

Fireworks at Hollywood Bowl (Photo by Ross Reyes via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)

This sudden arrival of hot weather has put us in a summer mood, and as luck would have it, we can start packing the proverbial picnic basket as the Hollywood Bowl has just announced their 2016 Summer Season.

This season will feature some legendary performers, including Chicago, Diana Ross, Sergio Mendes, Gladys Night and Brian Wilson performing Pet Sounds; as well as newer and returning stars like Culture Club, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Kurt Vile, Sigur Rós and Bloc Party. Kraftwerk will also be bringing their acclaimed 3-D concert with animations and performance art. We'll also see the return of many favorites like the Sound of Music sing-a-along, John Williams' movie scores, as well as plenty of jazz, classical nights and a live production of A Chorus Line and a live score for J.J. Abrams' Star Trek.

Here are some highlights from the upcoming season:

June 18: Opening Night with Steely Dan

June 24: Sound of Music Sing-A-Long

June 26: Burning Spear • Cocoa Tea • Etana

July 8-9: Star Trek in Concert

July 10: 50th Anniversary of Pet Sounds with Brian Wilson • M. Ward

July 1: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor

July 2-4: July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with Chicago

July 15-16: Diana Ross

July 22-23: "Weird Al" Takes The Bowl (additional artists to be announced)

July 29-31: A Chorus Line (full stage production)

Aug. 3: Gladys Knight • Tower of Power

Aug. 4: Stravinsky's Firebird with massive puppets

Aug. 7: Kurt Vile and The Violators (additional artists to be announced)

Aug. 10: 50 years of Jeff Beck w/ Beth Hart, Buddy Guy (additional special guests to be announced)

Aug. 12-13: Olympic Carnival with Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66

Aug. 14: Rodrigo y Gabriela

Aug. 17: The Ultimate Tribute to Ray Charles with Maceo Parker • Christian McBride Big Band

Aug. 19: Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals

Aug. 20: Brandi Carlile, Old Crow Medicine Show

Aug. 21: The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma

Aug. 26-27: Culture Club

Sept. 2: John Williams: Maestro of the Movies

Sept. 9-11: Fireworks Finale with Jeff Lynne's ELO

Sept. 18: Kraftwerk 3-D

Sept. 24: Sigur Rós

Sept. 25: Bloc Party • MS MR

Check out the full lineup.

This year the Bowl will also have a new food and wine program designed by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne of Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern, and The Larder.

Series subscriptions (with priority seating, discounts, etc.) are on sale now. Group sales being on Tuesday, February 16. "Five or More" packages will be available on Tuesday, March 15. And on Sunday, May 1, the box office opens for single ticket sales in person or on the Hollywood Bowl website.