Golden Gate Park SAN FRANCISCO
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A crowd sitting on the grass in front of a stage at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Golden Gate Park events and festivals

A crowd at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, October 2011. Photo: Btwashburn56 · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Golden Gate Park hosts San Francisco’s biggest music festivals, free Sunday concerts and a calendar of seasonal events. Here is what happens when.

Updated · Independent visitor guide

Golden Gate Park calendar
EventWhenWhereCost
Magnolia bloomJanuary–MarchSan Francisco Botanical GardenGarden admission; free before 9 a.m.
Tulips at the Dutch WindmillLate February–AprilQueen Wilhelmina Tulip GardenFree
Cherry blossomsMarch–AprilJapanese Tea GardenGarden admission
Golden Gate Park BandMost Sundays, April–September, 1 p.m.Spreckels Temple of MusicFree
Bay to BreakersMayThrough the park to Ocean BeachRace entry
Outside LandsAugust (2026: Aug 7–9)Polo Field and meadowsTicketed
Hardly Strictly BluegrassFirst weekend of October (2026: Oct 2–4)Hellman Hollow, Lindley and Marx meadowsFree
World AIDS DayDecember 1National AIDS Memorial GroveFree

Outside Lands

Outside Lands is a three-day music, food and wine festival held in the Polo Field, Lindley Meadow and Hellman Hollow every August. The 2026 edition ran August 7 to 9. Tickets usually go on sale in spring and sell out; parking is not available, so take Muni, especially the N Judah and 5 Fulton.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a free, three-day festival of bluegrass, folk and roots music held in Hellman Hollow, Lindley Meadow and Marx Meadow on the first weekend of October. The 2026 festival took place October 2 to 4. Arrive early with a blanket and layers, and be prepared for big crowds.

Free Sunday band concerts

The Golden Gate Park Band, founded in 1882, plays free concerts at the Spreckels Temple of Music on most Sundays at 1 p.m. from April to September, plus a few holiday dates. Each concert has a theme, often celebrating a different culture.

More dates through the year

Spring brings the Queen Wilhelmina tulip bloom and cherry blossoms at the Japanese Tea Garden. In May, Bay to Breakers runners cross the park to Ocean Beach. April 20 brings a large gathering to Hippie Hill. On December 1, the AIDS Memorial Grove marks World AIDS Day, and winter evenings bring the Conservatory’s free light show.

Frequently asked questions

When is Outside Lands?

Every August. The 2026 festival ran August 7 to 9 in Golden Gate Park.

Is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass free?

Yes. It is a free festival held on the first weekend of October; in 2026 it ran October 2 to 4.

IN AND AROUND THE PARK

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Keep planning your visit

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