Enjoy premier talent and VIP bottle service at San Diego’s hottest nightclub! The guest list is free before 10 PM, so secure your spot now and prepare for a memorable night!
The SideBar vibe that hits different
SideBar is a boutique nightlife room with a clear point of view: intimate scale, high-energy DJ nights, extravagant décor, and cocktails that feel just as important as the music. The brand leans into extra glitz and glam, but it’s not overdone. It’s polished, slightly dangerous, and unapologetically downtown.
The space is designed for options. You can keep it social on the dance floor or elevate the entire night with VIP bottle service, complete with priority entry, premium seating, and table placements that put you right in front of the DJ and lighting production. There’s even a VIP DJ Table beside the booth for groups who want to be at the center of the room all night.
SideBar is located at 536 Market Street in the Gaslamp Quarter. Hours run Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 PM to 2 AM, and Friday and Saturday from 7:30 PM to 2 AM. The dress code is upscale and fashionable — no hats, shorts, sandals, or athletic wear — so the crowd looks intentional before the first track even drops.
This week is a strong snapshot of what SideBar does best: a Wednesday that feels like an early weekend, a Thursday mystery slot that keeps everyone watching, and a Friday–Saturday run built for DJs who can command a tight boutique floor without falling into predictable patterns.
Wednesday, March 4: Craig Smoove
Craig Smoove brings more than 15 years of experience and a résumé that stretches beyond a single city. Originally rooted in nightlife before establishing himself in San Diego’s club circuit, he’s built a reputation as a true open-format specialist.
That label matters. Craig doesn’t just play multiple genres — he reads the room in real time. His sets move seamlessly between Top 40, hip-hop, house, and EDM, adjusting based on the crowd’s energy rather than sticking to a rigid playlist. The transitions are tight, the pacing is deliberate, and the momentum never stalls.
He has performed at major San Diego venues and has toured in cities such as Chicago and New York. He has also shared bills with artists such as Diplo and Post Malone, which speaks to his versatility and comfort performing to crowds of varying sizes and energy levels. On social media, his presence reinforces that open-format identity, with clips highlighting quick blends and high-impact drops.
Expect Wednesday to feel elevated but approachable — a night that builds steadily and ends stronger than it started.
Thursday, March 5: TBD
A TBD night at SideBar isn’t an empty date — it’s a flex. SideBar’s own copy emphasizes that themed nights and special DJ events are central to what keeps the venue feeling fresh and exciting, and the boutique format makes surprise announcements land bigger than they would in a massive club. If you want the best version of Thursday, treat it like a pop-up: keep your plans loose, show up dressed right, and watch SideBar’s socials for the name reveal.
Friday, March 6: Shadowman
Shadowman (Ricky Arias) is the kind of DJ a Friday crowd trusts quickly: fast transitions, confident edits, and enough range to keep a packed room from feeling predictable. His official bio describes him as an original member of a San Diego-based DJ collective, known for open-format sets and a strong presence in the city’s nightlife. It also highlights daytime sets at Sunburn Pool, which is its own credential — reading a room when the vibe is sunny, social, and still demands energy.
What makes him especially aligned with SideBar is the radio component. In 2019, Shadowman became part of a show on Pitbull’s Globalization channel designed to spotlight new remixes and up-and-coming producers. Translation for Friday at SideBar: the crowd gets recognizable hooks in updated versions — remix-forward, punchier, and perfectly timed for a luxury room that prefers current over recycled. His Instagram profile reinforces that identity with “vibe creator” language and booking information tied directly to nightlife culture.
Saturday, March 7: P-Dot
P-Dot is a Saturday booking that brings “Vegas polish” without the stale predictability. His official bio frames him as a DJ, producer, and YouTuber with late-’90s turntablism roots and a true open-format mindset — blending underground hip-hop through current Top 40, with the 2000s dance music era shaping how he builds big moments. He also maintains a regular performance schedule between Los Angeles and New York City and lists corporate and special-event work for major brands. That combination — brand-level professionalism paired with open-format freedom — is a strong match for SideBar’s luxury-and-edge balance.
Where P-Dot really stands out is his visibility within the DJ community. His bio positions him as a “DJ tips and tricks” creator with ties to other DJ-focused projects, which typically signals someone who is constantly refining their technique. In a 2025 interview, he explained how content creation and community relationships expanded his opportunities and sharpened his career trajectory — a mindset that often translates into tighter transitions and more intentional pacing when playing live. Expect a Saturday that feels clean, quick, and deliberately high energy from start to last call.
How to play the week
If you’re aiming for the “best version” of this lineup, plan around SideBar’s strengths: show up dressed as you belong in the room, arrive early enough to settle in before the floor peaks, and don’t treat bottle service as an afterthought if you’re coming with a group. SideBar’s VIP bottle service includes priority entry, premium seating, personalized service, and the “ultimate experience” VIP DJ Table beside the booth.
And don’t overlook the Thursday TBD strategy: keep your plans flexible and stay tuned. SideBar is active on Instagram and positions itself as a Wednesday–Saturday luxury nightclub and lounge, so the lineup reveal will likely land there first.
Elevate Your Night – VIP Access & Experiences
- At SideBar, we’re all about luxurious experiences. From skipping the line to bottle service in your own private booth, here’s how to upgrade your night:
- Guestlist & Tickets: Get free entry before 10 PM with a Guestlist RSVP. After 10 PM, admission is $20 for general admission or $30 for VIP skip-the-line access.
- Reserve Tables: Party in style with our VIP Bottle Services, featuring premium liquor, mixers, private booth, and dedicated service.
- Private Events: Book the entire venue (4,000 sq. ft. + outdoor patio) for up to 350 guests. With LED screens, a top-tier DJ booth, and full-service options, we’ll bring your event vision to life.