Friends enjoying singing and playing the guitar in the door of their van

Your Guide to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023

August 9, 2023
• GoCamp Travel Guides

Wanna get your festival on without breaking the bank? Then you need to check out Hardly Strictly Bluegrass! This free festival in San Francisco is a celebration of American roots music, with a lineup that features everything from bluegrass and country to folk, blues, and jazz. Past performers have included Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, David Byrne, Béla Fleck, and many more. The festival is three days long and welcomes more than half a million visitors every year.

If you’re planning on attending Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, here are a few things you need to know. The festival is free and open to the public, so you don’t need to worry about getting tickets. However, it’s still important to plan for transportation and other things, so your stay can be fun and stress-free. The festival takes place from September 29th to October 1st, at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA. Camping is not allowed on festival grounds, but you can use other nearby spots.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a laid-back, family-friendly affair. There are no fences or VIP areas, so you can wander around freely and catch your favorite artists on any of the six stages. And because it’s free, you can bring your own food and drinks, so you can save your money for souvenirs and merchandise.

It’s a truly unique festival that celebrates the diversity and creativity of American roots music. It’s a great place to discover new artists, catch up with old favorites, and just enjoy some good music in a relaxed atmosphere.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Lineup

Artist Medley #1

  • Valerie June
  • Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
  • Gaby Moreno
  • John Doe Folk Trio
  • Neal Francis
  • John Craigie
  • Bahamas
  • Leyla McCalla
  • The Church
  • Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Artist Medley #2

  • Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express
  • The Travelin’ Mccourys
  • Mightly Poplar
  • Buffalo Nichols
  • Carrie Rodriguez
  • Nora Brown w/ Stephanie Coleman
  • Beth Orton
  • Lucero
  • Lilly Hiatt
  • Kurt Vile & The Violators
A girl spreading her arms at an overlook of the Golden Gate Bridge

Tips for Attending Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Festivals can be overwhelming if you aren’t ready. Here are some tips to make your experience at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival magical.

  • Plan your day ahead of time. Check the festival schedule and make a list of the bands you want to see. This will help you stay on track and avoid wasting time in lines.
  • Arrive early. The festival grounds open at 11 am on Friday and 9 am on Saturday and Sunday, and it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds. You’ll also have a better chance of getting a good spot to see your favorite acts.
  • Be prepared for the weather. The weather in San Francisco can change quickly, so be prepared for anything. If it’s sunny, bring sunscreen and a hat. If it’s cloudy, bring a raincoat or umbrella.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, especially if you’re not accustomed to drinking in hot weather. 
  • Avoid the crowds. If you’re not interested in seeing the biggest headliners, you can avoid the crowds by catching smaller bands on the side stages.
  • Use public transportation. The festival is located in Golden Gate Park, which is a bit of a hike from downtown San Francisco. If you’re not driving, your best bet is to take public transportation. Several bus lines stop near the park, and the Muni Metro light rail has a stop right at the entrance.
  • Be respectful of the neighbors. The festival is held in a residential area, so be sure to be respectful of the neighbors. Keep the noise down after dark, and don’t block driveways or sidewalks.
  • Have fun! Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a great festival with a lot of great music. So relax, enjoy the music, and have fun!

Do You Need Tickets to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass?

No, you do not need tickets to go to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in September. The festival is free to attend, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Warren Hellman and his family foundation. Hellman believed that music should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means. He also wanted to create a festival that would be a celebration of the Bay Area’s rich musical heritage. Now, people of all different ages and backgrounds get to fulfill their dream together.

Where to Stay

San Francisco is a very popular tourist destination, so there are so many different places to stay including hotels, Airbnbs, hostels, campgrounds, and RV parks. Here are some campground/RV park options for you near Hardly Strictly Bluegrass:

Rob Hill Campground: Rob Hill Campground is located in the Presidio, just a few miles from Golden Gate Park. It offers stunning views of the city and the bay and is a great place to go hiking, biking, or fishing. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, a playground, and a dog park.

Kirby Cove Campground: Kirby Cove Campground is located on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge. It offers stunning views of the bridge and the ocean. It is a popular spot for campers, hikers, and kayakers. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, a boat launch, and hiking trails.

Bicentennial Campground: Bicentennial Campground is located in Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. It offers views of the bridge, the bay, and the city skyline. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, hiking trails, and bike paths.

Haypress Campground: Haypress Campground is located in Mill Valley, just north of San Francisco. It is a more secluded campground. It offers views of the redwoods and Mount Tamalpais. Amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, hiking trails, and mountain biking trails.

Marin RV Park: Marin RV Park is located in Greenbrae, just ten miles from Golden Gate Park. It offers 87 RV sites with full hookups, including water, sewer, and electricity. Other amenities include laundry facilities, showers, a dump station, a heated swimming pool, and Wi-Fi. The park is pet-friendly and has a dedicated dog walking area. Marin RV Park is staffed 24/7 for emergencies.

If you don’t have your own camper, rent one! GoCamp helps you find a camper van for rent and take it anywhere you want. Rent amazing camper vans at affordable prices, and don’t miss the opportunity to camp for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.

Crowds of people at a hardly strictly bluegrass concert

What to Pack

Now you know where to stay, what should you bring to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival?

