Don't Miss a Beat: A Local’s Guide to San Diego’s Top January Shows

San Diego’s music scene is humming with energy this January. From legendary punk bands to intimate jazz sets, here are the best live music events happening within 10 miles of Downtown over the next two weeks.

🎸 The Heavy Hitters (Rock & Alternative)

If you like your music loud and your venues historic, Downtown and North Park have you covered.

• Black Flag @ House of Blues (Downtown)

  • Date: Thursday, January 15

  • Distance: < 1 mile from Downtown

  • The quintessential punk pioneers are taking over the Music Hall for a night of high-intensity hardcore.

• Pinback (37th Anniversary Series) @ The Casbah (Midtown)

  • Dates: January 20–22

  • Distance: 1.5 miles from Downtown

  • San Diego legends Pinback return to their "home" stage to celebrate the Casbah's 37th anniversary. These shows are notoriously intimate and sell out instantly.

• The Iron Maidens @ Music Box (Little Italy)

  • Date: Friday, January 16

  • Distance: < 1 mile from Downtown

  • The world's only all-female tribute to Iron Maiden brings world-class musicianship to one of the best-sounding rooms in the city.

💃 Grooves & Late Night (Electronic/R&B)

San Diego’s nightlife is leaning into nostalgia and smooth vibes this month.

• Braxton Cook @ Lou Lou’s Jungle Room (North Park)

  • Date: Friday, January 16

  • Distance: 3.5 miles from Downtown

  • A must-see for jazz and R&B lovers. Cook’s soulful alto sax and romantic vocals make the Lafayette Hotel’s "Jungle Room" the sexiest spot in town.

• Cumbiatron: The Cumbia Rave @ The Observatory (North Park)

  • Date: Friday, January 16

  • Distance: 3.5 miles from Downtown

  • A high-energy fusion of traditional Cumbia sounds and modern rave culture. Wear comfortable shoes; you will be dancing.

• 2010s EDM Tribute Party @ Onyx Room (Gaslamp)

  • Date: Friday, January 16

  • Distance: 0 miles (In the heart of Downtown)

  • Take a trip back to the "Golden Era" of EDM right in the Gaslamp Quarter.