Vintage Culture opens the waterfront at the Rady Shell on Friday afternoon, and by evening the city splits between a Grinch staging at the Old Globe and a rock bill at the Observatory with Dragonforce. Candlelight string concerts in the Natural History Museum, with Hans Zimmer and a Queen-vs-ABBA tribute, make Saturday feel deliberately strange in the best way.
Tip: code GTIX20 takes 20% off ticket prices on every event below — no minimum and no expiry.
- Vintage Culture at the Rady Shell
- The Damned at House of Blues
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
- Los Tigres del Norte at Pechanga Arena
- The Tallest Man on Earth at the Observatory
- Jo Koy at the Civic Theatre
- Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty
- Bluey’s Big Play at the Balboa
- Teddy Swims at Pechanga Arena
- Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out Live
Vintage Culture at the Rady Shell
Fri, Nov 13, 3:00 PM · The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park · from $115
The Brazilian-born DJ and producer brings big-room techno to the open-air Rady Shell on the bayfront. Expect a long afternoon-into-evening set with the harbor behind the stage.
The Damned at House of Blues
Fri, Nov 13, 8:00 PM · House Of Blues – San Diego · from $48
One of the founding bands of British punk, still touring decades on, with a catalogue that runs from fast 1977 singles to later goth-tinged work. Expect a loud, sweaty room and a crowd that knows every word.
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
Sat, Nov 14, 6:15 PM · San Diego Natural History Museum · from $104
A candlelit chamber-style concert inside the Natural History Museum, playing film themes from Zimmer’s large catalogue. The setting among dinosaur halls makes it a good change of pace.
Los Tigres del Norte at Pechanga Arena
Sat, Nov 14, 8:00 PM · Pechanga Arena – San Diego · from $100
The long-running norteño group from Sinaloa, known for corridos and storytelling songs that have defined the genre for decades. A big, celebratory night with a loyal crowd.
The Tallest Man on Earth at the Observatory
Sat, Nov 14, 7:00 PM · The Observatory – North Park · from $25
Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson, known for spare folk with a raw, fingerpicked guitar. A quieter pick in a North Park room that suits close listening.
Jo Koy at the Civic Theatre
Sun, Nov 15, 7:30 PM · San Diego Civic Theatre · from $119
Comedian and actor Jo Koy, a stand-up with a large following and a relaxed, story-led style. The Civic’s proscenium makes for a comfortable comedy night.
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty
Sun, Nov 15, 4:00 PM · Joan B. Kroc Theatre · from $62
A family-friendly Sunday matinee of Tchaikovsky’s ballet staged with a sparkling lighting design at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre. A good option for an afternoon out.
Bluey’s Big Play at the Balboa
Fri, Nov 13, 6:00 PM · Balboa Theatre – San Diego · from $55
A live stage show based on the Australian animated series about a playful family of dogs. Aimed at young children, with a warm, lighthearted tone throughout.
Teddy Swims at Pechanga Arena
Fri, Nov 13, 7:00 PM · Pechanga Arena – San Diego · from $97
Soul and R&B singer known for a big, raspy voice and a run of hits that mix soul with pop. A high-energy arena show with a strong vocal focus.
Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out Live
Sun, Nov 15, 8:00 PM · Viejas Arena At Aztec Bowl · from $59
The improv comedy and sketch franchise brings its live format to Viejas Arena, built around crowd-suggested games and quick-fire rounds. Good for a loud, playful Sunday evening.
Several of these shows are in mid-sized rooms, so check dates and times on the ticket links, and book early for Pechanga and Viejas shows.
