Summer Concert Series Around Los Angeles in 2018

The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the LA Philharmonic and other performers are scheduled throughout the summer at the historic Hollywood Bowl.
When: June through September (lease concerts continue into October)
Where: 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
Cost: Varies, check Goldstar for discount tickets.
Info: www.hollywoodbowl.com
More: Hollywood Bowl Visitors Guide

The Ford Amphitheatre presents jazz, world music, dance, classical music, theatre, film, and dance shows in an outdoor amphitheater. Food and beverages available for purchase.
When: May–October​
Where: Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 E. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood
Cost: Prices vary.
Info: www.fordamphitheater.org

Summer outdoor music at the LA County Museum of Art includes Jazz at LACMA on Friday evenings, Latin Sounds late Saturday afternoons and Sundays Live chamber music series.
When: Fridays April through November; Saturdays May through September and Sundays all year​
Where: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Cost: Free (no museum admission included)
Info: lacma.org/programs/music

LA's top Latin bands perform at the Autry National Center in Griffith Park. There are salsa lessons during intermission and a children's dance floor.
When: 6 Thursdays in July and August
Where: Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles​
Cost: regular museum admission applies; free for members
Info: www.autrynationalcenter.org

More on Visiting the Autry

Eight weeks of live jazz, world music and DJs in the beautiful Descanso Gardens. The Camelia lounge is open for cocktails and appetizers and picnic areas are available. Check the website for performers.
When: World Rhythms Tuesdays, DJ Wednesdays, Jazz Thursdays, late June through mid-August​
Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Cost: Free with garden admission
Parking: Free on site
Info: www.descansogardens.org

LA public radio station KCRW sponsors a series of summer concerts on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the summer at multiple locations such as the Hammer Museum, Chinatown, Union Station, One Colorado in Pasadena, the California African American Museum, and more. 
When: June–mid-September
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Info: events.kcrw.com/events/category/summer-nights/

The acclaimed I Palpiti Orchestral Ensemble of International Laureates from 20 countries is featured in solo, chamber, and orchestra concerts.
When: 2 weeks in July, various times
Where: Various locations
Info: www.ipalpiti.org

The Levitt Pavilion hosts free concerts during the summer at Macarthur Park, Thursdays through Sundays. The free concerts are in a variety of musical genres.​
When: June through the first weekend in September
Where: Levitt Pavilion, northwest corner of Macarthur Park, near West 6th Street and South Park View Street 
Cost: Free​​​
Metro: Red or Purple Line to Westlake/MacArthur Park Station
Info: http://concerts.levittlosangeles.org/

The Annual Thursday Twilight Music and Dance Series at Santa Monica Pier features some of LA's favorite hometown and visiting bands.
When: Thursdays, July through the first week of September
Where: Santa Monica Pier
Cost: Free
Parking: 1550 Pacific Coast Highway Lot for a fee, no parking on the Pier
Info: santamonicapier.org/twilightconcerts/
More: Things to Do in Santa Monica

The Long Beach Municipal Band is the longest surviving, municipally supported band in the country. It celebrated its 100th birthday in 2009. Bring your picnic basket, blankets, and lawn chairs.
Long Beach also hosts a concert series with guest bands in various parks and at Rancho Los Cerritos.
When: Late June through early August, various days and times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Info: Municipal Band, Concerts in the Parks, more summer events at 100daysofsummer.org
More: Things to Do in Long Beach