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    Summer Pops

    3.9 (44 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues

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    Rebecca T.

    The summer pops has been a San Diego symphony tradition. Every year they'll play at Embarcadero on the outdoor stage for some fun, pop classical music. It was a fun event with affordable admission, although parking costs were high - $20 minimum and $30 if you want to park closer at the premium parking. It's a great event to introduce kids to classical music because they can make noise and move around when the atmosphere is more casual. Most of the summer pops programs also seem to cater to kids more like concert for Disney music, Dreamworks Animation etc. There were beverage vendors at the venue so if you feel like a glass of wine, it's right there. Bathrooms were outhouses but at least they were clean. Bring some warm jackets because it can be windy and cold at the bay at night!

    The intermission!  Yeah yeah yeah, I can't get a good shot in the dark, even if it is Into Darkness!  Hahaha!
    Kristal C.

    Expensive dinner, movie, and a live Symphony Orchestra! It just can't get any better than this!!! I have played in several symphonies myself from 4th grade and well into college, and these guys are top notch, as would be expected from Summer Pops. I still find it quite hilarious when people clap for when musicians are tuning though. It always made me laugh! Watching the Startrek movie with the real symphony. This is my 2nd time going to one of these movies with an orchestra playing the score. The conductor and musicians were flawless with timing! The emotion put into playing the music is apparent, something that you can't get from a record, because you can feel the music being played. I love these events! I wish I could go to more of these! If only I lived in the area! Whenever we go to comic con we get tickets for the movie and love music!

    First sets of seats
    Jackie B.

    What a great event to attend. Who would've thought that they would offer a FREE event to feature not only local bands, family games/activities, but also the San Diego Symphony Orchestra performing Academy Award winning composer John Williams music. We were entertained by Raylee Nikole, The King Taylor Project, Todo Mundo and The San Diego Symphony Orchestra tonight and had a blasts. Tim and I's first time and we are both totally hooked. What can you ask for amazing venue, live music, you can bring in your own food if you wanted to. If not they have a great selection of food and drinks. The atmosphere is just fantastic. Bay to the left and the SD skyline to the right. SD always delivers a beautiful day. Such an amazing time listening to live music while the sun is setting. When the SD Symphony came out and played John Williams's scores, you totally forgot where you were. So mesmerized by the music that it made you feel like you were elsewhere. Tim and I sat in the last two seats on the right hand side of the front row. The bathrooms were steps away to our right. Which there was never much of a wait. There's two bars. The one nearest to our seats served food as well. And if you keep to your left, there's another bathroom area set up. There's a grass area that had games. And people brought their own picnic chairs and blankets. There's also bleachers. But that didn't get packed til towards the end since the sun was out and anyone who would have sat there would have had a nice burn on their skin. The show went from 4-9pm. It said 930. But we walked out at 830 and the symphony was playing the last score. Oh btw, we didn't buy a parking spot prior to the event. So we ended up parking at the convention center for $20. Which was pretty convenient. Not much of a walk. And there's a shuttle right outside of the parking structure if you really do not walk lol! Also brought a blanket per other reviews recommendation, but didn't end up using it. I was wearing a maxi dress and just needed a light sweater to warm me up towards the end (about an hour prior to the show ending). Great location. Great times. This was such a great introduction to the SD Symphony Orchestra. This definitely will not be our last time attending.

    Julia K.

    Review is for ** 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular ** - A Bayside Summer Nights Concert The concert itself was astonishing. It just can't get any better than this! This is now my favorite venue in San Diego for live music. Coronado on the left and skyline to the right. All around you is the bay with boats and yachts anchored to listen to live music while the sun is setting down. 5 stars for the venue, 5 stars for the concert we saw!! There were LOTS of people but the venue was small and made everything seem much more intimate. Not to mention it's open air so the cool breeze made the night that much more fantastic. RECOMMENDATIONS: - UBER to the event if you can - Bring snacks with you (they're allowed)

    Lauren G.

