The 45th annual Twilight in the Park summer concert series has officially begun at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, offering free live music to the public three evenings a week. The series, which kicked off on Tuesday with a performance by the San Diego City Guard Band, will continue through August with more than 30 musical acts scheduled.
Concerts take place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The lineup includes a diverse mix of tribute bands, community ensembles, Latin music groups, and more.
Chairperson Joanna Dullum expressed excitement for the eclectic roster, stating that each band brings something unique to the stage.
Upcoming performances include the American Flyboys Band, the Navy Band Southwest Wind Ensemble, Mariachi Continental de San Diego, and the Bayou Brothers, among many others. The full schedule runs through late August, with genres ranging from jazz and soul to rock and Latin beats.
The series began in 1981, founded by the late Mike Waggener, who envisioned free summer concerts at the pavilion. The first year featured just six local performers, but by 1983 the series had expanded to 33 groups.
All concerts remain free in accordance with the 1915 Deed of Gift from John and Adolph Spreckels, which mandates that events at the pavilion be accessible to the public without charge.
Donations are welcome and help determine the number of concerts offered each summer. This year, the series is fiscally sponsored by Save Starlight, a nonprofit aiming to restore the abandoned Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park.
Volunteers from Save Starlight assist with event staffing and clean-up, and the partnership highlights a shared commitment to bringing music to the community.
To celebrate the 45th anniversary, donors who contribute $45 to the series will be entered into a drawing for prizes such as SeaWorld tickets, zoo passes, coasters, and coffee tumblers. Winners will be announced at the end of the season.
A new website for Twilight in the Park now features historical information, artist profiles, and a donation portal. Dullum encourages attendees to explore the lineup and support the performers, emphasizing that while the concerts are free, the musicians generously donate their time and talent.
For more details, visit the official Twilight in the Park website.