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San Diego's

Live Music Scene

From stadium-filling acts to local bands to the symphony, see it live in San Diego

Photo By Chris Rov Costa

Come See a Show

When it comes to live music, San Diego rocks it as a prime tour stop and home to impressive local talent. From the central city, up to North County and to the east, dozens of San Diego music venues in all shapes and sizes host everything from acoustic folk and intimate shows to A-list rock-n-roll and big-production, elaborately choreographed pop. Not to mention, the city welcomes music festivals galore and also, there are a ton of San Diego live music venues as well.

The underground, independent music scene in San Diego also thrives, with clubs throughout the city hosting nightly shows. For more than 25 years, The Casbah in Midtown has been a prime spot to see up-and-coming acts. And just a little to the east in City Heights, the neighboring Soda Bar and SPACE have a similarly impressive calendar of shows.

In Downtown and North Park, respectively, the historic Jacobs Music Center (formerly Copley Symphony Hall), home to the San Diego Symphony, and the Observatory provide a picturesque backdrop for crowd-pleasing headliners. The Jacobs Music Center is quite the impressive San Diego music venue, located right near the bay and hosts fireworks after shows often. The Belly Up in Solana Beach and the Music Box in Little Italy are the top San Diego live music venues and offer the best chance to see big names in a small intimate setting. On Shelter Island, another great San Diego live music venue, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay pairs live music with a gorgeous waterfront view, not to mention dinner and hotel packages.

Even on college campuses, it's easy to find a great place to see a show. The CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre can be found in the center of San Diego State University's campus, and hosts big-name touring bands throughout the year. Or for a more intimate experience, grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable at The Loft at UCSD.

From stadium-filling touring acts to local bands in neighborhood bars, there's something for every music fan in San Diego and countless music venues and live music options to check out as well.

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San Diego Music

Things to do|

Jeff Terich’s Live Music Faves

Ready to see what all the buzz is about? Let local music critic Jeff Terich show you the way. The San Diego live music scene is packed with awesomeness and Jeff is sharing his favorite places to catch a show.

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The Sound of San Diego

From local bands at intimate venues to full-blown festivals with rockstar headliners, the San Diego music scene has one consistent beat, and that’s the upbeat. Regardless of performer or venue (and there are a lot of great ones to explore), a spotlight of positive vibes seems to shine on every performance.

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Music and Sunshine

The live music scene is popping in San Diego, and the venues are as exciting and eclectic as the artists who rock them. Many of these venues take advantage of the beautiful San Diego weather, hosting awesome shows on sun-soaked, outdoor stages. Local music critic Jeff Terich gives the scoop on some great places to catch a show, San Diego style.

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Things to do

View All

Jeff Terich’s Live Music Faves

Discover

The Sound of San Diego

Discover

Music and Sunshine

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Explore Live Music

Neighborhoods

Music

Things to Do

1. Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Southern California's Largest Fireworks Show

Free
Jul 4, 2025
Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, Coronado, Mission Bay and Beaches, South Bay
Sports

2. San Diego Crew Classic

$30 - $2950
Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Festivals

3. Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Free
Apr 13, 2025
Neighborhood: Point Loma Peninsula
Music

4. Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

Music, Dance, Food & Fun! Louisiana Style!!

Bon Temps Social Club of San Diego
$25-$350
619-234-8612
May 8 - May 11, 2025
Neighborhood: Point Loma Peninsula
Music

5. Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

“Where the City Meets the Sea”

$139-$1,399
May 16 - May 18, 2025
Neighborhood: Downtown
Running & Fitness

6. La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

$54-$119
760-692-2900
May 17, 2025
Neighborhood: La Jolla, North Coastal
Festivals

7. Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day

Ceremony

Free
May 26, 2025
Neighborhood: Point Loma Peninsula
Things to Do

8. Comic-Con International: San Diego

The Largest Pop Culture Event in the United States

Jul 24 - Jul 27, 2025
Neighborhood: Downtown
Restaurants

9. Del Mar Wine and Food Festival

The New Destination Event for California's Top Destination City

Sep 13 - Sep 14, 2025
Neighborhood: North Coastal
Sports

10. 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships

Tickets on sale in 2025
877-849-4287
Oct 31 - Nov 1, 2025
Neighborhood: North Coastal
Sports & Recreation

11. Annual Over The Line Tournament

Team Registration - $150
Jul 12 - Jul 20, 2025
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Breweries

12. 2025 San Diego Beer Week

San Diego Brewers Guild
Varies
Nov 7 - Nov 16, 2025
History & Heritage

13. Miramar National Cemetery Veterans Memorial Service

Memorial Day Program to Honor Fallen Service Members

Free
May 26, 2025
Neighborhood: North Inland
Festivals

14. Cherry Blossom Festival

20th Anniversary

Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego
$18 Pre-Sale | $20 Day-of | $25 VIP
619-232-2721
Mar 13 - Mar 16, 2025
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Venues

15. Liberty Public Market 9th Anniversary Weekend

Liberty Public Market
Mar 14 - Mar 16, 2025
Neighborhood: Point Loma Peninsula

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