Things to Do in San Diego This August: Live Music & Theater

Things to Do in San Diego This August: Live Music & Theater City Guides
From indie rock and Latin beats to Broadway-style theater and stand-up comedy, San Diego's August lineup spans genres and venues across the city.

August in San Diego brings a vibrant mix of live performances—whether you’re catching emerging artists at intimate venues or headliners at iconic outdoor stages. The city’s music scene heats up with everything from alternative and hip-hop to country and classical, plus theater productions at The Old Globe.

Zach Bryan at Snapdragon Stadium

Sat, Aug 1, 6:30 PM · Snapdragon Stadium · from $69

The country folk sensation brings his introspective songwriting and devoted fanbase to San Diego’s waterfront stadium on August 1st. Expect an evening of emotional, guitar-driven Americana with opener MJ Lenderman.

Get tickets →

Sarah McLachlan & Allison Russell at The Rady Shell

Sun, Aug 2, 7:00 PM · The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park · from $58

Two powerhouse vocalists share the stage at San Diego’s stunning bayside venue on August 2nd. McLachlan’s ’90s alt-pop classics meet Russell’s soulful folk—a rare pairing for an unforgettable night.

Get tickets →

Death Cab for Cutie at Gallagher Square

Tue, Aug 4, 7:00 PM · Gallagher Square at Petco Park · from $80

The Seattle indie-rock legends bring their melancholic melodies to Petco Park on August 4th, with Nation of Language opening. A perfect summer evening under the stars for alternative music fans.

Get tickets →

North By Northwest at The Old Globe

Sat, Aug 1, 2:00 PM · Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage – The Old Globe · from $163

This theatrical production runs at The Old Globe’s intimate Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage starting August 1st. A fresh take on classic storytelling in one of San Diego’s most respected theater spaces.

Get tickets →

Much Ado About Nothing at The Old Globe

Tue, Aug 4, 8:00 PM · Lowell Davies Festival Theatre – The Old Globe · from $141

Shakespeare’s witty comedy comes alive at The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre on August 4th. A timeless tale of romance and banter, performed in an open-air setting perfect for summer theater-going.

Get tickets →

Calle 24 at SOMA

Sat, Aug 1, 7:00 PM · SOMA · from $78

This Latin ensemble brings energetic, genre-blending sounds to downtown’s SOMA venue on August 1st. Perfect for dancing and discovering fresh takes on traditional and contemporary Latin music.

Get tickets →

Mexican Institute of Sound at Quartyard

Tue, Aug 4, 6:00 PM · Quartyard · from $55

Experimental electronic-Latin fusion from this innovative Mexican collective arrives at Quartyard on August 4th. A boundary-pushing show for adventurous listeners seeking something different.

Get tickets →

Grupo Frontera at Viejas Arena

Thu, Aug 6, 8:00 PM · Viejas Arena At Aztec Bowl · from $53

The regional Mexican powerhouses take over Viejas Arena on August 6th with their signature accordion-driven regional Mexican sound. A high-energy celebration of Latin music and culture.

Get tickets →

Rome Streetz at House of Blues

Sun, Aug 2, 7:00 PM · Voodoo Room at House of Blues – San Diego · from $30

The underground hip-hop artist brings gritty, introspective rap to House of Blues’ Voodoo Room on August 2nd. A raw, authentic performance for hip-hop heads seeking substance over flash.

Get tickets →

Clipping at Music Box

Tue, Aug 4, 9:00 PM · Music Box – San Diego · from $56

The experimental hip-hop trio performs at Music Box on August 4th, delivering avant-garde beats and provocative lyrics. A challenging, innovative show for fans of boundary-pushing rap.

Get tickets →

San Diego Symphony: Jules Buckley – St. Vincent at The Rady Shell

Sat, Aug 1, 7:30 PM · The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park · from $57

The San Diego Symphony performs a special program on August 1st at the iconic Rady Shell, with conductor Jules Buckley leading a celebration of St. Vincent’s artistry. A sophisticated evening blending classical and contemporary music.

Get tickets →

Nick Thune at The American Comedy Co.

Sat, Aug 1, 7:00 PM · The American Comedy Co. · from $45

The observational comedian brings his sharp, thoughtful humor to The American Comedy Co. on August 1st. Thune’s intelligent comedy style makes for a refreshing night of laughter and reflection.

Get tickets →

Dates and venues fill quickly in August—check event details for exact times and availability. Book early to secure your spot at San Diego’s best summer performances.