Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco
Looking for a free fun outdoor activity to do on your upcoming trip to San Francisco this summer? This year marks the 76th year of the annual Stern Grove Festival concerts. Running up until the 18th of August, these admission-free concerts occur every Sunday in Stern Grove and are wonderful chance to enjoy some of San Francisco’s diverse cultural and picnic among a gorgeous landscape.
The Stern Grove park space was originally bought by Rosalie M. Stern in 1931, who gave the Grove to the City of San Francisco as a gift. The gift was dedicated to the memory of her husband Sigmund Stern, a renowned civic leader. Inspired by the natural acoustics that the Grove possessed, Rosalie Stern pushed for the area to become a park where anyone could enjoy music, theater performances and dance, free of an admission charge. The Festival committee works to maintain Mrs. Stern’s vision by bringing a diverse selection of high quality performances to serve all variations of audience tastes. The concerts remain a Bay Area tradition every summer where people can gather to experience a unique blend of exceptional nature, entertainment and socializing.
THE LINE-UP:
July 21: Red Baraat, Fanfare Ciocărlia
July 28: San Francisco Ballet (directed by Helgi Tomasson)
August 4: Shuggie Otis, The Relatives
August 11: Pink Martini, La Santa Cecilia
August 18: San Francisco Opera
The concerts begin at 2:00 pm and end around 4:30 or 5:30, depending on the performance. Benches and lawn space are provided but it is advisable to arrive early to secure optimal seating and chairs and blankets may help to make your stay more comfortable. Food vendors are set up during the concerts but you are welcome to bring your own picnic if you prefer. Alcohol is not sold at the events but you may bring your own beer and wine, which can be consumed in the Concert Meadow and West Meadow on Concert Sundays. Using public transportation to get to the venue is encouraged.
From the Ritz Carlton Club in San Francisco (located at 690 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94104), you would:
1. Walk to the Metro Montgomery Station/Outbound (about 1 min)
2. Take the Metro Montgomery Station/Outbound (M) Light rail towards Balboa Park Station (21 min, 10 stops)
3. Exit the Light rail at West Portal/Sloat/St Francis Circle and walk to 19th Ave and Sloat Blvd, where you will find Stern Grove (about 3 min, 0.2 mi)
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Stern Grove Festival website.