- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Ford Theatres: Ford Amphitheatre & INSIDE the Ford
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Performing Arts, Music Venues [Edit]
2580 Cahuenga Blvd ELos Angeles, CA 90068
Neighbourhood: Hollywood
(323) 461-3673
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Romantic, Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
89 reviews for Ford Theatres: Ford Amphitheatre & INSIDE the Ford
89 reviews in English
-
Review from Hui T.
Los Angeles, CA
5/25/2012
I love the bowl! You get a workout, you get to bring your own snacks (and yes, I consider Modelo a six-pak snack-pak), and then you can spread out in the cheap seats.
Parking has never been great, but the only places it is great in L.A. are the places no one wants to go. And, again the walk is good for you.
I wish they would upgrade their "cushions for rent" -- I don't even want to think about how many fannies have been parked on those. -
Review from James S.
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Lovely and stunning venue that is part of the L.A. Parks system! Who knew?
Well, this hidden gem is so valuable, with their interesting programming and their expansive community outreach -- bringing arts to those not necessarily getting it. The main space, The Ford Ampitheatre seats 1200, while their Inside The Food small almost blackbox theatre seats 87. Outdoors or in, you can't go wrong.
Got a grand tour by Community Events Manager Bill Berry. (Hope I got his title right). Effusive, casual and professional all in one, is he. Learned the history of the space as well as the modern day versions, too. It was destroyed once in a fire back '29, but rebounded nicely -- and has weathered many storms. (This includes mudslides from the fairly recent big fires!)
So wotth a visit. -
Review from Alice L.
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Intimate theater! Loved it. Saw a Kina Grannis showing here :)
Park at the Universal City Metro Station (free) and there's plenty of shuttles going to the theater every 10 minutes 2 hours before the show (also free!)
Some annoying helicopters during the show but it adds to the charm of the outdoor theater.
Bring your own food/wine/drinks as the fare is typical and overpriced.
Would definitely come back again if our artists are playing here! -
Review from Paula C.
Glendale, CA
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went here for Yelp's 100 days of Summer Jammy Sesh. It's my first time here and I didnt even know this beautiful place existed! Going up and down the stairs is a mini workout for some people but its truly an amazing hidden gem. The staff were super friendly and explained to us the events that they organize, their outreach programs and all... got the little booklet so I can check their sched and come back! :)
-
Review from Angie L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/21/2012
Wow. The most intimate and romantic venue for outdoor acoustics. UNBELIEVABLE. If it wasn't for Kina Grannis, I never would've discovered this gem in Los Angeles. It's a little north of LA but trust me, it is worth it. I hope more high caliber artists choose this venue for their performances.
-
Review from Chava C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/25/2012
I love this venue! They present amazing music, theatre and dance from all over the world and its super affordable. The theatre is 1/10th the size of its young sister across the way and so much more low key. Perfect for date night, kids, older folk who want to see art from their home land and anyone who wants to see what other cultures do to express themselves. An oasis in the plastic land that is hollywood.
-
Review from Sally Z.
3/3/2012
Beautiful location, with picnic areas available. Parking is a bit of a pain, but that's LA for you.
I worked with them as a community partner through one of their performing arts series. They make a great effort to host talented performers of diverse arts. They also offer workshops with these programs if you communicate with the coordinator.
It's a sizable venue without being impossibly large, which means you can see the stage and its performers from the back seats decently.
Also, this venue is BYOB. Awesome, awesome. -
Review from Rose T.
Irvine, CA
5/11/2012
great indoor music area. good bands play here. very nice vibe.
-
Review from Lauren Y.
Los Angeles, CA
7/12/2011
AHOY AMIGOS!
I
LOVE
THE FORD!
Beautiful and intimate venue with great acoustics and tons of natural backdrops. Outside amphitheater and smaller inside theater as well. Seating- individual chairs, not benches. Lots of tables around the front and outside in nooks where you can hang out, eat your picnic, etc. Concessions there too, didn't buy anything, can't speak to that.
