INFO & FAQ

Since this is a FREE EVENT (NO TICKETS NEEDED), we do not have the resources to answer all of your questions… here is a list of the most frequently asked questions.

If you have noise complaints, neighborhood comments or issues, DURING OUR EVENT, please use the Hotline number 415-406-9014.

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please pack out with you what you bring in!

Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions.

  • Time / Place / Schedule

  • When/where is it?

    When: Fri Sep 29, Sat Sep 30, and Sun Oct 1, 2023.
    Where: Hellman Hollow, Lindley & Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA.

  • What time are we allowed in?

    Entrances will open at 11am on Friday, 9am Saturday and Sunday. Performances end at 7pm daily.

  • Food / Vending

  • Will there be food available?

    Yes, we will have 5 food vending areas at this year’s event featuring cuisines from all over the world. There will be plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.

    Click here for a list of this year’s food vendors

    Click here for a PDF map of the food vendors

    Patrons are welcome to bring their own picnics as well. Alcohol will not be sold.

    New this year! For the first time ever our guests will be able to purchase a variety of personal care items, picnic supplies, clothing, and other handy items at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass General Store, located next to the Merch tent in Arrow Meadow. The General Store will be stocked with:
    • Ice
    • Water
    • Coolers
    • Snacks & Drinks
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Sunscreen
    • Medicines
    • Cell Phone Chargers
    • Sunglasses
    • …and MUCH more!

    Food Vendors and General Store will be cashless this year to ensure the most hygienic experience possible. If you plan to purchase anything at the event please come prepared with a credit card or exchange your cash for a gift card at the General Store located in Arrow Meadow.

    Trash and recycling containers are located throughout our event site. Be a good neighbor and dispose of your trash!

  • Please Do / Please Don't

  • Entry Protocol

    Important things to know:

    • Enter only at these four locations. Click here for the 2023 map.
      1. 1) JFK Drive and Transverse Drive
      2. 2) Fulton Street and 30th Avenue
      3. 3) JFK Drive and 36th Avenue
      4. 4) South Polo Field

    • Entrances will open at 11am on Friday, 9am Saturday and Sunday. Performances end at 7pm daily.

    • For the safety of all patrons, security measures in place include walking through body scanners and may include a physical search of bags and belongings. SFPD, K9 and Tactical Units will be positioned inside and outside the venue.

    • Clear backpacks are recommended for easiest access. Bags, backpacks or personal items with dimensions over 22″ x 15″ x 10″ will not be allowed through the normal security scanning process. Any item over this limit must first submit to a physical search; prepare for delays at the entrance. HSB reserves the right to reject any bag/backpack/item for any reason.

    • Coolers should be soft sided and under 9” x 6” x 3” for normal security scanning process. Any cooler larger is discouraged, and must first submit to a physical search; prepare for delays at the entrance. HSB reserves the right to reject any cooler for any reason.

    • Collapsible wagons will be allowed.

    • Blankets/tarps up to 5 ’x 7’ and short backed chairs are allowed, but will be subject to search.

    • Not allowed are: high-backed chairs, tables, tents, umbrellas, shade structures, items with an open flame, firearms, drones, fireworks, kegs, beverages for the purpose of vending or in glass containers, devices for amplified sound, or any item/device that could cause damage or injury.

    • HSB encourages public transportation or any alternative to personal vehicles. However, due to public safety within the event, HSB does not allow any bicycles, scooters, regular skateboards, electric skateboards, Segways, Onewheels, or other types of motorized devices inside the venue. Bicycle parking locations can be found in the event map.
    • As usual, fans are asked to respect the park, to clean up after themselves, and to take everything out that’s been brought in.
  • What about cameras and alcohol?

    Cameras are ok (no tripods or intrusive equipment please). There will also be vendors on-site selling food and non-alcoholic beverages. No alcohol will be for sale in the park, however, alcohol is allowed as per park rules: no hard alcohol or glass is allowed; beer and wine in non-glass containers ONLY. Any hard alcohol brought to the gathering will be confiscated by SFPD and violators may be subject to fine.

  • HSB Etiquette!

    * You may bring blankets and low chairs. Blanket/ground cover size is limited to 5 x 7 feet due to space restrictions. Blankets and ground covers left unoccupied for more than an hour will be subject to removal.

    * It is ok to bring more than one bag, please be reasonable to keep lines moving at entries.

    * Please respect the people around you by keeping your talking volume reasonable so that everyone can hear the music.

    * Unauthorized sales, solicitation, and distribution are prohibited.

    * Please respect our neighbors in the Richmond and Sunset districts – don’t block driveways, don’t litter, don’t use front or backyards as bathrooms, etc. The happiness of our neighbors is VITAL to the continued success of HSB!

    * Please do not sell alcohol, drugs, or any sort of wares – only HSB-approved vendors will be allowed.

    * Only officially scheduled performers will be allowed, please no busking.

    * Please pack out anything you bring in to the park. Recycling and composting will be available – please make sure to use these services!

    * Please do not lock bikes to trees or fences. Self bike parking will be available – see the bike parking and entry map (above).

