September is here, and in SF that means the return of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival! This free, three-day extravaganza transforms Golden Gate Park into a haven for folk, bluegrass, and Americana lovers. Since its inception in 2001, the festival has grown into a San Francisco tradition, drawing thousands of attendees for a weekend of unforgettable performances and communal spirit.

We're here with all the details and need-to-know info about this year's festival, including when it's happening and this year's lineup! If you're in the Bay Area, you don't want to miss it.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival 2023

When & Where is the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival?
This year's festival takes place on September 29, 30, and October 1, 2023 (Friday through Sunday) at Hellman Hollow, Lindley & Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park. Entrances will open at 11am on Friday, 9am Saturday and Sunday, and performances end at 7pm daily.

Admission to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
Entrance to the festival is free! No tickets or registration reqired.

Food & Drink at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted at the festival, but note that no coolers are allowed. Feel free to pack a blanket and low-backed chairs to enjoy a picnic. There will also be dozens of delicious food trucks to choose from. Stay tuned for a list of participating vendors! 

Who's Performing at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival?
This year's lineup features a mix of old favorites and newcomers for a total 70+ performers across six stages. See some of the top artists below, and stay tuned for the release of the full festival schedule.

Dustbowl Revival
Emmylou Harris
Kurt Vile & The Violators
Lilly Hiatt
Olivia Wolf
Orchestra Gold
Peter Rowan
Purple Glaze
Rickie Lee Jones
Rufus Wainwright
Say She She
Shakey Graves
The McCrary Sisters
The Third Mind
Tommy Emmanuel
Valerie June
Vetiver

For the full lineup, more information, and a festival map, visit the official Hardly Strictly Bluegrass website.