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The seating up stairs provides a great unobstructed view to the stage. The sound quality is amazing. The lighting is great. The venue is the perfect size for an intimate setting with a big venue feel. Didn't try any food, not sure if any was offered on the night I went. (Dec 31 2025 thievery corporation ) Parking was easy. Staff was professional and friendly. Elevators provided for second floor seating.
Recently, I went to the sound for the first time. There were things I liked and things I didn't like at all. I have been to many many venues growing up with family in the industry so I have a lot to compare. Cons: Parking is pretty pricey at $20. The parking lot is huge and empty, with the exception of concert goers taking up a tiny amount of spaces. Unfortunately, there's nowhere nearby to park unless you want to walk a long way or use uber or Lyft so you don't have much of a choice. They even charge for disabled patrons. A lot of staff/security that I encountered were rude and impatient both inside and out. I didn't get food or drinks so I didn't experience that aspect. As soon as the show ended everyone was told to leave and herded out the door. People weren't loitering, they were trying to find their friends, saying goodbye or trying to go to the bathroom. The same thing happened in the parking lot when everyone was leaving. Including people who were parked in the handicapped spaces. I get if it was 20-30 mins after the end of the show but this was immediate. The pros: It's a clean, modern space with retro neon lighting. The air conditioning kept it pretty cool, but it was only maybe half full so occupancy may make a difference. The few ushers I encountered near where I sat were mostly nice and seemed like they were happy to be there. There are several bar areas to get drinks and some food options when you first walk in. The sound is decent, some songs were louder than others and I would have liked to hear the singers voices a bit more, but all in all it was fine. The bathrooms were clean and stocked. I didn't encounter lines but that may have just been lucky. I would likely come back if someone really I like is playing, but the parking and ticket prices will be a consideration. Maybe the staff was having an off night? I'll have to update if/when I visit again.
Very cool venue! The size is perfect for an intimate experience. The exterior is very classy and pretty. We purchased premium parking. It wasn't cheap but it was front row, steps away from the entrance! My only complaint is that we purchased seats. They were high and backless bar stools. Not comfortable or easy to get up on. I would prefer a folding chair. The security was helpful. The other guests were friendly.
So, we have had mixed experiences at the Sound, from the different times we've been there. It would've been a little higher, but the negative experiences have brought it down by a star. The first thing people will mention is the $20 for parking. You have no choice, because it's on the front right side of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. It used to be the old location of the off-track betting area. There's no way to park nearby and walk, you would have to rideshare instead. We have experienced some very nice employees, and also some truly infuriating ones. One friend had such a horrible experience in the ADA section, that she had to complain and speak to the owner. We have also had a bad experience with a member of management on several occasions. I appreciate that they have a good ADA section, that you make a reservation for. The last show had a few too many people in the ADA, and a woman with a walker had difficulty getting in and out because the rows were closer together than normal. The sound quality is usually good, haven't had too much problem with that. It can get crowded and backed up on the floor, restrooms, etc when there is a sold-out show. The staff also is instructed to immediately push you out as soon as the show is over, so try to use the restroom before the show is over if possible. They also comb the parking lot making people leave immediately, so you will be in the long line waiting to exit the parking lot.
I watched Durand Jones & The Indications at The Sound and it was such a great first time experience! The venue isn't huge, but it has a really nice setup. Food and drinks are a bit pricey, though that's expected in Del Mar and pretty much at any event venue. We sat on the lower left side of the terrace (bar seat) and had an awesome view of the stage. They have standing room only but it was very crowded and I'm glad we had seats. The acoustics were excellent and I must say security did a great job keeping everyone in their designated spots. Overall, it was a fun night with great sound and good vibes all around!!!
My daughter and I went to The Sound last week for a concert. She was careful to buy tickets for seats where we would be comfortable and could see. She made sure not to select obstructed view seats. The seats were the back row of the balcony. We could not see the left half of the stage and could barely see the heads of the center performers. When the people in front stood up we couldn't see a thing. If you select balcony make sure it's the front row. You'll be able to see everything. The sound wasn't great. There were several songs either a buzzing like a cord was bad. It continued through the whole song. They do not provide kids for their drinks at the bar which is weird because I thought it was a California law. Maybe it's not in effect yet. But it does explain why the floors were sticky. Parking was crazy. $20 with no option to park elsewhere. And no direction when you were leaving. A little chaotic. Probably wouldn't go here again unless I got front row balcony and I really wanted to see the artist.
