Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, May – October
Running from May through October 2022, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival invites visitors to experience a fascinating landscape of performances from different cultures, ethnicities and artistic genres. With over 100 free outdoor concerts as well as theatre, circus shows, dance, poetry and kids’ programs, there is certainly something for all to enjoy! Amongst its most popular performances, the gardens will host the world premiere of the Marcus Shelby New Orchestra’s Blues in the City, on 3 September.
For further details visit: https://ybgfestival.org/
Golden Gate Park Bandshell Concerts, March – November
Live music has returned to the iconic, Golden Gate Bandshell stage with a range of free, outdoor performances running between March and November 2022. This season’s lineup is both diverse and local, featuring rock bands, R&B, soul, jazz, reggae and string ensembles, alongside many homegrown stars and the occasional international flourish. Performances vary from traditional band classics conducted by German Gonzalez and soul/jazz/R&B hour, with the Mad Maggies, to a Brazilian Day with live music by Bateria Butuci. With a focus on expanding its canon of multicultural performances, this season strives to ensure that Golden Gate Park, and the wider San Francisco community is a welcoming place for all.
For further details visit: www.sfrecpark.com
Opera in the Park, 11 September
As part of its centennial season, the San Francisco Opera returns for its opening weekend on 11 September, offering free, al fresco performances on the Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park. With performances beginning at 1:30pm, opera enthusiasts are invited to enjoy a delightful afternoon of arias and melodic duets, conducted by renowned music Director, Eun Sun Kim.
For further details visit: www.sfopera.com
Portola Music Festival, 24 – 25 September
Portola is the newest music festival coming to San Francisco’s Pier 80 this September. Presented by the creators of the successful Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and California’s Country Music Festival, the celebration will bring together an eclectic mix of new, electronic artists, metaverse pop stars, and legendary names all over the same weekend, from Flume, Kaytranada, Jamie xx, to The Chemical Brothers and James Blake. The festival’s namesake being an ode to the Portola Festival of 1909, an iconic celebration of the city’s re-opening following the devastating earthquake of 1906, Portola 2022 is here to let the world know that San Francisco is back open and ready to host tourists.
For further details visit: www.portolamusicfestival.com
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, 30 September – 2 October
This free, three-day celebration of music is held annually in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Attracting over half a million people, the festival features an eclectic lineup of country, soul and folk acts performing across multiple stages. Performing acts include Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons, Americana, folk singer-songwriter Allison Russell, and returning favourites Galactic and Buddy Miller.
For further details visit: www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.
