2020 brings San Francisco the 20th annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, 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.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2020
Three days, seven stages, over 90 artists
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4, 2020
– The meadows open at 9 am each day
Hellman Hollow, Lindley & Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park
FREE

Please note that we’ve confirmed the 2020 date, but event details are still not available as of 3/18/20. For an idea of what to expect, here’s what happened in 2019. Details below.

• Entrances: Security checks at four spots only – JFK & Transverse, Fulton & 30th, JFK & 36th, and South Polo Field (all side paths closed)
• Print-at-Home Kit (PDFs): Festival Map | Accessibility / ADA | Schedule | Entrances/Bike Parking
• Want to volunteer? Sign Up for Details
• FAQ (Do’s/Dont’s) | Venue Info | Parking / Getting There / Rideshare Locations

Important Security Updates for 2019

No Coolers / Clear Bag Policy

Please note for 2019 there are new security restrictions and a clear-bag policy – You can no longer bring in coolers or large bags. Any bags/backpacks must be clear plastic, measuring less than 16”x16”x8”.

• OK – Clear bags smaller than 16”x16”x8”
• OK – Fanny packs and purses smaller than 6”x8”x3”
• OK – 2.5L or smaller hydration bladders/packs, and refillable water bottles
• NO large bags or coolers
• Blankets and short backed chairs (seats no more than 9” from the ground) are allowed, but will be subject to search.
• Any restricted or oversized items will be turned away at all entry points.

New Fencing

The perimeter will now have fence lines and there will only be four entrances. Be aware that the side paths that have been used for years will be closed off with fencing for the protection of everyone involved.

2019 Entrances

1) JFK Drive and Transverse Drive
2) Fulton Street and 30th Avenue
3) JFK Drive and 36th Avenue
4) South Polo Field

HSB Detailed Map + Entrances

2019 Artist Highlights

• Friday: Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Kronos Quartet’s Music For Change: Pete Seeger, & The Milk Carton Kids
• Saturday: Calexico And Iron & Wine, Hot Buttered Rum, The New Pornographers, Robert Earl Keen, Robert Plant, & Steve Earle & The Dukes
• Sunday: Emmylou Harris, Fantastic Negrito, Jackie Greene, Michael Nesmith, Kurt Vile And The Violators, Meat Puppets, & Punch Brothers