Tell me about the Hollywood Bowl.
September 11, 2011 10:15 AM Subscribe
I'm making my very first visit to the Hollywood Bowl tonight. What should I know?
I live within walking distance, so parking isn't an issue. Our seats are in section K-3, and the show starts at 7pm. How early should we get there? What should we bring? Any other helpful tips?
I live within walking distance, so parking isn't an issue. Our seats are in section K-3, and the show starts at 7pm. How early should we get there? What should we bring? Any other helpful tips?
Best answer: We've been to the Bowl for a few different shows (Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, Sound of Music sing-a-long) and each time it was like this:
We got there about an hour and a half early to picnic. You do know it's a giant picnic, right? ;) People sit at their seats, they sit on the sides of the walkways, they sit just about everywhere and picnic like a boss. IIRC you can bring wine if it's not in a glass bottle; please check the Bowl website for the alcohol policy.
We usually get seats in M or N, these are wooden stadium-style planks that get can get uncomfortable after a while. We bring thick towels that serve as a cushion. You can rent cushions at the Bowl for cheap, we just never did it.
Sometimes it can cool down in the evening if the wind kicks up so consider bringing a light jacket.
Have fun!
posted by shino-boy at 11:01 AM on September 11, 2011
We got there about an hour and a half early to picnic. You do know it's a giant picnic, right? ;) People sit at their seats, they sit on the sides of the walkways, they sit just about everywhere and picnic like a boss. IIRC you can bring wine if it's not in a glass bottle; please check the Bowl website for the alcohol policy.
We usually get seats in M or N, these are wooden stadium-style planks that get can get uncomfortable after a while. We bring thick towels that serve as a cushion. You can rent cushions at the Bowl for cheap, we just never did it.
Sometimes it can cool down in the evening if the wind kicks up so consider bringing a light jacket.
Have fun!
posted by shino-boy at 11:01 AM on September 11, 2011
Best answer: Lots of local restaurants offer Hollywood Bowl picnic baskets. If you're interested, head over to the L.A. boards on chowhound.com -- they have lots to say about the various offerings.
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:43 AM on September 11, 2011
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:43 AM on September 11, 2011
Best answer: My typical Hollywood Bowl/Trader Joes shopping list: two cheap bottles of wine, crusty bread, two soft cheeses, and maybe a Ritter Sport (chocolate bar) to share after the cheese. Don't forget paper napkins, a plastic knife, and cups for the wine. You're going to have an awesome night.
posted by roger ackroyd at 12:10 PM on September 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by roger ackroyd at 12:10 PM on September 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: The best picnic area (in my opinion) is up near the (W, X,Y,Z) cheap seats. I think it's picnic area 6. I can always find an open spot at a table up there. Plus it's sort of off to the side in a wooded area. There is actually a more awesome picnic area that overlooks the bowl, but I've never seen it open.
The 75 cent cushion rental is totally worth it. You just leave the cushion at your seat when the show is over.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:54 PM on September 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
The 75 cent cushion rental is totally worth it. You just leave the cushion at your seat when the show is over.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:54 PM on September 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: If you're anything like me, you'll DEFINITELY want a jacket or blanket. I have never been there and not been cold at night--even when it's really hot. Something about sitting motionless on that hillside for hours! Beyond that, have fun--it's a blast.
posted by Bella Sebastian at 4:40 PM on September 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Bella Sebastian at 4:40 PM on September 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Seconding mandyman's opinion re: seat cushions. There's some stuff in life you just don't skimp on, and butt-comfort at the Hollywood Bowl is among them. Have a great time!
posted by the_bone at 4:56 PM on September 12, 2011
posted by the_bone at 4:56 PM on September 12, 2011
I LOVE the Bowl...went last night! I work with them sometimes, which in no way dampens my excitement to see shows there...and guarantees I get to see lots of 'em. :) Did you have fun?
For the sake of posterity, I like parking @ Hollywood & Highland, taking the shuttle to Bowl, hoofing it back.
Outside food + drink is fine for all shows EXCEPT rentals/leased events (as indicated on their website).
I'm heading back for one of the last LA Phil shows of the season this weekend: Night at the Moulin Rouge. French music, fireworks...and the MR dancers (hey, if I can't get to Paris...a tiny piece of Paris can come to me!). http://hbowl.com/moulin
posted by TheNerdOut at 6:12 PM on September 14, 2011
For the sake of posterity, I like parking @ Hollywood & Highland, taking the shuttle to Bowl, hoofing it back.
Outside food + drink is fine for all shows EXCEPT rentals/leased events (as indicated on their website).
I'm heading back for one of the last LA Phil shows of the season this weekend: Night at the Moulin Rouge. French music, fireworks...and the MR dancers (hey, if I can't get to Paris...a tiny piece of Paris can come to me!). http://hbowl.com/moulin
posted by TheNerdOut at 6:12 PM on September 14, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
You can bring your own picnic baskets with food and wine. Please don't waste your money on their hyper-inflated, sub-airline-food offerings. You'll regret it.
The screens are just fine, and the general view is amazing from just about anywhere, but bring opera glasses if you're the sort that likes detail. Also: a pullover or a fleece blanket. You'll be there for the evening weather changeover.
posted by mykescipark at 11:00 AM on September 11, 2011