The Stern Grove Festival is one of San Francisco’s most iconic and longest-running summer traditions that includes free outdoor concerts every Sunday during the summer. The 2025 edition marks the 88th season of this beloved event.
Location:
- Venue: Sigmund Stern Grove
- Address: 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco, California
- Setting: A picturesque, natural amphitheater surrounded by tall eucalyptus tree, perfect for a picnic and live music experience.
Stern Grove Festival 2025 Dates:
- Season Duration: June 15 to August 17, 2025
- Concert Time: Every Sunday at 2:00 PM
Each Sunday features a different musical artist or group, spanning genres like R&B, soul, rock, reggae, classical, jazz, hip-hop, and more.
Headliners & Performances:
June 15 – The California Honeydrops + The Dip:
- The California Honeydrops bring a mix of New Orleans funk, soul, and R&B. Their live shows are spontaneous, interactive, and joyfully funky.
- The Dip is a seven-piece soul band from Seattle known for rich horns and vintage grooves.
- A high-energy soulful kickoff with dancing from start to finish.
June 22 – Channel Tres + ASTU:
- Channel Tres fuses Detroit house, West Coast rap, and funk. Known for smooth baritone vocals and cool dance beats.
- ASTU is an Oakland-based artist blending R&B with experimental soul and political undertones.
- Perfect for fans of chill, sexy house vibes with deep soul and modern edge.
June 29 – Sleater-Kinney + Destroy Boys:
- Sleater-Kinney is a legendary punk rock band rooted in the riot grrrl movement—bold lyrics, powerful energy.
- Destroy Boys is a Gen Z feminist punk band from Sacramento with raw emotion and gritty guitar.
July 6 – SF Symphony + Taimane:
- San Francisco Symphony returns with orchestral brilliance under the trees—a true cultural treat.
- Taimane, a ukulele virtuoso, adds an exotic, vibrant flavor with Polynesian flair and global fusion.
July 13 – Phantogram + Ha Vay:
- Phantogram mixes dreamy indie pop and electronic rock, famous for tracks like “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore.”
- Ha Vay is a rising artist bringing moody, synth-based sounds with deep vibes.
- Hypnotic beats and atmospheric visuals will fill the grove with dreamy intensity.
July 20 – Girl Talk + Chromeo:
- Girl Talk (Gregg Gillis) is a mashup maestro—nonstop party energy with samples of everything from Beyoncé to Nirvana.
- Chromeo is an electro-funk duo with retro vibes and dancefloor-ready beats.
July 27 – Orville Peck + Jaime Wyatt:
- Orville Peck is the masked cowboy crooner with a deep, mysterious voice and haunting country ballads.
- Jaime Wyatt brings outlaw country with raw honesty and vintage flair.
- A unique, emotional, and stylish take on modern Americana and queer country.
August 3 – Michael Franti & Spearhead + Black London:
- Michael Franti & Spearhead mix reggae, hip-hop, and funk with uplifting, peace-driven messages.
- Black London adds Afrobeat and global soul rhythms. Heartfelt and high-vibe, this show is all about love, joy, and unity.
August 10 – The Pointer Sisters + Lyrics Born:
- The Pointer Sisters are pop-soul icons with hits like “I’m So Excited” and “Neutron Dance.” A legendary group bringing decades of hits.
- Lyrics Born is a charismatic rapper and funk artist, known for his West Coast flavor and clever rhymes.
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Big Picnic Weekend Finale:
August 16 (Saturday) – Damian Marley & Stephen Marley:
- Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley is a Grammy-winning reggae star known for blending dancehall, hip-hop, and roots reggae.
- Stephen Marley brings soulful vocals and deep Rastafari messages.
August 17 (Sunday) – Diana Ross:
- Diana Ross, Motown legend and pop icon, closes the festival with timeless hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Upside Down,” and “Endless Love.”
Tickets, New System for 2025
While the festival remains completely free, advance reservations are now required for General Admission (GA) seating.
How to Get Tickets:
- Online Reservations: You must sign up on SternGrove.org before each concert.
- Ticket Lottery System: Due to high demand, the festival uses a lottery for GA tickets. If selected, you’ll receive an email confirmation.
- VIP Table Packages: Available for purchase. Includes reserved seating, drinks, and a gourmet picnic. Proceeds help support the festival’s nonprofit mission.
Important Dates:
- May 4, 2025: First GA ticket lottery opens for the June 15 concert (featuring The California Honeydrops).
The Experience:
- Gates Open Early: Many fans arrive around 10 a.m. to claim a good picnic spot.
- Bring Your Own: You can bring blankets, snacks, drinks (even wine/beer), and lawn chairs.
- Food Trucks & Vendors: Available on-site, offering local eats, coffee, and beverages.
- Family-Friendly: Great for kids, with open spaces and a relaxed vibe.
- Eco-Conscious: The festival promotes sustainability — consider bringing reusable water bottles and eco-friendly gear.
Virtual Access / Live Streams:
- Some performances are streamed online or available as replays on the festival’s website and YouTube.
- Ideal for international fans or anyone unable to attend in person.
- Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube for live content.
Getting There:
- Public Transit: Use Muni lines (e.g., 28, 29, or K Ingleside) for direct access.
- Parking: Extremely limited, public transportation, biking, or rideshare is highly encouraged.
- Shuttle Service: Often offered from designated parking lots or BART/Muni stops.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How to get tickets for Stern Grove Festival?
To get tickets for the Stern Grove Festival, visit sterngrove.org and create an account or log in. Free general admission tickets become available at 2 PM on the Tuesday before each Sunday concert. Since tickets are limited and in high demand, it’s best to reserve them as soon as they’re released.
Can I bring alcohol to Stern Grove?
Yes, you can bring alcohol to Stern Grove Festival. Responsible consumption of beer and wine is allowed, but hard liquor is prohibited.
Can you get married at Stern Grove?
Yes, you can get married at Stern Grove. The Trocadero Clubhouse and surrounding meadow are available for private event rentals, including weddings, through the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
Are Stern Grove concerts free?
Yes, Stern Grove concerts are free, but tickets must be reserved in advance through sterngrove.org.