Also, free shuttle from the Park and Ride Universal Metro Station!
If there is ever an event you want to to go to and you find out it's playing at the Ford, DON'T MISS IT!!! -
Review from Marian L.
10/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is a great music venue with fantastic acoustics and an intimate feel. I've watched a talent show and Chris Cornell perform here. The setting is very nice with all the trees in the back and the cool breezes from the open air theatre. All the seats are pretty good, but make sure to come early, especially if you have a big group because it can be hard to get seats together because of limited seating.
I would love to watch another performance here but the big downside is the parking. It is crazy! It's stacked parking. If you are way in the back, you can't leave until the people blocking your car leave first. I've waited 45 minutes after a show to get outta there. -
Review from Jean C. M.
Los Angeles, CA
9/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place!
An outdoor amphitheater set into the Hollywood hills. It's such a beautiful setting. The backdrop to the stage is the Cahuenga pass (the side of a mountain). The Amphitheatre has a "historic" feel without feeling old.
Check out the history here: http://www.fordtheatre...
Every seat in the house is a good seat! The ticket prices for concerts are typically reasonable, and the lines for food and bathrooms aren't bad.
The one issue is they tend to offer limited acts here because of the noise restrictions due to the nearby residences.
Parking can be a bit of a pain and make sure you bring CASH MONEY for parking.
I saw Chris Cornell here on his Songbook tour - such a great show especially in this setting!
Definitely try to catch a show here! -
Review from Samantha S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/15/2012
Awesome space with diverse areas for production. Would be so honored to work in such a wonderful venue and truly enjoyed the full experience of seeing a show at the Ford, from driving the Cahuenga pass to walking the steps into the main entrance. A hidden jem in the hustle and bustle of LA.
-
Review from Queenie I.
Los Angeles, CA
6/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Only been here once and I am quite impressed at how nice it was. Its beautiful at night here!
Summertime at the Ford Theatre is full of events and is an awesome spot for music events especially. =]
A few tips I'd like to share with you since I knew nothing of this place before I went:
- you can bring in food! I'm talkin' about coolers worth of food!
- bring a light blanket if you're attending a night event, trust me, you'll be glad
- although the theatre offers $5 STACKED parking, you can also choose the free-nonstacked route which is:
Ford Amphitheatre Summer Season evening performances only:
Shuttles start running 2 hours before the show time at 20 minute intervals
A FREE shuttle to the Ford stops at the
- Universal City Metro Station at Lankershim Blvd. and Campo de Cahuenga in the "kiss and ride" area. Parking is free in the Metro Station lot.
The address of the Universal City Metro Station is:
Lankershim Blvd & Universal Terrace Parkway
North Hollywood, CA 91608 -
Review from jennifer L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If the Hollywood Bowl had a baby, it would be the Ford Amphitheatre.
Nestled in the Hollywood hills, this intimate 1200-seat historic and outdoor amphitheare is the perfect venue for a summer concert.
Come to the Ford during the Summer Season series for Music, Dance, Theatre, Film & Family events. The last times I was here were for Kollaboration Acoustic 4 & Culture Shock performances.
Tips:
- Picknicking: For the Summer Session, the Ford grounds are opened 2-hours prior to show time. I usually bring a picnic basket of fruits, cheese, sandwiches, chocolate to eat at their terraced entryway.
- Parking: There's FREE, NON-STACKED parking & shuttle ride to the Ford at the Universal Metro Station (at Lankershim Blvd & Universal Terrace Parkway, North Hollywood 91608). The shuttle leaves from the "kiss & ride" area 2-hours prior to show time, in 20-min intervals.
You can also park at the Ford for $5, but it's always congested and it's stacked. Annoying when you leave because it can take a while.
Summer Session 2011 is just around the corner! Check out their website for upcoming shows. I'm excited for Kollaboration Acoustic 5!
