What’s going on, San Diego?!
No, really: What is going on with San Diego and its recent nightlife changes? San Diego was as surprised and upset by the unexpected closing of Bassmnt (in the Gaslamp) and Old Town’s 18-plus Somewhere Loud venue, as the campers that experienced the great floods of TomorrowWorld last weekend. Even with the news spreading like wildfire all over social media and the end of the summer season having passed us by, the month of October doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon for all of you electronic music enthusiasts!
Kicking off on Oct. 2, one of the hottest names in dance music, Kaskade, comes to Sleep Train Amphitheatre on his tour’s kickoff weekend -- having also just released his latest self-produced album, "Automatic." If you have yet to see him live and missed him at Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra Music Festival or Coachella, be happy to know that San Diego’s show will exclusively present Galantis as part of the support talent, as well plus CID. If you’re in the mood for a more intimate night out in between big events, and care for some drum and bass or dubstep, Air Conditioned Lounge hosts Organized Grime every Monday with a renovated sound system and great drink specials.
For the weekend of October 10-11, the party rockers at CRSSD present a San Diego takeover with their CRSSD Festival at Waterfront Park featuring the Flaming Lips, TV on the Radio, Giorgio Moroder, ZHU, Nicolas Jaar, Tchami and many more. Arrive early and enjoy the sun while splashing in the fountains, sipping on craft beer and cocktails, while dancing away to the stacked lineup from start to finish -- and don't forget to refuel with all the gourmet food available too. For night-time action, there are plenty of CRSSD afterparties, including Cashmere Cat at Bang Bang, Kygo at Parq, or catch the hot name on the techno street, Maya Jane Coles, plus the mysterious Claptone at Valley View Casino Arena.
Not slowing down one bit, Gorgon City hits the tour bus for a special Thursday night show at House of Blues Oct. 15. Gorgon City has been making big waves on the radio as well as the festival circuit with their live, house-music joints and head to San Diego with Jonas Rathsman and Amtrac as special guests; you're guaranteed to be dancing all night.
Saturday, Oct. 17, Chris Lake -- no ‘stranger’ to the San Diego house scene -- will be dropping his latest hit “Stranger” on Ultra Records at Bang Bang. If you’re holding out 'til the warehouse parties, on Saturday, Oct. 24, we get a double dose of amplified sound in secret locations revealed the day of the event. At one spot, legendary acid house DJ Josh Wink hits the decks along with Doc Martin for Art of Sound’s anniversary celebration. At a separate secret outdoor location, one of Southern California’s top festival producer and artist, DJ Reza, headlines a pre-Halloween experience along with myself, DJ IDeaL. Prepare to dance a lot and stay up late with plenty of sweaty music lovers!
Speaking of Halloween, everyone’s favorite sexy-outfit day mixed with extravagant movie-quality, special effects costumes will be landing on a Saturday, which translates to an insane weekend of parties and world-class talent. Omnia takes on the duties to kick off Halloween weekend on Thursday, Oct. 29, with none other than EDM’s Steve Aoki (with the rest of their month’s calendar filled with top tier acts), followed by Friday’s Haunted Harrah’s celebration with Bass Jackers and Ashley Wallbridge on multiple stages ending at 3 a.m. If the ghosts and wolves on the streets don’t get you by Halloween Saturday night, there will be plenty of dance floors to hit nothing short of amazing. EVOL at the Prado II: Zombie Prom featuring Doorly and Moon Boots is guaranteed to be another hit by the guys at Lovelife, whose productions keep topping themselves with creative settings and decorations that take you to another dimension at Balboa Park’s Prado (or galaxy, as their last event featured a full "Star Wars"-themed boat party). Hard Rock Halloween sees a return of events to the whole hotel venue with a very anticipated set by Bob Sinclar, while Porter Robinson takes on lead music conductor duties at the Town & Country Resort Convention Center. For any music lovers not in San Diego, join me as I will be opening up for Dirty South at the iconic Avalon Hollywood.
With plenty of party options for all electronic music fans, I hope everyone has a safe and eventful Halloween -- and a word to the guys: Step up the quality of your costumes for the ladies' eye candy, and maybe we can add an official second Halloween in six months!
- 10/2: Kaskade at Sleep Train Amphitheatre
- 10/10-11: CRSSD Festival featuring the Flaming Lips, TV on the Radio, Zhu, Nicolas Jaar, Tchami, Giorgio Moroder and more
- 10/10: Cashmere Cat at Bang Bang CRSSD afterparty
- 10/11: Kygo at Parq CRSSD afterparty
- 10/11: NGHT MVS with Maya Jane Coles, Claptone; Valley View Casino Arena CRSSD afterparty
- 10/15: Gorgon City, presented by HARD at House of Blues
- 10/17: Chris Lake at Bang Bang
- 10/24: Double warehouse night, one with Josh Wink and Doc Martin; one with DJ Reza and myself, DJ IDeaL
- 10/29: Steve Aoki kicks off Halloween Weekend at Omnia
- 10/30: Bass Jackers at Haunted Harrah’s
- 10/31: Heaven & Hell feat. Porter Robinson at Town & Country Resort & Convention Center
- 10/31: Hard Rock Halloween with Bob Sinclar
- 10/31: EVOL at the Prado II: Zombie Prom feat Doorly, Moon Boots
Tomas Serrano, aka DJ IDeaL, is the electronic dance music correspondent for SoundDiego, covering the best of San Diego's electronic music events and culture. Follow his whereabouts on Facebook, Twitter or contact him directly.
