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Hardly Strictly Bluegrass’ First 2023 Lineup Hints

HSB just released their first “Medley Drop” with hints about the first 10 artists. Can you guess the lineup?
By - posted 7/25/2023 No Comment

One of the largest, free-est and beloved music festivals in the country. Be one of over 750,000 attendees over the three-day musical extravaganza in beautiful Golden Gate Park. Save the date as Hardly Strictly Bluegrass makes its return for 2023.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023

Friday- Sunday, September 29 – October 1, 2023
Six Stages, Three Days, 80+ artists
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
FREE

  • Friday – 1-7p (gates open at 11a)
  • Saturday – 11a-7p (gates open at 9a)
  • Sunday – 11a-7p (gates open at 9a)

Lineup | Festival Map

2023 LINEUP

HSB tends to announce their lineup in stages and makes you guess. There are 32 artists confirmed so far as of 8/22/23. The next Medley Drop is scheduled for Sept. 5 available first on the HSB app

August 22nd Lineup Announcement

  • Rickie Lee Jones – Bonus announcement made 8/23/23
  • Steve Earle
  • Thee Sacred Souls
  • The Heavy Heavy
  • Sierra Hull
  • Dustbowl Revival
  • Brennen Leigh
  • Rufus Wainwright
  • Margo Cilker
  • Say She She
  • Irma Thomas

August 9th Lineup Announcement

  • Kurt Vile & The Violators
  • Lilly Hiatt
  • Nora Brown w/Stephanie Coleman
  • Lucero
  • The Travelin’ McCourys
  • Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express
  • Buffalo Nichols
  • Beth Orton
  • Mighty Poplar
  • Carrie Rodriguez

July 25th Lineup Announcement

  • Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
  • Leyla McCalla
  • The Church
  • John Doe Folk Trio
  • Valerie June
  • Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram
  • John Craigie
  • Neal Francis
  • Bahamas
  • Gaby Moreno

When is the next lineup hint? tune in September 5th to enjoy new medleys, each of which will showcase additional artists performing at HSB 2023.

Only the dates are confirmed. Lineups, schedules and full details coming later this summer to @hardlystrictlybluegrass

FAQ (Do’s/Dont’s) | Venue Info | Parking / Getting There / Rideshare Locations

When / Where is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

When: Fri Sep 29, Sat Sep 30, and Sun Oct 1, 2023.
Where: Hellman Hollow, Lindley & Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA. Festival Map

What Time Does Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Open?

  • 11AM entry to the meadows on Friday Morning.
  • 9AM entry on Saturday and Sunday.

2023 Festival Updates – New Layout and Updated Stages

The Arrow Stage will return to the grounds for 2023 at the west end of Hellman Hollow.  The stage formerly known as Porch has been relocated to the west end of Hellman Hollow and is now the Arrow Stage. With a nod to the festival’s past and a design that preserves the tradition of letting bands perform in intimate environments, the Arrow Stage is slightly bigger than Porch, but will be set lower to maintain the close-knit atmosphere.

The Bandwagon Stage has moved and is now the Horseshoe Hill Stage. McClaren Pass where the San Francisco Parks & Recreation gardeners were already making improvements to the plateau, enriching the lawn area is  a perfect environment for a new performance space. This new stage, nestled in a wooded glade and dubbed Horseshoe Hill, will provide a cozy atmosphere for both performer and listener.

2023 Festival Map

2023 Stages

  • Rooster Stage
  • Banjo Stage
  • Towers of Gold Stage
  • Swan Stage
  • Horseshoe Hill Stage – New for 2023! (formerly the Bandwagon Stage, but moved to a more intimate setting)
  • Arrow Stage – Back for 2023 for the first time since 2016
  • Porch Meadow (we’re not sure if this is a stage for 2023 or not. It’s on the map, but the press release hints that this might not have music anymore given the new festival “layout”)

Where are the Entrances for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023?

There are four entrances to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass for 2023. All attendees must go through a security checkpoint with metal detectors

  • JFK & Transverse Drive
  • Fulton and 30th Ave.
  • JFK and 36th Ave.
  • South Polo Field (just south of Spreckles Lake)

How to prepare for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023:

The following items are allowed:

  • Backpacks and clear insulated bags no larger than 22″ x 15″ x 10″
  • Small bags, fanny packs and purses smaller than 6” x 8” x 3”
  • 2.5 liter or smaller hydration bladders or packs, refillable water bottles
  • Small soft side cooler for medical or childcare needs 9” x 6” x 3”

The following are not allowed:

  • Large bags or hard-sided coolers
  • Large lounge chairs (respect your neighbors)
  • Cases of beverages (this pertains to alcohol, soft drinks and water)
  • Camping in Golden Gate Park

In addition:

  • Free water refills will be available between Banjo Stage and Arrow Meadow
  • All attendees will go through a security checkpoint with metal detectors