Starlight Bowl Transformation Project
The Starlight Bowl is embarking on a new chapter
with an exciting transformation!
Stay up-to-date with the latest developments, share your thoughts, and be part of shaping the future of this beloved venue.
Your input matters! Please take a moment to tell us about your experience at the Starlight Bowl and what you would like to see in the future.
Starlight Bowl Venue Transformation
Conceptual Designs
Comprehensive timeline of the Starlight Bowl Venue Transformation project:
Spring 2011
During the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budget Preocess, Burbank City Council directed Parks and Recreation Department staff to review operations at the Starlight Bowl with a focus on long term programming enhancement, revenue potential, and management options
Fall 2012
Burbank City Council and Parks and Recreation Board request a Needs Assessment Request for Proposals on the Starlight Bowl
Summer 2013
Lehrer Architects is selected to conduct a Need Assessment Feasibility Study
Fall 2013 - Winter 2014
Community Outreach and stakeholder interviews conducted; initial feasibility study completed
Spring 2017
Project pause due to City budget deficit and hiring freeze
Fall 2018
Local sales tax measure approved by voters to support City funding for infrastructure
Winter 2018
Concept Design created
Winter 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic causes statewide stay-at-home orders
Spring 2021
With a rise in demand for viable outdoor venues due to pandemic concerns, the City of Burbank re-focuses on Starlight Bowl improvements
Spring 2023
Conceptual renderings and flythrough video developed
Winter 2025
Severe windstorms cause significant damage to the venue, resulting in the cancellation of planned 2025 concert events
Summer 2025
Traffic consultant begins study of mitigation strategies
Fall 2025
Begin schematic design based on feedback
2026 and Beyond
Conduct feasibility studies and environmental review
Finalize design and complete planning review process
Summer 2024
- A Community Engagement Plan launched; initial stakeholder outreach begins
- Door-to-door outreach to nearby residents begins
- Engaged over 400 stakeholders at "Holiday in the Park" event
- Continued neighborhood engagement and design previews with local stakeholder groups such as Burbank International Film Festival and Burbank Arts and Education Foundation
- Hosted 4 public workshops for design feedback
- Design previews shared with Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and Burbank Association of Realtors
- Stakeholder engagement at Fire Service Day and Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on Concept Design
- Concept Design previewed at Parks and Recreation Board Meeting and the Chamber of Commerce
- Starlight on Tour Music and Movies in the Park offered free to the community
- Venue Programming and Operations Model Study completed and shared with Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and Parks and Recreation Board
- Host meetings with adjacent neighbors to discuss traffic mitigation strategies
- Present an update on the Starlight Bowl Venue Transformation Project to City Council, including recommendations for programming, operations, and traffic management of the new venue, guided by ongoing community input
- Host additional workshops and community meetings
The transformation of the iconic Starlight Bowl is underway, guided by a thoughtful, community-informed design process. Over the coming months and into 2026, the design will be refined before entering in the enviornmenal clearance and approval phase. Construction could start within 3 years and will last approximately 18-24 months.
Is the design final?
The concept design currently being shared since 2024 will undergo updates and refinements based on community input, as well as operational needs. A final design will be presented during the enviornmental clearance phase expected in 2026.
Has an operator been selected?
The Starlight Bowl is preparing for its next chapter with a recommended Open Venue Model. While an operator has not yet been selected, this model will guide the selection process to ensure alignment with the long-term vision and community-centered goals of the venue. Designed to balance concerts, film nights, community events, and rentals, the approach will also strengthen partnerships with the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission to preserve local access and support for artists and arts organizations.
Will programming be different from the past?
The future of the Starlight Bowl is being developed to reflect the community and its rich cultural diversity. Starlight Bowl's programming will maintain the treasured classic presentations that patrons look forward to seeing every summer as well as introduce new and exciting programs that celebrate all parts of our community. You can expect to see more diversity in our programming from smaller community performances, cultural celebrations, and even movie nights that can be enjoyed year round! We aim to serve the interests of our community and make the Starlight Bowl accessible, affordable, and enriching to all attendees.
Will the Starlight Bowl reopen after 2025 before the transformation construction begins?
In light of structural damage from windstorms earlier this year, the current state of the venue is unsafe for visitors to attend. Repairs are underway, and the plan is to have the Starlight Bowl return as it was in 2024 for the 2026 season. Updates on the status of the Bowl for next summer's season will be updated on our website.
Will the capacity of the Starlight Bowl change?
The reimagining of the Starlight Bowl will allow more people to experience the magic of the iconic venue. Going back to its early design, in the 1980s, the capacity was 5000 seats. Then, in the early 2000s, with a slight reconfiguring, the venue intentionally capped out at 4800 seats. Most recently, due to accessibility issues, the venue is limited to selling just 3800 tickets. With this fluctuation, the venue currently is reimagined within the same footprint to allow 4700 tickets to be sold including grass seating, boxes, and regular seats.
Will traffic increase?
The goal is to mitigate any increase in traffic with a transformed Starlight Bowl by limiting the number of cars accessing the site through alternative mode. The City has retained traffic consultants to address and provide solutions to concerns around traffic congestion in the Starlight Bowl's neighboring streets. Currently, the traffic engineers are working with community feedback to understand and model the venue's traffic flow, and their charge is to propose neighborhood impact solutions. Updates and proposed solutions will be presented at upcoming meetings in Fall 2025.
Will ticket prices increase?
The Starlight Bowll will have ticket pricing and an operational model that reflects diverse access points for both residents and visitors. As this project is years in the future, prices have not been set and will reflect both market trends, the operational model, and the commitment to serve all Burbank residents.
How do I get involved?
The Starlight Bowl would love to hear from you! You can get involved and connect with us, along with your neighbors at these upcoming public meetings where you will get updates on the project’s development and an opportunity to give us your own feedback.
