This legendary Hollywood venue has hosted everyone from Sinatra to Snoop Dogg

The Hollywood Bowl is a stage as legendary as the performers who have graced it. Later this year, it will host Willie Nelson's 90th birthday celebrations, featuring Snoop Dogg and Neil Young.

What makes the Hollywood Bowl so special is that it’s a natural amphitheatre, with great views and amazing acoustics. Picture: Dustin Downing.

Everyone knows water and electricity is a dangerous combo. It was almost fatal at Jimi Hendrix’s Hollywood Bowl show in 1968 when 2500 fans rushed the stage during a particularly electrifying rendition of “Purple Haze”, 100 of them diving into a pool in front of the bandshell. A fan tugged on the microphone lead, and a quick-thinking Hendrix just stopped it going into the drink with his foot. Soon after, the pool was drained for good.

This is just one of the many stories of the best outdoor venue in Los Angeles, which since 1922 has hosted headline acts likes Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Billie Eilish.

What is it that makes it so special? It’s a natural amphitheatre (great views, amazing acoustics), and a big one at that, with seating for nearly 18,000. Last August, I was in the crowd listening to Brazilian artist Rogê’s beautiful voice echo across the canyon as the sun set on a glorious LA summer night. Sure, the wooden seats weren’t too comfy but you can hire a cushion for $US1.

The Bowl season has just begun. Willie Nelson is celebrating his 90th birthday today with a two-day concert featuring Snoop Dogg and Neil Young. Quincy Jones’s 90th birthday tribute is planned for the end of July. Janet Jackson is performing this year, and Kiss will play one of their last-ever shows in November. And there’s an array of Aussies hitting the stage from the soft rock of Air Supply to psych-rockers King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard.

Aussie rockers rockers King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard are set to play the Hollywood Bowl in June. Picture: Izzie Austin

If you’re in a group of four or six, try to book garden or terrace box seats, you’ll have your own private space surrounded by wooden partitions to enjoy a picnic dinner and drinks, which can be bought on site.

Seats at the top of the Bowl are only $US1 for many classical and jazz performances on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The Bowl is also the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

This venue is so adored, it has its own gift store, and museum. Providing there are no rehearsals on, you can visit during the day for free and take a walk around, look for the Hollywood sign up on the hill beyond. Just don’t drive here, parking can be up to $US50 and traffic getting in and out can add hours to your journey. 

The best way to get there is via public transport – taking the Metro to Ovation LA (formerly Hollywood and Highland) or Universal City, where you can catch a free Hollywood Bowl shuttle to finish your trip. Otherwise, get an Uber to drop you at Hollywood and Highland and then take the shuttle. Get your tickets – it’s well-worth the trip.

Originally published as This legendary Hollywood venue has hosted everyone from Sinatra to Snoop Dogg