Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of San Diego’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.
The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from House of Blues to stadium tours at Petco Park, there’s a stage for any type of tune. Get to know them all with our local guide.
Arenas/Stadiums
Petco Park | 100 Park Blvd. | The Padres attract huge crowds, so when their home base hosts concerts, the downtown ballpark can hold San Diego’s largest audience — 42,000+ fans. The Rolling Stones were the first act to play at the venue in November 2005, but many big names have packed the stadium over the past 20 years. The 2025 lineup has included Papa Roach + Rise Against, and Teddy Swims.
Snapdragon Stadium | 2101 Stadium Way | Not only is this Mission Valley venue home to San Diego Wave FC, San Diego FC, and SDSU Aztecs Football, but it’s also the perfect 35,000+ arena for huge music acts. It attracted a rockin’ roster for its first year including P!nk, Guns N’ Roses, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and legend Jimmy Buffet, who played his final full concert at Snapdragon before his death in 2023. Shakira (Shakira) headlined in June 2025.
Pechanga Arena | 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. | Many of San Diego’s sports teams have called this Midway District venue home since it opened in 1966 (albeit, under different names over the decades), but it also has a long musical history — everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Britney Spears has rocked this stage to a crowd of 16,100 fans.
Viejas Arena | 5500 Canyon Crest Dr. | You might head to this venue to watch SDSU basketball games, but it’s also home to live music. Acts perform to large crowds of 12,400+ attracting a mix of rising artists and long-time favorites.
Outdoor settings
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre | 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista | Some of San Diego’s biggest shows can be found at this 20,000-capacity outdoor venue that opened in 1998 in SD’s South Bay. Most shows are scheduled from May to November. The 2025 lineup has included the Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson + Bob Dylan, Incubus, Nelly, and Billy Idol.
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park | 222 Marina Park Way | Home to the incredibly talented San Diego Symphony Orchestra, this outdoor venue with capacity for 10,000 fans offers an immersive musical experience next to San Diego Bay. With its gorgeous views, it’s one shell of a venue — check out the concert calendar. You’ll for sure see editor Monica here time after time.
Sycuan Stage Concert Venue at Gallagher Square | 100 Park Blvd. | This smaller stage within Petco Park hosts concerts with crowds of ~6,000, offering live music more often than the full stadium.
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre | 5500 Campanile Dr. | This outdoor venue first opened in 1941 and is located on the San Diego State University campus. It’s known to host music acts across genres, but don’t be surprised to see plays or comedy shows on the schedule.
Humphreys Concerts by the bay | 2241 Shelter Island Dr. | Artists have been bringing their shows to Shelter Island’s picturesque outdoor venue since 1982. It attracts acts across many genres including rock legends and rising pop stars.
Concert halls
SOMA San Diego | 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. | A rite of passage for young concertgoers in San Diego, this independently-owned music venue can be found near Pechanga Arena in the Midway District and has two stages. When at full capacity, Mainstage can hold up to 2,300 people — though some shows only hold 1,150 — and Sidestage accommodates 500 guests.
The Sound | 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. | The Del Mar Fairgrounds welcomed this 1,900-capacity music hall in 2023, and it’s been making soundwaves since Ziggy Marley headlined its debut. Inside, you’ll find a flexible space that can be used for live music shows and other events.
The Observatory | 2891 University Ave. | Part of uptown’s history since 1928, this 1,300-capacity venue is divided into the Music Hall and the West Coast Tavern. The hot spot attracts a lot of up-and-coming artists, and brings a variety of sounds to appeal to North Park’s hip tastes.
House of Blues San Diego | 1055 Fifth Ave. | This Gaslamp Quarter venue attracts a variety of acts — whether you’re looking to watch a familiar face or find a new favorite. Inside, you’ll find the main stage accommodating up to 1,000 and the Voodoo Room with crowds under 300.
Restaurants/Bars/Cafes
Moonshine Beach | 1165 Garnet Ave. | This Pacific Beach bar is a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. It attracts rising artists, but when there isn’t live music, you can head here for line dancing or to watch football games on the big TVs.