Bring your date, your friends, your family! There's a show for everyone in your life. -
Review from Aryf H.
8/7/2011
Love this venue.
Good seating (i.e. there are no seats where one's view is blocked), good sound system.
I came here for a film screening with a group of friends. Before that, there was a band playing in the 'picnic area', which added a nice touch to the evening.
Parking is easy (yes, 'stack-paking'); not nearly as complicated as the Bowl and much much faster to get out.
The staff was very welcoming, giving out a free card (for downloads from the Ford site) for all first-timers.
It will get chilly at night so dress appropriately or bring a blanket if you get cold easily. -
Review from Laura S.
7/23/2011 3 photos
This place is pretty. Outdoor theater.
Reminds me of the Hollywood Bowl but smaller and more intimate. It's really big and I wouldn't mind watching a show here!
I saw a dance how here and sat in the front VIP area. Great view. Great show too.
Parking
Stacked and shuttle... Good luck. It's really bad here. That's why I'm not giving it five stars... Parking is a bitch.
Items for sale
Overpriced
Overall, beautiful theater.
Lots of stairs. -
Review from Joseph S.
6/27/2011
HIDDEN GEM.
If the hollywood bowl and the greek theatre had a baby, and then charged only $5 for parking.. this is the place.
picnic food.
wine.
a tribe called quest documentary screening.
a perfect friday night. -
Review from theo n.
3/31/2011
Using a public space to help out theatrical companies who have no home is a great concept; this is what [Inside] the Ford does.
I'm a season subscriber and been to all three shows for the '10/11 year. The quality of shows varies, but they are put together by different ensembles and the actors do spill their guts.
A super added plus is that the venue opens one hour prior so bring your vino tumblers, Joans' pints, Soda Pop sandwiches, some lively vino and it time to rumble.
Oh yeah, free parking's a throw in. -
Review from Darryl J.
Newport Beach, CA
1/7/2012
This is a great venue for entertainment. There is not a bad seat in this outdoor theater. I am looking forward to going to another event here. On July 2, I attended the 10 year anniversary of Flypoet (spoken word, art and singing). The acoustics are excellent.
-
Review from Orsolya D.
North Hollywood, CA
11/30/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I'm one of those individuals whom gravitate toward cultured and refined activities: art galleries, museums, plays, etc. Despite the fake plastic factors in LA; it also has much to be applauded in the art arena.
I'd like to introduce to you the "Inside the Ford" theater. Some people may not be aware that the Ford is more than just a large outdoor amphitheater and also has a smaller theater for more intimate in-door performances. These include plays, music, exhibition art, etc. Ticket prices vary but are generally $20/person with a student discount ($12). The parking lot is to the right of the estate (not the main lot) and although on a slight hill which inhibits proper female walking when wearing heels; it is ample enough to provide spaces for the 70 seat indoor theater. The box office is at the bottom of the staircase and the theater is at the top but has a handicapped accessible walk-way.
The cute part of the Inside the Ford experience is that they seat people in groups (general admission but they have ushers to help out) and so one group waits in a lobby "waiting room". This helps with congestion while the performers can utilize this space and add to the ambiance. For instance, the play I attended ("Hyperbole") used this space to present artwork related to the performance and a flat-screen TV playing a prelude video. It gave the performance an interactive aspect. The theater itself is quint and charming resulting in a neighborhood local theater feel yet the lighting and sound is top-knotch. There is an actual sound booth reminiscent of a concert hall. However, some of the seats are not optimal and are behind pillars which may obstruct viewing.
Staff included both Ford staff and from the performance group involved. Both were VERY kind, cheerful, and helpful. While cultured, you also feel relaxed.
Oh, and for the female Yelpers with small bladders: the bathrooms are LARGE with two separate areas with both stalls and sinks and are spotless! I judge bathrooms harshly but Ford has passed with flying colors.