Concert season is upon us, which is all year round! I have made it a point to book a few new venues each year. This spring was a first trip to the Sound and I only have good things to say about the experience. The parking was so easy, right in front of the venue. The drink and merchandise vendors were right inside the main corridor with short lines. The seats were good near the stage but to the side with a great view. We went to see Vertical Horizon. This was pure nostalgia for me as Vertical Horizon got their start at my friends bar, called the Grog and Tankard in Washington DC. A great way to bring it home. VH was opening for Matt Nathanson, who put on a pretty entertaining show for us. I especially liked his talk about AI and music. What will the world look like for music in the future? He merged his song with a country vibe for fun. I got a signed album by Matt Scanell of VH before departing for the evening. A fab first at the Sound in Del Mar. #DelMar #TheSound #Nostalgia #VerticalHorizon
Saw Dean Lewis it was a wonderful venue 2 floors was very intimate, great sound quality, love their a lot of restrooms, and bars, I would definately will go there again for a concert.
Such a great local venue! There were a few food stands inside serving everything from a charcuterie tray to burgers, tacos, and even snacks and candy. They also had plenty of bar spaces and even water coolers with free lemon water (a rarity nowadays everyone usually charges). The staff was super friendly and helped us find our seats quickly. Sound was pretty good. Located just inside the parking lot entrance of the SD County Fairgrounds in Del Mar there was plenty of parking. I had upgraded to the premium parking ($40 vs. $20). It was nice but not sure entirely necessary this evening. Overall great venue, sound, staff and food and very easy to get in and out of. Loved it and cannot wait to go back for another show!!!
I attended a Dean Lewis concert here last night. The venue itself is very cute, intimate, spacious, and well lit, which worked nicely for the performance. That said, the overall experience, especially as a VIP ticket holder, was disappointing. Dean Lewis originally rescheduled this concert from April 26, 2025 to January 10, 2026. We were given until around July 2025 to request a refund, and I chose to keep my VIP tickets specifically for the meet and greet. I did not learn that the meet and greet was canceled until I arrived at the venue. VIP ticket holders were told to arrive between 5:45 and 6:15 PM for merchandise pickup. We entered at 6:15, while general admission entered at 6:30. Since the venue is standing room only, we were essentially standing around for over an hour before the show even began, with no real added value for the VIP tickets. It did not feel like a VIP experience at all. When I asked others in line about the meet and greet, several said they were contacted by the venue in December and given a partial refund of about $47. I was never notified at that time and only learned about the refund while in line for the event. I also never received the refund so I emailed the venue once I found out. Complaints: 1. The venue was freezing. It was already chilly outside, and it felt even colder inside. Many people were visibly uncomfortable. 2. Prices were excessive. Water was $6 and a small bag of chips was $5. It would have been nice to see more reasonable pricing or at least some healthier snack options. 3. Communication regarding the rescheduled event and changes to the VIP experience was very poor. 4. Parking was an absolute mess. Parking cost $20, but there was no one directing traffic. Cones forced cars to turn around repeatedly, and it took me at least 20-25 minutes just to exit the lot. Positives: 1. There is a large variety of food options including burgers, vegan bao buns, tacos, charcuterie boards, mini hot dogs, pretzel bites, and more, though prices are quite high. 2. The lighting was excellent and really enhanced the performance. 3. There is a cute upstairs deck where you can sit if you purchase those tickets. 4. The venue was very clean. Overall, this is a cute and intimate venue, but I did not realize it was standing room only. Standing for four hours with VIP tickets was not an enjoyable experience. Between the poor organization surrounding the rescheduled concert, the failure to provide what was originally purchased, the freezing temperature inside, and the parking issues, it's hard to recommend this venue. Despite its charm and cleanliness, it's not worth it unless you're comfortable standing for hours in an uncomfortable environment with little direction or communication from the venue.
Was able to see Stephen Wilson Jr play here on Sunday 11/2! The venue was great and the show was awesome! I would definitely come here to watch another show again! SWJ packed the house!
This is a concert/events venue located in the fairgrounds area in Del Mar. I'm not sure when this place was built, but the building and facilities feel a little newer. Sound quality/acoustics here are pretty darn good. It's a small enough venue where you have a solid line of site to the artist anywhere in the room. I would say my only gripe about the layout is that the columns are kind of blocking the view of a lot of nooks. Maybe I just wasn't familiar enough with this space but I had to walk around for a while until I found a spot where I could still see really well and not be overcrowded. As I am becoming an older concert goer I kinda need my space lol. I came here to see one of my favorite bands of all time, Bright Eyes in January 2025. It was sold out so I wasn't surprised at the level of crowd. I think this might've been almost my 30th time watching them live lol Everyone from the parking gate to the concessions and security were all very friendly. I can't remember they actually have food items here or there were just drinks because all I ordered was a beer at one of the satellite concession locations. I'm not sure if it's just because this was the only man happening at the time or I was getting there later at night, but there was tons of parking. You just have to pay for it. And because I'm not familiar, I'm not sure what other options there are so I just went straight to the paid parking lot.
Came to The Sound to see Michelle Branch on Oct. 4, 2026. It was a wonderful Time Machine hop back to about 25 years ago. Pros: -intimate venue so you still have a good view of the artist on stage -food and drinks are available to purchase Cons: -toilet stalls are limited by the front entrance and was wet on the ground as doors opened Other: -parking for the show was $20.00, credit only read more
3 months ago
The seating up stairs provides a great unobstructed view to the stage. The sound quality is amazing. The lighting is great. The venue is the perfect size for an intimate setting with a big venue feel. Didn't try any food, not sure if any was offered on the night I went. (Dec 31 2025 thievery corporation ) Parking was easy. Staff was professional and friendly. Elevators provided for second floor seating. read more
Recently, I went to the sound for the first time. There were things I liked and things I didn't like at all. I have been to many many venues growing up with family in the industry so I have a lot to compare. Cons: Parking is pretty pricey at $20. The parking lot is huge and empty, with the exception of concert goers taking up a tiny amount of spaces. Unfortunately, there's nowhere nearby to park unless you want to walk a long way or use uber or Lyft so you don't have much of a choice. They even charge for disabled patrons. A lot of staff/security that I encountered were rude and impatient both inside and out. I didn't get food or drinks so I didn't experience that aspect. As soon as the show ended everyone was told to leave and herded out the door. People weren't loitering, they were trying to find their friends, saying goodbye or trying to go to the bathroom. The same thing happened in the parking lot when everyone was leaving. Including people who were parked in the handicapped spaces. I get if it was 20-30 mins after the end of the show but this was immediate. The pros: It's a clean, modern space with retro neon lighting. The air conditioning kept it pretty cool, but it was only maybe half full so occupancy may make a difference. The few ushers I encountered near where I sat were mostly nice and seemed like they were happy to be there. There are several bar areas to get drinks and some food options when you first walk in. The sound is decent, some songs were louder than others and I would have liked to hear the singers voices a bit more, but all in all it was fine. The bathrooms were clean and stocked. I didn't encounter lines but that may have just been lucky. I would likely come back if someone really I like is playing, but the parking and ticket prices will be a consideration. Maybe the staff was having an off night? I'll have to update if/when I visit again. read more
6 months ago
Very cool venue! The size is perfect for an intimate experience. The exterior is very classy and pretty. We purchased premium parking. It wasn't cheap but it was front row, steps away from the entrance! My only complaint is that we purchased seats. They were high and backless bar stools. Not comfortable or easy to get up on. I would prefer a folding chair. The security was helpful. The other guests were friendly. read more
