From the Hollywood Bowl to Masonic Lodge, these are the best music venues in Los Angeles whether you're looking for small gigs or huge headliners.
Jamie Ferrell - Senior Staff Writer•
Los Angeles is world-renowned for its entertainment and music scene. So much so that it’s often an artist’s dream to perform in this city — which also means we have some equally legendary people coming through here. No need for you to go searching, as we’ve collected all of the best music venues in Los Angeles where you can dance the night away. From small lesser-known venues to storied L.A. theaters, we love these locations to catch some of the best live music in the city. Read our concert guide for more.
1. Hollywood Bowl
This outdoor amphitheater in the heart of Hollywood is arguably the most storied and iconic concert venue in Los Angeles. Since its debut in 1922, The Hollywood Bowl as hosted the likes of Billie Holliday, The Beatles, and Yo-Yo Ma within its recognizable arched band shell. Alongside its lineup of big-name standups and world-renowned musicians, the Bowl even has its own dedicated orchestra who performs live film soundtracks at their popular movie nights.
📍 Location: Hollywood • 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles
2. The Greek Theatre
Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre is a historic amphitheater in Griffith Park, owned by the city and operated by ASM Global. Legendary performers over years have included Sir Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, and Carlos Santana; and that’s not to mention its penchant for booking hugely popular stand-up comics.
📍 Location: Griffith Park • 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
3. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Even newcomers to LA will recognize the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the LA Philharmonic. This is your premier venue for sophisticated performances in the realms of classical and contemporary music, jazz, and international sounds. Enjoy state-of-the-art acoustics and memorable shows courtesy of the LA Philharmonic orchestra’s talented musicians in one of the best concert venues in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: Downtown Los Angeles • 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
4. Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood Forever is best-known as a full-service cemetery and funeral home, serving as the final resting place for Hollywood greats such as Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Contrary to what you may expect, the cemetery fosters a thriving event and culture scene that is far from solemn. You’ll want to keep an eye on the concert schedule at Masonic Lodge for a chance to see some of the most highly-anticipated live music Los Angeles has to offer.
📍 Location: Hollywood • 5970 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
5. The Novo
The Novo is a Goldenvoice-run concert venue in the LA Live complex next to the Crypto.com Arena. Thanks to its 2,300-person capacity, guests can enjoy a more intimate alternative to stadium performances while still seeing some big-name musicians. Local audiophiles swear by it as one of the best small music venues in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: South Park • 800 W Olympic Blvd a335, Los Angeles, CA 90015
6. Hollywood Palladium
The iconic Hollywood Palladium is known for its art deco exterior and its massive interior which features an 11,200-square-foot dance floor including a mezzanine and a floor level with room for up to 4,000 people — where the energy of unforgettable concerts comes alive as soon as incredible artists take the Palladium stage.
📍 Location: Hollywood • 6215 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
7. The Wiltern
The Wilternk is a historic Art Deco theater in Koreatown with gorgeous intricate molding and a 1,200- to 1,400-person capacity. It’s one of the more legendary Los Angeles music venues where you can enjoy the beauty of a nearly 100-year-old building while seeing big-name musicians in a more intimate setting. Everyone from Miley Cyrus to David Bowie has played here, but you can also catch famous comics, drag queens, and up-and-coming acts.
📍 Location: Koreatown • 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
8. The Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre is another venerable local music venue that’s been around for about a century. It holds memories from performances by showbusiness greats including Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. After undergoing a $3M renovation in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the 2,000-seat venue is in impeccable shape and continues to present some of the best live comedy and music in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: Downtown Los Angeles • 842 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
9. The Troubadour
Since 1957, The Troubadour has presented many of the world’s most renowned musicians at the beginning of their careers, including Elton John, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell. This is the site of some iconic moments in the LA music scene, like when The Eagles’ Don Henley and Glenn Frey first met at the front bar in 1970, or when Prince played two surprise shows in 2011. Despite its fame, The Troubadour remains one of L.A.’s most storied small music venues with a capacity of just 500 seats.
📍 Location: West Hollywood • 9081 N Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
10. Teragram Ballroom
Teragram Ballroom is a popular venue to see some of the most innovative indie bands performing in Los Angeles. The historic venue first opened in 1913 as a popular silent movie theater, later serving as a print shop, violin store, and church before eventually returning to its entertainment roots. These days it’s a great destination for seeing intimate 600-seat shows in a nightclub-like environment.
📍 Location: Westlake • 1234 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
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Tags:big concert, small gig
