How to Rent the Amphitheater
The amphitheater at Ascot Hills Park is a City of Los Angeles facility, managed by the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP). Community members, nonprofits, schools, and organizations can request to use it for performances, ceremonies, workshops, and gatherings.
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Who do I contact to reserve it?
Reservations are handled by the RAP El Sereno Rec Center - not by the Park Advisory Board or by this website. They confirm availability, current rates, and which permit your event needs.
Email: jose.maciel@lacity.org or Phone: (323)225-3517
Start here before anything else. A five-minute call will tell you whether your date is open and what your event will require.
What are the steps?
Contact El Sereno Rec Center
1
Contact El Sereno Rec Center - Jose Maciel via email at jose.maciel@lacity.org or phone call at (323) 225-3517. Describe your event: date, times, expected attendance, whether you'll have sound, vendors, or equipment. They'll confirm availability and current fees.
Submit an Application for Use of Facilities
2
Submit an Application for Use of Facilities. This is the official City form PDF, or pick one up at an LA Rec & Parks Recreation Center.
Provide proof of insurance, if required.
3
Provide proof of insurance, if required. Most events involving a stage, amplified sound, vendors, or larger crowds will need it. Insurance brokers submit through the City's Insurance Approval system: Kwik Comply (formerly Track4LA).
Receive your invoice and pay the deposit.
4
Receive your invoice and pay the deposit. Once your reservation is held in the system, you'll be invoiced. Reservations typically require an advance deposit toward total fees, plus a refundable maintenance deposit
Pay in full and receive your permit.
5
Pay in full and receive your permit. Your reservation converts to an official permit once payment is complete. Keep a copy with you the day of your event.
How much does it cost?
Fees are set by the Recreation and Parks Board of Commissioners and are updated periodically, so we don't publish figures here — they'd go out of date.
Expect a facility use fee based on hours used, a refundable maintenance deposit scaled to your expected attendance, and possible additional charges for things like electrical hook-up, staffing, or vendors. The Metro Region Reservation Office will give you an accurate quote for your specific event.
Email: jose.maciel@lacity.org Phone: (323) 225-3517
How far in advance should I apply?
As early as you can. Anything that qualifies as a special event should be submitted at least 90 days ahead. Smaller, simpler uses move faster, but don't count on it — permits require multiple approvals.
Are there rules I should know about upfront?
Yes, and a few of these surprise people:
Performances must be free and open to the public. The amphitheater is not available for ticketed events.
No performances beyond dusk. Ascot Hills Park closes at sunset, so evening concerts aren't permitted.
You are responsible for parking. Permittees must arrange adequate off-site parking for attendees. Parking at the park entrance is limited.
Sound restrictions apply. All applicable City noise rules are in effect, and we're a residential neighborhood.
You handle clean-up. Litter pick-up and all other clean-up is the permittee's responsibility.
Additional restrooms may be required at your expense, depending on your event size.
Insurance may be required at the Department's discretion.
Does the Park Advisory Board approve my event?
No. The Ascot Hills Park Advisory Board (PAB) is a volunteer body that advises on park stewardship, programming, and community priorities. We do not issue permits or reserve facilities — that authority belongs to Recreation and Parks.
That said, we love knowing what's happening at our park. If you're planning something for the community, we'd welcome hearing about it, and we may be able to help you connect with local partners and post on our calendar and social media.
Anything else I should think about?
The amphitheater sits within a natural park with sensitive habitat, restored native plantings, and active wildlife. Events that respect the setting - acoustic performances, ceremonies, storytelling, cultural programming, educational workshops - tend to be the best fit. Please plan for staging, equipment, and foot traffic to stay on hardscape and established paths.
Questions about the park itself?
Reach us at ascothillsparkla@gmail.com or on Instagram @ascothillsparkla.
Questions about renting the amphitheater?
Contact Jose Maciel at jose.maciel@lacity.org (323) 225-3517