Free Sunday concerts in a redwood-and-eucalyptus amphitheater — the nation’s longest-running free outdoor music festival.
Stern Grove Festival is San Francisco’s longest-running free outdoor concert series — every Sunday all summer, major touring artists and Bay Area favorites play a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering trees. Admission is free, but the reservation system trips up a lot of first-timers.
Quick answer: The 2026 season runs Sunday, June 14 through August 16, with concerts starting at 2pm and gates opening at noon. Admission is free but requires an entry reservation through a lottery system — you can’t just walk in anymore. Located at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in the Sunset District.
2026 Season Details
Season dates: Sunday, June 14 – Sunday, August 16, 2026
Show time: 2:00pm each Sunday, gates open at noon
Location: Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, Sunset District
Cost: Free, with paid seating options available (reserved tables or shared-table seats)
Season finale: “The Big Picnic” — a special two-day closer, August 15–16, 2026
This is the 89th season of a tradition dating back to 1938
How the Reservation System Works
You can no longer just walk in. Capacity is strictly limited to 10,000 people, and entry requires a reservation. The lottery opens 6 weeks before each show and stays open for one week — winners are notified within a week after it closes.
- Online lottery: Opens 6 weeks before each concert, stays open for 1-2 weeks depending on the show
- In-person tickets: A limited number are available first-come, first-served at Community Box Offices around San Francisco the day before each concert
- Volunteer: Help out at a show and receive a ticket, plus snacks
- Paid seating: Reserve a table for up to 10 people, or buy a seat at a shared table, if you want to skip the lottery entirely
Don’t wait until the week of the show to plan. Given the 6-week lottery window and limited capacity, decide which Sundays you want to attend well in advance and enter the lottery as soon as it opens for that date.
Getting to Stern Grove
Stern Grove sits in the Sunset District, at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard — outside the immediate downtown core. Muni serves the area, though it’s a longer ride than downtown destinations. See our Muni San Francisco guide for route planning, or our guide to getting around SF without a car for the full transit picture.
Parking at Stern Grove
Given the Sunset District location, street parking is generally more available here than at downtown SF events, though it still fills up for popular shows. Arrive early if you’re driving, especially for high-demand lineups or the Big Picnic finale weekend.
Book Parking in Advance for Popular Shows
For high-demand lineups, reserving a spot ahead removes the uncertainty.
What to Bring
- A blanket or low chairs — most of the crowd sits on the grass in the natural amphitheater
- Layers — the Sunset District is one of San Francisco’s foggiest and coolest microclimates, even in summer
- A picnic — many attendees bring their own food; concessions are also available
- Your reservation confirmation — required for entry given the capacity system
Where to Stay
Given Stern Grove’s location in the Sunset District, staying centrally downtown still works well if you’re comfortable with a Muni ride out each Sunday — or consider a stay closer to the western side of the city if you’re attending multiple shows. See our San Francisco neighborhood guide for options.
Book Your San Francisco Stay
Find a hotel or vacation rental for your Stern Grove Festival weekend.
Quick Reference: Stern Grove Festival 2026
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Season dates | June 14 – August 16, 2026, every Sunday |
| Show time | 2:00pm, gates open at noon |
| Location | 19th Avenue & Sloat Boulevard, Sunset District |
| Is it free? | Yes, but requires a reservation — capacity limited to 10,000 |
| How do I get tickets? | Online lottery 6 weeks before each show, or in-person the day before |
| Season finale | The Big Picnic, August 15–16, 2026 |
| Where to book discount parking | SpotHero San Francisco |
| Full SF neighborhood guide | Best Neighborhoods to Stay in San Francisco |
Stern Grove Festival is one of San Francisco’s genuine treasures — free, world-class music in a stunning natural setting. Just remember the reservation system has changed from the old walk-in days, so plan your entry ahead of time.
Something changed since we wrote this? Use our contact page and we’ll update it.