San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is about to twang, stomp, and sing its way into fall. The legendary Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival returns October 3–5, 2025 for its 25th anniversary, and the lineup reads like a who’s who of roots and Americana royalty.
The Lineup
This year’s bill includes festival staples and fresh faces alike: Emmylou Harris, Jeff Tweedy, Patty Griffin, Steve Earle & The Hardly Strictly Dukes, Rosanne Cash, Margo Price, The War and Treaty, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Lucinda Williams, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Courtney Barnett, Sam Bush, Rodney Crowell, Shawn Colvin, Cass McCombs, and dozens more across three days.
The festival remains completely free, true to founder Warren Hellman’s vision of music for the people, by the people.
Beyond the Music
The anniversary isn’t just about stages and setlists. Fans can also experience The Big Twang! Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at 25 exhibition at Haight Street Art Center (Sept. 11–Oct. 12), featuring everything from Hellman’s rhinestone jacket to iconic festival posters. A companion photo-and-essay book of the same name is out now, with words from Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, and more.
And because HSB knows how to party, they’re throwing extra events:
- Sept. 13: Lyle Lovett with the San Francisco Symphony
- Oct. 2: A sold-out Emmylou Harris tribute show at The Masonic featuring Rosanne Cash, Patty Griffin, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, and more, benefiting Bonaparte’s Retreat dog rescue
- Out of the Park concerts across Bay Area venues, from Reverend Horton Heat at Sweetwater to Patty Griffin & Nick Lowe at the Great American Music Hall
Why It Matters
For 25 years, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has blurred genre lines and built community around music that feels timeless. Whether you’re a die-hard regular or a first-timer, this anniversary promises to be one for the history books.
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and join thousands of fans for a weekend that proves the best things in life—and music—are still free.
Full lineup and festival guide available now at HardlyStrictlyBluegrass.com.
