The Observatory

Category: Live music venue in Santa Ana, California

Address: 3503 S Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704, USA

Phone: +17149570600

Opening hours

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 12–6PM

Tuesday: 12–6PM

Wednesday: 12–6PM

Thursday: 12–6PM

Friday: 12–6PM

Saturday: Closed

Reviews

melissa coe

May 31, 2022

The place itself was amazing!!!! The staff however had no clue what was going on, made half of us show covid vac cards or neg test and the rest didn't care about, only made half the girls throw their purses away from being too big, and were totally rude. Also sat up pay to park 4 hours after we were already parked and standing in line waiting g for meet n greets. Was a great concert but a horrible experience from the staff!!!!

Leona Wong

Apr 5, 2022

It’s close to the stage! Went to see said the sky. The vibes is good. Also the drink they offer at the bar is good. Security let you pass really quick

Tanori Group

Mar 1, 2022

Solid place to see a show outside of L.A. Smaller venue, but there is a lot of room throughout the venue. Staff is friendly, easy to get food and drinks, so made for an easy going night. All ages as well 👍🏼 Sound was a little off on this night, wanted to hear the vocals much better, but they were really washed out, and given I was there for the singer, was a little bummed. Overall, sound mix forgiven, the band sounded great and it was well worth it to see Gary Numan put on an amazing performance at the Observatory vs the Fonda Theater in Hollywood!

Jonathan

Sep 12, 2021

Hands down my favorite venue of all time. The venue is less than 20 miles away from me so it's easy to get to. The best thing about The Observatory is the artist selection, they book some of my favorite artist so I come here pretty often. You will have a different experience every time, depending on what room the band is playing at and what equipment the band brings with them. The more mainstream artist bring their own lights and decorations so it makes the experience better. Most artist play at the Observatory room but there is also the constellation room right next to it. During music festivals like Burgerama and Beach Goth there are usually three stages, both inside and outside. The sound here sounds pretty clear and since the venue is not that big seeing bands play here feels very intimate. If you get to the show early you will probably get to stand 5 feet away from the artist. The parking here varies depending on who is playing. Sometimes you can park for free, sometimes $10 and sometimes it can reach $25 (which is ridiculous). The only thing I hate about the Observatory is how hot it gets, it makes the place feel dirtier. I don't recommend that anyone take a sweater because you're just going to want to toss it in a trash can (even during winter). I also recommend that you eat and drink a lot before a show because they overprice everything. No one likes paying more than $2 for a bottle of water.

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Questions & Answers

If I bring my guitar, can I participate in the show?

J P | Aug 20, 2018
ronnie clarin | Aug 20, 2018

Nope

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May i wild out?!

Leo Robs | Aug 20, 2018
Steven Venegas | Aug 20, 2018

Yes, wild out my dude! If its the smaller room, stage dive and have fun🙌 just dont get in fights. No one digs bad vibes

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Can you buy tickets at the doors ? For trippie redds concert ?

Joselin Dominguez | Aug 20, 2018
lord hexeda | Aug 20, 2018

Now,

Is this 4/20 friendly?

ww ww | Aug 20, 2019
Joshua Guzman | Aug 20, 2019

Not anymore apparently

I’m under 18 can still enter a concert that says all ages by myself

Santana Sage | Aug 20, 2018
Briana Riggs | Aug 20, 2018

Yes, you can enter

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Can you purchase tickets at door?

Nicole Forbes | Aug 20, 2019
Nam Eric Doan | Aug 20, 2019

Yes, I've previously bought tickets at the door. Many shows do sell out though

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What time do you guys open I’m trying to get some tickets

Tiny Garcia | Aug 20, 2019
The Observatory | Aug 20, 2019

Box Office opens at 10:30am

If doors open at 7 PM for an 8 PM concert, what time is VIP entry for meet & greet with Allen Stone on Oct. 16?

Sheila Kanoya | Aug 20, 2019
Viking Day Trip | Aug 20, 2019

I would suggest going to the Observatory or artist's website for instructions and or calling the Observatory direct. Also the tickets should have provided you with the details of the the "meet n greet." Either way get there early and enjoy!

Is it indoors

Chloe Nguyen | Aug 19, 2020
Mischa Friend | Aug 19, 2020

Yes. Indoors.

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Is there a parking fee for handicapp?

