Kia Forum

It had been a while since this 17,500-seat space was the city’s go-to arena. But after a $100 million renovation in 2014, the now more-than-half-century-old Forum has become fabulous once again—enough so that it’s poached many major arena shows from DTLA’s Crypto.com Arena.

Almost every massive touring act makes a stop here (Eagles, the Strokes, Billie Eilish, Post Malone, U2), and it’s really the best-case scenario as far as arenas go: The bowl nature of the auditorium keeps sightlines mostly clear and near, and the acoustics are actually pretty good (unlike the disappointing sound next door at SoFi Stadium). Arena shows often feel like a begrudging commitment; of course there are a dozen other smaller, stellar music venues in L.A. we’d all prefer to see our favorite artists, but the Forum is the sole spot of its size that doesn’t make you feel like you’re settling.

The on-site parking lot is convenient but pricey and gridlocked; opt for a smaller lot a couple of blocks away if you don’t mind the walk.