Summer Concerts in San Diego
Ticketed Concerts
From the beach to the mountains, San Diego summers are full of amazing live music. You’ll be happy (and you’ll know it!) as you soak in your favorite songs and musical styles — whether at a gorgeous amphitheater or a cozy neighborhood park. There's no better way to savor summer than spending a warm evening listening to great music outdoors in San Diego. Here's a rundown of some of the best options for memorable music experiences in San Diego, many of them free.
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
When: Now - November 8, 2025
The popular Humphreys Concerts by the Bay features top name entertainers performing on an outdoor stage adjacent to a picturesque marina at Humphreys Half Moon Inn on Shelter Island.
Concerts at Petco Park
When: Starting on May 3, 2025
With arena tours including Elton John & Savannah Bananas to rock and indie concerts at Gallagher Square, there is more to Petco Park than baseball.
SoCal TacoFest
When: May 3-4, 2025
SoCal Taco Fest heads to SeaWorld San Diego, featuring top taco shops, DJs in SoCal Taco Fest Village, lucha libre wrestling, beer, thrilling rides and live music performances.
Conrad Prebys 2025 Season at The Rady Shell @ Jacobs Park
When: May 10 - September 20, 2025
Enjoy an exciting season of music, movies and more at San Diego's picturesque waterfront concert venue, the Rady Shell @ Jacobs Park.
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival
When: May 16 - 18, 2025
A highly-anticipated 7+ stage, 80+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors.
Toyota Summer Concert Series
When: June 11 - July 6, 2025
The Toyota Summer Concert Series is the San Diego County Fair's premier entertainment event, featuring internationally known artists on the Heineken Grandstand Stage every night of the fair.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
When: June 21-22, 2025
This two-day event combines the soothing sounds of smooth jazz, a variety of delicious cuisine, and an amazing atmosphere that creates an unparalleled experience.
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library's Summer Festival
When: July 6 - 27, 2025
Pianist Gustavo Romero has become a cherished tradition in San Diego. The annual Athenaeum Summer Festival, a four-part series of concerts that takes place on Sundays, features the works of one famous composer each summer. The series also offers an optional dinner with Gustavo Romero following the concert.
La Jolla Music Society SummerFest
When: July 25 - August 23, 2025
The La Jolla Music Society's SummerFest features world-class classical artists and ensembles performing diverse concerts, with most taking place at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center.
CRSSD Festival
When: September 27 - 28, 2025
CRSSD Festival is a two-day electronic music festival at the 12 acre San Diego Waterfront Park featuring three stages and 36+ performers. In addition to the music, the festival will offer craft beer, mixed drinks, food, and more.
Free Concerts
El Cajon's Music on Main
When: May 1-29, 2025
Occurring every Friday night, El Cajon's Music on Main transforms the Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon into a dynamic live concert scene with free rock, country, big band and R&B performances.
Coronado Promenade Summer Concert Series
When: May 25 - August 31, 2025
A beloved local tradition, the Coronado Promenade Summer Concert Series takes place every Sunday evening in Spreckels Park near the center of town. Visitors can enjoy cool live music while picnicking.
Santee Summer Concert Series
When: June 12 - August 14, 2025
Join the community of Santee for the Summer Concert Series and the weekly Food Truck Rally every Thursday (except July 3, 2025) throughout the summer.
Summer Fun on the 101
When: June 14, 2025
Summer Fun on the 101 is Encinitas’ most epic music festival and is free and open to the whole community! This free festival is presented by Leucadia 101 Main Street Association.
Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts
When: June 17 - August 28, 2025
Balboa Park's annual Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts offers a free concert series under the stars on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Twilight concerts feature a mix of musical performances, including military bands, Dixieland jazz, big band swing and Latin salsa.
TGIF Concerts in the Park
When: June 20 - August 22, 2025
Carlsbad's TGIF Concerts in the Park offer great music, plenty of room to dance, beautiful park settings for picnicking, free shuttle buses, fun hands-on art activities for the kids - it's the best in community programming.
Switchfoot BRO-AM
When: June 21, 2025
The ultimate family friendly music beach party, the annual Switchfoot Bro-Am features an awesome surf competition and free concerts on the sand at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, while raising money for local community and youth programs.
La Mesa Sundays at Six Concerts
When: June 22 - July 27, 2025
Join La Mesa for free Sundays at Six Concerts on June 22 through July 27 at Harry Griffen Park.
SD Black Arts + Culture District Music Festival
When: June 28, 2025
A free one-day festival that includes musicians Miki Vale, C.C. Carter, Daneen Wilburn, Lenny “Fuzzy” Rankin and Ben Williams, art displays, vendors and great food.
University Heights Summer in the Park
When: July 4 - August 1, 2025
Come out this summer for fun & free entertainment on Fridays starting in July and the first Friday of August during University Heights Summer in the Park concert series! Bring a picnic dinner and try our mobile vendor Mrs. Frostie for ice cream treats, or visit any of the University Heights restaurants for a bite before or after the concerts.
International Summer Organ Festival
When: July 7 - September 1, 2025
Visit the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for its free International Summer Organ Festival, occurring at 7:30 PM every Monday. San Diego's warm summer nights allow guests to enjoy the majestic sound of the world's largest outdoor pipe organ, while enjoying music played by world-renowned concert and theater organists.
Point Loma Summer Concerts
When: July 11 - August 8, 2025
Since 2001, Point Loma Summer Concerts has been bringing family-friendly concerts to Point Loma Park, with crowds swelling to nearly 3,000. The concerts are now a community tradition, with strolling teenagers who attended their first concerts in strollers.