SF’s Free Stern Grove Concerts Back for 2026 (Full Lineup)
One of San Francisco’s most beloved summer traditions is back – and yes, it’s still 100% free (although the controversial lottery for free tickets is back)
The Stern Grove Festival has officially announced its full 2026 lineup, and it’s stacked with everything from indie favorites to global stars – but the biggest curveball (and maybe the most exciting booking) is hip-hop legends Public Enemy taking over the Grove this August.
The nation’s longest-running free outdoor music festival returns for its 89th season, bringing live music back to the eucalyptus-lined amphitheater every Sunday from June 14 to August 16, 2026 – with one special Saturday show in the mix.
🌲 Free Concerts Every Sunday (Plus One Big Weekend)
The free weekly concerts return every Sunday from June 14 to August 16, 2026, set among the eucalyptus and redwoods of Sigmund Stern Grove (19th Ave & Sloat Blvd).
Most shows typically start around 2pm.
🎤 2026 Stern Grove Lineup
This year’s lineup leans eclectic in the best way—jumping from electronic to soul to indie rock to straight-up legends.
- June 14 – Peter Cat Recording Co. + Marinero (Lottery opens May 3)
- June 21 – Bomba Estéreo + La Misa Negra (Lottery opens May 10)
- June 28 – Japanese Breakfast (Lottery opens May 17)
- July 5 – Major Lazer (Lottery opens May 24)
- July 12 – SF Symphony w/ Béla Fleck (Lottery opens May 31)
- July 19 – Charley Crockett + Nicki Bluhm (Lottery opens June 7)
- July 26 – Suki Waterhouse (Lottery opens June 14)
- August 2 – Violent Femmes + Tune-Yards (Lottery opens June 21)
- August 9 – Patti LaBelle + Destani Wolf (Lottery opens June 28)
- August 15 – Public Enemy (Lottery opens July 4) – Special Saturday Show
- August 16 – Al Green + Goapele + Glide Ensemble Choir (Lottery opens July 5)
👉 Full lineup: sterngrove.org/lineup2026
🎟️ How Free Tickets Work (Lottery System)
All concerts are still free, but you’ll need to plan ahead.
Stern Grove uses a lottery system for General Admission tickets:
- Each concert has its own lottery
- Opens 6 weeks before the show
- Stays open for 1 week
- You can request up to 4 tickets
Then:
- Winners are randomly selected
- You’ll get an email either way
- If you win, you have 72 hours to claim your tickets
Unclaimed tickets get released back into the pool.
📍 Community Box Office (More Info Coming Soon)
Didn’t win the lottery? There’s usually a backup plan.
Stern Grove typically offers free in-person ticket reservations at Community Box Offices across San Francisco the day before each show.
👉 Details for 2026 haven’t been announced yet, but expect something similar. More info coming soon.
🪑 Want Reserved Seating? Picnic Tables Start at $500
If you want to skip the lottery and lock in a spot, reserved tables are available:
- Starting around $500 for smaller options
- Up to $5,000 for a table of 10
All proceeds support the nonprofit festival and help keep it free.
🌞 Volunteer for Free Tickets
Come help out the festival and volunteer at a show or on their Street Team. All volunteers receive a ticket to a future show.
Stern Grove will have more information about volunteering on our website soon. Please email volunteer@sterngrove.org for more information
