Los Angeles is one of the world's premier destinations for live entertainment, concerts, professional sports, theater, museums, festivals and cultural experiences. From legendary outdoor concert venues in Hollywood to massive stadiums and arenas in Downtown Los Angeles and Inglewood, there are countless ways to enjoy an unforgettable event in the Los Angeles area.
For residents of Ventura, Santa Barbara and the greater 805 region, Los Angeles is also a convenient destination for a weekend getaway or day trip. Depending on traffic and your starting point, many of the city's major entertainment venues can be reached by car from Ventura County and Santa Barbara County.
This guide to the best events and entertainment venues in Los Angeles highlights some of the area's most popular destinations for concerts, sporting events, live performances, art, culture and family-friendly activities.
Best Events and Entertainment Venues in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers entertainment venues for virtually every interest. The following destinations are among the best-known places to see concerts, sporting events, theater performances, cultural attractions and other major events in the Los Angeles area.
#1. Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most recognizable outdoor concert venues in Los Angeles. Located in the Hollywood Hills, the amphitheater is known for its open-air setting, summer concert season and spectacular views of the surrounding hills and Los Angeles skyline.
The venue hosts a wide variety of concerts and performances throughout the year, making it a popular destination for visitors searching for concerts in Los Angeles, outdoor concerts and live music events.
Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Website: Hollywood Bowl
Getting there by car: From Downtown Los Angeles, take US-101 north toward Hollywood and follow signs for Highland Avenue and the Hollywood Bowl. Traffic can become extremely heavy before and after concerts, so allow additional travel time and check current parking and shuttle information before leaving.
Why visit: Outdoor concerts, live music, summer performances and one of Los Angeles' most famous entertainment settings.
#2. Crypto.com Arena
Crypto.com Arena is one of the largest and busiest sports and entertainment venues in Downtown Los Angeles. The arena hosts major professional sporting events, concerts and other large-scale entertainment events. It is home to the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Kings, among other events and performances.
The arena is located in the L.A. LIVE entertainment district, making it possible to combine an event with restaurants, nightlife and other Downtown Los Angeles attractions.
Address: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Website: Crypto.com Arena
Getting there by car: Crypto.com Arena is accessible from several major freeways, including I-10 and I-110. Multiple parking garages and lots are available around L.A. LIVE and the arena. Check current traffic and parking information before traveling to an event.
Why visit: NBA basketball, NHL hockey, major concerts, family entertainment and large-scale events.
#3. SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood has become one of the Los Angeles area's premier destinations for major sporting events and large concerts. The stadium is home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers and also hosts major entertainment events.
For visitors traveling from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, SoFi Stadium can be an important destination for major concerts and sporting events. Because the stadium is close to Los Angeles International Airport, it is also convenient for visitors coming from outside Southern California.
Address: 1001 S. Stadium Drive, Inglewood, CA 90301
Website: SoFi Stadium
Getting there by car: SoFi Stadium is located in Inglewood near the 405, 105 and 110 freeways. Event traffic can be significant, so plan ahead and check current parking information before attending an event.
Why visit: NFL games, major concerts, large-scale sporting events and special events.
#4. Intuit Dome
Intuit Dome is one of the newest major entertainment and sports venues in the Los Angeles area. Located in Inglewood, the arena is home to the Los Angeles Clippers and hosts professional basketball, concerts and other major events.
Its location near SoFi Stadium and the Kia Forum has helped make Inglewood one of the region's major entertainment destinations.
Address: 3930 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303
Website: Intuit Dome
Getting there by car: From the north, take I-405 south and exit toward Century Boulevard. From the east or south, I-105 provides access toward Prairie Avenue and Century Boulevard. Check current traffic and transportation information before an event.
Why visit: Los Angeles Clippers games, concerts, live entertainment and major events.
#5. Kia Forum
The Kia Forum is a legendary indoor entertainment venue in Inglewood that has hosted generations of concerts, sporting events and live performances. Today, it remains an important destination for major touring artists and large entertainment events.
The venue's location next to Intuit Dome and near SoFi Stadium makes Inglewood an especially active area for Los Angeles concerts and live events.
Address: 3900 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305
Website: Kia Forum
Getting there by car: The Kia Forum is accessible from the 405, 105 and 110 freeways. The venue has onsite parking, while rideshare and public transportation are also available.
Why visit: Concerts, comedy shows, live performances and major touring entertainment.
#6. The Greek Theatre
Located in Griffith Park, The Greek Theatre is one of Los Angeles' best-known outdoor concert venues. Its setting among the trees of Griffith Park provides a very different atmosphere from the city's large indoor arenas.
The Greek Theatre hosts concerts and live performances throughout the year and regularly attracts nationally known touring artists.
Address: 2700 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Website: The Greek Theatre
Getting there by car: The Greek Theatre is accessible from the Hollywood and Los Feliz areas via Vermont Avenue and Los Feliz Boulevard. Parking is limited, and the venue offers an off-site shuttle parking option. Check current parking information before attending a concert.
Why visit: Outdoor concerts, live music and performances in Griffith Park.
#7. Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium is one of the most recognizable sports venues in Los Angeles and a major destination for baseball fans. Located near Downtown Los Angeles in Chavez Ravine, the stadium is home to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Beyond baseball games, Dodger Stadium also offers stadium tours and special events, making it an attraction for sports fans visiting Los Angeles even when there is not a game scheduled.
