Candlelight Photo
Experience highlights Why you'll love it

Metallica, reimagined for strings
Hear the power of Metallica's most iconic songs transformed by a live string quartet in an intimate, candlelit performance at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

Surrounded by a thousand candles
Only candles illuminate the room, creating a breathtaking atmosphere that makes every Candlelight concert unforgettable.

An extraordinary setting
Experience this unique concert in a stunning candlelit setting.
Program The music that awaits you
- One
- Enter Sandman
- Fade to Black
- The Unforgiven
- Sad But True
- Seek and Destroy
- For Whom the Bell Tolls
- Whiskey in the Jar
- Master of Puppets
- Nothing Else Matters
Performers
- String quartetRange Ensemble
Gallery
In short About the concert
Discover the music of Metallica as you've never heard it before. In this Candlelight concert, a live string quartet reimagines the band's heaviest anthems and most haunting ballads, surrounded by the glow of hundreds of candles at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
This concert experience is a tribute. It is not associated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the artist, their heirs or their official representatives.
On the day How it works

Arrive early
Doors open 45 minutes before the concert. Late entry is not permitted once the concert has started.

Find your seat
Seats are not numbered: they are taken on a first-come, first-served basis within the zone on your ticket.

Let the music take over
Enjoy 60 minutes of live music surrounded by candles.
Reviews What guests are saying
4.9/5
based on 227 reviews
Justin S.
jan 2026
Fun… will do it again.
Raymond E.
jan 2026
It was amazing
Chris C.
jan 2026
Amazing setlist performed by an equally amazing all-female string quartet. Bravo ladies!
Tracy P.
jan 2026
Wonderful
Christian E.
jan 2026
Beautiful show I totally loved the vibe and amazing artists
Carrie B.
jan 2026
The venue was super cool, but the atmosphere and musicians were phenomenal! We’ll definitely be coming to another Candlelight concert!!
Brooke N.
jan 2026
Very talented musicians. Loved the whole experience.
Brywn W.
jan 2026
Outstanding! I would absolutely go again. Great music, wonderful ambience.
Tanya C.
jan 2026
Amazing!!! Will be checking out more shows and sharing my experience with others. Strongly recommend! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Stacey V.
jan 2026
My favorite candlelight show yet!
About the venueSan Diego Natural History Museum
The San Diego Society of Natural History, founded in 1874, is the oldest scientific institution in southern California and the third oldest west of the Mississippi. With 8 million specimens, award-winning exhibitions, and educational programs, we have been studying, protecting, and bringing people closer to nature for almost 150 years.
Address
1788 El Prado, San Diego, 92101
Parking
Paid parking is available in the lots around the museum: $5 to $8 for verified City of San Diego residents and $10 to $16 for non-residents, depending on the lot. The Inspiration Point lot (east side of Park Blvd.) connects to the heart of Balboa Park by free tram, and there are smaller lots next to the museum's east side and at the Carousel. Valet parking runs in front of the House of Hospitality in the Plaza de Panama (not on Mondays). Accessible parking is on the east and west sides of the building.
Accessibility
The venue is fully ADA accessible: the museum provides wheelchairs free of charge and has accessible parking spaces and supportive features for visitors with physical or visual disabilities.
FAQs Frequently asked questions
Is there parking available?
What are the different ticket types?
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Can I book a ticket for my caregiver?
Is there an age requirement?
Where can I find my ticket?
Can I change my ticket?
Are refunds allowed?
What is a flexible cancellation ticket?
When can I return my ticket?
What documents do I need to cancel my ticket?
If I choose a refund, how long does it take and how will I receive it?
Will I get a full refund?
If I choose an exchange, when will I receive the new ticket?
Can I exchange my ticket for a different experience?
How do I request my refund?
Where is the experience taking place?
When should I arrive?
Can I leave the concert room during the performance?
How do I get to the venue?
Are food and drinks served?
Can I bring animals?
Does the venue have disability access?
What is the policy for Candle 3-Packs bought online?
Are the candles real? Are they flammable?
Can I take photos or record videos? Can I use my phone during the performance?
Is there a dress code? What should I wear?
How are seats assigned? Can we sit together?
Links of interest
Need help?
Contact Support here.
Select date and session
Select date and session
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