Free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival in GGP this weekend

Emmylou Harris and friends perform in 2011. Photo by –Mark–

This is the twelfth year for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park this weekend. I was in the park this morning and they’re already at work setting up the stages. The festival runs from 10am until 7pm on Friday, and 11am until 7pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Headliners this year include Elvis Costello, local favorite Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express, The Chieftains, Cowboy Junkies, Emmylou Harris, Patti Smith and Dwight Yoakam. All told the festival features dozens of performers on 6 different stages. View the full lineup and schedule

Stages will be set up in several locations in the park including Lindley Meadow, Marx Meadow and Hellman Hollow (formerly Speedway Meadow). View the festival map

You’ll also be able to get your grub on as the festival features about 50 food vendors ranging from Let’s Be Frank to The Juicery to Kara’s Cupcakes.

Keep in mind there are a TON of events in San Francisco this week including Fleet Week and America’s Cup races, so if you are coming to the festival, leave yourself plenty of time to get there and do your best to walk, bike or take public transportation. Both self bike parking and valet bike parking will be available.

If you do plan to drive, there are schools in the neighborhood who will be opening their lots for parking on Saturday and Sunday to raise money for their PTA’s. Most schools charge around $25 for all-day parking (and it is tax-deductible!):

Richmond District Parking Lots
Lafayette 4545 Anza Street @ 36th Avenue [enter on 36th between Anza and Balboa]
Presidio 450 30th Avenue @ Geary Boulevard [enter on 29th Ave]
Argonne 680 18th Avenue @ Cabrillo [enter on 17th Avenue]
George Washington High School – 600 32nd Ave. [enter at 30th Ave. & Anza]

Sunset District Parking Lots
Jefferson 1725 Irving Street between 18th &19th Avenues [enter on 18th]

If you’re planning to attend to festival this weekend, here are a few guidelines:
– Dogs are allowed but they must be on leash at all times
– Coolers, blankets, and short-back chairs are all allowed. Cameras are also fine too.
– No alcohol will be for sale in the park, but you can bring it into the event. You can also bring in your own food.

Lockers will also be available on site if you want a place to drop off gear and keep your hands free for grooving. Visit bluegrasslockers.com to reserve your locker in advance. You can get a 3-day locker for $54 to $79 depending on the size (price includes a refundable $20 deposit).

If you live in the Richmond or Sunset districts and have any questions or concerns about the festival when it’s taking place, you can call their neighborhood support line at 415-386-8584.

Sarah B.

Photo by sf kevin