Dolly Parton Day 2026: Free Outdoor Fest at Union Square (SF)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Dolly Day is a community-organized day of recognition, honoring the life of Dolly Parton with the intention to make it an annual event in San Francisco.

The September 25th San Francisco event brings together music, generosity, and glam in a free, public gathering open to fans and passersby alike. The party comes as California state senators move to make September 25 “Dolly Parton Day” statewide in honor of her literacy legacy, per a recent announcement from the Office of Senator Shannon Grove.

The date 9/25 is significant… 9-2-5!

Dolly Day is designed as a joyful gathering rather than a somber remembrance—an afternoon of live music, community spirit, and all-out glam in the heart of the city.

The event invites fans, families, diehards, and newcomers alike to come together in tribute to someone whose songwriting, generosity, and warmth touched millions of lives worldwide.

Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring, performing, or volunteering are encouraged to reach out directly at info@golddiggerrecords.com.

Dolly Parton Day
Friday, September 25, 2026 | Noon – 3p
Union Square Park, Geary and Powell, SF
FREE

The afternoon will feature live performances, tributes, and community programming, with a full lineup to be announced as plans are finalized.

Plus, enjoy free daily programming at Union Square Park, with activities for all ages throughout the week. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, check out our website: https://visitunionsquaresf.com/park-programs.

“Dolly spent her life giving joy to people through her music and philanthropy. She is truly one of the most inspiring and universally-loved figures of our time,” said event organizer Matt “Haze” Kaftor of Gold Digger Records. “Dolly Day isn’t about mourning. It’s about coming together to celebrate everything she gave us, loudly and proudly, the way she’d want it.”

“Union Square has seen generations of San Franciscans come together for celebrations, performances and unforgettable moments,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager Sarah Madland. “There’s something wonderfully Dolly about turning the heart of the city into a big, joyful celebration filled with music, community and, of course, plenty of sparkle. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone to the square to celebrate her.”

“Dolly Parton touched so many lives, including the lives of children right here in San Francisco,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, every child in San Francisco is eligible to receive a free book monthly until their 5th birthday. Since launching last year, more than 11,000 children have participated in the program, and more than 64,000 books have been placed into the hands of young readers across our city. Her legacy will live on through every child who discovers a love of reading because of her generosity. Thank you, Dolly.”

Program schedule is subject to change. Follow @unionsquaresf on social media for the latest info.

Free Programming is made possible with support from Bank of America and a grant from the Office of Mayor Daniel Lurie and the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development to Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, in cooperation with San Francisco Recreation and Parks and the Union Square Alliance.

Note: Union Square Alliance is not directly managing these events. For questions and comments, please contact unionsquare@brvcorp.com.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shop Dine SF (@shopdinesf)

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.