    * There will be a sweep of the park by waste management each evening (which means no saving spaces for the following day).

  • Health and Safety Protocols

    The safety and health of our staff, patrons and artists are of utmost importance, and we will continue to update our policies to provide a safe concert experience for everyone. As health department directives are updated, we will continue to revise our policies.

     

  • What else do I need to know?

    * Aisles and walkways must be kept clear at all times.

    * Dress comfortable and remember to be prepared for sun or fog!

    * Please be aware of personal items. HSB cannot assume responsibility for lost or stolen items.

  • Is smoking allowed?

    A City-wide ordinance (Health Code Section 1009.81) went into effect in 2005, prohibiting smoking in all public parks. Smoking is not allowed in any area in Golden Gate Park.

  • Dogs?

    Dogs are allowed as per park rules (on leash, etc.) Dogs should be comfortable with large crowds and loud music. Please clean up after your dogs!

  • Children?

    Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is family-friendly. Make sure you have the appropriate earplugs for very young children. There will be large crowds and loud music, so be prepared for that.

  • Can I bring my drone to take video / pictures?

    Sorry, Golden Gate Park is a No Drone Zone, as per official park rules & regulations.

  • Venue Info

  • Maps?

    Click here for the festival map, here for the entrance and accessibility map, and here for a PDF map of food & beverage locations. The map is also available in our mobile app.

  • Restroom facilities?

    There will be port-a-potties on site.

  • Free Water

    Free water refills will be available between Banjo Stage & Arrow Meadow.

  • Medical Attention (Nearest Hospital)

    There will be an onsite medical team. The nearest hospital is Health Connection St Mary’s Hospital & Medical Center at 450 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA – (415) 750-5785

  • Will compost and Recycling be available?

    Yes – HSB composts and recycles all waste generated over the weekend. We encourage you to help us move closer to being a Zero Waste event by disposing your items in the designated receptacles or pack out what you brought in!

  • Merchandise?

    We will be selling HSB T-shirts and Merchandise from most artists. Merch booths will be located only at Arrow Meadow, the Foggy Bottom Cafe, and Porch Meadow.

  • Lost & Found

    Lost and found is located at all three Info booths (see map)

  • ATMs?

    We have gone cashless, please use credit or debit cards at our merchandise & food concessions. There will be no ATM’s onsite.

     

  • Accessibility

  • Accessibility @ Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

    Our event takes place in a large area within Golden Gate Park. It covers a lot of space and encompasses many types of terrain, including grassy fields, sandy pathways, paved walkways, potholes etc. Please come prepared to enjoy your day in the park and understand it will take time to get around.

    Click here for the entrance and accessibility map

    Parking

    • Parking for vehicles with disability placards, license plates or other demarcation is along JFK, west of Chain of Lakes, available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Shuttle stops are: 1) JFK & Bernice Rodgers Way, 2) JFK & Chain of Lakes, 3) JFK near Gate 3 entry, 4) GGP Senior Center- 6101 Fulton Street
      • If you arrive at the bus stop, please make your way to the Senior Center pick up point
      • Hours of operation are Fri Sep 29, 10:30am-7:30pm, and Sat Sep 30 and Sun Oct 1, 8:30am to 7:30pm.

    Accessibility Ambassadors

    • Accessibility Ambassadors are to be found in a tent along JFK and 36th Ave, adjacent to Gate 3 at Spreckels Lake.
    • The Ambassadors can answer questions and will distribute wristbands to guests with mobility issues. Wristbands provide golf cart access up and down JFK. Wristbands are limited to the attendee with disability and one companion.

    Transport within the event

    • To request a golf cart ride inside the event, attendees will text their name, location and destination to the phone number provided by the HSB Accessibility Ambassador. This service is limited to equipment and staff available on a first come, first served basis. If you are unable to text, please make sure you have a wristband and wait at one of the assigned stops on JFK. DO NOT TRY TO FLAG DOWN GOLF CARTS, THAT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. We will have one wheelchair accessible and three standard golf carts dedicated to assist those with disabilities, these will be clearly labeled for your convenience. Hours of operation for cart service is from the opening of doors until approximately 6:15pm when all vehicle and golf cart access on JFK is halted for crowd safety due to heavy public congestion, resuming again approximately 45 minutes later, and ending golf cart service at 7:30pm. Note that some performances continue until 7pm. While we cannot accept requests after 6:15, once golf cart service resumes at approximately 7:15 we will bring any remaining concertgoers WITH ADA WRISTBANDS from the cart stops on JFK to the shuttle stop at Gate 3. The shuttle will return attendees to ada placard parking
    • Accessible golf cart stops are all on JFK. They consist of: 1) Lloyd Lake (pedestrian path) for Banjo and Arrow, 2)Marx Meadow for Rooster, 3) 30th Ave for Swan and Towers of Gold.

    Questions?

  • Transportation

  • Transportation around the park?

    This year we expect the park service to run their shuttle service. Here is a map.

  • Parking?

