Fact: There is no better way to listen to live music than perched atop a patch of grass on a warm summer night.
With a bottle. And some company. And maybe another bottle.
Helping you achieve that: our shortlist of the 22 best outdoor shows of the season.
From Willie Nelson and the Violent Femmes on the beach to Santana at the Bowl, we’ve got something for listeners of every stripe and color.
Pick a show, click to purchase and shake off your picnic blanket.
Because a festival ripped straight from 2008 sounds pretty great to you …
Just Like Heaven Festival with MGMT, Phoenix, Passion Pit, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and more at The Queen Mary, May 3
Because a festival ripped straight from 2008 sounds too recent to you …
Beachlife Festival with Willie Nelson, Violent Femmes, Jason Mraz, Blues Traveler, Everclear and more in Redondo Beach, May 3
Because you love music that cannot be confined by genre labels …
Lightning in a Bottle Festival with Santigold, Flying Lotus, Disclosure and more at Buena Vista Lake, May 8
Because they’re the MFing Stones, and the Rose Bowl is the best football stadium in America …
The Rolling Stones at The Rose Bowl, May 11
Because who doesn’t love block-rockin’ beats …
The Chemical Brothers at The Greek Theatre, May 16
Because † is still your favorite electronic album since Discovery …
Splash House Festival with Justice, A-Trak, Jai Wolf and more in Palm Springs, June 7
Because you always wished you made it to Lilith Fair …
Yola Fest with Lykke Li, Charli XCX, Courtney Love and more at The LA Historical Park, June 8
Because Pride Week is the best week in LA …
LA Pride Festival at West Hollywood Park, June 9
Because you want to be reminded of your teenage angst without the actual angst …
Third Eye Blind, Jimmy Eat World at The Greek Theatre, June 14
Because John Legend is the only crooner of late who can hold a candle to the Rat Pack …
Opening Night at the Bowl with John Legend at The Hollywood Bowl, June 15
Because enough people call him the greatest guitar player ever that you have to see it for yourself …
Santana at The Hollywood Bowl, June 24
Because it’s Tony Bennett …
Tony Bennett at The Hollywood Bowl, July 10
Because your kid asked really nicely for tickets …
Billie Eilish at The Greek Theatre, July 11
Because you still love him, even if you’re 64 …
Paul McCartney at Dodger Stadium, July 13
Because he’s the best banjo player you’ve actually heard of …
Steve Martin & Martin Short at The Greek Theatre, July 16
Because you don’t skip a chance to see Jack White, in whatever form he takes …
The Raconteurs at The Greek Theatre, July 26
Because there’s no such thing as too much drama in the LBC …
Once Upon a Time in the LBC with Snoop Dogg, YG, The Game, DMX, Bone Thugz N Harmony, Too Short, Ginuwine and more at The Queen Mary, July 27
Because the hegemony of hip-hop cannot be ignored …
Hard Summer Festival with Kid Cudi, Dillon Francis, Major Lazer, Juice Wrld and more at The Speedway in Fontana, August 3
Because he’s the everyman you love to love …
Elvis Costello, Blondie at The Greek Theatre, August 5
Because every time you hear that magnificent score you get goosebumps …
Jurassic Park in Concert at The Hollywood Bowl, August 16
Because they’re more than just Jimmy Fallon’s backing band …
The Roots at The Hollywood Bowl, August 28
Because you still listen to “Fake Empire” when you want to get emotional …
The National at The Greek Theatre, September 2
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