All You Need To Know About Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2022

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The word ‘extraordinary’ stands as the quintessential depiction of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Quirky in its name and location, and praiseworthy in its ethics and history, the fest is the sweeping incarnation of the musical ethos of the United States. Bask in the artistic ambiance as you welcome the weekend through an amalgamation of American-roots music in the treasured city of San Francisco.

Arrange a full weekend getaway to cash in on the free music festival that has the nation at its feet. Scream your lungs out singing to the tunes of jazz, funk, blues, Indie, alternative rock, and bluegrass. Every once in a while, a more scenic route is favored. Plan your trip right by working on a picturesque road trip on your way to this incredible Californian music festival. Roll down your windows and take in the liberating feels of the freeway as you begin steering the wheels from Sacramento or anywhere else in the Golden State.

What is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass?

Happening annually since 2001, the Bluegrass festival is a popular event drawing in half a million fans to feast on a series of lineups and its uniquely designed stages. Take a load of eclectic bands playing Americana, ranging from funk to rock, soul, and even some country banjo, while you picnic in the perks of the gorgeous green stretch.

Who started Hardly Strictly Bluegrass?

Warren Hellman is the famous founder of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass extravaganza. Initially called Strictly Bluegrass, the event is an annual, non-commercial music fest paying tribute to the Americana genre. After inviting artists of other genres to join the stage, the word “Hardly” stuck to the initial of the festival’s name. Enjoy magnificent shows as the banjo strings echo from the soundbox and stellar Bluegrass musicians take over the stage with their old-school anthems.

When is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2022?

This year again, the festival of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2022 SF is proudly happening in the first week of October, welcoming the fall with the sweet voices of bluegrass artists. Don’t miss a beat - check out the dates and times of this exceptional event to organize your weekend ahead.

• Fri Sep 30, 1pm – 7pm
• Sat Oct 1, 11am – 7pm
• Sun Oct 2, 11am – 7pm

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2022 Tickets

As is custom, the Bluegrass Festival 2022 carries on being a non-commercial, free-of-charge event prompting the public to have a good time in the wicked city of San Francisco. Just bring enough cash (there will be no ATMs) to enjoy the food provided by the multiple food vendors who will be present so that even when you go hungry, you don’t have to miss the show.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2022 Lineup

The festival takes off on the 30th of September with a blast from the past on the supersonic Banjo Stage. Watch your weekend take flight as the 1996 Canadian folk rock-alternative band, Blackie And The Rodeo Kings, lift off the festival at 1pm, preparing you for what’s to come. Continue to the Swan Stage to check in on Bob Schneider as he hypes up the park with the electric guitar and the strong beats of rock music. Enjoy this uncanny music festival as you spend your first day hopping around the park with your concert essentials and touchdown the evening at the Towers Of Gold while Charley Crockett's sweet vocals bring you home.

Download the application from the festival's website to have a complete guide to the HSB lineup along with the photos of the star performers and their biographies. Tap into the open Spotify playlists, stage maps, and merchandise, as well as opt-in for notifications regarding significant news updates.

Getting to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

As you slowly start tuning in to the festival vibes, a crowd gradually comes together at the designated local. And with such a massive public area, one thing to keep on your radar is the entrances. As you make your way to the park, check the map or follow the fences to find one of the four nearest entries available from where you stand.

Accessibility, Parking, and Transportation

Parking

Along JFK, west of Chain of Lakes, parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles having disability placards, license plates, or other delineation. From there, passengers are picked up by a shuttle that departs at Placard Parking and arrives at 36th Avenue and JFK Drive, near Gate 3.

Keep in mind the operating hours, according to the dates you’ll be attending the festival.

Friday, September 30 10:30am - 7:30pm
Saturday, October 1, 8:30am - 7:30pm
Sunday, October 2, 8:30am - 7:30pm

Also, the new bike parking spot is available and can be found on the HSB website map.

Transportation

Although opting for public transport is highly encouraged to avoid the parking hustle and keep the neighborhood calm, major paid parking lots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The ones from last year were:

• 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.

How to Spend The Weekend in The Area?

Although there’s no camping allowed in the infamous park, there are plenty of ways to spend the weekend near the festival grounds. 

Camping & RV

Take on a full alfresco weekend as you party in the gardens of the Golden Gate Park and stargaze the night through on The Presidio Rob Hill Campgrounds.

If you’re keen on camping, The Presidio Rob Hill Campground is nestled on four wooded acres above San Francisco’s renowned Baker Beach. People traveling in groups might prefer this site for its large campsites capable of lodging up to 30 people. You might consider booking in advance since the area is popular and can fill up quickly.

For an RV park and camping, check out Candlestick park close to all the local attractions. It’s a 15-minute drive up to the festival venue at Golden Gate Park, and a 25-minute drive to the Golden Gate Bridge. After the shows are over in the evening, head over for a stroll on the San Francisco Bay and fill the musical void as the Wave Organ gently sings the song of the waves.

Hotels

For a more laid-back vibe on your weekend getaway, San Francisco has a plethora of hotels available near the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass fest site. Check out the availability and enjoy the festival on a more relaxed and pampered note for the entire weekend.