Live Music in San Diego: A Guide To Local Music Venues
It comes as no surprise that the live music scene in San Diego has been booming over the past decade. With so many incredible venues off the beaten path, beachfront set ups, and bars with live gigs, it can be hard to find the best spots. Luckily, we here at ITH have got you covered. San Diego is well steeped in music culture. The talented buskers on street corners are just the beginning. So if you’re an indie head, classic rock enthusiast, or just dedicated to dancing in the moonlight, we’ve created an all inclusive list of the best music venues San Diego has to offer.
Bars With Live Music In San Diego
Winston’s Beach Club
Located in beautiful Ocean Beach, Winston’s has been a mainstay in the San Diego music scene for the past 30 years. Featuring local and touring bands every night, this bar and venue hybrid boasts any music genre from reggae and jam bands to soul and hip hop. It’s the perfect venue to see talented artists in a rather intimate setting.
The Holding Company
Also located in Ocean Beach, the Holding Company is a three story venue for those in search of craft beer, good food, and new artists each night. The venue prides itself on their Asian inspired food and rooftop views. The Holding Company is a new staple in Ocean Beach, and most nights don’t have a cover. Hosting weekly theme nights, Reggae Tuesdaze are a crowd favorite.
710 Beach Club
Not only does this oceanfront venue host live music, but you can also join them for open mic nights, karaoke, and trivia. This month, the venue welcomes DJ West Coast Rob, Tsunami Sound Waves, The Have To, and Zoe Mazah. Veterans or active members of the military enjoy some free drinks and food on Mondays. Whether it’s raising money for Toys for Tots, creating community groups, or hosting beach clean ups, 710 Beach Club is a great venue that likes to give back to San Diego.
The Shout House
A piano bar and restaurant fusion, The Shout House often hosts a Dueling Piano show that’s high energy and engages the audience. In fact, the audience drives the music with requests. Their team of proficient pianists can play nearly anything thrown at them. The Shout House truly is a non stop party. I’d highly recommend booking a table in advance, because the venue is always packed.
San Diego Live Music Venues
Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay
Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay is another fan favorite. The 1,400 seat outdoor theater sits between Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn and Humphrey’s Restaurant. Generally hosting popular artists from April through October, this San Diego Bay site has been a staple since 1982. Artists like The Wallows, Kansas, Blondie, and Colbie Caillat will grace this stage in the Spring.
Music Box
Music Box is a concert venue and event space located in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy. With locally sourced food and three floors, Music Box was created in the likes of San Fransisco’s The Fillmore or The Paladium in Los Angeles. Established in 2015, this chic spot showcases their incredible sound system all year long. This month be sure to catch Bahamas, Nation of Language, and Ill Nicky on stage.
The Casbah
The Casbah might take the cake for most well known live music venue in San Diego. As a rock club that features famous headliners and up-and-comers alike, the Casbah knows how to pack a crowd. The Districts, The Stone Foxes, and Car Seat Headrest will hit the stage here this Spring.
It’s hard not to tap your feet to the live music in San Diego. Whether you’re drawn to the buskers singing on street corners or drunkenly dancing at a concert venue on the water, San Diego’s live music scene is sure to have a place for you.
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