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The Best Shows in San Diego, August 19-25

Featuring The Marías, Drugdealer, Ghostland Observatory & more

August is wrapping up but summer is still in full swing in San Diego, and there’s plenty of outdoor shows at Quartyard, the Open Air Theatre, and more going on to soak up the vibes. Here’s our rundown of concert picks for the week of August 19-25.

Monday, August 19

The Marías @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

The beloved Los Angeles indie pop band returns to San Diego, this time at the Open Air Theatre at San Diego State. The core lineup of lead vocalist María Zardoya and drummer/producer Josh Conway, guitarist Jesse Perlman, and keyboardist Edward James is riding high off the release of this year’s acclaimed new album Submarine, hence the apply named The Submarine Tour, and I’ve heard it’s a swooning, visually arrested live experience. L.A. indie rock band Automatic opens. TIX

Tuesday, August 20

Drugdealer and Color Green @ Quartyard

Soft rock and psychedelic pop maestro Drugdealer hits Quartyard along with fellow Los Angelenos in tow, alt-country up-and-comer Color Green. The latter act just released new album Fool’s Paradise, which you can check out below. TIX

Thursday, August 22

Destruction of a King, Out of Chances, buriedbutstillbreathing, No Luck, Ritual of Despair, & Freetown Forest @ The Che Café

A locked and loaded night of hardcore hits the Ché with fury on Thursday, anchored by the night’s headliners, Los Angeles’ Destruction of a King. The rest of the bill is rounded out by local San Diego staples Out of Chances, buriedbutstillbreathing, No Luck, and deathcore outfit Freetown Forest, plus Ritual of Despair. buriedbutstillbreathing released a new single earlier this month, which you can listen to below. TIX

Friday, August 23

Ghostland Observatory @ Belly Up Tavern

One of the most dazzling live staples of the indie sleaze era, Austin’s Ghostland Observatory, returns to San Diego for the first time in years. Armed with their pulsating drum machines, spooky synths, cloaked costumes, blinding lights, and fog machines, the duo will surely turn back the clock and bring the dance-punk and blog house vibes to Solana Beach. Tickets are sold-out, but you can find some strays on the aftermarket.