Patricia Landa | Aug 19, 2020
NanuNanu | Aug 19, 2020

I don't think there's any free parking period for anybody but who knows? Ring the venue.

Can I take a camera in the venue ?

James Rivera | Aug 20, 2019
Cody DeFrate | Aug 20, 2019

Yes, in my experience it's not an issue. I believe it depends upon the band you're seeing

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Can I take pictures?

IAN ANDRES | Aug 20, 2018
Steven Going | Aug 20, 2018

Yes. Video as well.

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For ghastly Saturday night is there a dress code?

Chewy’s Kashyyyk | Aug 20, 2018
Robert Corona | Aug 20, 2018

From my experience not with edm shows. People usually go half naked.

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The Pericos concert March 25th 2018 is cancel?

Frida Becerra | Aug 20, 2018
Brenda Hernandez | Aug 20, 2018

Yes, from web sources it looks like it was cacelled.

Can I bring water?

Kaitlynn Jimenez | Aug 20, 2018
Briana Riggs | Aug 20, 2018

No, you can't bring any food or drink in with you. Bottles of water are available for purchase at $2 a bottle

Does anyone know if hats/beanies are allowed ?

Chris | Aug 20, 2018
Robert Russell | Aug 20, 2018

Yes, I wore a porkpie hat yesterday and I saw plenty of baseball caps.

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Is it better to go to the first or the second night of a concert? The first night lands on a Wednesday & the second night lands on a Thursday... It's for A$AP Rocky!

Eryca Romero | Aug 20, 2018
Julie Scott | Aug 20, 2018

Depends on what your favorite part is - first nights are usually more high energy and unprecictable, 2nd nights generally more polished. Also consider your work schedule - I usually choose the night closest to the weekend so I can have time to rest afterwards.

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Can teens go to Tyler the Creator without an adult?

Sandra Denzler | Aug 20, 2018
John Baggs | Aug 20, 2018

Yes

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Super cool spot. Great shows.

T G | Aug 20, 2018
willie tlatenchi | Aug 20, 2018

Yup

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Any ska coming up?

Amanda Brennan | Aug 20, 2018
Dulce Campuzano | Aug 20, 2018

YES ! No Violence Music Festival feat. Os Catalepticos, Inspector, The Casualties, & more! Sat May 26, 2018 2:00 pm PDT

Is the Observatory an indoor or outdoor venue? If outdoor, are we allowed to bring a blanket or chairs to sit on?

JOE ORTIZ | Jun 20, 2022
4641HECA | Jun 20, 2022

It's indoors, barstools here and there, but standing room mostly. Even being at full capacity, was well air-conditioned. Enjoy🤘

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2 questions, what timebis clutch's sound check? Are masks or negative tests still required?

Seth LaClair | Apr 21, 2022
MNDO R | Apr 21, 2022

Yes, you still have to show proof of vaccination

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Do they have wifi?

Matthew Archer | Mar 22, 2022
MNDO R | Apr 21, 2022

No...

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If I buy a parking pass (the $10 one) can I leave my car overnight in the lot?

Becca Steinmetz | Nov 22, 2021
Paula Torres | Nov 22, 2021

Heard that's a NO cause they usually get towed. Call or go on their website and ask.💻📱 My friend went back the next night not morning so that might have made a difference. Maybe Not🤷🏼

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In order to attend a concert at The Observatory do I have to take a covid test or a vaccine . Need to know before purchasing tickets.

Staci Winstead | Sep 23, 2021
Staci Winstead | Sep 23, 2021

Thanks everyone I really appreciate you reaching out and getting back to me thank you

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Can we wear hats ?

Esperanza Barajas | Aug 19, 2020
james behrens | Aug 19, 2020

You can wear hats there, Butt if there are specific and special events that day, most of the time they will ask you to remove your hat if there is a sport logo on it or any type of advertising

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How is parking?

Marco Soberano | Aug 19, 2020
Craiger | Aug 19, 2020

The venue has parking. General parking is maybe a three to five minute walk from the space. $10.

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Are we allowed to take a vape pen In?

sonia hernandez | Aug 19, 2020
Rosanna Brown | Aug 19, 2020

No. Your not "allowed" to.

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What's the dress code at this place? Heading over to see Tuxedo.

Tasha Parra | Aug 20, 2019
Michael McQuiston | Aug 20, 2019

Depends on the event. Never seen anyone kicked out over clothing.

