What are Free Concerts in SF?

If you’re looking to groove to some tunes without breaking the bank, there are plenty of free concerts in SF to check out. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:

Seasonal Free Concerts in San Francisco

• Stern Grove Festival: This iconic Sunday summer outdoor concert series is my absolute favorite, offering a mix of music genres amongst the eucalyptus trees on the westside of San Francisco in Stern Grove Park. From jazz to world music, the Stern Grove Festival has an incredible lineup that should have something for everyone. It always features the San Francisco Symphony, usually around the July 4th holiday weekend. Since the pandemic, you will need to nab free tickets from Eventbrite about month in advance, but note that these do not guarantee entry. You’ll want to show up early — how early depends on how popular the band you want to see is — and get a spot in line. The venue will have food trucks but feel free to bring your own food and libations. This year, they are actually offering a bar. Of course, you are encouraged to support the festival with donations and can also get a group together for a picnic table ($$$).
  • Tips with Updates for 2024
    • Getting ‘Free tickets’ can be pretty challenging but creating a calendar invite to help remind yourself or your friends to sign up for them on the dot is helpful. Stern Grove will often release additional tickets, especially the day of. I would encourage you not to pay for or sell tickets, as this is not the spirit of the event.
    • Arrive early! Despite the fact that they don’t let you in until noon, depending on popularity, you may want to show up anywhere from 9-11am. There are multiple entrances.
    • Grab a seat in line. Make sure you don’t just drop off your seats and leave, because they will now shuffle the line continuously into a holding area to speed things along for check-in such as bag check and ticket check. However, they will allow you entry to the restroom if needed. We did experience one volunteer bouncer not letting anyone bring coffee into the holding area because he was saying doesn’t allow ‘open containers’. I don’t think the rules say anything about this, but just be aware!
    • BYO! Bring your own picnic blanket, low chair, seat cushion, food, and drinks. For the first time in 2024, you can actually purchase booze at Stern Grove. There are also great rotating local food truck options. I might also suggest getting Loop earplugs for particularly loud concerts.
    • Make a plan for where you want to sit:
      • Concert meadow: this is a more relaxed option but you won’t actually be seeing the band in front of you. There is a large screen.
      • Mosh pit by the stage: this is perfect for if you want to dance and be as close to the band as possible.
      • Stone steps: these large stone steps are terraced into the hillside, but keep in mind that the stone is rather hard and can be uncomfortable
      • Trees or random patches of grass: if you can’t find a spot, this might be your only option…or if you want to be an ewok 🙂
• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass: This annual festival in Golden Gate Park is a must-visit for music lovers. It typically takes place in October. With multiple stages and a lineup that includes but is not limited to bluegrass, folk, and Americana acts, it’s a weekend of free music you won’t forget. Similar to the Stern Grove Festival, donations are encouraged but not required. Make sure to check their website for any guidelines for entry.
• Golden Gate Bandshell Concerts: Head to the Golden Gate Park Bandshell for free concerts featuring a variety of music styles. It’s a great way to enjoy live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
• SF Live Fest: This concert series was just announced by San Francisco Mayor London Breed and will take place at multiple locations throughout the city: Golden Gate Park Bandshell, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, Union Square Plaza, Civic Center Plaza, Crane Cove Park, Fulton Plaza, and Eagle Plaza. 
• Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: This annual festival in Yerba Buena Gardens features free performances ranging from music to dance to theater. It’s a great way to enjoy the arts in the heart of the city.
• Summer of Music Series: 2024 marks the 2nd year of this annual concert series put on by Civic Joy Fund and Noise Pop.

Year-round Free Concerts in San Francisco

• Bird and Beckett: Located in the Glen Park neighborhood, Bird and Beckett is a cozy bookstore that also hosts live music events every Friday evening (and sometimes more). Check their schedule for free concerts featuring local musicians. Suggested donations are $20. If you are looking for other free activities, check out my other article here.
• There is often live music at many restaurants and bars in San Francisco that are free to listen to while you enjoy your food or drink. Ocean Ale House, Curio, Tala Wine, and That’s Amore San Francisco are a few places that I have frequented and have amazing live music.

So, grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy some fantastic music without spending a dime. San Francisco’s free concert scene has something for everyone!