  • A clear backpack or small bag. Large bags are not allowed, so a clear backpack or small bag is the best way to carry your belongings.
  • Hat and/or rain gear. The weather in San Francisco can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to pack a hat and/or rain gear just in case.
  • Comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are essential.
  • A blanket or low-profile chair. There are no chairs provided at the festival, so you’ll need to bring your own if you want to sit down.
  • Food and drinks. There are food and drink vendors at the festival, but they can be expensive. If you want to save money, bring your own food and drinks.
  • Water bottle. It’s important to stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle.
  • Snacks. You’ll need to keep your energy up, so bring some snacks to munch on throughout the day. Note: Coolers are not allowed in the festival.
  • First-aid kit. Just in case, it’s a good idea to bring a small first-aid kit.
  • Portable cell phone charger. You’ll need your cell phone to stay connected with friends and family (and to capture all those awesome memories). Bring a portable charger to ensure long-term connectivity.
  • Cash. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a cashless event, so don’t forget to bring a credit or debit card.
  • Good attitude! Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a great festival. Have fun and enjoy yourself.

What to Expect

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass features a wide variety of bluegrass, country, folk, and world music artists, as well as a variety of food and drink vendors. The number one thing that makes Hardly Strictly Bluegrass so special is the atmosphere. The festival is very relaxed and laid back, with a strong sense of community. There are no VIP areas or corporate sponsorships, so everyone is there to enjoy the music and each other’s company.

The music at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is simply outstanding. The festival features a wide variety of artists, from bluegrass legends like Alison Krauss and Ralph Stanley to up-and-coming indie artists. There’s something for everyone at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and you might even find some new favorites.

The food at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is also great. There are a variety of food vendors serving everything from traditional festival fare to more exotic dishes. Many of the vendors are local, so it’s a great opportunity to experience the cuisine of San Francisco. You are guaranteed to find something to satisfy your appetite.

In addition to the music and food, there are several other things to love about Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. The festival is held in Golden Gate Park, which is one of the most beautiful parks in the world. There are plenty of activities for kids, and the festival is very family-friendly. The festival is a great way to experience the best of what San Francisco has to offer for cheap, and you’re sure to have a great time.

A woman gathering roses on stage at the hardly strictly bluegrass music festival

Stages

With six stages and dozens of artists performing, there’s something for everyone at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival. Each stage features different musicians and aesthetics, so make sure you visit all of them for the full festival experience.

Here is an overview of the stages at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass:

  • Banjo Stage: This is the main stage, located in Hellman Hollow. It’s the largest stage at the festival, and it’s where you’ll find the biggest names in bluegrass and beyond.
  • Bandwagon Stage: This stage is located in Lindley Meadow, and it’s known for its eclectic programming. You’ll find everything from bluegrass to world music to indie rock on this stage.
  • Swan Stage: This stage is located in Marx Meadow, and it’s a great place to discover new artists. You’ll find a mix of up and coming bluegrass and folk artists on this stage.
  • Towers of Gold Stage: This stage is located in Hellman Hollow, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy music. There’s a covered area on this stage, so you can stay dry even if it rains.
  • Porch Stage: This stage is located in Lindley Meadow, and it’s a great place to see some up-close and personal performances. This stage is also a great place to catch some of the more traditional bluegrass acts.
  • Rooster Stage: This stage is located in Marx Meadow, and it’s a great place to see some of the more experimental and boundary-pushing artists. This stage is also a great place to catch some of the younger, up-and-coming artists.

Schedule

The schedule for the 2023 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass concert is as follows:

Friday, September 29

  • 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    • Main Stage: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Valerie June, John Craigie, Gaby Moreno, and more
    • Panhandle Stage: The Wood Brothers, Amythyst Kiah, The Mavericks, and more
    • Lindley Meadow Stage: Old Crow Medicine Show, The California Honeydrops, and more
    • Sharon Meadow Stage: Trampled by Turtles, The Infamous Stringdusters, and more
    • Japanese Tea Garden Stage: The Duhks, The Milk Carton Kids, and more

Saturday, September 30

  • 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    • Main Stage: The Chicks, Los Lobos, Neal Francis, Bahamas, and more
    • Panhandle Stage: Dawes, The Wailers, The War and Treaty, and more
    • Lindley Meadow Stage: The Avett Brothers, Yola, and more
    • Sharon Meadow Stage: Khruangbin, The Marcus King Band, and more
    • Japanese Tea Garden Stage: The Lone Bellow, Lake Street Dive, and more

Sunday, October 1

  • 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    • Main Stage: Wilco, The Black Pumas, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Leyla McCalla, and more
    • Panhandle Stage: The Decemberists, The Head and the Heart, and more
    • Lindley Meadow Stage: The Revivalists, Billy Strings, and more
    • Sharon Meadow Stage: Old Man Luedecke, Punch Brothers, and more
    • Japanese Tea Garden Stage: The California Honeydrops, The Milk Carton Kids, and more

The full schedule with all the artists is available on the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass website.

A crowd of people listening to a band on stage at the hardly strictly bluegrass festival

The Bottom Line

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a festival you have to check off your bucket list. It features artists and songs from the roots of America including county, bluegrass, jazz, and more! Don’t miss out on some of your old favorites, and don’t be afraid to add some new music to your playlists after you’ve attended. You never know what new artists you’ll fall in love with.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is the perfect opportunity to enjoy community and music on a budget. The festival is built around enjoying music with people from all different backgrounds. As one of the most popular music festivals in the US, you can build on a legacy of more than two decades by attending and enjoying yourself to the fullest! Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will give you memories that will last a lifetime (or at least until you want to go again).

Get your trip started today with GoCamp!