Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2024

All lovers of American 'roots' music! This is an invitation to visit this year's event in San Francisco: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass! 

Warren Hellman, a billionaire banker and a big fan of bluegrass music, founded this festival in 2001, naming it Strictly Bluegrass. Since then, the festival has occurred annually in Golden Gate Park on the first weekend of October. 

However, as time passed, Hellman wanted to expand the festival's offerings, so it began to include a wide range of musical genres, such as country, funk, rock, soul, and more. Hence the new name, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. 

This year, be prepared to listen to a fusion of fantastic music on October 4-6. Head to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California!

There are four entrances to this festival. The address for the main entrance is 800 John F. Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94121. The festival spans several areas within the Golden Gate Park, including Hellman Hollow, Marx Meadows, and Lindley Meadows.

What to Expect When Attending Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2024

You can expect six stages - Banjo Stage, Rooster Stage, Arrow Stage, Towers of Gold Stage, Swan Stage, and Horseshoe Hill Stage. 

On these stages, you'll be able to hear artists of different genres. Some already-announced musicians are AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Cat Power, Emmylou Harris, Mavis Staples, Wreckless Strangers, and Robyn Hitchcock. The lineup also includes an exceptional tribute performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of Big Star's "Radio City" album. The whole lineup will be available on the official Hardly Strictly Bluegrass website in the coming weeks.

Weather

You'll be happy to hear the news about the pleasant weather predictions during the festival. The weather forecast for October 4-6 in San Francisco is expected to be mild, typical for the city in early October.

The temperature is likely to range between 22°C and 25°C (71°F to 77°F) during the days and 14°C and 16°C (57°F to 61°F) during the evenings. Bring a jacket or a sweater for the colder evenings. 

Tickets

The entrance is free!

Warren Hellman turned down many corporations that offered to sponsor this event, insisting that this event remain completely free. A true festival for the people!

Opening Hours:

Entrances will open at 11 am on Friday and at 9 am Saturday and Sunday.

Performances end at 7 pm each day.

Security Protocols

• Security scanning process for all small bags and backpacks.
• Physical search for all bags and backpacks with dimensions over 22″ x 15″ x 10″.
• Harmful objects are strictly forbidden.
• On-site medical team.

How to Get To or From the Event

To get to or from the event, you can use these modes of transportation:

• Muni buses: The 5-Fulton, 7-Haight/Noriega, and 29-Sunset buses can drop you off near the festival grounds. You can learn more here.
• Bike: Going by bicycle is easy and eco-friendly. Plus, bike parking is available!

During the event, the following streets are expected to be closed:

- JFK Dr. between Transverse Dr. and Bernice Rogers Dr.
- 36th Ave. between Fulton and JFK Dr.
- 30th Ave. between Fulton and JFK Dr.
- Transverse Dr. between Crossover Dr. (25th Ave.) and MLK Dr.
- Overlook Dr. between Transverse and Middle Drive West
- Middle Drive West between Transverse and Martin Luther King Jr.   Drive
- Metson Drive between Middle Drive West and MLK
- Parking area at Polo Fields at North Stables and on Metson Drive
- MLK Westbound Between 25th Ave. and Chain of Lakes

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2024 Bag Policy

As mentioned, larger bags and backpacks will be searched at the entrance. However, people can bring more than one bag to the festival. 

If you don't want to bother with carrying heavy bags or only want to bring what you truly need, we have good news for you! Bounce is here to help. With our platform, you can quickly drop off your stuff somewhere safe. All you have to do is use the Bounce app or website and contact us!

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2024 Bag Storage

Listen to Great Music and Leave Your Worries With Bounce

A Bounce partner is at your service!

Bounce partners with local businesses to provide people with safe places to store their bags. All you have to do is check for a Bounce location in San Francisco that aligns with your needs and contact a Bounce partner. For the price of only $5.90 per day, 24/7 support, and no cancellation fee, you can relax and have fun at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass with your bags taken care of.

How to Stow Your Bags at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2024 With Bounce

• Book in three steps: choose the location, contact a Bounce partner, and pay online.
• Show at the location: come and store your bags in the chosen area.
• Enjoy yourself: go ahead and listen to some good music!

How to Make the Most Out of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2024

Here are some tips to make the most out of this festival:

• Plan your visit: Explore the lineup and artists so you don't miss out on your favorites, and don’t forget to listen to something new!
• Dress comfortably: You should come to these kinds of events feeling good! You’ll spend the evening dancing to fantastic tunes, so wear something light and comfortable.
• Socialize: A music festival is an excellent opportunity to make new friends! Talk to strangers and don't be shy—you probably have much in common.
• Drink lots of water. You should hydrate since you'll be moving a lot, and there will be a crowd.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is going to be wild this year! And that’s a promise! If you’re a music fan or want to experience something new, head to San Francisco, leave your bags with Bounce, and have fun!