Hollywood Bowl

You haven't truly experienced an L.A. summer until you've spent an evening taking in music under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. Sure, it's legendary (The Beatles played here, not to mention Monty Python), but in addition to being the outdoor home for the L.A. Philharmonic the Bowl reliably features only the best in pop, world music and jazz at this veritable sonic temple. You can also can bring your own food and drink for most events (barring lease events—call ahead before packing your basket), which adds to the Bowl's sociable, picnic-in-the-city appeal. Great food and wine is also available on site, courtesy of the Patina Group (the chocolate-chip cookies are to die for). If you're living especially large, spring for box seats down front, where you can spread out and really have a picnic. Parking can be a hassle, since traffic around the Bowl on show nights is heinous (FYI: Bowl parking is also stacked. We say embrace it and just hang out after the show. Meet some new people, that sort of thing). Hardier souls will park in the Hollywood and Highland complex and hoof it up the hill to the show (or take the super-cheap shuttle). There are also various public transport options to consider.