsible trays. I would only recommend the box seats if you have a group that is exactly four or exactly six, otherwise it is a bit of a tight squeeze to share a box with strangers. There is also a small section of stadium-style plastic seats, which are the next most expensive. The least expensive seats (and the majority of the seats) are made up of long wooden benches.

If you’re still interested in attending a show, the season isn’t over yet! Most interestingly to me, there is still a “John Williams: Maestro of the Movies” performance and a Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks both played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic as well as Yo-Yo Ma playing Bach and a ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ showing accompanied by Los Angeles Philharmonic.

2301 Cahuenga Blvd. W.

Los Angeles, CA 90068

hollywoodbowl.com