The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, an annual musical spectacular, is calling you to Golden Gate Park. The event will be held this year from September 30 to October 2. Mark your calendars. The festival, which is totally free, will adorn the charming locations close to the Polo Field including Marx Meadows, Hellman Hollow (formerly Speedway Meadows), and Lindley.
Exceptional artists in a star-studded roster are sure to enchant you. The iconic Elvis Costello, the unrivalled Emmylou Harris, the spellbinding Bela Fleck My Bluegrass Heart, and the energetic group known as The Brothers Comatose are just a few of the renowned performers grace the stage this year. Drive-By Truckers, Steve Earl and the Dukes, and Moonalice are all featured at the festival.
Attendees will also receive other treats in addition to the musical performance. Enjoy a delicious selection from more than 50 gourmet food and beverage sellers as you indulge your taste buds. You are more than welcome to enjoy your own special picnic if you so like.
Although alcohol cannot be purchased at the festival, you are still allowed to bring your own drinks as long as you follow the park’s rules.
The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival was an idea that Warren Hellman, a brilliant venture businessman from San Francisco, had in 2001. The festival developed from its original goal of showcasing primarily bluegrass musicians to include a variety of musical genres, drawing an ever-expanding list of talented performers.
This three-day music festival is a monument to artistic purity that is unencumbered by commercialism. It is advised to arrive early to secure your seat among the festivities given the event’s enormous popularity, with over 750,000 participants during the course of the event.
Performers 2022
Here are some of the well-known artists who performed at the much awaited Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in 2022.
30 September, Friday
From 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., join these eminent performers, listed in alphabetical order:
- Russell, Allison
- Driver Falling Asleep
- The Rodeo Kings, Blackie
- Schneider, Bob
- Crockett, Charley
- The Drive-By Truckers of The Dead Tongues
- Blount, Jake
- Oladokun Joy
- Spectrum Girls SG Goodman
- Sam Bush
- Satya
November 1st, from 11 am to 7 pm
Take in the beautiful music of these outstanding performers:
- Blue Summit and AJ Lee
- Antibalas, Andy Shauf
- Bluegrass Revue
- Crazy Light Horseman
- Friend Miller
- Edward Watson
- Mr. Costello
- Ismay The Go to Hell Man Band
- John Som
- Remain in Light by Adrian Belew and Jerry Harrison
- Lauderdale, Jim
- Michael Joseph Waldon
- Kane, Kieran, and Gellert, Rayna
- Thomas Williams and Teresa Campbell
- Cafeteras Las
- The Right Hands, Laurie Lewis
- The Polos and Marco
- Meklit, Marlon Williams
- Michaela Anne
- Salazar, Phil, and the Kin Folk
- The Dukes are Steve Earl.
- Toby Poltz
- The Mekons Waxahachie as a guest, Tre Burt Waco Brothers
On October 2 from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm
Finish the festival strong with these outstanding performances:
- Amythel Brown Alison Kiah
- Ingrid O’Donovan
- Bluegrass music: Arooj Aftab Bela Fleck, My Heart
- Uncle Blue Cymande’s Comatose Crying Brothers
- Charlie Hunter, Danielle Ponder, Dashawn Hickman
- Alvin, Dave, and Jimmie The Guilty Ones, led by Dale Gilmore
- Team Dry Branch Fire
- Celebrating the Songs of John Prine, Nancy Bechtle, Justin Townes Earle, and More by Emmylou Harris
- Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Galactic F
- Toby Wyatt
- Jesse Young Colin
- John Welch
- Lucius
- Mumford, Marcus
- Moonalice
- The Resigners
- together with Francesco Turrisi, Rhiannon Giddens
- The Disarmers are Sarah Sook.
- Sheratons
- The Whitmore Sisters, The Tallest Man on Earth, and Careless Strangers
- Williams, Yasmin
How to Dress
It is advised to wear layers in this area of San Francisco due to the erratic weather near the ocean. In this manner, you can quickly add or take away garments as the day goes on.
Tips for Attending the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival – Additional Advice
- Smoking: Smoking is outright forbidden in all San Francisco public parks.
- Pets: During the festival, you are welcome to bring your pets to the park. Please, nevertheless, make sure that your pets are at peace with a lot of people and loud music. Additionally, it’s crucial to clean up after your dog.
- Children: Feel free to bring your kids along to this festival and let them take part in the fun.
- Only a few modest hotels are located close to Golden Gate Park. Staying at Union Square, the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood, or Alamo Square is advised. There are clean and inexpensive choices accessible if you’re on a tight budget.
- Please be aware that there won’t be any ATMs available on-site in 2022. While the food sellers only accept debit and credit cards, the merchandise tents accept cash and credit cards.
- Alcohol: The event will sell non-alcoholic beverages. You may, however, bring your own alcoholic beverages. Please abide by the park regulations, which forbid the use of glass containers and hard beverages. It’s acceptable to drink beer and wine in non-glass containers.
Tips for Transportation
Biking: One of the quickest and simplest ways to get to the festival is by biking to Golden Gate Park. The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival offers both self-parking and valet parking for bicycles, much like it did the year before. The locations of both choices are shown on the map. The third spot is designated for valet parking, while the other three are for self-parking.
Taking Public Transportation: On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, MUNI has scheduled additional bus service from 11 am to 8 pm. The cost is $3 per person per travel ($2.50 if you have a Clipper Card).
- There will be extra service on route 5 of the Fulton Bus if you’re going from the city to the park. Catching the specialised 5R rapid bus at the corner of Market and Front Streets close to the Embarcadero BART Station is the most effective choice for a quick trip. Travel all the way on this bus to the stop at 30th and Fulton Street.
- N Judah: Additional N Judah light rail trains will also be running throughout the festival. To get to the festival, take this train to the stop at 25th and Judah, then cross Golden Gate Park. Even though it frequently becomes busy, this train is a practical way to get to the event from Union Square and downtown San Francisco.
If you’re driving, be aware that parking spots are scarce in the areas close to the festival. Instead than driving, I strongly suggest taking the bus, bike, or walking. If you choose to drive, allow extra time to find parking if you plan to do so. Additionally, be careful not to block driveways because doing so could result in having your car towed.
Hello there! I’m Dennis, and I am delighted to welcome you to San Francisco Discovery Guide. As a lifelong resident of this magnificent city, I am thrilled to share my love and knowledge of San Francisco with fellow adventurers like yourself.
Growing up amidst the breathtaking landscapes, eclectic neighborhoods, and vibrant culture of San Francisco, I developed a deep appreciation for the city’s unique charm. Over the years, I’ve explored its nooks and crannies, uncovered hidden gems, and created countless unforgettable memories.