Opening weekend in San Diego puts Pagliacci at the Civic Theatre on the same night as the Black Angels at the Observatory North Park, a pairing of Italian verismo and psychedelic garage rock. The month then swings from the San Diego Symphony’s The Ring in Concert to Spite at House of Blues, so classical and heavy guitar sit only a few days apart.
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- Dia de los Deftones at Petco Park
- The Black Angels at The Observatory North Park
- San Diego Opera’s Pagliacci at the Civic Theatre
- San Diego Symphony: The Ring in Concert
- Dave Smith at The American Comedy Co.
- J.B. Ball at Mic Drop Comedy
- Keller Williams at The Holding Company
- Paul Oakenfold at Music Box
- The Story So Far at SOMA
- Montell Fish at House of Blues
- Spite at House of Blues
- The Outsiders at the Civic Theatre
Dia de los Deftones at Petco Park
Sat, Nov 7, 3:35 PM · Petco Park · from $103
Deftones headline this open-air festival date at the ballpark, a fitting home for a band that has spent decades pairing heavy riffs with atmospheric textures. Expect a long, loud day with several acts and a crowd that stays on its feet.
The Black Angels at The Observatory North Park
Sun, Nov 1, 8:00 PM · The Observatory – North Park · from $50
The Black Angels have built a following on hypnotic, drone-heavy psychedelic rock since the 2000s. The Observatory’s intimate room suits their dense, slow-building sound, and it is a good night for fans of bands like Jefferson Airplane or Spacemen 3.
San Diego Opera’s Pagliacci at the Civic Theatre
Sun, Nov 1, 7:30 PM · San Diego Civic Theatre · from $1050
Leoncavallo’s short, intense opera about a travelling troupe whose offstage drama spills onto the stage is a staple of the repertoire. The Civic Theatre gives the production a grand setting, and it runs about two hours with a strong dramatic arc.
San Diego Symphony: The Ring in Concert
Sun, Nov 1, 6:00 PM · Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center · from $65
This concert version of Wagner’s Ring cycle brings the orchestral music to the Jacobs Music Center without the staging. It suits listeners who want the sweep of Wagner’s score and the power of a full symphonic sound.
Dave Smith at The American Comedy Co.
Thu, Nov 5, 8:00 PM · The American Comedy Co. · from $98
Dave Smith is a stand-up comic known for sharp, observational material and a quick, conversational delivery. The club’s room keeps the audience close to the stage, which makes for an easy, lively night out.
J.B. Ball at Mic Drop Comedy
Thu, Nov 5, 7:30 PM · Main Room at Mic Drop Comedy · from $62
J.B. Ball performs stand-up in the main room at Mic Drop Comedy, where the intimate space keeps the energy high. It is a good pick for a relaxed weeknight of laughs.
Keller Williams at The Holding Company
Fri, Nov 6, 7:30 PM · The Holding Company · from $65
Keller Williams is a long-running jam and folk performer whose looping, one-man shows mix bluegrass, funk and singer-songwriter styles. The Holding Company’s small room makes for a warm, unfussy evening.
Paul Oakenfold at Music Box
Fri, Nov 6, 9:00 PM · Music Box – San Diego · from $58
Paul Oakenfold is a veteran DJ and producer who has been shaping trance and big-room sets since the 1990s. Music Box’s club setting brings out the full force of his long, build-and-release sets.
The Story So Far at SOMA
Fri, Nov 6, 8:00 PM · SOMA · from $152
The Story So Far are a pop-punk band from California known for melodic hooks and fast, guitar-driven songs. SOMA’s room gives the show a close, sweaty feel that suits their catalogue.
Montell Fish at House of Blues
Sun, Nov 1, 8:00 PM · House Of Blues – San Diego · from $47
Montell Fish is an R&B and soul singer whose smooth, emotive vocals fit the warm acoustics of House of Blues. Expect a set built around sultry grooves and a polished live band.
Spite at House of Blues
Tue, Nov 3, 6:00 PM · House Of Blues – San Diego · from $40
Spite is a hard rock and metal act playing a House of Blues show that suits fans of heavy, aggressive guitar music. Doors for this kind of show tend to fill early, so arriving on time helps.
The Outsiders at the Civic Theatre
Tue, Nov 3, 7:00 PM · San Diego Civic Theatre · from $60
The Outsiders is a stage musical based on the S.E. Hinton novel about rival gangs of teenagers in 1960s Oklahoma. The Civic Theatre gives the coming-of-age story a big, classic Broadway-style staging.
Dates and venues can change, so check each listing before you go, and book early for the Deftones festival date and the symphony, which tend to sell out first.
