25 Years of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Tickets

25 Years of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a cornerstone of San Francisco’s music scene, a free-spirited gathering that began in 2001 under the guidance of Warren Hellman. Born from a love of roots music and community, the festival sets up each year in Golden Gate Park’s Hellman Hollow, Lindley, and Marx meadows, inviting musicians from a wide array of genres to celebrate roots, Americana, and beyond. The festival is renowned for its inclusive atmosphere, charitable roots, and a dedication to making great live music accessible to all.

As we mark a major milestone—its 25th anniversary edition hosted October 3–5, 2025—Hardly Strictly Bluegrass continues to expand beyond traditional bluegrass, showcasing artists across genres while maintaining the festival’s free, non-commercial ethos. The weekend also features a tribute concert to Emmylou Harris, held on October 2, 2025 at The Masonic, with proceeds benefiting Bonaparte’s Retreat, Harris’s dog-rescue charity.

Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-timer, secure your seats and plan ahead—we’ve got you covered with up-to-date artist listings, venue details, and streaming options like HSBTV so you won’t miss a moment of the action.

Stay connected with official updates and behind-the-scenes content through the festival’s social channels and digital platform. Follow @HardlyStrictlyBluegrass on social media for the latest lineup announcements, schedule changes, and exclusive clips. We’ll keep you informed about the main festival dates, the Out of the Park nighttime series, and any late-breaking additions to the 25th anniversary program. If you’re visiting San Francisco for the event, you’ll find the venue information, accessibility details, and nearby lodging suggestions to help you plan an easy, enjoyable experience.

Popular performers making appearances in 2025 include a diverse lineup featuring Lucinda Williams, Courtney Barnett, Samara Joy, The String Cheese Incident, Reverend Horton Heat, and more, with further acts announced as details unfold. For fans of roots music and a community-minded festival experience, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass remains a trusted, no-pressure place to celebrate live music.

Links to official social profiles and partner sites: