The Observatory SD

Another historic venue, this one in the center of the University Ave. business district in North Park, the Observatory was built in the 1920s and still features much of the classic art deco decor that has adorned the walls since it first opened. It was purchased in 2014, and its name was changed from the North Park Theatre, but the character of the classic theater remains. For starters, it’s beautiful, and while it was a venue for opera and dramatic theater in its past life, its acoustics make it a surprisingly strong place to catch a touring rock or pop group. Even better, it’s a spacious venue, supporting 1,100 concertgoers at a time with plenty of breathing room for everyone. The calendar at Observatory North Park is always full, whether it’s showcasing alt-rock a-listers like Tame Impala or filmmaker and camp icon John Waters.

• Parking is $10 but street parking is available.
• You have to drink your alcohol in the restaurant the theater is connected to (West Coast Tavern), it’s not allowed where the concerts are.
• You can also get food at the West Coast Tavern.
• Most shows here are open to all ages.
• Buy your tickets at the box office to avoid paying fees.
• Concerts are standing room only.
• Security staff here is pretty strict.

Where is The Observatory SD located?

The Observatory North Park is located in the North Park area of San Diego.

How much is cover charge at The Observatory North Park?

Cover charge depends on the night – it’s usually $20 but can be higher depending on the artist / talent.

Does Observatory SD have a guestlist?

Guestlist isn’t available at Observatory SD currently. Likewise, if you’re tired of looking up “top clubs in San Diego,” we’ve got you covered. You can check the best nightclubs in San Diego and the best San Diego hip hop nightclubs to get information on the guest list, bottle service, and more.

How long will I have to wait at The Observatory North Park?

Expect to wait anywhere from 20-40+ minutes depending on how busy it is – the security is pretty aggressive here so it may take some time to get in if there are large crowds.

When is The Observatory North Park open?

Observatory North Park is typically open on most nights – there is usually a different concert every night.

What are the best nights to go to The Observatory North Park?

Depends which artists you’re interested in!

What is the dress code at The Observatory North Park?

Casual. This is more of a concert venue.

Is there parking near The Observatory North Park?

There is a parking garage across the street – make sure to get your parking stub validated. There is also plenty of parking near by.

How much do drinks cost at The Observatory North Park?

Drinks are around $8-10 apiece. Bottles are around $350 each. Bottle service does not come with admission – everyone still needs to buy tickets.

What kind of music do they play at The Observatory North Park?

The Observatory SD features a wide variety of rock bands, EDM DJs, reggae, and hip hop artists.

Where can I find a list of upcoming events / DJs at The Observatory North Park?

You can download the Discotech app to see upcoming events, and book tables for The Observatory North Park San Diego. You can also check out our webapp to see upcoming events for Observatory San Diego.