Stadium tours rule the summer music scene in Northern California as bands hit the road to refill their depleted post-pandemic coffers. Now’s the time to see the OGs, from Bob Dylan to Poison, before they hang up their guitars, and to catch the current chart toppers. But if you’re looking for a dose of New Orleans at a winery or some under-the-radar gems, we’ve got those too.
These are the best concerts coming to highlight your action-packed summer.
Jack White, June 4, Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View
Because you never know who might join him on stage
Phil Lesh and Friends, June 4, Frost Amphitheater, Stanford
Because the Dead will never die
Sarah Kinsley with Gatlin, June 6, Cafe du Nord
Because “What If I Love You” is an anthem for the under-loved
Bob Dylan, June 9-11, Fox Theater, Oakland
Because this 81-year-old can still sell out a venue
San Francisco Jazz Festival featuring Gregory Porter, Dianne Reeves and more, June 8-19, multiple venues, Bay Area
Because seeing 44 concerts in 12 days is a challenge we wholeheartedly accept
Ólafur Arnalds, June 12, The Warfield
Because the Iceland-born, Indonesia-based producer is behind music you maybe can’t ID but immediately love
King Princess, July 15, The Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley
Because someone you know will be singing “Talia” all summer
Machine Gun Kelly featuring Avril Lavigne and Willow, July 19, Oakland Arena
Because the Blonde Don is rockin’ out these days
Red Hot Chili Peppers with Beck and Thundercat, July 29, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Because admit it, this lineup rules
Ruthie Foster, July 31, Miner Auditorium at SFJAZZ Center
Because she’s the current Queen of the Blues
Outside Lands Festival with SZA, Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski and more, August 5-7, Golden Gate Park
Because this festival’s vibe is only outdone by its consistently mind-blowing lineup
Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown with Tank and the Bangas, Big Freedia, George Porter and Dumpstaphunk, August 11, The Mountain Winery, Saratoga
Because when New Orleans comes West, ya gotta be in the vineyards
Tedeschi Trucks Band and Los Lobos, August 20, The Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley
Because this is the best band you may ever see
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, August 21, The Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley
Because you might as well spend the whole weekend at the Greek
The Killers, August 23, Chase Center, San Francisco
Because you cannot believe “When You Were Young” was released 16 years ago
The Weeknd, August 27, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Because you’re in the mood for a melancholy party
Kendrick Lamar, August 31, September 1, Oakland Arena
Because he’s definitely not retired
Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Poison, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, September 7, Oracle Park
Because you really, really loved the ’80s
Lady Gaga, September 8, Oracle Park
Because she can do it all
Dave Matthews Band, September 17, Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View
Because you can still sing all of their hits
Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples, September 18, The Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley
Because these two women are forces of nature, together and apart
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