So, we have had mixed experiences at the Sound, from the different times we've been there. It would've been a little higher, but the negative experiences have brought it down by a star. The first thing people will mention is the $20 for parking. You have no choice, because it's on the front right side of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. It used to be the old location of the off-track betting area. There's no way to park nearby and walk, you would have to rideshare instead. We have experienced some very nice employees, and also some truly infuriating ones. One friend had such a horrible experience in the ADA section, that she had to complain and speak to the owner. We have also had a bad experience with a member of management on several occasions. I appreciate that they have a good ADA section, that you make a reservation for. The last show had a few too many people in the ADA, and a woman with a walker had difficulty getting in and out because the rows were closer together than normal. The sound quality is usually good, haven't had too much problem with that. It can get crowded and backed up on the floor, restrooms, etc when there is a sold-out show. The staff also is instructed to immediately push you out as soon as the show is over, so try to use the restroom before the show is over if possible. They also comb the parking lot making people leave immediately, so you will be in the long line waiting to exit the parking lot. read more
I watched Durand Jones & The Indications at The Sound and it was such a great first time experience! The venue isn't huge, but it has a really nice setup. Food and drinks are a bit pricey, though that's expected in Del Mar and pretty much at any event venue. We sat on the lower left side of the terrace (bar seat) and had an awesome view of the stage. They have standing room only but it was very crowded and I'm glad we had seats. The acoustics were excellent and I must say security did a great job keeping everyone in their designated spots. Overall, it was a fun night with great sound and good vibes all around!!! read more
My daughter and I went to The Sound last week for a concert. She was careful to buy tickets for seats where we would be comfortable and could see. She made sure not to select obstructed view seats. The seats were the back row of the balcony. We could not see the left half of the stage and could barely see the heads of the center performers. When the people in front stood up we couldn't see a thing. If you select balcony make sure it's the front row. You'll be able to see everything. The sound wasn't great. There were several songs either a buzzing like a cord was bad. It continued through the whole song. They do not provide kids for their drinks at the bar which is weird because I thought it was a California law. Maybe it's not in effect yet. But it does explain why the floors were sticky. Parking was crazy. $20 with no option to park elsewhere. And no direction when you were leaving. A little chaotic. Probably wouldn't go here again unless I got front row balcony and I really wanted to see the artist. read more
Concert season is upon us, which is all year round! I have made it a point to book a few new venues each year. This spring was a first trip to the Sound and I only have good things to say about the experience. The parking was so easy, right in front of the venue. The drink and merchandise vendors were right inside the main corridor with short lines. The seats were good near the stage but to the side with a great view. We went to see Vertical Horizon. This was pure nostalgia for me as Vertical Horizon got their start at my friends bar, called the Grog and Tankard in Washington DC. A great way to bring it home. VH was opening for Matt Nathanson, who put on a pretty entertaining show for us. I especially liked his talk about AI and music. What will the world look like for music in the future? He merged his song with a country vibe for fun. I got a signed album by Matt Scanell of VH before departing for the evening. A fab first at the Sound in Del Mar. #DelMar #TheSound #Nostalgia #VerticalHorizon read more
9 months ago
Saw Dean Lewis it was a wonderful venue 2 floors was very intimate, great sound quality, love their a lot of restrooms, and bars, I would definately will go there again for a concert. read more
Such a great local venue! There were a few food stands inside serving everything from a charcuterie tray to burgers, tacos, and even snacks and candy. They also had plenty of bar spaces and even water coolers with free lemon water (a rarity nowadays everyone usually charges). The staff was super friendly and helped us find our seats quickly. Sound was pretty good. Located just inside the parking lot entrance of the SD County Fairgrounds in Del Mar there was plenty of parking. I had upgraded to the premium parking ($40 vs. $20). It was nice but not sure entirely necessary this evening. Overall great venue, sound, staff and food and very easy to get in and out of. Loved it and cannot wait to go back for another show!!! read more
10 days ago
9 months ago
I attended a Dean Lewis concert here last night. The venue itself is very cute, intimate, spacious, and well lit, which worked nicely for the performance. That said, the overall experience, especially as a VIP ticket holder, was disappointing. Dean Lewis originally rescheduled this concert from April 26, 2025 to January 10, 2026. We were given until around July 2025 to request a refund, and I chose to keep my VIP tickets specifically for the meet and greet. I did not learn that the meet and greet was canceled until I arrived at the venue. VIP ticket holders were told to arrive between 5:45 and 6:15 PM for merchandise pickup. We entered at 6:15, while general admission entered at 6:30. Since the venue is standing room only, we were essentially standing around for over an hour before the show even began, with no real added value for the VIP tickets. It did not feel like a VIP experience at all. When I asked others in line about the meet and greet, several said they were contacted by the venue in December and given a partial refund of about $47. I was never notified at that time and only learned about the refund while in line for the event. I also never received the refund so I emailed the venue once I found out. Complaints: 1. The venue was freezing. It was already chilly outside, and it felt even colder inside. Many people were visibly uncomfortable. 