As the last few weeks of summer descend upon us, the time to enjoy music outdoors is now! With so many of our favorite outdoor concerts returning (safely), we’re rounding up the best of 2021. Plan ahead and take advantage of our list of this year’s best outdoor concerts in and around LA.
LOS ANGELES OUTDOOR CONCERTS
The Hollywood Bowl
When it comes to outdoor theatres that are synonymous with LA, the Hollywood Bowl tops the list. Offering some of the best outdoor concerts citywide, summers are not the same when not spent at the Bowl. After a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic, the Hollywood Bowl has returned with a line-up that does not disappoint. This week take a trip to Club Quarantine Live with D-Nice (Aug. 29)! Other upcoming concerts include John Williams: Maestro of the Movies (Sept. 3-5), “Black Panther” (Sept. 10-12), “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” (Sept. 17), James Blake with Orchestra (Sept. 25), and more!
The Greek Theatre
A Hollywood staple since 1929, the Greek Theatre serves as one of L.A.’s premier outdoor music venues. The outdoor theatre is located inside Griffith Park and provides an intimate concert experience with state-of-the-art acoustics. This year you can jam out to a number of top artists. The 2021 Greek Theatre line-up includes Kamran & Hooman (Aug. 28), Smokey Robinson (Sept, 18), John Legend (Sept. 21-22), Twenty One Pilots (Sept. 30), and more!
WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITY OUTDOOR CONCERTS
SoFi Stadium
While the SoFi stadium may be fairly new to LA, the home of the LA Rams and Chargers offers excellent outdoor concerts. This year you can take it old school with The Rolling Stones (Oct. 17). The state-of-the-art stadium will also host Super Bowl LVI in 2022 and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games in 2028.
Sunset Concerts at The Skirball
Returning for its 24th season, get your recommended dose of music with Sunset Concerts at the Skirball. A series of outdoor concerts at the museum, Sunset Concerts features acclaimed local musicians. As with the end of summer, the last show of the season will feature Extra Ancestral on Aug. 26.
VALLEY OUTDOOR CONCERTS [SFV and Conejo Valley]
Valley Cultural Foundation
The Valley Cultural Foundation serves as a hub for the performing arts in the valley. It should come as no surprise that they too offer their own bevy of great outdoor concerts. Free Concerts at Warner Park provides an evening of music from known and new artists. The last remaining concerts of the Summer 2021 series include Tierra (Aug 29) and Elton John: The Early Years Tribute (Sept 5).
Starlight Bowl
Burbanks premiere music venue, the Starlight Bowl offers a number of fantastic musical acts for the 2021 season. Locals have enjoyed outdoor concerts at this SFV venue since 1950, making it a true neighborhood staple. This year, you can catch musical acts like Ambrosia, John Ford Coley, and Peter Beckett of Player (Aug 29) or The Temptations (Sept 25)! The choice is yours and the options are endless.
Simi Valley Town Center Summer Concert Series
Whether you’re enjoying a night out with friends or family, the Simi Valley Summer Concerts Series has music for all to enjoy. With a number of musical acts jamming out at the Town Center’s concert venue space, it’s a great way to enjoy the weekend. The concert series runs through September 25th!
Sun Sets Concert Series
Lake Calabasas + Music and Summer fun! Need we say more? The traditionally private Calabasas Lake invites you to a scenic and soulful evening underneath the stars. The concert series is free and features Cash, The Killer, and The King (Tribute to Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley) for its final show of the season (Aug 29).