Mac DeMarco at the Hollywood Bowl

Mac DeMarco is playing the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, October 9. That's a big room for a guy who made his name on warbly, lo-fi guitar songs recorded in cramped apartments. If you're lining up LA events this weekend and want something loose and easy to sing along to, this one's a strong pick. It's a Friday, too, so nobody has to rush home.

Who you're seeing

DeMarco grew up in western Canada and broke out in the early 2010s with 2 and Salad Days. Those records set the template: chorus-soaked guitar that wobbles slightly out of tune, lazy grooves and lyrics that are sweeter and sadder than the goofball persona suggests. Songs like "Ode to Viceroy," "Chamber of Reflection" and "Salad Days" still get the biggest reaction at his shows.

Later albums slowed things down. This Old Dog leaned on acoustic guitar and synths, and Here Comes the Cowboy got even sparser. He's lived in Los Angeles for years now and runs his own label, so a Bowl show is close to a hometown gig at this point.

What to expect

His concerts have a reputation for being a little unpredictable. Expect long, jokey stretches between songs and a band that clearly enjoys itself. The music tends to be mellow, which suits the Bowl well: you can actually hear the quieter songs from the benches instead of fighting a wall of noise. We haven't seen a confirmed opener, so check the listing closer to the date.

The amphitheater holds about 17,500 people and sits in the Cahuenga Pass with the Hollywood Hills behind the shell. October evenings get cool once the sun drops, so bring a jacket. You're allowed to bring your own food, and a picnic before the show is half the reason people love this place.

Practical info and getting there

The AllEvents listing shows a 7pm start and a two-hour window, wrapping around 9pm. We couldn't find a confirmed ticket price, so check the Bowl box office or your ticket seller before buying, and be wary of resale markups.

The Bowl is on Highland Avenue just off the 101. The stacked lots are famously slow to clear after a show. Park & Ride shuttles run from several spots around the city, or you can take the B Line to Hollywood/Highland and walk up the hill. Friday traffic through Hollywood is rough, so give yourself extra time either way.

For more picks nearby, browse our Hollywood page and the arts and culture section. If you're after easy, low-key Things Happening In Hollywood this fall, a night of Mac DeMarco under the hills is hard to beat.