The Phantom of the Opera takes the San Diego Civic Theatre on Friday with full orchestral grandeur, while The Rady Shell hosts the KSDS Jazz Orchestra the following evening—a pairing that captures how this weekend’s venues range from historic theaters to waterfront concert halls. Dead Kennedys bring raw punk energy to The Observatory on Sunday, Screeching Weasel plays the same room Saturday, and electronic producers William Black and Le Youth anchor late-night sets across the city. Whether you’re seeking candlelit tributes, alternative rock, jazz, or dance-floor intensity, the next three days offer genuine variety without repeating a single artist or mood.
Tip: code GTIX20 takes 20% off ticket prices on every event below — no minimum and no expiry.
- The Phantom of the Opera at San Diego Civic Theatre
- Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA Tribute at San Diego Natural History Museum
- Dead Kennedys at The Observatory
- Screeching Weasel at The Observatory
- KSDS Jazz Orchestra: Gilbert Castellanos at The Rady Shell
- William Black at SOMA
- Le Youth at Fit Social Club
- Who Want The Smoke: OhGeesy at Viejas Arena
- Muy Funny Comedy Show at Gold Room at Mic Drop Comedy
- Labor Day Jazz Fest at Humphrey’s Backstage Live
The Phantom of the Opera at San Diego Civic Theatre
Fri, Sep 4, 8:00 PM · San Diego Civic Theatre · from $99
Lloyd Webber’s theatrical masterpiece arrives with full orchestral accompaniment and the production values this story demands. If you’ve never experienced the chandelier moment live, Friday night is your chance to understand why this show has captivated audiences for decades.
Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA Tribute at San Diego Natural History Museum
Fri, Sep 4, 6:15 PM · San Diego Natural History Museum · from $100
Two of pop’s most enduring catalogs collide in an intimate, candlelit setting that transforms the museum into something between a concert hall and a reverent gathering. The production design alone—flickering light, acoustic arrangements—makes this feel like a completely different way to experience these songs.
Dead Kennedys at The Observatory
Sun, Sep 6, 7:00 PM · The Observatory – North Park · from $45
The legendary San Francisco punk band brings three decades of raw, political energy to North Park on Sunday. Their catalog remains as urgent as ever, and The Observatory’s compact room guarantees you’ll feel every note of their uncompromising sound.
Screeching Weasel at The Observatory
Sat, Sep 5, 7:00 PM · The Observatory – North Park · from $38
Chicago’s hyperkinetic pop-punk pioneers deliver Saturday night with the kind of infectious urgency that defined the 1990s underground. Screeching Weasel’s songs are short, sharp, and designed to make you move.
KSDS Jazz Orchestra: Gilbert Castellanos at The Rady Shell
Sat, Sep 5, 7:30 PM · The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park · from $32
The Rady Shell’s waterfront setting becomes a concert hall for one of San Diego’s finest jazz ensembles, led by conductor Gilbert Castellanos. Saturday evening’s performance combines the orchestra’s sophisticated arrangements with the venue’s natural acoustics and bay views.
William Black at SOMA
Fri, Sep 4, 9:00 PM · SOMA · from $71
The electronic producer brings hypnotic, bass-driven sets to SOMA on Friday night, drawing a crowd ready for late-night intensity. William Black’s production style sits somewhere between techno and dubstep—precise, immersive, and designed for the dancefloor.
Le Youth at Fit Social Club
Sat, Sep 5, 4:00 PM · Fit Social Club · from $74
Saturday afternoon’s electronic set at Fit Social Club offers a different kind of energy—Le Youth’s house and techno influences create a more relaxed, groovy vibe than the late-night electronic shows. Perfect for those who want to dance before sunset.
Who Want The Smoke: OhGeesy at Viejas Arena
Sat, Sep 5, 6:00 PM · Viejas Arena At Aztec Bowl · from $36
The hip-hop showcase brings West Coast rap energy to the arena on Saturday evening, with OhGeesy headlining a lineup that celebrates contemporary rap’s regional diversity. Viejas Arena’s size and sound system are built for this kind of production.
Muy Funny Comedy Show at Gold Room at Mic Drop Comedy
Sat, Sep 5, 10:00 PM · Gold Room at Mic Drop Comedy · from $46
Saturday night’s comedy showcase celebrates Latinx comedians with the kind of sharp, personal humor that defines contemporary stand-up. Mic Drop’s Gold Room is an intimate space where every joke lands close.
Labor Day Jazz Fest at Humphrey’s Backstage Live
Sun, Sep 6, 7:00 PM · Humphrey’s Backstage Live · from $31
Sunday’s jazz festival at Humphrey’s brings multiple artists and ensembles to the waterfront venue, offering a relaxed afternoon or evening of live jazz as the holiday weekend winds down. The venue’s bay views and casual atmosphere make it perfect for lingering.
Book early for The Phantom of the Opera and the larger arena shows—those fill quickly. Check individual venue websites for doors and set times, especially for the electronic and comedy shows, which often run late.
