LA venues

Getting to know the five venues on our map

Each of these rooms has its own character, and that shapes how a night out feels as much as who is on the bill. A few practical notes help when planning a visit or following along with our coverage.

Open-air classics: the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre

The Hollywood Bowl is a natural amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills, famous for its band shell and its long tradition of summer concerts, including classical, film-score and pop programs. The Greek Theatre sits in Griffith Park and offers a more compact outdoor experience under the trees. Both are seasonal and outdoors, so evenings can turn cool even after a warm day. Bring a layer, and check each venue's official rules on bags, food and seating before you go. Leaving after a show is often slower than arriving, so many regulars use shuttles, rideshare drop-off points or public transit rather than parking close by.

Hollywood Boulevard: the Dolby Theatre

The Dolby Theatre is best known as the home of the Academy Awards, but through the year it also hosts concerts, comedy and touring stage productions. It is part of a busy shopping and entertainment complex near the Walk of Fame, and the Metro B Line stops close by, which makes transit a sensible choice on crowded nights.

Downtown scale: Crypto.com Arena

In the heart of downtown's L.A. Live district, the arena handles major tours and professional sports, so the surrounding streets can be very busy when big events overlap. Allow extra time for security screening and plan your route ahead.

Koreatown landmark: The Wiltern

The Wiltern is an Art Deco theater on Wilshire Boulevard, valued for its striking design and an intimate feel compared with the arenas. Shows here range from rock and indie to comedy, and the Metro D Line serves the Wilshire/Western stop nearby.

For any venue, buy tickets only through official channels and confirm times on the venue's own site. Upcoming dates we're watching appear on our schedule, and our guides offer more tips for planning a night out in LA.