If you seek an intimate play performance at one of LA's most well-known theaters, check out the Inside the Ford performances. Definitely a diamond in the rough of 190381293729 theaters in LA. -
Review from Teri L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/6/2011
I arrived for a concert last night to find out there were no parking spaces. The cars that were parked, were stacked which meant it would take hours for them to exit. In the event of an emergency, it would have been a disaster. I asked the parking attendant on duty what I was supposed to do, when I had my ticket and no where to park my car. He said to drive down the 101 freeway until we found a shuttle - and wait!!!!! Are you kidding?
My friends and I drove onto the freeway all the way to Universal Studios and there were no signs for shuttles to any venue! We ended up leaving.
NEVER EVER BUY TICKETS TO THIS VENUE.Comment from Kim G. of Ford Theatres: Ford Amphitheatre & INSIDE the Ford 2/10/2012
It sounds like the parking attendant was not at all clear,… More » -
Review from Cyn J.
Houston, TX
7/4/2011
I LOVE this place. I went for the first time and fell in love. Think Hollywood Bowl but smaller and more intimate with a gorgeous backdrop of the Hollywood hills. I actually saw a deer standing amongst the trees. We attended an evening venue and it was a wonderful night; the weather was perfect. We sat in the last row and had our food comfy behind us and still had a perfect view of the stage. The lighting and sound are also very well done.
You can buy food but we packed our own picnic lunch. I'd wear comfy shoes even though there are elevators available. The only thing that was a bit of a pain was the stacked parking but it was only $5 and the event made it well worth it. -
Review from J T.
Los Angeles, CA
12/27/2011
The mini Hollywood Bowl! No bad seat in this house! Intimate setting, great acoustics, BYOB!, Just old skool kool! Recently saw Jane's Addiction and Chris Cornell and the shows rocked within arms reach! OK... parking critics..... don't arrive an hour after show starts!
-
Review from Patrick P.
Monrovia, CA
2/16/2011
The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre is beautiful and romantic. A concert under the stars with trees serving as the stage's background. Bring a jacket though, as it can get rather nippy. I had the chance to catch Kollaboration Acoustic 4 here and had an absolute blast! The seats were sold-out packed. I knew like none of the acts aside from guest performer Marié Digby, and found myself pleasantly surprised by everyone.
I think the sound resonated better outdoors, at least for me. It wasn't blasting in my ears. But then again, it was an acoustic concert... :p
The only hindrance would be that parking is crazy! They stack cars side-by-side like Legos. I recommend going with a date or with a group of friends to keep entertained, as there will be a long wait... That, or get there super early so you're one of the cars closer to the exit. But if you don't mind that, then it's definitely worth the trip. -
Review from iRiS B.
Los Angeles, CA
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful outside venue with the a natural backdrop that is intimate and peaceful. I have been here for cultural events and theater plays and have enjoyed them greatly. Try not to leave your seat during the event (I left to the restroom, and was asked to sit in the back till intermission). I can tell you that the view in the last rows are also good.
-
Review from Jim H.
Mission Viejo, CA
10/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing venue! Seats just over 1200, and the furthest seat from the stage is only 96 feet. The concessions are great with good choices of food and beverages. You are allowed to bring your own beverages, but no glass in the amphitheater. Stack parking was only $10 and we got out very quickly after our show. I would gladly come to this venue over and over!
-
Review from Jessica R.
Orange, CA
5/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here to see Chris Cornell and it was a great night. The actual Amphitheatre is small, only about 1,200 seats or so. It's also first come, first grab on seats (even though your tickets look like it's assigned seating, it's not). I like that and don't like that respectively. I like that because we got great seats due to waiting in line for about an hour. I don't like that because I like to be able to come to a concert that has seats and expect my seat to be open. If I didn't take the day off work, I would have been screwed because I can't make it up to LA from Orange in time to get a good seat. Also, I didn't know about the BYOB factor before coming. I wish I had known so I could bring some awesome beer instead of settling for Shock Top at $12 per glass.
