Tribute Shows in Southern California

23 October 2025

Pink Talking Fish is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the music from three of the world’s most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the[…]

Saint Rocke,142 Pacific Coast Highway
Hermosa Beach,CA90254United States
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24 October 2025

Get ready to groove and pay tribute to the Grateful Dead in your spookiest Halloween costumes at our epic costume party!

Hilltop Tavern and Inn,9544 Kiowa Road
Apple Valley,CA92308United States
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24 October 2025

Enter the world of After Hours, LA’s spectral tribute to the Velvet Underground. Through hypnotic feedback, droney guitars and raw poetry, this five-piece collective transforms performances into mesmerizing sonic rituals.

Mojave Gold,56193 29 Palms Hwy.
Yucca Valley,CA92284United States
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24 October 2025

PINK TALKING FISH: WISH YOU WERE HERE 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR This Spring, Pink Talking Fish will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the incredible Pink Floyd album, WISH YOU WERE[…]

Belly Up,143 South Cedros Avenue
Solana Beach,CA92075United States
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25 October 2025

Pink Talking Fish is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the music from three of the world’s most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the[…]

Lodge Room,104 North Avenue 56
Los Angeles,CA90042United States
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25 October 2025

Experience the ultimate Steely Dan tribute this ROCKTOBER as The Mighty Wu brings their 11-piece ensemble to Mid City. For 24 years, Doctor Wu has masterfully recreated The Dan’s iconic[…]

The Mint,6010 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles,CA90035United States
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25 October 2025

Get ready, San Luis Obispo! Brass Mash is bringing their signature all-horn sound to Libertine in the heart of downtown. Dive into an unforgettable evening of high-energy music as they[…]

Libertine Brewing Company,1234 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo,CA93401United States
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25 October 2025

Live Grateful Dead Music on the tracks.

The Station,26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B
San Juan Capistrano,CA92675United States
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26 October 2025

Every Sunday at Aquarius catch Fish and the Seaweeds for two sets of Grateful Dead tunes, with another band TBA bringing on sunset. Five Dollars after 4:20…

Aquarius Bar and Grille,1548 Quivira Way #5
San Diego,CA92109United States
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26 October 2025

Every Sunday at StillWater, right next to Dana Point Music

StillWater Spirits & Sounds,24701 Del Prado Ave
Dana Point,CA92629United States
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26 October 2025

Pink Talking Fish is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the music from three of the world’s most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the[…]

SLO Brew Rock,855 Aerovista Place
San Luis Obispo,CA93401United States
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27 October 2025

Electric Waste Band is now in year 33 of their weekly Monday night residency at Winston’s OB. Long gone are the glory days of piling into a van and following[…]

Winston’s,1921 Bacon St
San Diego,CA92107United States
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28 October 2025

In Sonic Dreams presents a tribute to music legends, featuring local bands honoring The Replacements, Beach Boys, Dylan, Bowie, and Velvet Underground while supporting community therapy.

Scribble Community Center,5541 York Blvd
Los Angeles,CA90042United States
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30 October 2025

Galactic Empire is the galaxy’s foremost instrumental Star Wars cosplay heavy metal John Williams tribute band. Their first two music videos were viral hits, gaining over 24 million Youtube views[…]

Tower Theater,809 E Olive Ave
Fresno,CA93728United States
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31 October 2025

Experience the iconic Rocky Horror Picture Show at SLO Brew Rock with live performances at 6 and 9pm. Don your fishnets and corsets for an interactive evening of musical mayhem[…]

SLO Brew Rock,855 Aerovista Place
San Luis Obispo,CA93401United States
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31 October 2025

Galactic Empire, the premier instrumental Star Wars cosplay metal band, brings their cinematic tributes to life with over 24 million YouTube views and global tours. Their new album CINEMETAL expands[…]

House of Blues Anaheim,400 Disney Way
Anaheim,CA92802United States
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31 October 2025

The Great Divide consists of four California musicians performing the music of Phish. The band creates original setlists that embody the spirit of live Phish shows while leaving room for[…]

The Mint,6010 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles,CA90035United States
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It’s a fine line separating the two, but nevertheless important to differentiate between tribute bands and cover bands. Whether or not you appreciate the format, the Southern California music scene is host to probably the greatest variety of tribute and cover acts in the world.

In general, tribute bands dedicate themselves to recreating the stage experience of a specific artist or group. These musicians meticulously study everything from vocal inflections and mannerisms to costume changes and instrumental techniques and gear. A true tribute show aims to transport audiences back in time, offering an immersive experience that captures the essence of the original artist in their prime.

Cover bands, on the other hand, tend to perform songs from multiple artists and genres, focusing more on entertainment value than precise recreation. While they may play faithful renditions of popular songs, they rarely adopt the appearance or personas of the original performers. These versatile bands are staples at venues ranging from wedding receptions to local bars, and might never find their way onto a ticketing platform, so they can be difficult for a casual fan to track down.

What sets Southern California’s premier tribute acts apart is their extraordinary attention to detail and unwavering commitment to authenticity. For fans who never got to see iconic bands during their heyday or who wish to relive memorable concert experiences, these tribute shows offer the next best thing to time travel.

Past Tribute & Cover Band Shows: