San Diego is an absolutely gorgeous city.  The weather is almost always fare to excellent.  Downtown and pacific beach both have decent bar scenes.  We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and some of the more expensive zip codes in the world (hello Rancho Santa Fe).

The one thing we seem to be lacking are raves/massives and music festivals.  The nearest festivals are at the Hudson, LA, and Indio (coachella).  The problem with most of the musical events here is they are all 21+, and inside bars.  This makes for smaller concerts with less attendants. 

I often wonder to myself why we don't have festivals in San Diego.  I'd say it's most likely due to the bad rap the newer ravers are giving the scene.  Most of them only go for the drugs.  Of course, this is true of any scene.  The free expression at these events coupled with the drug intake of many of the 'kids' that are new to the rave scene has created the stereotype that EVERYONE who plays with lights, dresses eccentrically, and goes to raves is a complete druggie.

Honestly, that upsets me.  It also upsets me that the last event I went to (Love Festival in LA) had to cart out over 25 people on stretchers (at least that I saw).  People are going to take drugs at any music festival, I just wish they would monitor their intake.  Anyways, this stigma creates public opposition for these festivals.  People need to be able to see past this stigma.

Currently you can go see many DJs at bars downtown.  Voyeur hosts DJs just about every weekend, and 4th and B has a similar schedule.  They serve alcohol (ALSO A DRUG, JUST WIDELY ACCEPTED) so entry is 21+.  I'd like to see more of these events at San Diego Sports Arena, Cox, Qualcomm, or Petco, but 18+ and all ages.  I think this would attract a HUGE crowd of people.  DJs are rarely hosted at places other than bars in San Diego.  I know of a few people working towards this goal, but it can't come fast enough.  Until that day there are many 21+ events hosted by DJs in San Diego.  Here is a list of a few of the upcoming events.

For a more up to date list, check this forum: http://www.ravelinks.com/forums/san-diego-raves-and-nightlife-forum/

Sharam - October 2nd on Broadway

Steve Angello - October 2nd at Voyeur

ATB - October 2nd at Envy

Moby - October 10th at the House of Blues

Destructo - October 17th at Voyeur

Benny Benassi - October 30th at 4th and B

Deadmau5, Destructo, Crookers, Justice - HARD Haunted Mansion at the Shrine in LA (OK it's not San Diego, but that's where I'll be!)

Deadmau5 - November 1st at the House of Blues

Tiesto - November 8th at 4th and B

Boys Noise - November 8th at Voyeur

If I'm forgetting any please sign up and leave a comment!  I'll add them to the list.