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Going to see the exploited, steel toed boots ok?

Richard Steffey | Aug 20, 2019
Evan Stone | Aug 20, 2019

Yup your good! Stop some hipsters for me, please?

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Do they bring food to the seats??

Mag Jag | Aug 20, 2019
Jose Ortiz | Aug 20, 2019

No I don't think so

Is the Reverend Horton Heat going to play this year?

Lisa Hollingsworth | Aug 20, 2019
Jose Ortiz | Aug 20, 2019

Not sure but u could look up the upcoming events... I went a couple of times and had a great time

Going tonight, Is there seating for the show, ?

Mike | Aug 20, 2019
Nate Nelson | Aug 20, 2019

Only seating is in VIP. Everything else is standing room only

Can I bring my mini backpack?

Vicky Wu | Aug 20, 2019
Antoinette Suba | Aug 20, 2019

Yes i brought my purse in and they went thru it but didn't say it was too big

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so theres a concert tonight and doors open at 7, what time should I get to there to get a good spot to stand?

Alexis Tiscareno | Aug 20, 2019
Amy Girado | Aug 20, 2019

Last week for the LP concert it was packed and the opening act went on before 8pm.

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if we have general admission and decide to get there early for a good spot, but it's raining, are there pop ups for the people in line ??

Emily Mufasa | Aug 20, 2019
Tim Ackerman | Aug 20, 2019

No pop ups, I'm afraid but getting there early is a must for good parking

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Can I take my side bag into the show?

Christian Giles | Aug 20, 2019
Christian Giles | Aug 20, 2019

Size of a fancy pack. Would that work?

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Can I show tickets on my phone or do they have to be printed?

peyton gadbury | Aug 20, 2019
Steve Hughes | Aug 20, 2019

Yes the can be scanned on your phone.

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Can tickets be scanned from your phone or is printing them out the acceptable way?

Daniel B | Aug 20, 2019
Steve Hughes | Aug 20, 2019

Tickets can be scanned from your phone.

How many people can fit in the building

Cam Rail | Aug 20, 2019
Ben Park | Aug 20, 2019

Sooo many. Officially: Total is 550. Constellation Room is 300. It does feel like more people are there... https://www.ocregister.com/2012/06/11/santa-anas-observatory-rises-from-the-ashes-2/

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It's our first time, the show tonight is 8pm, what's the best time to be there?

Ces Azaret | Aug 20, 2019
Anthony Corda | Aug 20, 2019

Depending on the act and if you want to make sure you get to the front of the stage, I'd say get there at 7 to wait in line. If you're not too picky on where you stand, I'd say 715-730.

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For a spot is it first come first serve ??

Yvette Delgado | Aug 20, 2019
Ronnae G | Aug 20, 2019

Yeah, general admission. But if you get VIP for your chosen concert, you go in early, therefore are in the very front. There are booths in the back by the bar

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My sons are 14 and 11 years old you'll think I have a problem taking them to a concert there even know it say all ages concert???? Thanks for ur help

Nancy Sanchez | Aug 20, 2019
first last | Aug 20, 2019

As long as the show is all ages, you shouldn't have any problems.

Do u have to print out the tickets?

tony allen | Aug 20, 2019
Steve Hughes | Aug 20, 2019

If you do choose to print the tickets make sure you use a laser printer.

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Are there seats

James Coleman | Aug 20, 2019
Ronnae G | Aug 20, 2019

No, its GA mostly. I think there are some booth & seats toward the back where the bar is, but in front where the stage is, it's standing only

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What time does the show end tonight?( Clairo - aug 11th)

liv | Aug 20, 2018
Josh Hall | Aug 20, 2018

there is no set time if the artist wants to keeo going tgen tyey do. usually by midnight though

Is the balcony for vips or can GA people come up there as well?

liv | Aug 20, 2018
Zuleyma R. | Aug 20, 2018

Only for VIPs

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Is anyone going to the lil skies concert and if do u have to be 18+ or can u be under 18

Julian Garcia | Aug 20, 2018
Marcus | Aug 20, 2018

Observatory is all ages.

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Can I buy a ticket at the window for a show a month ahead?

Christian Giles | Aug 20, 2018
LuLu M | Aug 20, 2018

Yes, you can!