    If you park on the street, please respect the neighborhood and DO NOT block driveaways! Parking in the neighborhoods surrounding Golden Gate Park is EXTREMELY limited. We highly encourage taking public transport, ride-sharing, biking or walking instead of driving. It is very important that we all respect the neighbors around the park – do NOT block driveways, clean up after yourselves, and keep noise levels down. Remember that people live here and do not use yards as toilets or trash cans.

    Similar to last year, we expect paid parking to be available on a first come first serve basis at a few lots on Saturday and Sunday. Last year those lots included:

    • George Washington High School – 600 32nd Ave. [enter at 30th Ave. between Geary & Anza]
    • Argonne – 680 18th Ave. [enter at Cabrillo between 17th Ave. and 18th Ave.]
    • Jefferson Elementary School – 1725 Irving St. [Enter on 18th Ave. between Irving and Judah]
    • Lawton Alternative School – 1570 31st Ave. [Enter 30th Ave. between Kirkham and Lawton]
    • Lafayette Elementary – 4545 Anza St.[Enter 36th between Anza and Balboa]

    Please note: the above lots are independently owned and operated – HSB cannot guarantee access to parking on the dates / times specified.

  • Will bike parking be available?

    Yes, we have bike parking available – click here for the bike parking and entrance map.

    Note that we are no longer providing our bike valet service and bike parking is at your own risk. HSB is not responsible for missing or stolen property.

  • Getting to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass by Public Transit?

    Muni serves the north side of Golden Gate Park with the 5 Fulton, 5R Fulton Rapid, 31 Balboa, 38 Geary and 38R Geary Rapid buses; the south side of the park is served by the N Judah train and the 7 Haight/Noriega bus; the 29 Sunset runs through the park on Crossover Drive.

    There will be extra Muni service on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Regular fares apply.

    Please check back closer to the event for information about which routes are running extra buses.

    Avoid long lines and save money on transit using Clipper Mobile. Plan ahead of time. Just open your mobile wallet and follow the instructions to add a new Clipper card on your phone. No need to download a new app.

    The card is FREE on both Apple Pay and Google Pay: https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/pay-with-phone

    MuniMobile is another resource that helps you buy your tickets for any Muni services before you ride. Skip the lines and buy tickets ahead of time or on the go, then activate when you are ready to ride. Purchase the new $5 Day Pass on MuniMobile for unlimited rides. With MuniMobile, your phone is your fare.

    Here are some additional resources:
    511.org – website
    Caltrain – website
    BART – website
    Muni – website

  • Taxi & Ride-Sharing Drop-off / Pickup Locations?

    Taxi stands will be located at:

    Fulton from 22nd to 24th

    Ride-sharing drop-off and pick-up locations:

    Pickups and Drop Offs around Washington Highschool on both 30th Ave between Anza and Balboa and on Balboa between 30th and 31st

    Pickups on Irving between 25th and 27th Ave

    Please note: Due to the large amounts of traffic coming to and from the park, Ride-Sharing apps will only allow pin drops from the designated pick-up area, so you should make your way to the drop-off/pick-up location before calling for your ride.

  • Neighborhood Info

  • Shop Local

    As you head to the park, stop by a local shop for your favorite snacks and drinks, or continue the celebration post-festival with dinner at a nearby restaurant or bar. Shop local in the merchant corridors on Balboa Street, Clement Street, and in the Inner Sunset

  • Hotels in the area?

    Please call the Chamber of Commerce, use a travel site such as Orbitz or Kayak.com, or contact the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau for assistance. Visitors can book rooms directly on www.sfvisitor.org or request assistance from the Visitor Information Center – 415-391-2000 (tollfree at 888-782-9673 (STAY-N-SF)).

  • Camping?

    Sorry, there is no camping allowed in Golden Gate Park. There is a campground in The Presidio – Rob Hill Campground: http://www.presidio.gov/explore/Pages/rob-hill-campground.aspx and an RV park by Candlestick park: http://sanfranciscorvpark.com/

  • What streets are closed in the park?

    You can expect the following streets to be closed in the lead up to and during the event.

    JFK Dr. between Transverse Dr. and Chain of Lakes Dr.
    36th Ave. between Fulton and JFK Dr.
    30th Ave. between Fulton and JFK Dr.
    Transverse Dr. between Crossover Dr. (25th Ave.) and MLK Dr.
    Overlook Dr. between Transverse and Middle Drive West
    Middle Drive West between Transverse and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
    Metson Drive between Middle Drive West and MLK
    Parking area at Polo Fields at North Stables and on Metson drive (south side of Polo fields)

  • ...And all the rest

  • Can you give me more information about Golden Gate Park?

    More info is here: http://sfrecpark.org/parks-open-spaces/golden-gate-park-guide/

  • Is there a Live Webcast?

    Yes, we will be streaming the Banjo, Swan and Towers of Gold Stages. Tune in here on our website or watch on HSB TV.

    Stay tuned for streaming schedule.

  • Press inquiries?

    We do not issue press passes. Photography is fine, but no professional video shooting is allowed due to artist request.

    For press inquiries please contact Jim Merlis at jim@bighassle.com.

  • I have more questions - who can I contact?

    questions@hardlystrictlybluegrass.org

    If you have neighborhood comments or complaints during the festival, please contact our Community Hotline 415-406-9014.