Moonshine Flats | 344 Seventh Ave. | This East Village bar will have you dancing in your cowboy boots. Just like its sister venue, Moonshine Beach, it attracts rising country stars for live shows, but you’ll also find line dancing here.
The Holding Company | 5046 Newport Ave. | This ~300-capacity Ocean Beach bar and restaurant features a performance hall that hosts intimate shows. Be on the lookout for underground gems, local legends, and tribute acts. Or, you could head upstairs to enjoy the top rooftop bar in California, according to Yelp.
Winston’s Beach Club | 1921 Bacon St. | Since 1986, this OB staple has been bringing live music to the heart of the quirky neighborhood. The small venue attracts artists from a wide range of genres like rock, rap, and reggae, and is a great spot to become a fan of local musicians.
Humphreys Backstage Live | 2241 Shelter Island Dr. | If you want live music while enjoying drinks and food at a table, this small music hall has you covered. Discover musicians across genres like classic + soft rock tribute acts. Just like its larger sister venue, Humphreys Concerts by the bay, the lounge offers great bayfront views.
The Bancroft | 9143 Campo Rd. | This Spring Valley bar is known for its live music and beers on tap. It’s a great place to discover new performers on the weekends.
Belly Up is ready to rock ‘n’ roll.
Photo via @chris.harris.5180
Intimate spaces
Music Box | 1337 India St. | Looking for an upscale music experience near downtown? This three-story Little Italy venue hosts live shows across many genres and has a full bar and small plates menu.
Belly Up Tavern | 143 S. Cedros Ave. | Despite its name, this popular, 600-capacity Solana Beach venue has stayed afloat since 1974, allowing fans to get close to their favorite acts. Artists love performing here, too — No Doubt and Childish Gambino played here early in their careers, and The Rolling Stones put on a private show in 2015. Peep the schedule.
Brick by Brick | 1130 Buenos Ave. | For those down with the darkness, this Bay Park venue hosts independent artists — mostly rock and metal acts. Be prepared to discover something new, because up-and-coming acts love stopping by this small venue.
Soda Bar | 3615 El Cajon Blvd. | This laid back Normal Heights venue hosts up-and-coming artists, dance parties, DJ sets, and more. Despite having soda in its name, this is more of a bar — all shows are 21+.
Casbah | 2501 Kettner Blvd. | Since 1989, musicians like Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins have found their ways to San Diego to rock the Casbah. The small but iconic venue in Middletown attributes its size to its success, allowing for a more intimate experience.
EQ San Diego | 1271 University Ave. | The former site of The Merrow is now a venue for electronic music. Come here to dance the night away and listen to DJs drop the beat.
More than music
Epstein Family Amphitheater | 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla | UC San Diego debuted its 2,650-seat, outdoor amphitheater in 2022, and it brings a variety of entertainment options including live music. Death Cab For Cutie performed at the venue’s opening weekend.
Balboa Theatre | 3651 Fourth Ave. | Around since 1924, this historic venue hosts stand-up comedy tours, speakers, musicals, and live music for a crowd of up to 1,339.
The Magnolia | 210 E. Main St. | The El Cajon venue formerly known as the East County Performing Arts Center debuted in 1977, but underwent a $7 million renovation and name change in 2019. Today, it’s home to live music, comedy acts, tribute bands, plays, and community events. “Saturday Night Live” alum Pete Davidson performed here in September 2023.
Harrah’s Resort Southern California | 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way | The Valley Center destination is all about entertainment — and that includes live music. Its 2,200-capacity concert hall hosts rock legends, comedians, and Cirque du Soleil-influenced shows.
Pala Casino Spa Resort | 11154 CA-76, Pala | This resort has two options when it comes to live music: The outdoor Starlight Theater that holds ~2,250 people, and its indoor Events Center that holds ~2,000 guests.
Sycuan Casino Resort | 5469 Casino Way | The East County casino hosts concerts and comedy tours in its 1,200- capacity Heritage Event Center, plus Live & Up Close events in a more intimate space.
