San Diego is home to dozens of award-winning stages, with standout theaters including the San Diego Civic Theatre (Broadway San Diego), the La Jolla Playhouse, and my personal favorite, the Old Globe Theatre.
Let's have a look at some of the featured theaters scheduled to offer a wide range of plays and musical theater performances in 2026.
The San Diego Civic Theater Plaza
San Diego Civic Theatre & Balboa Theatre
The theaters that make up 'Broadway San Diego' seem like the perfect place to start when we're highlighting musical theater and San Diego's Broadway shows set to hit the stage in 2026.
The San Diego Civic Theatre located at 110 Third Avenue @ B Street in Downtown San Diego offers a wide range of productions, from live theater to concerts to stand-up and beyond, and the tickets reflect that fact. Upcoming events set for 2026 that I'm looking forward to include MJ the Musical in May and Hell's Kitchen in August.
The historic Balboa Theatre located at 868 Fourth Ave. also in Downtown San Diego focuses more on comedy shows and special performances with the occasional stage performance mixed in.
Ticket prices range from as little as about $40 up to $200+ depending on the show and when you want to go. We always recommend going directly to the theater page for specific ticket info. You should also check out the San Diego Civic Theatre's season calendar and Balboa Theatre's season calendar to get the complete list of who and what you can expect on stage in 2026!
Parking & Dining
For parking, I suggest the Wells Fargo Plaza parking garage located at 401 B Street at the corner of 4th and B Streets. It's located just two blocks from the San Diego Civic Theatre and about 4 blocks from the Balboa Theatre. You can buy your parking pass online in advance for $10 versus the $15 day of price. Just know that this deal isn't available for weekday matinee performances.
For dining options, try the Bronze Bird at The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter or my personal recommendation, The Waves Taco Club for some really tasty tacos!
At the La Jolla Playhouse Campus
The La Jolla Playhouse
In its early days the La Jolla Playhouse was the recreational home to several Hollywood luminaries, including Vivian Vance, Groucho Marx, and the lovely Eve Arden. It then went on hiatus from 1959 until 1982 when in 1983 a handful of supporters brought it back on the campus of UC San Diego.
Since then, the much acclaimed La Jolla Playhouse has produced more than 130 world premieres, sending 37 productions to Broadway. Standouts developed at the Playhouse are The Who's Tommy and Jersey Boys. The theater has also garnered 42 Tony Awards including the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre way back in 1993.
Today the La Jolla Playhouse operates four venues:
- Mandell Weiss Theatre
- Mandell Weiss Forum
- Potiker Theatre
- Shank Theatre
To me, this is the location if you're interested in 'new and next up' plays and musicals rather than established, Broadway favorites.
With multiple theater locations, you're most likely to catch a play here without the hassle of running into sold-out shows. However, you'll want to purchase tickets as soon as they're on sale to secure your seat! Stage front bench tickets start at $30; however, La Jolla Playhouse offers a variety of ways to save on their ticket prices.
Be sure to inquire about military, student, and rush discounts and check out our La Jolla Playhouse season calendar article for a full rundown of what you can expect in the season ahead.
Parking & Dining
Free parking is available at the South Parking Structure via the Gilman Drive, Level 3 entrance. The parking attendant can then guide you to the pedestrian walkway and shuttle access.
As a local tip, plan on getting there early so you have time to park and catch the shuttle.
The Playhouse has on-site dining. James' Place is open for dinner and offers Asian fusion, sushi, steak, and coastal fare. Our founder Todd has been there and he and his wife love it!
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Todd and Erika Going to How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Old Globe Theatre
Much like the La Jolla Playhouse, the Old Globe Theatre has won 13 Tony Awards and sent over 20 productions to Broadway!
If I'm being honest, the theatres at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park are my personal favorites. The performances are unique and I find that the performers always seem to pour their whole heart and soul into every performance.
The Old Globe operates three stages, including two in the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center - the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the 580-seat Old Globe Theatre and the 250-seat Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre. My personal favorite however has to be the 620-seat outdoor venue, the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
Ticket prices can range from $29 - $60 for students, military, and 62+ to $60 - $300 for full price. Season packages and group discounts are also available.
Ready to Watch Henry 6 Seating at the Outdoor Theatre at the Old Globe
The Summer Shakespeare Festival
The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre is home to an amazing Shakespeare Festival every summer from the middle of June to July. It is one of the largest in the nation, and it's right in our backyard!
Our founder Todd, tells me that there's nothing quite like it! Watching Shakespeare performed under the stars, with the warm evening air and the energy of a live crowd – it's one of those uniquely San Diego experiences that reminds him why the city has such a vibrant arts culture. I know it will be on his summer to-do list this year!
As a local tip, know that Shakespeare Festival tickets always sell fast. Check their website in March for ticket announcements as well as this season's calendar so you don't miss out on anything playing at the Old Globe this season!
Parking & Dining
While getting to the theater is pretty easy from the area's major highways, allow yourself plenty of time for parking. Traffic is tough in this area. It's recommended to get there one hour before showtime. Also note that as of early 2026, Balboa Park now charges for parking.
The Globe offers on-site dining. Lady Carolyn's Pub has soup, sandwiches, and a full bar. Plus, it offers a drink pre-ordering service for intermission!
Cygnet Theatre - A Christmas Carole
Cygnet Theatre
As of the fall of 2025, The Cygnet Theatre is settling well into its new home in the Arts District Liberty Station. Formerly located in Old Town San Diego, it now calls the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center home.
If you are looking for a more intimate experience with a selection of year-round adventurous, high-quality, engaging plays, this theater may be just what you're looking for! Cygnet considers itself a friendly rival to the Old Globe Theatre, hence the name.
They strive to produce thought-provoking performances with 2026 highlights including The SpongeBob Musical in June and July, Dear Evan Hansen in September and October, and one of my personal favorites, the annual performance of A Christmas Carol set for late November until Christmas Eve 2026. Todd and his wife went to see A Christmas Carol and he told me it did not disappoint.
The Cygnet offers varying prices based on the production and seating area. You'll definitely want to explore the Cygnet Theatre's season calendar for a complete list of exciting upcoming 2026 and 2027 performances.
Parking & Dining
Parking is easily available within the Liberty Station complex. You'll find the closest option at Truxtun Road between the Chapel and Vons grocery store.
For preshow food options, try Jimmy's Famous American Tavern – Point Loma for burgers, beers and a fantastic view of the marina or Luna Grill Liberty Station for Mediterranean quick service with the gyro platter being my personal favorite.
Bella Before Nutcracker Ballet at the CA Center for the Arts, Escondido
More Incredible San Diego Theaters
Our team at Go Visit San Diego really loves a good live performance and thus has written full guides covering many of San Diego's theaters and venues. If you want to learn more about any specific theater in town, be sure to check out that section.
If you're looking for more plays and musical theater performances in 2026, you may also want to check out the Lamb's Players Theater in Coronado for boutique performances. One more I want to mention is the California Center for the Arts, Escondido for musical performances like the Celtic Thunder October 25th, 2026 or the City Ballet's annual performance of The Nutcracker just before Christmas.