San Francisco's best free music festival is back October 3-5 for its 25th anniversary! Hardly Strictly Bluegrass brings the best in country, folk, rock, and more to Golden Gate Park. If you're looking for info on how and when to get there, what to bring, and who to see, read on for our Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2025 Festival Guide. Whether you're going to GGP or choosing to live stream the festival, make a plan so you can prepare accordingly for 3 days of live music.
How and When to Get There
Via Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
The festival takes place in Golden Gate Park at Hellman Hollow, Lindley Meadow, and Marx Meadow. There is no festival parking, so opt for public transportation or other alternatives. There is on-site bike parking, and there are 4 entrances for the festival:
- JFK Drive and Transverse Drive
- Fulton Street and 30th Avenue
- JFK Drive and 36th Avenue
- South Polo Field — Middle Drive& Metson Road
Festival hours are:
- Friday: Gates open at 11 AM and music starts at 1 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: Gates open at 9 AM and music starts at 11 AM
Performances end at 7 PM each day.
What to Bring
HSB created a handy infographic so it's clear on how the security process goes:
Via Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Who to See
Check out the daily schedules below for info on who's playing where:
Via Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Out Of The Park Events
Want to keep the good vibes going? Check out the Out Of The Park schedule for shows around the Bay Area from artists on the HSB 2025 lineup! $2 from each ticket sold will go to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
How to Stream
Can't make it to the festival? Tune in to HSB TV for a live stream of the Banjo, Swan, Towers of Gold, Rooster, Arrow and Horseshoe Hill Stages.
Written by Kim Reyes