2. Prices were excessive. Water was $6 and a small bag of chips was $5. It would have been nice to see more reasonable pricing or at least some healthier snack options. 3. Communication regarding the rescheduled event and changes to the VIP experience was very poor. 4. Parking was an absolute mess. Parking cost $20, but there was no one directing traffic. Cones forced cars to turn around repeatedly, and it took me at least 20-25 minutes just to exit the lot. Positives: 1. There is a large variety of food options including burgers, vegan bao buns, tacos, charcuterie boards, mini hot dogs, pretzel bites, and more, though prices are quite high. 2. The lighting was excellent and really enhanced the performance. 3. There is a cute upstairs deck where you can sit if you purchase those tickets. 4. The venue was very clean. Overall, this is a cute and intimate venue, but I did not realize it was standing room only. Standing for four hours with VIP tickets was not an enjoyable experience. Between the poor organization surrounding the rescheduled concert, the failure to provide what was originally purchased, the freezing temperature inside, and the parking issues, it's hard to recommend this venue. Despite its charm and cleanliness, it's not worth it unless you're comfortable standing for hours in an uncomfortable environment with little direction or communication from the venue. read more
This is a concert/events venue located in the fairgrounds area in Del Mar. I'm not sure when this place was built, but the building and facilities feel a little newer. Sound quality/acoustics here are pretty darn good. It's a small enough venue where you have a solid line of site to the artist anywhere in the room. I would say my only gripe about the layout is that the columns are kind of blocking the view of a lot of nooks. Maybe I just wasn't familiar enough with this space but I had to walk around for a while until I found a spot where I could still see really well and not be overcrowded. As I am becoming an older concert goer I kinda need my space lol. I came here to see one of my favorite bands of all time, Bright Eyes in January 2025. It was sold out so I wasn't surprised at the level of crowd. I think this might've been almost my 30th time watching them live lol Everyone from the parking gate to the concessions and security were all very friendly. I can't remember they actually have food items here or there were just drinks because all I ordered was a beer at one of the satellite concession locations. I'm not sure if it's just because this was the only man happening at the time or I was getting there later at night, but there was tons of parking. You just have to pay for it. And because I'm not familiar, I'm not sure what other options there are so I just went straight to the paid parking lot. read more
2 months ago
Friendly and professional staff. Venue is a medium sized with comfortable seating. Both balcony and first floor sections has food and alcohol available. Downstairs is also where you will find your merch tables. Easy in and out general parking. Doors were supposed to open 90 minutes before the start of event and they did not. We waited outside in line with over 100+ people for half an hour. I would definitely come back, but hopefully they get a little bit more organized and communicate with each other. Nevertheless, we had an awesome time watching The Teskey Brothers from Melbourne, Australia perform. read more
6 months ago
7 months ago
Marshall Tucker was absolutely great ! Our first time to The Sound - trust the future line-up brings us back again. Concert venue is intimately sized and well appointed with food & drink options too - and - pricing for these adds was palatable. Premium parking has one right outside the venue main entry and provides well at the nights end. Upstairs balcony is a worthy consideration for the future shows per our scoping the venue out - these seats come with a full surround counter to hold your eats and spirits as you view the stage below. Actually - all seating - (upper & stage level) provide nicely for viewing - yet I'm sure some sound quality is sacrificed when not center stage. The Balcony Burger station will not disappoint if you get chef / cook we did - we shared the fully loaded burger and it was very well prepared and extremely tasty - worth it if you arrive and need a bite before the show. read more
1 month ago
2 years ago
I came here for the first time to see Cuco. The venue gets extremely packed. Goodluck on getting a good view any where. Pros Plenty of parking Clean bathrooms Decent food and drink options Cons Horrible view Over packed GA Some security guards at this venue will raise their voice at you... it was our first time here the show hadn't even started and it was already super dark inside we were lost read more
