08-04-2025
Diana Ross, Bob Marley's sons to headline Stern Grove this summer
Stern Grove Festival — one of San Francisco's most celebrated outdoor music extravaganzas — returns this summer with more than two months of free shows.
State of play: This year's music series begins on Sunday, June 15 and will close with the "Big Picnic" weekend on Aug. 16 and 17, which will feature R&B superstar Diana Ross and Bob Marley's sons — Stephen and Damian — as headliners.
Other top performers include the 90s indie-rock group Sleater-Kinney, music duo Phantogram and country singer Orville Peck. Many Bay Area artists are also featured as opening acts.
Driving the news: Though Stern Grove Festival has been hosting its free concert series for more than eight decades, this year marks the first where organizers are introducing a new ticketed system.
Here's how to score a spot:
Lottery system: Lottery entries for each concert will begin six weeks before the event date at 10am and will be open for an entire week. Participants will receive an email a month beforehand and winners will have one week to claim tickets. No limit on number of entries per person.
Box office: 1,000 tickets will be available at select sites throughout the city the day before every concert. First-come, first-served basis.
Volunteering: All volunteers will receive a ticket to a show. Email [email protected] to apply.
Giveaways: The festival has partnered with various groups, including DoTheBay, SF Standard and KALW Radio, to give out tickets leading up to each concert date. Follow on Instagram for how to enter.
Table reservation: Reserve a VIP picnic table or individual seat at a community table with a qualifying donation.
What's next: The first lottery opens on May 4 for the California Honeydrops on June 11. Table reservations are open now.
