Want to go swing dancing in San Diego? Interested in taking classes? Looking for live jazz music where dancers will be? Check out our list of the most popular venues in the city and surrounding area.
Firehouse Swing
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
Where: 4255 Ruffin Rd #200, San Diego, CA 92123
When: Every Thursday evening
Offerings: Classes, DJed social dance, and sometimes live music
Price: $15 includes class and the dance, $9 dance only (live band nights cost extra)
A regular hub for Lindy Hoppers in SD county for over 20 years, Firehouse offers multiple levels of classes before a DJed social dance or occasional live band. They offer discounts on classes bought in bulk and for 24 and under/military. Volunteers can get free admission.
First Saturday Swing
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
Where: Infinity Dance – 7243 Engineer Rd, San Diego
When: Every first Saturday evening
Offerings: Classes, DJed social dance, and sometimes live music
Price: $10 includes class and the dance, live band nights cost extra
The largest monthly Swing Dance in San Diego, First Saturday Swing, or FSS, offers a friendly environment with classes and light snacks included. They offer free admission on your birthday month, and if you bring someone who’s never swing danced before, you both get in for the price of 1. They also provide free entry to volunteers.
Lindy Bomb
Where: Different outdoor areas in San Diego
When: Varies – normally the 4th or last Saturday, 2.5 hours before sundown
Offerings: DJed music
Price: Free or $5 donation to Lindy CIRCLE programs
A free event at different outdoor spaces. A powerful speaker and a group of dancers just jamming. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for updates about this month’s location, date and time.
Panama 66
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Where: 1450 El Prado, San Diego
When: Swing bands play certain Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, see their schedule for bands
Offerings: Live music; no classes
Price: Free*
Panama 66 is an outdoor restaurant that hosts a variety of bands, including jazz and swing bands. Folks dance on the smooth concrete close to the band with a view of the sculpture garden and bell tower. Don’t wait in line for a table! Just tell the hostess you’re there for the live band and to dance. Other dancers will happily share their table with you if you need a place to put your things down.
*We recommend buying food or a drink and/or tipping the band to support the venue and musicians if you’re able
Other Places to Dance in Southern California
A little over an hour by train or car can get you to other thriving swing dance scenes in Orange County and Los Angeles.
Atomic Ballroom
Where: 17961 Sky Park Cir, Irvine, CA
When: Every Tuesday and Friday evening
Offerings: Classes, DJed social dance, and sometimes live music
Price: $20 includes class and the dance, $15 dance only, live band nights cost extra
Home to internationally renowned instructors, Atomic brings together people from all over SoCal. San Diego dancers caravan up to this venue weekly: DM us to be added to the Facebook carpool group.
Lindy Groove
Where: 200 S Euclid Ave, Pasadena, CA
When: Every Thursday evening
Offerings: Classes, DJed social dance, and sometimes live music
Price: $15 for the dance, series classes vary (see website or social media)
If you’re ever in LA County, drop by Lindy Groove in Pasadena. This welcoming weekly dance is over 20 years old. Currently, Lindy Groove is completely cashless: sign up for an account on their website to prepay for admission.