Los Angeles, CA – The iconic Hollywood Bowl, Southern California's premier open-air amphitheater nestled beneath the Hollywood Hills, has revealed its highly anticipated lineup for the 2026 summer season, promising a mix of nostalgia, star power, and orchestral grandeur. Announced on February 18, the schedule leans into genre-blending performances and tributes, capping off with a poignant farewell to conductor Gustavo Dudamel after his 17-year tenure with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. With headliners spanning rock, soul, reggae, and jazz, the season is set to draw crowds from June through September, offering visitors a blend of classic hits and innovative collaborations under the venue's famed shell.
The season officially launches on June 20 with a salute to Broadway, complete with a fireworks spectacular that sets the tone for the summer's celebratory vibe. According to the Hollywood Bowl's official announcement, this opening night will feature a medley of theatrical favorites, drawing on the amphitheater's long history of hosting Broadway-inspired shows. The venue, which has been a staple of Los Angeles entertainment since 1922, continues its tradition of transforming the hillside into a magical outdoor stage, accommodating up to 17,500 spectators for evenings filled with music and pyrotechnics.
One of the season's highlights comes early with a three-night Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular headlined by The Beach Boys, joined by special guest John Stamos. Scheduled for July 4 through July 6, the performances will celebrate surf rock classics amid bursts of fireworks lighting up the night sky. The Beach Boys, known for timeless tracks like "Good Vibrations" and "Surfin' USA," have a storied connection to the Hollywood Bowl, having performed there numerous times since the 1960s. Stamos, a longtime friend of the band and drummer in their touring lineup, adds a layer of camaraderie to the event, as noted in the announcement.
Earlier in the season, on June 19, Chance the Rapper will headline a special musical celebration of Black freedom in observance of Juneteenth. The Chicago-born artist, celebrated for albums like Coloring Book and his socially conscious lyrics, is expected to deliver a set infused with themes of resilience and joy. This event underscores the Hollywood Bowl's commitment to cultural milestones, building on past Juneteenth programming that has featured artists like Herbie Hancock and Common.
Reggae enthusiasts will have their moment on June 21 with Reggae Night XXIV, anchored by Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear. Ziggy, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, brings his signature blend of roots music and global messages, while Burning Spear, the veteran Jamaican artist, delivers powerful tracks from a career spanning over five decades. The annual reggae night has been a fixture at the Bowl since 2003, attracting thousands who sway to the island rhythms under the stars.
Jazz aficionados are in for a treat with two nights of the Blue Note Jazz Festival, featuring a roster that includes Jon Batiste, The Roots, and Nas. Batiste, the Grammy-winning pianist and former The Late Show bandleader, will showcase his virtuosic keyboard skills alongside hip-hop influences from The Roots and lyrical prowess from Nas. According to the lineup details, these performances will highlight the intersection of jazz and contemporary sounds, a nod to the venue's history of jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington gracing its stage.
The season's soulful side shines through with appearances by Al Green, Gladys Knight, and Smokey Robinson, each bringing decades of R&B and Motown magic. Green, the Reverend of soul with hits like "Let's Stay Together," is slated for a mid-summer slot, while Knight, the Empress of Soul, and Robinson, a Motown pioneer, will evoke the golden era of American music. These legends have collectively sold millions of records and earned spots in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, making their Bowl appearances a draw for multigenerational audiences.
Rock and pop fans can look forward to sets from OneRepublic, Gin Blossoms, Bob Moses, and Blues Traveler. OneRepublic, led by Ryan Tedder, will bring their anthemic pop-rock, known from songs like "Apologize," to the amphitheater. The Gin Blossoms, with their '90s alt-rock charm from "Hey Jealousy," join Blues Traveler's harmonica-driven jams and Bob Moses' electronic grooves, offering variety across the summer calendar.
At the heart of the 2026 season lies a bittersweet milestone: Gustavo Dudamel's final summer as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. After 17 years of elevating the orchestra's profile with innovative programming and community outreach, Dudamel will be honored with a four-night tribute series titled "Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl." The Venezuelan conductor, often called a once-in-a-generation talent, has led the LA Phil to critical acclaim, including Grammy wins and sold-out seasons. This farewell caps a era that saw him transform the Bowl into a hub for classical-pop crossovers.
In a standout collaboration, Foo Fighters will rock the Bowl on August 22, backed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Youth Orchestra Los Angeles. Frontman Dave Grohl's band, fresh off their own orchestral experiments, promises a high-energy set amplified by Dudamel's ensemble. Such pairings echo past Bowl successes, like Metallica's 2019 show with the San Francisco Symphony, blending grunge with symphonic depth.
Another orchestral highlight features St. Vincent on August 2 with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. The indie rock innovator, known for her guitar wizardry and albums like Masseducation, will explore new sonic territories with the ensemble's support. These crossover events reflect the venue's evolving mission to bridge classical and contemporary worlds, a strategy Dudamel championed during his tenure.
The Hollywood Bowl's 2026 lineup arrives amid a broader resurgence in live music post-pandemic, with venues like the Bowl reporting record attendance in recent years. Managed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, the amphitheater has hosted over 1,000 performances annually, from symphonies to film scores. This season's emphasis on tributes and collaborations speaks to a cultural appetite for connection and reflection, especially as audiences seek out experiential entertainment.
Tickets for individual shows are slated to go on sale in May, though subscriptions and special packages are already available for purchase online through the Hollywood Bowl's website. Early buyers can secure seats for premium experiences, including picnic areas and reserved parking. With the venue's acoustics and hillside views as draws, demand is expected to be high, particularly for the Dudamel tribute and fireworks nights.
As the Hollywood Bowl gears up for another summer of sold-out spectacles, the 2026 season not only celebrates musical diversity but also honors a pivotal figure in its history. Dudamel's departure to lead the New York Philharmonic in 2026 marks the end of an influential chapter, yet the lineup suggests the venue's future will remain vibrant. For Angelenos and visitors alike, the Bowl continues to stand as a beacon of artistic excellence under the California sun.
In the weeks following the announcement, social media buzzed with excitement, with fans sharing memories of past concerts and speculation on setlists. While details on opening acts and exact timings for some shows remain forthcoming, the core schedule positions the Hollywood Bowl as a must-visit destination for the summer of 2026.