This place is dope. I'm hoping my review helps boost the ratings up because my husband and I had a great experience here. We learned that this venue is quite new (1 year old). It's at Del Mar fairgrounds. Lots of parking available, get there early if you want a good spot. Inside is spacious, clean, lots of bars to buy drinks from as well as food! The prices are not cheap. If you don't want to spend a lot, I advise you to do what we did. Eat dinner and pregame beforehand. The venue lives up to its name as the sound was amazing. It didn't matter what spot you stood or sat in, everything sounds great. All the employees were super friendly to us. I wouldn't mind coming back here for another event! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
I recently went with a group of friends to The Sound for the first time. We went to hear a band that is a longtime favorite for several of us, Pinback. I was excited to check out this new music venue at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. I generally have mixed feelings about the venue. First it is a very modern, new, and clean venue. I'm not sure if the building itself is new, but it is for sure newly remodeled inside. I also really liked the area around the music venue. When you are not inside the concert hall, there are various different food and drink options, as well as food court style seating. Lines to get food and drink before the show were not long at all, as there were several to choose from. As far as the music venue itself, the sound was great. I could hear the vocals really well, and it was not distorted at all. Now there were some things I was not too fond of. First, parking is $20 for general parking. There is no way around it, as this venue is not in an area with street parking at all, or any other parking lot options. Other preferred parking options are more expensive, and not necessary at all. The part that bothered me the most, is that in the music hall, general admission (of course standing room only which I'm used to) really is not that big. There is lots of seating around, but all is pre-purhased, and it makes the standing area smaller as it goes all the way around the edges. For us, that meant being crammed in like spam in a can in order to be able to hear and see the show. Sometimes for shows like that, I want a break, so I decide to stand further in back. But here, if I wanted any sort of view of the stage, it meant being super crammed in. I was able to enjoy the show, but it was hard to relax and we kept getting separated from our friend group due to the crowd. I hope my favorite bands go to a different venue in the future so I don't have to go back to The Sound, but it would probably be OK for a less crowded show. read more
1 year ago
This is my new favorite venue! It's spacious, clean, heavily staffed and has great acoustics. There is a lobby with tables and huge screens for people who want to grab food and drinks and have a seat during the show. I counted at least 4 different bars with a full variety of options including hard kombucha (fav)! Aside from the tables upstairs, everything is general admission both upstairs and downstairs allowing for plenty of room to move around. I watched the show from several different angles, as the main downstairs crowd was pretty packed. The seated tickets are for narrow high top tables and chairs, ideal for groups and ordering food and being able to set it down. General admission guests can stand around and behind these tables of they'd like. Staff is particular about where you stand, so be sure not to block any stairs or walkways. With that said, staff was everywhere - I noticed them picking up trash and keeping things organized. When I left for the night, staff stood outside and thanked guests for coming. Are you serious??? That's so nice. Note: the downstairs bathrooms only have two stalls so plan your tinkle schedule accordingly! Also note: they don't require clear bags, just 8x10in purses or smaller! Another thing I loved was the parking. For only $20 the lot is great because the car entrance is right by the venue itself. Rows are well labeled for someone like me who can never remember where I parked my car. As a woman at a concert alone for the first time, I felt really safe and would return to The Sound again anytime. read more
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More info about The Sound
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014
Directions
(858) 755-1161
Call Now
Visit Website
http://thesoundsd.com
Hours
Food & Alcohol
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
Ask the Community - The Sound
Is the venue 21+ or open to all ages?
Depends on the show. Check the show details on the sound webpage.
They let you smoke in here?
No place in CA is legal for smoking (or vaping) inside of a building or within 20 feet of doors and windows. Do people do it at their own risk? Yes. Truth be told, I smell weed mixed with that signature body spray vape juice smell at every show and…
Does the large floor area in front of the stage have seats or is it standing only? Hard to tell from the venue map.
Depends on the show. Shows geared for older crowds will have seating in the pit (Lyle Lovette had seats).
Review Highlights - The Sound
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