Hollywood Bowl

(Credit: Los Angeles Times/Myung J. Chun)

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You haven't truly experienced summer in LA until you've spent an evening taking in music under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. Sure, it's legendary (The Beatles played here), but they've continued booking only the best at this veritable sonic temple. Radiohead, Björk and the Beatles have all graced the formidable stage. We really love the Bowl because you can bring your own food and drink for most events (barring lease events—call ahead to make sure it's cool before packing your basket). Beer, wine, a bag of grub from your local Whole Foods market—bring plenty to share, since you're bound to run into someone you know there. Plus they have great food and wine available on site, courtesy of Patina (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. Celeb sightings abound, with everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Robert Downey Jr. to Alison Janney seen dancing in the aisles. 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). Heartier 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. Think green, people! Don't let summer pass by without at least a couple of nights at the Bowl. Life's too short.

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