We were about 7 rows back, and the sound and experience was stellar. I would love to come back, and bring my boyfriend so he can carry the cooler! A few points to add:
-Not Heel Friendly (very steep at times)
-Cold (bring a jacket)
-Seats will hurt your ass so bring a ass pillow if you have one
-Get there early
-DO NOT TAKE A CAMERA OR PICTURES (watch many people try to sneak a pic with their cell phone and get thrown out)
-BYOB (in a light-ish cooler) -
Review from Sal K.
8/28/2010
Came here for Kollaboration Acoustic which featured tons of "youtube" asians sensations (not that I knew any of them), but they were good and funny! However, more about the Amphitheatre itself:
-Parking is stacked and $5
-Reminds me of Hollywood Bowl but on a smaller scale
-Some food sold there
-BYOB and grub
-Small and initimate
-Ends at 11pm (for those who have other engagements afterwards)Listed in: BYOB
-
Review from Matt R.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA
5/6/2011
Oh man this place is AWESOME. I had never been before last night, when I went to see the acoustic Chris Cornell show. Brilliant.
So, as has been said before, parking is ridiculous. The lot fills up QUICK. We ended up finding street parking further down Cahuenga for free, with only a 7 minute or so walk. Not too bad.
The venue itself is nestled in the hills, surrounded by trees and rocks, under the open sky. Gorgeous. Sound is great in the right hands, and there didn't seem to be a bad seat in the house in regards to either sound or visuals.
My only gripe is that the bathroom is tiny and lends itself to some ridiculous lines. Nothing sucks like being halfway to the front and hearing your favorite song starting up. Bummer!
All in all, amazing venue, highly recommend seeing shows here. Bring a date on a nice summer night...you'll score some serious points ;) -
Review from Sophia L.
Redondo Beach, CA
10/30/2008 3 photos
Imagine this scenario:
You're an author writing a play, and you think to yourself, "Hmm, where is the best place to stage my play? Cahuenga Pass seems like a beautiful setting, why don't I just buy the land and build a theater, just for my play."
Absurd, isn't it?
This is exactly how The Ford Amphitheatre was born in 1920, when Christine Wetherill Stevenson thought that the hilly terrain will be a perfect dramatic backdrop for her new piece, The Pilgrimage Play. Of course, to keep true to its Los Angeles roots, the theater burned to the ground in a brush fire in 1929. It's since been rebuilt a few times, but the look of the theater stays true to the first after-fire architectural design of 1931, in the style of ancient Judaic architecture.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
So there you have it - a fabulous intimate open-air theater, with a stage flanked by the Gates of Jerusalem, more or less across from its huge Big Brother, The Hollywood Bowl.
I love it so much more than the Hollywood Bowl because it only has about 1000 seats, which makes it 18 times smaller than the Hollywood Bowl. Even if you have the "worst" seats, you're still not too far from the stage. The backdrop is a gorgeous hill with magestically lit cypress and chaparral trees, and I always imagine that there is a little fairytale cottage behind the trees, and a family that lives there will one day just wander onto the stage. No luck so far...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Because it's a smaller venue, they take chances and bring you all kinds of mainstream and quirky acts, theater, and music; from jazz, to rock, to Mariachi, to pop.
The place is beautiful, there are a couple of places to buy food, and there are also plenty of places to sit down and eat, if you want to bring a picnic and partee before the show.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The season is winding down, but if you've never been, give it a shot, Ford Amphitheatre has a real Old Hollywood feel to it. -
Review from Stephy S.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2009
What a treat :)
Having grown up in LA and done the commute up and down Cahuenga into and out of the Valley for many mooons, it's amazing to me that until a few weeks ago, I'd never made it to the Ford. How could I have gone this long without experiencing one of the most serene little gems that LA LA Land has to offer? Beats me, but sooo happy that I finally discovered it.
