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by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: May 4, 2023
This year the Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco celebrates its 85th anniversary. The 2023 season runs from June 18 to August 20. This year, top performers include Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Indigo Girls with Full Band and Neko Case, and Buddy Guy with Eric Gales.
Every Sunday at 2 pm during the summer months, you will find a free concert in the park. The shows usually last two to three hours and are wildly popular.
You will once again need to make reservations for entry, even though admission is still free. You can make your reservations online starting on May 18. You are able to reserve tickets exactly one month in advance, so you will want to be sure to do it as quickly as possible as they will fill up.
Reservations do not guarantee entry as it's still first come, first served.
However, if you have 10 people, you can reserve a picnic table. It includes 3 parking spots and you get to go through the express security lane. Unlike the general tickets, which are free, you will have to pay for these.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Here were the events and performers planned for Stern Grove 2023.
>> Visit their site to get tickets to upcoming performances
The Stern Grove Festival ends their season with the Big Picnic, which is their annual fundraiser. You will then be able to enjoy the concert from this special area. This is the paid portion of the event.
The Big Picnic is on August 20 with The Flaming Lips with Alan Palomo (Neon Indian DJ Set).
The concert itself is free and open to the public, and starts at 2 pm. This last concert is one of the largest event of the season and seating can be hard to get tickets.
Free ticket reservations open on July 20th and you can pay/reserve a picnic table at any time up until the concert (or they sell out).
Since these concerts are free, there are very few amenities. Here are just a few of the items you will want to bring with you.
Since the concerts are crowded, here are just a few other things you need to know before you arrive.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival also offers free music and other cultural programs all summer long. Performances are held several days a week between May and October. Click here for more details.
Sunday Streets: The annual Sunday Streets event features blocks of car-free streets in a specific district on one Sunday each month. This allows pedestrians to bike, run, or walk without worrying about traffic. Each event also provides live music, free health screenings, and other community activities. Click here for this year's schedule.
Union Street Festival: The Union Street Festival is typically the kick-off to SF's famous summer festival season. This lively event features live music, gourmet food, and dozens of merchant booths with unique arts and crafts. You will also find a premium craft beer and wine tasting pavilion. Click here to learn more.
North Beach Street Festival: Another popular SF Street Fair is the North Beach Festival. This one also features live music, amazing street food, and several fun activities for the kids. Click here to learn more about this year's festival.
Stern Grove Park is on the corner of 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in the city's Outer Sunset neighborhood.
Your best bet is to take public transit, since parking is very limited in this part of the city.
Light Rail Trains: The fastest way to get here from Union Square is by taking either the M Ocean View or K Ingleside light rail trains. You can pick them up at the underground station at Powell and 5th Streets. Make sure you hop on an 'outbound' train.
F Streetcar: Take this streetcar to the Embarcadero Station at Market and Drumm Streets.
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