San Francisco’s beloved Hardly Strictly Bluegrass returns to Golden Gate Park October 3–5, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a dynamic and diverse lineup. What began as a bluegrass-focused gathering has grown into one of the city’s most iconic (and entirely free) music festivals.
This year’s performers span genres and generations, with highlights including Lucinda Williams, Courtney Barnett, Samara Joy, The String Cheese Incident, Reverend Horton Heat, Watchhouse, Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets, and Chuck Prophet. Fans can preview the lineup through a streaming medley available now on the official HSB app and website.
In honor of this milestone year—and the legacy of late philanthropists Warren Hellman and Nancy Hellman Bechtle—HSB is expanding beyond the park. On September 13, Lyle Lovett joins the San Francisco Symphony for a benefit concert supporting local music education.
And on October 2, a sold-out tribute at The Masonic will honor the festival’s heart and soul: Emmylou Harris, who’s performed at every HSB since its inception. The evening will feature performances by Margo Price, Steve Earle, Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell, and more, with proceeds benefiting Bonaparte’s Retreat dog rescue.
Fans can also catch favorite acts at intimate “Out of the Park” nighttime shows around the Bay, including Reverend Horton Heat at Sweetwater and Patty Griffin with Nick Lowe at the Great American Music Hall.
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS 2025
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
October 3-5, 2025
Initial Lineup
Lucinda Williams
Samara Joy
Courtney Barnett
Reverend Horton Heat
Watchhouse
Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets
Dan Tyminski Band
Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band
The String Cheese Incident
Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes
Artists Playing the Tribute to Emmylou Harris Also Performing at HSB
Albert Lee
Buddy Miller
Emmylou Harris
Margo Price
Patty Griffin
Rodney Crowell
Rosanne Cash
Sam Bush
Shawn Colvin
Steve Earle