It's like a little secret place nestled in the hills with beautiful seating that surrounds a fantastic little stage. I was there for my friend, Rocco Deluca and while it was a sonic ride through bluesy soul and awesomeness, I couldn't help but wonder what it might be like to see something like Romeo and Juliet here. It just seemed like a fairytale it was so pretty.
They also have what might be one of the most gourmet little snack shops at a venue I've seen. They had really nice wines and even ahi salads? Wow, who woulda thunk it. They also had the usual suspects like hot dogs and nachos, so being the gourmand that I am, I of course went with a nice Cab and a hot dog. Soooo fancy :)
Definitely will be back to see a show here again and I hope if a show or production comes through here that you've wanted to see, you will go, because it really is fantastic and a lovely way to spend an evening. -
Review from Michael C.
Redondo Beach, CA
2/3/2010
This place is more intimate than a newly married couple on their honeymoon. I have been to three shows at this place and can vouch for it as one of the great concert halls / amphitheatres in Los Angeles. The parking situation kinda sucks but all in all its a great place to eat drink and listen to live music.
For those of you who go to a lot of shows I'd compare this place to the mini version of the Hollywood Bowl, with backyard sort of feel. I think this place holds about a thousand people so there is definitely a sense of exclusivity and intimacy at this venue, but what makes this place really special is its the fact that its nestled amongst the trees way up in the Hollywood Hills.
Its truly an amazing venue, and if you haven't seen a show here then you are definitely missing out. There is something magical about the Ford, and my review will not do it justice. So do me a favor, actually do yourself a favor and check this place out. -
Review from Tom C.
Woodland Hills, CA
10/17/2007
I suppose the comparisons to Hollywood Bowl are apt, but Ford Amphitheatre is really a whole other animal. Whereas "The Bowl" is all about glitzy, big budget productions conjuring up images of John Mauceri, pyrotechnics and catering by the Patina Group... Ford is more modest in its offerings: Ladysmith Black Mombasa, Vox Lumiere, and $3.75 hot dogs.
Built in 1931, it's an interesting example of early Deco / Industrial architecture. It's a time machine. One can imagine Aimee Semple McPherson or Al Jolson holding forth onstage. The steep cant of the seating area combined with its relative smallness guarantees that there's not a bad seat in the house. Dramatic lighting on the lush landscaping provides a feast for the eyes.
There's an indescribable charm about the Ford. Just go. You'll see what I mean.
DO NOT drive your car to the Ford and park it. Just like the Bowl, there is stacked parking and who needs to put up with that?
DO park your car at the Metro Station on Lankershim and take the free shuttle to the Ford. Shuttles begin 2 hours before showtime and depart every 20 minutes.
DO take a bottle or two of wine and a picnic to the Ford. Dine and drink before the show at any of several tables scattered about the grounds or at your seat during the show.
Food is available in a surprising variety. Everything from pizza to sandwiches to fresh salads and a few hot entrees are available for under $10. Beer and wine are also offered.
For an evening of entertainment that is eclectic, inexpensive and even romantic... check out the Ford Amphitheatre. Once you see for yourself, you'll be hooked.
It's a hidden gem. -
Review from Flora H.
Los Angeles, CA
9/17/2010
After reading several reviews about the stacked parking, Tschane and I decided to get there super early so we would be guaranteed a spot. This turned out to be a really good idea -- the way it works is FIRST IN, FIRST OUT.
The venue itself is amazing! It's an outdoor theater with a backdrop of California foliage. The sound is excellent, seats are comfy, and they sell quality food and drink. If you reserve tables ahead of time you can bring a picnic meal and eat there before the show.
