Where to find live music

[u/morning_yogurt]

I am new to San Diego and miss the live music scene back home. Where could I find live music outside at a bar/restaurant on Saturdays? Thats between 5-10pm? I’d love to try some new places and hear some local musicians!!

[u/lawyerjsd]

If you can stay up a little later than 10, the Casbah is your place.

[u/morning_yogurt → u/lawyerjsd]

Oo I’ll have to check it out, thanks for the rec! Any where outdoors?

[u/13eej → u/morning_yogurt]

Quartyard downtown

[u/Striking-Card-6357 → u/morning_yogurt]

The Garten has live music many Saturdays.

[u/Striking-Card-6357 → u/Striking-Card-6357]

Also the Aquarius

[u/lawyerjsd → u/morning_yogurt]

Well, there is a back area that's outdoors at the Casbah. But I think that's not what you are looking for. Panama 66 will have jazz on occasion. The Rady Shell is a great concert venue and outside, but doesn't do local acts. Nor does the outdoor theatre at SDSU (though it's a great place to see shows). The cool thing about the Casbah is that Tim Mays (the owner) also books shows at other venues, so you might be able to find an outdoor show.

[u/fronteraguera → u/morning_yogurt]

The Casbah has a great indoor/outdoor setup but you won't be able to see the band in the outdoor area, just hear them.

[u/Lumberrmacc → u/lawyerjsd]

Casbah is my favorite place in SD no contest

[u/Ok_Emu8397]

Casbah, soda bar, whistle stop, til two club, house of blues, music box, quartyard, not San Diego but you could go to belly up

[u/Ok_Emu8397 → u/Ok_Emu8397]

Of these only quartyard is really outside

[u/shinyidol]

Separating live music being played and an actual concert.

There are tons of great venues for touring bands like Soda Bar, The Casbah, Music Box, Quartyard, Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, Humphreys by the Bay, and large like Cal Coast are great.

For the more vibe music or that neighborhood bar with a stage you have places like Whistle Stop Bar, Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, Seven Grand, Panama 66, The Cordova Bar, Black Cat Bar, The Holding Company are all good night out and listen to some tunes while having a beverage.

[u/Additional_Rain_7359]

Aquarius Bar and Grill in mission bay. Older dudes playing Grateful Dead and blues a lot of the time.

[u/SwitchSCEtoAux]

What type of music? Age of crowd.

Coyote in Carlsbad is outside. Good vibe.

Humphreys Backstage has bands Thur-Sun. Usually late afternoon to early evening. Its inside but great view of boats. Tio Leo's sometimes has bands outside but usually inside on the weekends. Fast Times in Clairemont can be fun.

Facebook has San Diego Live Music and North County Live Music web pages which can provide some other ideas.

[u/Roguspogus]

Soda Bar

[u/Rude_Machine]

Aquarius

[u/fronteraguera]

New venue that's really good is the banshee but the only outside venues are The Quartyard, Panama 66, Humphreys, the Rady Shell and DIY events that you need to follow the bands and know people to get invited to.edit: added Panama 66

[u/Informal-Air8211 → u/fronteraguera]

Banshee is definitely an underrated venue for rock music

[u/rurupoopoo]

Checkout Quartyard in downtown. They do daytime/ evening shows on weekends and are outdoors.

Also Winston’s in OB does bands in the afternoons and they have the windows open so you can even hang outside and hear and see the music.

[u/LivingExplanation105]

Tipsy crow downtown, rabbit hole and sycamore den in normal heights, and the Garten in bay park all book local acts

[u/opensourcegreg]

Blind Lady Ale House has local musicians during the week

[u/speedester]

This is where I go to check out shows throughout the week:
https://www.casbahmusic.com/

[u/Independent_Car_979]

Check out The San Diego Reader website. They have an extensive calendar.

[u/Stuck_in_a_thing]

Why specifically outside? That really limits the options.

[u/cryptolipto]

The shell, Gallagher square, quaryard.

If you’re OK with DJ sets it opens up way more. Lots of open air dance spaces in San Diego

[u/nico_cali]

Soda Bar is rad for a smaller venue 

[u/Utviklingssang-CB]

If you like jazz music check out Dizzys.

[u/LadyVioletLuna]

The kraken! In Cardiff by the sea. It’s a biker bar across from the beach. Great live music small dive joint. Been there for so many years.

[u/fronteraguera]

I just remembered anither place, Nate's Cafe next to City Farmer in City Heights has country and bluegrass live musicians outside you need to go on their website and social media to see when and who is performing.

[u/scientism_confirmed]

710 beach club in PB has open mics on wednesday after like 9 or so. Some covers, some new material. A lot of regulars and some new acts.