Jocelyn Stone

Just beyond the renowned amphitheater’s gates, the atmosphere vibrates with intense excitement. Glows of marquee lights illuminate the surroundings, casting a warm glow into the sky. The air is filled with a lively symphony of sounds: the yelling of street vendors mixes with the laughter of attendees, contributing to the notes of collective anticipation. As you navigate through the crowd, an array of exciting aromas fills the air. The sweet scent of freshly popped popcorn and the harmony of mixed perfumes from the bodies around create a distinctive fragrance unique to the venue. A gentle breeze carries the cool California evening into the hills. You can feel the energy—a dynamic mix of joy, excitement, and a shared love for music. But what’s truly special is outside the gates. On event nights, there’s a tangible sense of togetherness and community that emerges within the surrounding neighborhood.

The Hollywood Bowl stands as an iconic testament to musical prowess, where the echoes of legendary performances have shaped its identity. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, it has played host to some of the greatest musicians in history. From The Beatles to Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Tame Impala, and many more, these unforgettable evenings contribute to the music and magic that is the Hollywood Bowl. However, beyond the majestic stage, there exists a more important story—a narrative that speaks of connection and unity just outside the gates. Although renowned as a world-class concert venue, the true gem of the Hollywood Bowl emerges as a powerful community catalyst beyond its gates, fostering unity through diverse vendors, efficient traffic management, and local engagement—a dynamic social hub that extends the spirit of togetherness far beyond its iconic amphitheater.

Due to the venue’s renowned reputation, it attracts people from all over to the surrounding neighborhood. As a result, nearby businesses such as restaurants, bars, and shops have flourished thanks to The Hollywood Bowl. These establishments frequently offer special discounts and deals to entice these visitors to explore and support local businesses in the neighborhood, both before and after the show.

Hollywood Bowl veteran Talia Ginsberg, who has attended over five shows at The Bowl, strongly believes in the venue’s power to unite people. Ginsberg says, “Obviously, the show is what everyone goes for, but before you go in or even after you walk outside, there are so many people around you can talk to and bond with about the show you came for…It’s special because even when it’s over it’s not really over.” While she feels a sense of unity inside the venue, the excitement she feels continues outside as well, “my friends and I always go to Hard Rock or Running Goose after and we drink and hangout with people who just saw the show and its so fun because its like a party with people who just experienced what you did and bonding about it outside of the venue”.

Venues may collaborate with nearby businesses such as restaurants, bars, or shops to offer discounts, special deals, or package deals, encouraging patrons to explore and support other establishments in the neighborhood.

Just a 15-minute walk from the venue, established for 10 years on Hollywood Boulevard lays The Running Goose Restaurant. Tyler, one of the waiters at Running Goose, shares how the Hollywood bowl has changed his life. Tyler says, “Our restaurant is absolute chaos when there’s a show at the Hollywood Bowl.”

_{Restaurants Near the Hollywood Bowl}

Part of The Bowl’s mission statement is “to ensure that the concerns of neighbors are heard” by ensuring that this iconic cultural resource is accessible to all people throughout the County, the Southland, and beyond. The Bowl has been able to support the local neighborhood through a weekly newsletter providing information regarding event schedules, anticipated traffic flow impacts, as well as other relevant community information. As stated on the official website, “The Hollywood Bowl works with neighbors in formal and informal ways, all in a commitment to collaboration. In addition to making this world-famous concert venue accessible to diverse audiences, we work hard to serve our 5000+ neighboring households immediately surrounding the Hollywood Bowl.” When there are no events taking place, the park is accessible for exercise, picnics, and other recreational activities. Ellen Genender, who has been living in Los Angeles for over 30 years, shares how The Bowl is so much more than just a place to see her favorite artists perform: “The Hollywood Bowl is very special to me and holds memories with my family… we have so many memories with our kids growing up taking them to concerts, and I also used to run the steps of the amphitheater every week at 8 AM with some friends from the area.”

The Hollywood Bowl was named one of the 10 best live music venues in the United States by Rolling Stone magazine in 2018. Most recently, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023, showcasing the venue’s immense historical significance and cultural importance in the Los Angeles community. Attendees of these historic performances share a common viewpoint about the venue’s ability to cultivate a sense of togetherness.

Katherine Nero, an artist who has performed at the venue before, shares her experience. Nero states, “Going to the Hollywood Bowl has a very happy, exciting, lively feel. There’s so much going on—people ordering food and others selling merchandise… It creates a sense of excitement that’s so high, and everyone feels it.”

Photo Credit

Instagram / @hollzinhollywood

Similarly, Hollywood Bowl Camera Director, Holly Pearson, shares how The Bowl has given her so many new experiences and opportunities to meet people from all different places and backgrounds. Holly states, “There is always a huge range of different artists and styles of music that come through The Bowl, and to see the crowds filled every time—it’s always wonderful, different, you know, every crowd is different. And that’s the most exciting thing because you know that it’s communities on top of communities on top of communities all joining together to witness something.” The Bowl’s commitment to making people feel welcomed and a sense of belonging is seen through its ability to sell $1 seats for many of its shows. Although not with the best view, the Bowl gates are open to all, which is something Holly shares is a special attribute of the venue. She states, “Because there’s that whole bring-your-own-food-and-drink aspect, people don’t feel a lot of pressure, and everyone feels like you’re going to a backyard hangout with all your best friends to see some of your favorite people.”

A captivating aspect of the Hollywood Bowl experience lies in the diverse array of vendors both within and around the venue. From the stands selling refreshing beverages to tents of artist merchandise, the variety of options significantly contributes to fostering a sense of inclusivity for the surrounding community.

Photo Credit

Jocelyn Stone Original Photo

It is evident that the impact of the Hollywood Bowl transcends its iconic amphitheater. Contributions to unity and togetherness among people outside the venue resonate far beyond the last encore. The commitment to inclusivity, support for local entrepreneurship, and the reinforcement that this venue is a shared space for celebration are true testaments to the power of the Hollywood Bowl. From the diverse attendees and local businesses to the profound appreciation of the venue from staff, all contribute to redefining the Hollywood Bowl beyond being merely a concert venue. It is a vibrant space that fosters unity and togetherness beyond its gates.