This is a great alternative to the Hollywood Bowl -- it's an intimate venue with even more charm! -
Review from John L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/2/2008
A cool, small outdoor theater. The driveway is kinda small, mmm uncomfortable, claustrophobic, bipolar, oh wait that's just me, lol. It's refreshing though being in there with plenty of trees and sitting areas and tables.
Had a nice picnic before a show. I thought we were going to be seated way in the back because the staff told us to go to the 3rd floor, it turns out the entrance to the theatre is on the the 3rd. floor. Staff are very nice here it seems like with every step one of them said "good evening... good evening.... enjoy the show... enjoy the show... good evening... etc..." Leg room, what leg room?
Seen/heard: three ladies walked down the aisle towards the very front when one of them quirked "Are we gona sing in the damn thing?" (I larfed.... and larfed... so hard...) -
Review from Judy H.
Beverly Hills, CA
2/4/2009
Sign up for the Film Independent Film Fest series here. Movies under the warm SoCAL sky, sometimes with music performances. Bring your own picnic basket or benton box from Mako, and a nice bottle of wine.
Park at the Universal stop so your car doesn't get trapped in.Listed in: Tour of LA
-
Review from ida marie b.
Los Angeles, CA
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
i used to do performances here when i did filipino dancing. ha! ages ago. i remember the underground dressing rooms. those were cool.
anyhow, the venue is pretty cool. it's like a mini hollywood bowl. parking is stacked, but not as haphazard and prone to accidents as the hollywood bowl's stacked parking method. the best part is it's only $5!
the seats aren't so comfortable, but that didn't ruin my experience. the lines at the 2 concession windows move VERY slow. i appreciate that the workers give you a 5 minute warning before the show starts. -
Review from Susan C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/3/2007
I'm surprsied at the small number of reviews on this place! This theater is much like the bowl, but is intimate and quaint. The forest-y hillside backdrop behind the stage conjures memories of summer camp and smores...
Small enough to have "general admission," but big enough to have seats--so get there early. But like the other reviews have said, there's no bad seat in this place! I saw Rilo Kiley here with Ben Gibbard opening and the ambience of the theater just added to the amazing experience.
Definitely rivals the bowl as my favorite outdoor venue!Listed in: Random, cheap, interesting…
-
Review from Suepattra M.
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2007
So the man who believes that you can find him in the encyclopedia under "too hot to trot" - referred to in previous reviews as "the boy", which he dislikes, as he considers himself a MAN - absolutely loves this venue and insisted that we take in one of their mid week outdoor classic movies. (Evidently this is a great place to see a concert, too).
Having grown up in Seattle, where it, um, rains a bit, I don't place myself in the camp that is uber enthusiastic about outdoor venues of any kind. However, the Ford Amphitheatre was lovely....as other reviewers have described...it's quite large, yet a completely intimate setting under the (Hollywood, pun intended) stars. Although a stone's throw from the freeway, you would never know it, it seems so tucked away. The coolest thing is that the doors open a couple of hours before the show starts, so that you can bring a picnic and enjoy live entertainment in the gardens. The night we were there, there was an amazing Afro Cuban jazz ensemble that made me wish I was in Havana. However, at that moment, I would have (and did) settle for the Southland and this venue, which wasn't so bad either. -
Review from Tam T.
Sherman Oaks, CA
7/16/2009
This is one of my favorite venues to watch a show at. It is romantic, cozy, and very welcoming. Think of it as a smaller scale bowl. You can bring in your own food, drinks, and blanket. I was sold on the venue when got the chance to see Pacha Massive, Federico Aubele, and Natalia Clavier. People were dancing in front of the stage and it was just an intimate night. Every seat is relatively close to the stage and are usually not as expensive as the Bowl or Greek Theater.
The food is not very good so I suggest bringing your own and come early. Wine is not as overpriced as many other places but I still suggest to bring your own as well. They let you bring your drinks and food to your seat as well. I suggest riding the shuttle from the Park and Ride at the Universal Metro station. There is plenty of parking there so it makes it easier for yourself.