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How old do you have to be to go to these shows? :)

Elizabeth Millan | Aug 20, 2018
Richard Ayala | Aug 20, 2018

Some are all ages. I think it depends on who's performing

Any idea where to park all day? I want to show up super early for a show, but it looks like their lot won’t be open when I get there

Matthew Yamamoto | Aug 20, 2018
Bob Lehto | Aug 20, 2018

Home depot lot and walk?

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If I bring my own marijuana can I smoke it here

Roxy Jacks | Aug 20, 2018
Julie Ascencio | Aug 20, 2018

Idk if you can but that doesnt stop people. You can always just sneak it in like the rest of us, just in case.

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can i buy tickets at the door?

tyler jaramillo | Aug 20, 2018
Irving Ball | Aug 20, 2018

Yes, but it's not a huge place, so if it's a popular show, it could sell out.

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What time does the concert end tonight the 20th

Pamela Samuels | Aug 20, 2018
Crit Van Tuyl | Aug 20, 2018

11pm

I want to see the Long Beach Dub Allstars on June 22, but I will be recovering from surgery so is there any seating at the show?

Michelle Gerdes | Aug 20, 2018
chris porter | Aug 20, 2018

Yes there are booths

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For LBC will there be a refill station? If so could I bring a water bottle to refill.

Luis Montano | Aug 20, 2018
Chris Dupart | Aug 20, 2018

You can ask the bartenders for water it's free or buy bottled water there are no drinking foutins

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Is the venue indoors or outdoors?

Jesse Chetto | Aug 20, 2018
peter wycoff | Aug 20, 2018

It is an indoor venue. there are two stages.

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How early can I line up for a general admission show?

MakeitNaschy | Aug 20, 2018
Jamie Herman | Aug 20, 2018

The doors open generally one hour from the tine that the show starts. If you get dinner reservations, you also are allowed early entry, which for our 8pm show, early entry was at 6pm.

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Any word on the update for the Asap rocky Tickets ?

Gerardo Espinoza | Aug 20, 2018
Trinon Cirello | Aug 20, 2018

No update as of yet

If I’m in line and my friends come a bit after . Can they go up in the line where I’m at or do they have to go to the back of the line ?

Q50 DANNY | Aug 20, 2018
Doctor Dirtnap | Aug 20, 2018

Communication is key. If you have the tickets and show them then thats to me no issue. If they have the tickets then show up late then back of the libe you go! 🤩

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Able to smoke weed?

Buck Nasty | Aug 20, 2018
Chris Moorer | Aug 20, 2018

Yes low key I do all the time

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How is the venue here? Is it like a first come first serve? General admission?

Martha Sanchez | Aug 20, 2018
Brett Harris | Aug 20, 2018

It's a nice venue to see a show. I have been there twice. It was a little cramped in the lower area at the Observatory, but a great view point. The Constellation Room is pretty quaint and a great venue for a show! There is a slightly raised platform in the back.

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What is the earliest time we can check in if Concert is at 8:00 pm?

KANDI DU | Aug 20, 2018
Geoff Overlee | Aug 20, 2018

When doors open the venue opens.

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Lost my keys in the pit the last night, any way I can get them back?

Kevin Garrison | Aug 20, 2018
Miguel Avila | Aug 20, 2018

If any of the staff found your keys they will turn them in on the office "lost and found" and you'll be able to get them back.

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Can we change times on the show day?

angel Higareda | Aug 20, 2018
Dionna Scoggins | Aug 20, 2018

No i dont think so

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If I buy the tickets in person will I still be charged a "24 dollar" service fee?

Andres Saenz | Aug 20, 2018
Briana Riggs | Aug 20, 2018

If you pay cash at the box office there's a $3 fee per ticket. I think that goes up to $5 per ticket if you're paying with a card

Do kids pay?

Arely Vela | Aug 20, 2018
Carrie Smith | Aug 20, 2018

I'm not sure for Dimebash we paid 33$and it was one of the best shows and the surroundings were so nice I had ever been t o.o .

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What is the capacity?

Emiii wiii | Aug 20, 2018
MattLikesGaming | Aug 20, 2018

a thousand or so I would think

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How long are the performances?

Benjamin Lopez | Aug 20, 2018
Christopher Helwig | Aug 20, 2018

Every tour is different. The headliner chooses everyone's set time before it starts.

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I bought tickets for playboi carti and it said it started at 8pm, now they changed it to 11pm??

