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 help us keep the Park clean
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 30 (1pm – 7pm), Sat Oct 1 (11am – 7pm), and Sun Oct 2, 2022 (11am – 7pm).
    Where: Hellman Hollow, Lindley & Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA. Read below for a map.

  • Who is playing & what is the schedule?

    View the full schedule here and in the app.

  • What time are we allowed in?

    11AM entry to the meadows on Friday Morning. 9AM entry on Saturday and Sunday.

  • Download the HSB mobile app!

    We have an app available for iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android that can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/hsb22app

  • Please Do / Please Don't

  • Entry Protocol

    Important things to know:

    • We have added fence lines. Enter only at these four locations. Click here for a 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
    • Do not bring coolers, they are no longer allowed. We have updated our concessions in anticipation of increased public need.
    • Prescribed medication, or infant care can be brought in a small soft side cooler.
    • Clear backpacks are recommended for easiest access. Bags or backpacks with dimensions over 22″ x 15″ x 10″ will not be allowed. Any bag over 6″x8″x3″ is subject to search.
    • Entrances will not open until 11am on Friday, 9am Saturday and Sunday.
    • Increased security measures will be in place including walk through body scanners.
    • There will be increased SFPD, K9 and Tactical Unit presence inside and outside the venue.
    • Blankets and short backed chairs are allowed, but will be subject to search. Those requiring taller chairs, be considerate of your neighbors. Collapsible wagons will be allowed.
    • Any restricted or oversized items will be turned away at all entry points.
    • No bicycles, scooters, regular skateboards, electric skateboards, Segways, Onewheels, or other types of motorized devices are allowed inside HSB

    Be aware that the side paths that have been used for years will be closed off with fencing for the protection of everyone involved. People who arrive early to lay down blankets will have to wait until doors have opened. This was a difficult but necessary decision. Please be courteous and patient with fellow music lovers as we make this significant change. As usual, fans are asked to respect the park, to clean up after themselves, and to take everything out that’s been brought in.

  • Covid Protocol

    Get tested or vaccinated at HSB! Located in the Arrow Meadow, guests can get tested and vaccinated for COVID-19 from 12-6 each day. PCR testing, COVID-19 Primary series and boosters including Bivalent available.

    Due to the crowded nature of our event we highly recommend masks be worn when not actively eating or drinking.

  • 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 8 x 10 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 map (above).

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

  • Will there be food available?

    Yes, click here for a list of Food & Beverage options that will be available on site that includes cuisines from around the world. Patrons are welcome to bring their own picnics as well. Alcohol will not be sold.

    Food vendors will be cashless this year to ensure the most hygienic dining experience possible. If you plan to purchase food or beverages, please come prepared with a credit card or exchange your cash for a gift card at the Arrow Meadow or Swan Food & Beverage areas.

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

  • 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 entry map and here for the festival map. 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 T-shirts and CDs of most artists. Merch booths will be located only at Arrow Meadow & at the Foggy Bottom Cafe.

  • 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.

    Please view our ADA map here.

    Parking

    • Parking for vehicles with disability placards, license plates or other demarcation is along JFK, west of Chain of Lakes, available on first come, first served basis.
    • Shuttle picks up passengers from Placard Parking and stops at 36th Ave & JFK Drive, adjacent to Gate 3. Hours of operation are Fri Sep 30, 10:30am-7:30pm, and Sat Oct 1 and Sun Oct 2, 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 desired 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. We will have one wheelchair accessible cart and one standard golf cart dedicated to assist those with disabilities. Hours of operation for cart service is from the opening of doors until 6:15pm when all vehicle access on JFK is halted due to heavy public congestion. Note that some performances continue until 7pm; cart service ends an hour earlier to allow for public egress. Golf carts can be requested again from 7:15-7:30pm when service ends for the day.
    • Accessible golf cart stops are all on JFK. They consist of: 1) Lloyd Lake (pedestrian path) for Banjo and Bandwagon, 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]
  • Will bike parking be available?

    Yes, we have bike parking available – please note the new location of our bike parking on this bike 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 25th 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

  • 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)

  • Slow Streets

    Please be mindful of slow streets on your way to and from Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Respect the neighborhoods and avoid getting tickets on SLOW STREETS
    Check before you go!
    https://www.sfmta.com/projects/slow-streets-program

    In particular:
    12th Avenue from Lincoln Way to Noriega Street
    Cabrillo Street from 45th Avenue to 25th Avenue
    Clay Street from Arguello Boulevard to Steiner Street
    Page Street from Stanyan Street to Gough Street

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

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

  • ...And all the rest

  • Is there a Live Webcast?

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

    Streaming Starts at 1:30PM on Friday, 11:35AM Saturday, and 11:45AM on Sunday.

  • 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.