In case you weren’t paying attention the last few years, San Diego has become one of the top cities for summer concerts. Top acts like Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, and Aerosmith have all held court at Petco Park. This year proves to be no exception. Petco Park will host Billy Joel on May 14th, The Who return to Valley View Casino Center on May 27th, Humphrey’s will host Bob Dylan for two nights on June 13th and 14th, and Qualcomm Stadium will return to the concert forum hosting the final night of Guns ‘n Roses tour on August 22nd. Those are just a few of the amazing acts coming our way in America’s Finest City!
Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay once again solidifies it’s hold on San Diego’s concert crowd with a smorgasbord of major talent including rising country music star Chris Stapleton on May 1st, former Beatle Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band return on July 1st, Boston’s 40th Anniversary Tour for two nights, Culture Club with Boy George, Gov’t Mule has a standing only show, ZZ Top returns, and Yes closes out their first tour following the passing of Chris Squire on September 4th. For the full Humphrey’s lineup, click here.
Valley View Casino Center is also a big player in this summer’s concerts featuring The Who on May 27th, a reschedule of their original September 2015 concert, which was postponed due to Roger Daltrey’s illness. James Taylor finally returns to San Diego on June 18th, expect that one to sell out. Rockers Cage The Elephant will perform on June 22nd with Portugal, The Man and Sunflower Bean. July 6th sees the return of Disney heartthrob Selena Gomez, another expected sell out. For the full lineup, click here.
Viejas Arena at San Diego State University also has a few shows of note. Rihanna on May 9th, 21 Pilots on July 24th, and Mana open their tour on September 9th. For the full lineup, click here.
Belly Up Tavern is still the best “small” venue in town for live music. Having Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues return for a solo show on June 9th is a great start! Rounding out June is George Clinton & Parliment/Funkadelic, CeeLo Green, and Blue Oyster Cult. Later in the summer Burt Bacharach plays two nights, the Sunday show is already sold out so get your tickets for Monday now. For the full lineup, click here.
Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Chula Vista always finds new ways to bring the concert-going masses down to South County and this year is no exception. Joe Walsh and Bad Company have a co-headlining tour “One Hell Of A Night” on May 18th, The Cure bring their “guyliner” to town two nights later on May 20th, Brad Paisley will pack the house on May 21st, shock-rockers Slipknot and Marilyn Manson will set the place afire on June 15th. For the full lineup, click here.
The San Diego County Fair always has a decent lineup and this year is no exception. Leading off on opening day, June 3rd, are local boys gone global… Switchfoot! Other notable artists are Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Kenny Rogers on his farewell tour, Lady Antebellum, and Brian Wilson celebrating 50 years of Pet Sounds. For the full lineup, click here.
JUST ANNOUNCED!
After the success of last year’s inaugural run, KAABOO Festival returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds with a very impressive 3-day lineup. Jimmy Buffett, Aerosmith, Hall & Oates, Fall Out Boy, Jack Johnson, and Lenny Kravitz are just a few of the big names and you won’t want to miss it. Also featuring a Comedy Stage with such all-stars as Dana Carvey, Darrell Hammond, Jeff Ross, Brian Posehn, the cast of HBO’s Silicon Valley, and many more. For full festival lineup, click here.
Harrah’s SoCal has a few shows of note also. Steve Martin and Martin Short team up for a night of comedy that is guaranteed to keep you in stitches! Spend The Night With Alice Cooper on October 28th. Alice puts on one of the greatest live shows ever, so don’t miss it! For the full lineup, click here.
Pala Casino joins the big hitters with a major coup late summer. Guitar legends Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy team up for what promises to be an incredible night for guitar aficionados.
Please comment on what shows you are looking forward too and check out my slideshow of photos!
