SF’s 2026 “Jerry Day” Free Music Festival + Excelsior After Parties (McLaren Park)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

The Grateful Dead’s iconic bearded frontman Jerry Garcia had deep roots in San Francisco, spending much of his childhood in the Excelsior. After his death, the first Jerry Day was held in 2002 to raise money to restore a rundown playground, and an annual music celebration was born.

Now celebrating its 24th anniversary, Jerry Day returns to the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park for more than six hours of live music honoring Garcia’s legacy. When the music wraps up in the park, the celebration continues with Jerry Night after parties throughout the Excelsior from 5 to 10 pm.

​Jerry Day 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026
11:30 am to 5:45 pm
Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, McLaren Park, San Francisco

2026 Performers

• Melvin Seals & JGB with Jazz Mafia
• Stu Allen & Mars Hotel
• Spencer Krenz & Friends (Garcia/Grisman Tribute)
• Special guests (TBA)

Jerry Night 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Excelsior District, San Francisco
Jerry Day After Parties
5 to 10 pm

When the music wraps up at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, the celebration continues with Jerry Night, a neighborhood-wide series of free after parties across the Excelsior featuring live music at local bars and businesses.

2026 Jerry Night lineup:

• The Halfway Club (1166 Geneva Ave.) – Koobi Fora & Josh Gelfand Band (5 p.m.)
• Tala Wine (4625 Mission St.) – Qvevri Punchdown (6 p.m.)
• The Check In (201 Ocean Ave.) – Josh Brough (6 p.m.)
• Recovery Room (4528 Mission St. at Jerry Garcia Street) – Jerry & the Jerks (7 p.m. until late)
• Ocean Ale House (1314 Ocean Ave.) – Dead and Breakfast (7 p.m.)
• Bottom’s Up (4704 Mission St.) – Mayan Dynasty (7:30 p.m.)
• Rocks Den (4704 Mission St.) – Blu Egyptian (8 p.m.)

Most participating venues will also be pouring Jerry Day IPA from Harmonic Brewing and Dogfish Head’s Grateful Dead beer. Lineups, times, and venues are subject to change.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.