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 7, 2026
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: Now - October 22, 2026
With arena tours including P!NK, Ed Sheeran & Rüfüs Du Sol to rock and indie concerts at Gallagher Square, there is more to Petco Park than baseball.
Conrad Prebys 2026 Season at The Rady Shell @ Jacobs Park
When: Now - October 17, 2026
Enjoy an exciting season of music, movies and more at San Diego's picturesque waterfront concert venue, the Rady Shell @ Jacobs Park.
SoCal TacoFest
When: May 2-3, 2026
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.
Toyota Summer Concert Series
When: June 10 - July 5, 2026
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 13-14, 2026
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: Sundays, July 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2026
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 31 - August 29, 2026
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.
Free Concerts
Coronado Promenade Summer Concert Series
When: May 24 - September 6, 2026
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.
El Cajon's Music on Main
When: Fridays, June - August, 2026
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.
Santee Summer Concert Series
When: June 11 - August 13, 2026
Join the community of Santee for the Summer Concert Series and the weekly Food Truck Rally every Thursday (except July 2, 2026) throughout the summer.
Summer Fun on the 101
When: June 13, 2026
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.
Switchfoot BRO-AM
When: June 13, 2026
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.
Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts
When: June 16 - August 27, 2026
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 19 - August 21, 2026
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.
La Mesa Sundays at Six Concerts
When: Sundays, June 21 - July 26, 2026
Join La Mesa for free Sundays at Six Concerts at Harry Griffen Park.
University Heights Summer in the Park
When: July 3 - August 7, 2026
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.
Point Loma Summer Concerts
When: July 10 - August 7, 2026
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.