Hottest Upcoming Summer Concerts in San Diego

By John Breaux | April 18, 2018

The time for planning summer concerts is upon us. There are a lot of great artists coming to San Diego this summer, so get your tickets now — you won’t want to miss out on these great shows.

May Concerts

Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, SZA, and more artists signed to Top Dawg Entertainment will be performing at the Mattress Firm Amphitheater on May 13 at 7:30 pm. This live tour is unlike any other hip-hop concert you have ever seen before, with the these electric artists bringing the fire all night and keeping the energy at an all-time high. TDE has been the force in the music industry in the last few years, pumping out some of the best hip-hop anthems of the past decade. Headlining the show will be Kendrick Lamar, winner of Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance at the 2018 Grammy Awards, so you know it’s going to be hype. 

 

Channel 93.3 Summer Kick Off Concert is taking place on May 11 at the Mattress Firm Amphitheater, and features a fantastic line-up comprised of some of the hottest stars in music right now. From The Chainsmokers to Miguel, along with many others, this is the perfect kick-off concert for your Summer.

Tech N9ne is one of the hardest hitting rappers in the game right now, and the Kansas City native will be performing at the House of Blues on May 11. Tech N9ne has sold out venues all across the country, and his shows are known for their high-energy and guests he brings along with him.

Weird Al, the king of comedy song is coming to San Diego, and he’s bringing along with him a brand new show titled “The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour.” Weird Al is ditching his usual theatrical gimmicks for a more raw production that is perfect for all you die-hard fans. He will be performing at Humphreys Concerts by the Beach on May 12.

Dirty Heads are a California reggae fusion group, and they’re back with a brand new album that blends the intensity of rock, hip-hop, and ska into their laid back blend of reggae. Be ready to move, as they are known for their rowdy shows! They will be performing at the Mattress Firm Amphitheater on May 18.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, the iconic southern rock band, is going on their farewell tour and will be playing at the Mattress Firm Amphitheater on May 19. This legendary band has been together since 1964, and this will be your final chance to experience their incredible live show.

Grammy-nominated pop-singer Pink will be on the road performing her Beautiful Drama World Tour at Valley View Sports Arena on May 28. Over her career, she has been behind some of the biggest hits of the 21st century, and her shows are unforgettable.

June Concerts

Post Malone is coming to San Diego on June 21, and he’s bringing 21 Savage along with him. Post Malone has been behind some of the hottest hits of 2017 and 2018, and his debut full-length album Stoney has been certified RIAA multi-platinum. Expect to party like a rock star, and enjoy the cool night air at SDSU Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. 

Dr. Dog is currently leading the trend in groundbreaking melodic-indie pop, with a unique lo-fi sound that is sure to get your groovin the night away. They just released their 10th album this year, and the Philadelphia natives aren’t showing any evidence of slowing down. They will be performing at the Observatory North Park on June 2.

Grammy award winner Sugarland is coming to San Diego on their Still the Same Tour, performing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on June 2. They’ll come prepared with the deep list of chart-topping hits, so be ready to embrace the duos melodic country rhythms.

Kesha and Macklemore, two of music’s hottest names, are coming to the Mattress Firm Amphitheater on June 12. Both artists are equipped with mega-hits that span several genres, along with their duet “Good Old Days.”

The Barenaked Ladies, some of Canada’s finest pop-stars will be performing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on June 14. They are known for fusing together different genres in their music to create upbeat tunes you won’t be able to resist dancing to.

Little Big Town has made their mark on mainstream country music, due in part to their unique four-part vocal harmonies. Their spectacular vocals are sure to hit deep with, and their sheer musical talent will leave a mark. They will be performing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on June 15.

Eric Burdon & the Animals will be performing at Humphreys by the Bay on June 15. Considered one of the most distinct singers of the classic British Invasion phenomenon of the 1960’s, you won’t want to miss his distinctly deep, powerful blues-rock voice.

Randy Houser is a hit country singer who has released hit singles like “Anything Goes” and “Boots On.” He will be performing at the House of Blues on June 15.

Kenny Chesney is bringing his “Trip Around the Sun” tour to San Diego, with him performing at the Mattress Firm Amphitheater on June 21. Chesney has released over 20 albums in his illustrious country music career, and he will be joined by special guests Thomas Rhett and Brandon Lay.

The Vans Warped Tour is the place to be for lovers of alternative and rock music. This is the longest-running tour in America, and will coincidentally be their final full country run, so don’t miss out on the your chance to witness history in the making. You can check out the full lineup here. The festival will take place at SDCCU Stadium on June 22.

July Concerts

Paramore and Foster the People are teaming up to bring an electric performance to the Mattress Firm Amphitheater in Chula Vista on July 19 starting at 7:00 pm. Paramore has been on the scene since the early 2000’s, with lead singer Hayley Williams bringing her signature pop punk voice. Their sound is infused with well delivered alternative rock with honest lyrics that ring with the younger generation. Foster the People bring the ultimate feel-good tunes, with lead vocalist Mark Foster’s unique voice lighting up the venue with good vibes. 

Brad Paisley is returning to San Diego for another leg of his “Weekend Warrior” tour. His performance is taking place at the Mattress Firm Amphitheater on July 20, and will feature special guest including Dustin Lynch, Chase Bryant, and Lindsay Ell.

Thirty Seconds to Mars is coming to the Mattress Firm Amphitheater on July 21, featuring frontman Jared Leto, who has proven time and time again that his vocal talent is unmatched by most groups out there.

August Concerts

Hit country-star Chris Stapleton will be performing at the Mattress Firm Amphitheater on August 16 at 7:00 pm. Stapleton is the complete package in the music industry, having penned songs for stars like Adele, Sheryl Crow, and Alison Krauss. In addition to his skills as a songwriter, Stapleton has released two award-winning albums, Traveller and From A Room: Volume 1, both of which emphasize his powerful singing voice and raw subject matter. His shows strip away the gimmicks used so often in today’s live performances, instead focusing on delivering a raw set steeped in rich vocals. If you’re looking for some good old fashioned country music, you won’t want to miss Stapleton. 

Weezer and Pixies will be playing at the Mattress Firm Amphitheater on August 11, with both bands showcasing their extensive experience in the rock industry. Both have proven to be some of the most influential bands of the 20th and 21st century, so don’t miss out on your chance to see them.

Rod Stewart is teaming up with Cyndi Lauper to play at the Mattress Firm Amphitheater on August 26. Both artists are testament to being some of pop music’s most survivable stars, still capable of putting on an incredible show after long and storied careers.

September Concerts

Smashing Pumpkins are behind some of the most iconic tracks of the late 90’s, and you’ll have a chance to hear them live, as they perform at the Viejas Arena on September 1. Their fusion of various sub-genres of rock will leave you breathless along with their angst-ridden lyrics.

Shakira, the Queen of Latin music will be heading to San Diego on September 5, with her performing at the Valley View Casino Center. The Columbian native has been behind some of the best-selling digital singles ever released, and her shows are filled to the brim with high energy.

Legendary rock band The Eagles will be performing at Petco Park on September 22, with their first tour after the passing of founding member Glenn Frey in 2015. The Eagles have been making music for over four decades, and with hits like “Hotel California” the band continues to remain unchallenged in popularity.

Shaping up to the be the concert of the year, Beyonce and Jay Z will be performing at SDCCU Stadium on September 27. Both superstars in their own right, this will be the first time the married couple have shared the stage on tour since 2014.