Dave Macko | Aug 20, 2018
Nathan | Aug 20, 2018

They changed it to 11 because they have anothet concert at 8. So after that concert is done you can enter the observatory for carti

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Is it a club after concerts?

Alberto Maya | Aug 20, 2018
jack straw | Aug 20, 2018

no.its an actual observatory with great views of the city.

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When is the third element concert ???

Lilia Ferguson | Aug 20, 2018
Jacqueline Garcia | Aug 20, 2018

Feb 2

Can you pay at the door

Sena Padilla | Aug 20, 2018
Paula Duenas | Aug 20, 2018

Depends on the show, you need to call the box office or look up the event on FB

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can we buy chief keef tickets at the door tonight ?

Gabriel Rodriguez | Aug 20, 2018
Kila Kali 186 | Aug 20, 2018

Yes!

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Can you bring chairs and your own water

Bouisha Winston | Aug 20, 2018
Attiyah Rodrigues | Aug 20, 2018

No

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Are you able to leave your car over night without it getting towed?

Rosie Mohr | Aug 20, 2018
Paula Duenas | Aug 20, 2018

The surrounding lots and where they make you park for $10 are all lots where other businesses are so I wouldn't leave a car there overnight. If you park in a lot where they aren't charging you the $10 to avoid it, they will tow you while the event is actually going on. My car broke down in one of those lots right as I got there for an event and they were going to tow it no matter what I said and made me push it on to the street myself (nice guys huh?) to get it off of their lot. I personally wouldn't leave a car in any of the lots around there.

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Can you sit any place

Hector Garcia | Aug 20, 2018
Steven Venegas | Aug 20, 2018

There is usually some outdoor seating. Its to the right when you walk in👍

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How can i sell will call tickets?

Manny Perez | Aug 20, 2018
Karland Reed | Aug 20, 2018

What you can do is post the tickets online(fb, IG, etc.) to let people know what you're selling. If someone you don't know is interested then I suggest you meet them at the venue to exchange money for the tickets. If it's someone you do know like a friend or family member you may be able to collect the money before hand and just call to change the name of the person picking up the tickets at will call. That may save you a trip down to the venue.

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how much is parking?

Talon Aanerud | Aug 20, 2018
John Diaz | Aug 20, 2018

There's a free parking structure in SanTana. Park there and Uber the top the venue

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Are there VIP tickets for Third Eye Blind On NYE?

A Google User | Aug 20, 2018
Colby Hollabaugh | Aug 20, 2018

Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

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I have 2 tikets for the cancel concert " los pericos" last 10/15/17 my cuestion its can i change this tikets for another concert ?.i paid difernce or take my money back..because nex concert in the website its cancel 3/25/18

Betis Camonita | Aug 20, 2018
Colby Hollabaugh | Aug 20, 2018

You will need to reach out to the agency that sold you the tickets. Also on you purchase agreement it will spell out any refund policy.

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How much is the parking for today's event (Carla Morrison)?

Claudia Reyes | Aug 20, 2018
Dionne Lyburtus | Aug 20, 2018

It's usually $10.

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I lost my Id last night and I'm going to an event here tonight ?! Is there any way I can still get in with something else ?

Anthony Rodriguez | Aug 20, 2018
Dionne Lyburtus | Aug 20, 2018

So far the only time I've had to show my ID there is to get the wristband for alcohol. Times I didn't drink, I was never asked for it. But I'd probably still call & ask.

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How much Security is really going to be at this concert tonight ? How can you prove this to the people who are going to this concert with what happened at the concert in Las Vegas

Happydaysrcoming | Aug 20, 2018
Adam Gardner | Aug 20, 2018

There will be 4 security guards for every person in attendance. Unfortunately, this means tickets will be 9000 each. Security is great there Trisha, don't live your life in fear

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Does any one know if 17 ur olds can go to concert

Bear Karma | Aug 20, 2018
Sorensen Clan | Aug 20, 2018

Most concerts are all ages. You can find more details at The Observatory's website

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So is there goin 2be 2 different concert times or JBALVIN in Oct 6.....

Mari Robles | Aug 20, 2018
Mark DelRosario | Aug 20, 2018

According to the email I got, yes. Curfew for the Observatory is 2 am, so there's room for that second show.

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What's the concert for December 2017

katalina vuna | Aug 20, 2018
Eddie Espinoza | Aug 20, 2018

Check their website

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