Address: 1000 Vin Scully Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Website: Los Angeles Dodgers
Getting there by car: Dodger Stadium is accessible from several major Los Angeles freeways. The stadium offers multiple parking areas and recommends checking current parking information before arriving.
Why visit: MLB baseball, stadium tours, sports history and one of Los Angeles' most iconic sporting destinations.
#8. Dolby Theatre
Located on Hollywood Boulevard at Ovation Hollywood, Dolby Theatre is one of the city's best-known theaters and an important destination for major entertainment events. The venue hosts live performances, concerts, special events and other productions in the heart of Hollywood.
Its location also makes it easy to combine a visit with other Hollywood attractions, restaurants and entertainment along Hollywood Boulevard.
Address: 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028
Website: Dolby Theatre
Getting there by car: Dolby Theatre is located at Ovation Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard. Visitors can use the parking facilities associated with Ovation Hollywood and should allow additional time for traffic and event-related congestion.
Why visit: Theater, concerts, live performances and major Hollywood events.
#9. The Getty Center
The Getty Center combines art, architecture, gardens and panoramic views of Los Angeles. While it is primarily an art museum rather than a traditional concert venue, it is one of the region's major cultural attractions and offers exhibitions, educational programs and special events.
The Getty Center is particularly appealing for visitors looking for things to do in Los Angeles that go beyond concerts and sporting events. Admission to the Getty Center is free, although a timed-entry reservation is required.
Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Website: Getty Center
Getting there by car: The Getty Center is located just west of the 405 Freeway near Sunset Boulevard. Visitors drive into the Getty parking structure and then take the Getty tram to the museum entrance.
Why visit: Art exhibitions, architecture, gardens, cultural programs and Los Angeles views.
#10. The Broad
The Broad is a contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles known for its extensive collection of postwar and contemporary art. The museum also presents special exhibitions, public programs and events.
The Broad is located near Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Park and other Downtown Los Angeles attractions, making it a convenient stop when planning a day of sightseeing and entertainment.
Address: 221 S Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Website: The Broad
Getting there by car: The Broad's parking garage can be accessed from 2nd Street. Visitors should check current road and construction conditions before arriving. General admission is free, although advance timed-entry reservations are recommended.
Why visit: Contemporary art, special exhibitions, cultural events and Downtown Los Angeles sightseeing.
More Popular Los Angeles Entertainment Venues to Explore
The venues above are only a starting point. Los Angeles has an enormous entertainment ecosystem that includes theaters, concert halls, comedy clubs, museums, performing arts centers, sports arenas and outdoor venues.
Other destinations worth exploring include Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Peacock Theater, the Los Angeles Convention Center, Griffith Observatory and numerous smaller music and performing arts venues throughout Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding communities.
Because Los Angeles hosts events virtually every day, checking an up-to-date Los Angeles events calendar can be one of the easiest ways to find concerts, festivals, theater productions, sporting events and family activities taking place during your visit.
Los Angeles Events for Visitors From the 805
For residents of Ventura County and Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles can be a convenient destination for a special concert, sporting event or weekend outing. Popular routes from the 805 region generally connect with U.S. 101 before continuing toward Los Angeles, although actual travel times can vary substantially depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Travelers from Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Santa Barbara should plan extra time for heavy traffic, particularly when attending events during weekday rush hours or major weekend events.
For major stadium and arena events, it is a good idea to purchase parking in advance when available, review venue entry policies and check traffic conditions before leaving home.
Tips for Attending Events in Los Angeles
Plan for Los Angeles Traffic
Traffic can have a major effect on the amount of time it takes to reach an entertainment venue. A trip that appears relatively short on a map can take considerably longer during peak travel periods. Check real-time traffic conditions before leaving and build extra time into your schedule.
Research Parking Before You Go
Parking policies vary considerably between Los Angeles venues. Some stadiums and arenas offer large parking structures, while other concert venues have limited parking or encourage guests to use shuttle lots. Check the venue's official website before your event for current parking information, pricing and restrictions.
Buy Tickets From Official Sources
When purchasing tickets for concerts, sports or theater performances, start with the venue's official website or the authorized ticket provider listed by the venue. This can help you avoid outdated event information and unauthorized ticket sellers.
Check Venue Policies
Major Los Angeles entertainment venues may have specific rules regarding bags, cameras, outside food and beverages, mobile tickets and entry times. Review the venue's current policies before heading to an event.
Consider Public Transportation and Rideshare
Driving is convenient for many Los Angeles attractions, but public transportation, rideshare services and event shuttles can sometimes make getting to major events easier. Some venues provide dedicated rideshare areas or event-specific shuttle services.
Find Los Angeles Events, Concerts, Sports and Entertainment
Whether you're looking for a concert in Los Angeles, a Lakers or Clippers game, a Dodgers game, a major stadium event, live theater, an outdoor concert or a family-friendly activity, there are events taking place throughout the Los Angeles area year-round.
For visitors coming from the 805 region, Los Angeles offers an enormous selection of entertainment within a reasonable Southern California road trip. From Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles to the growing entertainment district in Inglewood, there is always something new to discover.
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Updated & published September 29, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)