Music in San Diego
The city happily hosts everything from intimate gigs to big festivals,
showcasing a variety of styles like rock, indie, hip-hop, jazz, and
electronic music. San Diego's music scene revolves around a lively mix of
genres, reflecting its diverse and coastal culture. Key venuesm featuring
everything from local bands to international stars, and Belly Up Tavern in
Solana Beach, loved for its relaxed vibe. With its blend of venues and
musical events, San Diego is set to deliver memorable music experiences
every year. Here is a list of amazing music festivals and venues for you.
Music Festivals in San Diego
1. CRSSD Festival
CRSSD Festival Fall 2024 is set for September 28-29 at Waterfront Park in
San Diego, California. Known for its lively vibe and eclectic mix of
electronic music, this festival features acts like Disclosure,
Gesaffelstein, Nora En Pure, and Four Tet, blending house, techno, and more.
CRSSD Festival
is 21 and over, with general tickets on sale since May 31, 2024. There's no
camping, but plenty of nearby hotels. Leave your hula hoops, LED gloves, and
totems at home—they're not allowed.
2. San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
This annual event celebrates smooth jazz with a lineup of renowned artists,
creating a vibrant atmosphere for music lovers. Hosted by Eric Darius, the
San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
features Spyro Gyra (celebrating their 50th anniversary), Boney James,
Gregory Porter, Kenny Lattimore, Pieces of a Dream, Alex Bugnon, Will
Donato, Blake Aaron, Jeff Ryan, and Greg Manning. Enjoy exceptional music
and delicious cuisine in the picturesque setting of the San Diego
waterfront. For more info and tickets, visit the official San Diego Smooth
Jazz Festival website.
3. Mission Bayfest
This reggae music festival promises a vibrant atmosphere with live music,
food and entertainment against the stunning backdrop of Mission Bay. This
year the
Misssion Bayfest
will be happening in September at Mariner's Point Park in Mission Beach, San
Diego. The festivals lineup will be having popular acts like Stick Figure,
Pepper, Iration, and Cypress Hill. The festivals VIP tickets offer exclusive
access to a viewing deck, private bar, VIP bathrooms and a designated VIP
area. More to that it is known for its laid-back Southern California vibe,
reggae music, culture and community. Making it an happening festival for
everyone In here.
4. San Diego IndieFest
This festival features indie rock, alternative, punk, and folk music
highlighting up-and-coming local and regional acts.
San Diego IndieFest
is an annual celebration of independent and local bands. Here people can
also enjoy food vendors, craft beer and other local businesses. Venues like
The Casbah, Soda Bar, and Til-Two Club have hosted past performances which
was super cool. It's a fantastic chance to discover new music and support
the city's vibrant indie scene.
Music Venues in San Diego
1. Pechanga Arena
This giant venue can hold about 16,000 people for concerts.
Pechanga Arena
was opened in 1966 and is a famous spot in San Diego, California. It is run
by AEG Presents, it hosts concerts, sports events, and family shows. Some of
the fun events coming up are Don Omar and Eric Clapton. The place is great
and known for its acoustics and is also a favorite among music lovers.
2. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Operated by the San Diego Symphony, it opened on August 5, 2021, in
Embarcadero Marina Park South. The
Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
is a stunning open-air music venue on the waterfront of San Diego Bay. This
venue, located at 222 Marina Park Way and it features a 3,865-square-foot
covered stage designed for top-notch acoustics, making it ideal for a range
of performances from symphonic concerts to pop shows. The venue honors major
donors Ernest and Evelyn Rady, Joan, Irwin and Jacobs and it has quickly
become a premier destination for concerts and cultural events in San Diego.
3. Viejas Arena
Originally named Cox Arena, it became Viejas Arena in 2009 after a deal with
the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. Located on the SDSU campus at 5500
Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, the
Viejas Arena
opened in 1997. Built on the former Aztec Bowl site, it hosted SDSU football
games from 1936 to 1967. Viejas Arena hosts various events like SDSU Aztecs
basketball games, NCAA tournaments, and concerts by artists like Cher, Eric
Clapton, Britney Spears, John Mayer, and Aerosmith. It's also known for pro
wrestling events like WCW and TNA Wrestling shows.
4. North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Opened in 1998 and known for its various name changes over the years, it
hosts a wide range of concerts. The
North Island Credit Union
Amphitheatre
in Chula Vista, just outside San Diego, is a popular outdoor venue with a
capacity of 20,500. In 2024, you can catch big names like Willie Nelson, Bob
Dylan, and John Mellencamp at the Outlaw Music Festival, Niall Horan's live
tour, Luke Bryan's country show, and many more exciting performances
including Rebelution, Santana, Chicago, and Imagine Dragons.