Exciting Summer Lineup for the 2026 Hollywood Bowl: Roots, Chance the Rapper, and Timeless Classics
LA Phil Unveils Exciting 2026 Hollywood Bowl Summer Season
The Los Angeles Philharmonic has officially announced the lineup for its much-anticipated 2026 Hollywood Bowl summer season, featuring a diverse array of performances ranging from classical concerts to rap and Broadway hits.
“The Hollywood Bowl is one of Los Angeles’ great cultural treasures, bringing world-class music to audiences in a setting that is welcoming, joyful and accessible to our local communities,” said LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy. She added, “This summer’s season reflects the extraordinary range of what the Bowl offers — from the return of the Blue Note Jazz Festival and a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with The Beach Boys, to Joe Hisaishi’s iconic film music and a fitting tribute to Gustavo Dudamel’s 17 remarkable years leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Together, these programs capture the Bowl’s unique ability to unite our city in ways that resonate far beyond Los Angeles.”
The season kicks off on Saturday, June 20, with Opening Night, featuring a selection of Broadway’s greatest hits performed by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra under the direction of Principal Conductor Thomas Wilkins, followed by a fireworks display. Proceeds from this event will support the LA Phil’s learning and community programs.
This marks the 104th season for the LA Phil at the historic Hollywood Bowl, coinciding with Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel’s 17th season. The series “Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl” will honor his impactful tenure with a week of special performances that will include appearances by guests and members of the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles.
“ The Hollywood Bowl is where my journey with the Los Angeles Philharmonic truly began," said Dudamel. "It remains one of the most meaningful places for me to make music. Together, we’ve challenged ourselves and built a community rooted in curiosity and connection. This August, our celebratory programs bring together everything that has defined our work: the timeless power of Beethoven, collaborations across genres, and the extraordinary young musicians of YOLA, who represent our future.”
The lineup for “Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl” includes the following highlights:
“Beethoven 9” – Thursday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m.: This performance will feature Dudamel leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale in Beethoven’s uplifting Ninth Symphony, preceded by the world premiere of a new orchestral piece by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino, with lyrics by Amanda Gorman.
Dudamel’s Playlist – Friday, Aug. 21, at 8 p.m.: Dudamel will host a unique evening featuring surprise guest artists.
Foo Fighters with the LA Phil and YOLA – Saturday, Aug. 22, at 8 p.m.: The rock band will perform their era-defining hits accompanied by the orchestra.
A Musical Legacy – Sunday, Aug. 23, at 8 p.m.: Dudamel will conduct a genre-spanning concert, showcasing a range of music performed over his 17 years with the orchestra.
Beyond classical music, the Hollywood Bowl will also host some of the biggest names in various genres throughout the season. Highlights include:
Juneteenth with Chance The Rapper – Friday, June 19, at 8 p.m.: The three-time Grammy winner celebrates Black music in a one-night-only performance.
Reggae Night XXIV – Sunday, June 21, at 7 p.m.: Reggae icons Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear will perform, expanding the legacy of their genres.
A Roots Picnic Experience – Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m.: The Roots crew will curate an evening celebrating hip-hop with several special guests, including Nas.
Other notable performances include Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Salsa Night featuring Nathy Peluso, and a concert honoring the music of 1969.
This upcoming season promises an eclectic mix of memorable performances aimed at bringing together a wide audience and celebrating the rich musical landscape that Los Angeles has to offer.
