Los Angeles is home to some of the best concert venues in the world. From historic theaters to modern stadiums, LA has something for every music fan. Concerts are held at venues across LA, but some of the main concert hotspots include:
Downtown LA
Downtown LA is home to some legendary concert halls and theaters. The top venues here include:
- Microsoft Theater – This 17,500 seat arena hosts major concerts and events. Artists like Ariana Grande, Elton John, and The Eagles have played here.
- The Orpheum Theatre – This historic theater opened in 1926 and seats 2,000 people. It hosts concerts across genres like pop, rock, jazz, and classical.
- The Novo – With a capacity of 2,300, this intimate venue near LA Live books major artists. The Killers, Lorde, and Billy Eilish have all played shows here.
- The Mayan – This former nightclub turned concert venue books rock, alternative, metal, and electronica acts in an ornately decorated setting.
- The Regent Theater – This restored 1914 vaudeville theater, with a capacity of 1,100, brings rock, indie, hip hop, and comedy shows downtown.
Hollywood
Some of LA’s most legendary venues are located in Hollywood. Iconic places to see concerts here include:
- The Hollywood Bowl – This famous outdoor amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills has hosted concerts since 1922. With a capacity of over 17,000, the LA Philharmonic and visiting musicians perform concerts from spring through fall.
- The Fonda Theatre – Located on Hollywood Boulevard, The Fonda Theatre books indie, alternative, rock, and hip hop artists in an ornate, 1,200 seat theater.
- The Roxy Theatre – On the Sunset Strip, this 500 capacity venue has been a hub for rock, punk, and alternative bands since opening in 1973.
- El Rey Theatre – El Rey books indie rock, alternative, metal, and electronic shows in a converted movie theater built in 1936.
- The Hotel Cafe – This intimate venue with a capacity of just over 200 is known for showcasing up-and-coming indie and alternative musicians in a laidback setting.
Stadiums & Arenas
Huge concerts by today’s top pop, rock, and country stars are held in LA’s major outdoor stadiums and indoor arenas. Major venues include:
- SoFi Stadium – This new 3.1 million square foot venue is home to LA’s biggest concerts. Stars like Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, and Guns N’ Roses have headlined here.
- Dodger Stadium – Situated in Elysian Park, this 56,000 seat baseball stadium also hosts massive concerts.
- The Kia Forum – Reopened in 2014 after renovations, this arena books major legacy acts and contemporary stars.
- Crypto.com Arena – Formerly the Staples Center, this downtown arena seats up to 20,000 for concerts.
- YouTube Theater – Adjacent to SoFi Stadium, this indoor-outdoor venue books mid-sized shows.
Outdoor Amphitheaters
Warm summer nights in LA are perfect for catching a concert under the stars at one of the city’s many outdoor amphitheaters and concert spaces. Notable ones include:
- Greek Theatre – This 5,900 seat Greek Revival style amphitheater in Griffith Park has been hosting concerts since 1930. Artists like John Mayer, Norah Jones, and The National have played here recently.
- Hollywood Bowl – In addition to orchestral concerts, the Hollywood Bowl also programs rock, pop, jazz, soul and world music shows each summer.
- Santa Monica Pier – Bands perform on a stage at the end of this famous pier.
- Ford Theatres – This 1,200 seat outdoor amphitheater programs music, dance, and other performances.
- Long Beach Terrace Theater – Overlooking the ocean, this theater on the Long Beach Convention Center roof books concerts and other events.
Smaller Music Venues
LA also boasts dozens of more intimate clubs and small music venues that host concerts. Some top spots for live music in a smaller setting include:
- The Troubadour – Opened in 1957 in West Hollywood, this legendary club helped launch artists from Elton John to Guns N’ Roses. With a capacity of under 500, it brings rock, folk and more to the Sunset Strip.
- The Echo/Echoplex – These adjacent clubs in Echo Park book indie bands underground and mainstream acts in the main space.
- The Satellite – Located on Silver Lake’s buzzing Sunset Junction strip, this venue books indie rock, alternative, punk, and electronic shows.
- The Peppermint Club – This 1970s-style lounge in West Hollywood mixes concerts, DJs, and dancing in one venue.
- Bootleg Theater – With a capacity of over 500, this venue in Historic Filipinotown hosts indie, rock and hip hop in a converted warehouse.
- The Smell – Run by an all-ages nonprofit, this Downtown LA venue serves as an incubator for local underground and experimental bands.
- Zebulon – Quirky world music acts alongside jazz, avant garde and underground bands perform at this lively venue.
Unique & Historic Venues
Along with dedicated music venues, concerts are also held at some of LA’s most unique and historic spaces. Some noteworthy examples include:
- Walt Disney Concert Hall – Designed by Frank Gehry, the LA Philharmonic’s striking home also programs pop, rock, and jazz concerts.
- Hollywood Forever Cemetery – Concerts are held at this famous cemetery’s outdoor Masonic Lodge.
- The Wiltern – Bands play this 1930s Art Deco theater on Wilshire Boulevard near Koreatown.
- Shrine Auditorium – Near USC, this 1920s theater designed in Moorish Revival style brings music legends to South LA.
- The Palace Theatre – Downtown’s opulent 1940s movie palace occasionally hosts concerts along with other events.
College Campus Venues
Many concerts are also held on LA’s major college campuses. Top spots to catch a show on campus include:
- UCLA – Pauley Pavilion, Royce Hall, and other UCLA venues host concerts for students and the public.
- USC – The Galen Center and Bovard Auditorium bring major artists to USC’s campus.
- Loyola Marymount University – Major shows are held at LMU’s Albert Gersten Pavilion.
- Pepperdine University – The university’s Smothers Theatre offers an intimate venue for shows.
- El Camino College – Major concerts and performances are held at the college’s Marsee Auditorium.
Neighborhood Concert Hubs
Certain LA neighborhoods have emerged as hubs for live music, filled with multiple venues that host concerts. Key neighborhoods to check out for live shows include:
- Hollywood – Home to historic sites like the Hollywood Bowl, along with rock clubs on the Sunset Strip and theaters along Hollywood Boulevard.
- Downtown LA – Grand theaters mix with gritty rock and punk clubs, centered around venues like Microsoft Theater and The Novo.
- Echo Park – Small clubs like The Echo and Echoplex anchor the neighborhood’s booming indie scene.
- Silver Lake – Indie bands frequent cool venues like The Satellite around Sunset Junction.
- West Hollywood – The Roxy, Troubadour and Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip retain their rock reputation.
Transportation to Venues
Public transportation and ride share services make it easy to get to concert venues across LA’s vast metro area. Concertgoers can catch a show via:
- Metro Rail and Bus – LA’s expanding metro rail system and bus network connect some key concert venues and neighborhoods.
- Rideshare – Uber, Lyft, and other services conveniently connect users to venues across LA.
- Driving – Many venues offer on-site parking lots or garages for those arriving by car.
- Bicycle – LA’s growing network of bike lanes make cycling to some venues an option.
- Walking – Neighborhood venues like those in Hollywood or Echo Park are within walking distance for nearby residents.
Conclusion
From tiny clubs on the local scene to epic stadium shows by superstars, Los Angeles offers concert experiences for every taste and budget. Historic theaters mix with modern arenas and outdoor spaces in neighborhoods across LA. With so many iconic venues, Los Angeles remains one of the world’s great live music cities. Major acts on tour make LA a regular stop, while local bands find plenty of opportunities to gig at venues of all sizes throughout the region. With an endless choice of concerts any night of the week, there is always a show to get out and enjoy in Los Angeles.
