LA’s 21 Can’t-Miss Outdoor Summer Concerts

A summer without outdoor music is a summer wasted.

Fortunately for us Angelenos, summer is long and packed with plentiful performances at the choicest locations in town.

Picnics at the Bowl? Sundown at the Pier? Evenings amongst the Griffith Park trees? All on the agenda, along with a new L.A. music festival plating gourmet food, to boot.

We’ve got 21 shows en plein air for you to add to your calendar. Pick a date, click to purchase and shake off the picnic blanket.

Because you want that Kinks sound contemporized in a lofty space
White Fence at The Getty Off the 405, June 10

Because lounging to some jazz is the ultimate playboy move
The Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, June 10-11

Because you want some funky R&B made by local talent
Chicano Batman at KCRW Summer Nights One Plaza June 17

Because you want to kick off the Twilight Music Series with an ’80s-R&B mashup
Khalid and Bibi Bourelly at the Santa Monica Pier, June 22

Because this lineup of roots rock and New Orleans funk is the new Coachella
Tom Petty, the Meters, Dawes and more at the Arroyo Seco Weekend, June 24-25

Because it’s the last stop on their twenty-year anniversary tour
AIR at The Greek Theater, June 25

Because he puts on a suit like a banker when he writes his music
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at the Greek Theater, June 29

Because summer shows at the Hammer include great art exhibits
Stay tuned for the show announcements by checking here, July 9

Because there’s no better way to stargaze than lying down on a cemetery lawn to art rock
Sufjan Stevens at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, July 20

Because Missy Elliot and Nine Inch Nails
Anderson Paak and Run the Jewels also lead the charge at FYF Fest, July 21-23

Because electro-disco is a dish best served at a Thursday beach party
Miami Horror at the Santa Monica Pier Twilight Music Series, July 27

Because you want a little alt-country to wind down the week
Steve Gunn at The Getty Off the 405, July 29

Because crossover artists are the best way to kickstart your week
Belle and Sebastian, Spoon and Kristin Kontrol at The Hollywood Bowl, August 6

Because “Ain’t No Man” is one of the best anthems of the past year
The Avett Brothers at The Greek Theater, August 11

Because watching a rising jazz legend play with a mainstay is a rare opportunity
Kamasi Washington and Herbie Hancock at The Hollywood Bowl, August 23

Because some spiritual hymns can help curb your anxiety in the digital age
Oracle and Xiu Xiu at The Broad Summer Happening, August 26

Because nothing is as rowdy as a trombone player from The Big Easy
Trombone Shorty at The Hollywood Bowl, August 30

Because you want to surf and listen to rock and roll on the beach
Eddie Vedder and the Pixies at the Ohana Festival, September 8-10

Because this is the only Traffic we will sit for
Mavis Staples and Steve Winwood at The Hollywood Bowl, September 13

Because sounds this soothing should only be heard while picnicking on a lawn
Fleet Foxes and Beach House at The Hollywood Bowl, September 23

Because you ain’t got no problems with some jazz in your hip-hop
Chance the Rapper at The Hollywood Bowl, October 3-4

Because you want to reach out and touch faith
Depeche Mode at The Hollywood Bowl, October 14