Event Detail

The Arcades is a student-run music festival at UC San Diego that highlights the diverse musical talent found across campus. Supported by the Department of Music, the festival is organized entirely by students and creates space for performers of all backgrounds. The festival is meant not just for music majors but for all students to share their work in a live setting. 

Described as a “collage of music,” The Arcades spans a wide range of genres, selecting artists for their original works and shaping each performance space around their sound. From grunge and alternative bands in the courtyard to intimate singer-songwriter sets, chamber ensembles, 

and electronic performances, the festival transforms the Conrad Prebys Music Center into a dynamic, multi-venue experience. 

Unlike other campus events that bring in outside acts, The Arcades focuses on homegrown talent, connecting UC San Diego artists with the broader San Diego community. With multiple performances happening throughout the day, the festival invites audiences to explore, discover new sounds, and support emerging artists in an open and accessible environment.