    It's never a bad time at the Summer Pops venue. The symphony is amazing and the staff is wonderful. I can't say enough good things about these events. It's exactly what summer is made of. Located right on the water, small boats pull up to hear the music. People have many seating options; on blankets, in chairs, at a personal-sized table near the stage. There's food and wine for purchase. Blankets and jackets to buy if you get cold and didn't plan well, as I so often do. It's perfect for any type of outing, family, friends or a date. I highly recommend Summer Pops. Try the kettle corn, it's amazing!

    The shell is beautiful and the sound gets an A+.
    Bonnie S.

    So far I've been twice to the new SD Symphony shell; once to see Gordon Sumner of the Police and once for Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. Both were equally great concerts. I'm so glad that the symphony has finally reopened and the newly redone venue is AMAZING. No more portapotties is a plus and the local restaurants (albeit pricey) are delicious. I like the soups because they donate one bowl for each one ordered. The pizzas are also tasty. The down side is that they don't let you bring food in or picnic there anymore. You also can't bring in water bottles although you can bring in empty bottles and refill them. The venue itself doesn't have a bad seat in the house and plenty of leg room between rows. The best part is the sound which is utterly amazing. At one point, I thought the music was behind me and it's worth the cost of the tickets that have gone up in price. Regardless, I highly recommend going and supporting our symphony. A+!

    Mediterranean Platter and a Cabernet bottle. Always good times at Summer Pops!

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    1 year ago

    The music gets always exceptionally excellent. I look forward to going every summer and being part of the great best of activities.

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    7 years ago

    So much fun. Just being on the water, and seeing the beautiful view is worth going. Lots of good music choices. Worth your while.

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    19 years ago

    awesome venue, best outdoor place to see a show in San Diego. And its right in down town!! can't beat that!

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    12 years ago

    Italian sailboats slowly drifting by as the Italian pop singer sang. Spacious. Great picnicking. Nice crowd.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Summer Pops

    Review Highlights - Summer Pops

    I'm so glad that the symphony has finally reopened and the newly redone venue is AMAZING.

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    Prohibition

    Prohibition

    4.0
    (1k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    As I approached the old law office, we found a line wrapped outside ensuring ID was confirmed prior…read moreto entry. Our group was surprised as is was 2115, it's been open for about an hour and a half and packed. As you enter this old law office down a staircase one would find the "speakeasy statutes/rules" to maintain the 1920s atmosphere-- we loved the setting, the people, the drinks, and of course the live music!! One would not be disappointed. The cocktail menu was on an old record, which I thought it was so clever. Back to the rules, seems pretty easy! They mention to keep an open mind with the drinks as they do not carry vodkas, redbull, Budweiser or bulls**t. Mentioned a dresscode, more so be classic and states be respectful and don't be a di*k. I couldn't agree more with the rules. I don't think there is good at this establishment, as our group just came from dinner I wasn't looking for food. Just spirits, live music and a good time. Highly recommend if you are looking for live music and uniquely crafted cocktails.

    I went to Prohibition when I was attending a conference at the Convention Center, so I think my…read moreexperience is a little different. A sponsor had rented out the whole place and all drinks were comped with food being passed around. We had cuban sandwiches and empanadas, which I think were all from the Havana restaurant upstairs. Food was great! Drinks were good, but the menu was so confusing to me. I didn't really like how they categorized them. Sometimes I feel like just being straightforward is better. Too cute with trying to do the prohibition/speakeasy menu. It did take a while to get drinks when it was packed. Understandable. But I had a few that were good, the boats and hoes, and keffir lime tequila drink were great. I would say that the bathroom had a bit of a stink to it...not sure what it was but smelled just like coming up from the pipes. May just be a basement issue. Overall, good experience. It didn't feel super special but just like any other speakeasy. I like False Idol better in terms of overall vibe.

    Photos
    Prohibition
    El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila
    El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila
    Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

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    Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)
    The Shout! House

    The Shout! House

    3.9
    (1.7k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$
    Live music
    Large group friendly

    Our group had a great time here. The pianists were excellent and had a great vibe the entire time,…read moregood food, and amazing drinks courtesy of Mimi, literally the best bartender. I look forward to stopping here again

    On our last night in San Diego we asked the concierge for a suggestion. We wanted something far…read moreenough away ee could walk our dinner at The Melting Pot but not so far we would have to Uber back. She had complimentary tickets ( usually a $10 cover) to The Shout House, a dueling piano bar. We almost didn't go and let me tell you, that would have been a sad mistake. We walked in and while it was a little loud for us older folks, we looked around and took in all that was happening. There were people there much older than us as well as people barely old enough to be in a bar. The pianist (s) were hard at work a the drummer was rocking out too. We sat down. Let me tell you, that was the most fun we have had in a long time! All three musicians played multiple instruments, piano, harmonica, sax, and drums. The songs were everything from Slim Shady to Elton John and everything in between. Slips of paper were placed on the piano, a nod was given and off they went. The crowd sang along and we all laughed! Some of it was silly but ALL of it was fun! Highly recommend. About 10:30 the older crowd started making their way out, us included, early morning flight but we would have stayed until closing time. We might have paid for it the next day but had we not had a plane to catch we absolutely would have stayed. It was fun to see multiple generations having so much fun together and the music was incredible. We had just eaten so we didn't order food but what we saw on other tables looked good. Go!! You won't be sorry!

    Photos
    The Shout! House Glow Up Hurricanes
    The Shout! House Glow Up Hurricanes
    Guest having fun at The Shout! House
    Guest having fun at The Shout! House
    The Shout! House Bar

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    The Shout! House Bar
    The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

    The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

    3.8
    (295 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    I absolutely love the Rady Shell. I've been here for : conferences , concerts, events. I've also…read morebeen around the perimeter watching concerts along side the bay. San Diego got many kudos points when this place was born. Thank you San Diego for creating such a venue for the city of San Diego to enjoy. For tourists, locals and businesses.

    My first time here & I went big. I bought the Diamond front row package for Ella Mai tour. So…read morefor that VIP experience I had to be in line at Gate 3 before 4pm. I took a Lyft ride here & arrived at 3.45pm. I didn't know what to expect, but I was second in line. Instructions were to be here by 4:15 for The VIP experience which include check in merch, the VIP lanyard, rehearsal & Q&A. There were different VIP plans & some Langers were rectangle & some were hearts. Since I was front row, I was diamond. I was so close that I was actually in the shell. There were two different companies Elite (red shirt) & the Black shirt people. Rady shell had their own staff too in white shirts. So we were organized in groups based on our VIP package. My group got to enter first & we all sat in front row for the Q&A & listen to Ella Mai sing three songs with Juan acoustically. Juan is a great guitar player, At the end I got a guitar pic. Then we took a group picture. So front row became the back row. Now I'm a shorty so I had to stand on a chair to be seen. The coolest part was making new concert friends acquaintances in line & during the Q&A. After that, we all head for the Merch line to have first pick. Let me tell you VIP is the way to go. What I did learn was that the entire venue is a park. So on the exterior of the venue along the water are benches. If you're early enough, you can pick your bench, camp out & watch, listen to the concert , get this FOR FREE. I know, and people were there with their blankets, cushions, drinks, pillows, etc. it's a beautiful venue. It clean. What I will say is that the restrooms are not plentiful. No A/C and it's very hot. There are Porta Potties but that's even hotter. There are unisex restrooms, but those are prison toilets. All stainless steel & messy, stinky, dirty. But if you gotta go, well then you gotta go. The shell located right behind the convention center. Tip, walk in front of the convention center or to the Hilton & save $15 on your Uber. Walk to the signal lights & hop on public trains, rails for $2.50. I met more cool people on the way out that we ended up at party central 10 minutes away. Some chick & her Mom tried to hustle me for a free Uber ride asking me if I would book a trip for them, blah, blah, blah 'my account,I'm having issues', but I shut that down with, Gurl I use public transportation for $2.50 I don't use Uber. Guess their game wasn't that great because they were fighting & arguing a few minutes later. C-ya I'm outta here. I would definitely come back here again. See you some more on Yelp 2026

    Photos
    View of the skyline
    View of the skyline
    Panoramic pick
    Panoramic pick
    Sam Barber at The Rady Shell

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    Sam Barber at The Rady Shell

    Summer Pops - musicvenues - Updated August 2026

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