San Francisco, CA – The iconic Stern Grove Festival celebrates its 88th season in 2025. It brings an extraordinary lineup of free concerts to San Francisco. This year, the festival truly outdoes itself. It features legendary headliners Diana Ross and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. Additionally, a diverse array of celebrated artists join them. The summer series promises unforgettable Sundays. These run from June 15 through August 17. It offers world-class music in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Headliners and Festival Highlights
The 2025 season culminates with a spectacular “Big Picnic Weekend.” Notably, reggae scion Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, performing with Stephen Marley, headlines on Saturday, August 16. Following this, the unparalleled Motown icon, Diana Ross, graces the stage. She closes out the festival on Sunday, August 17. Their inclusion underscores Stern Grove’s commitment. They deliver top-tier talent to the community.
Beyond these legendary acts, the lineup boasts an impressive roster of artists. These span various genres. Attendees can look forward to performances by The Pointer Sisters. They are known for their timeless R&B hits. Phantogram brings their unique electronic rock sound. Orville Peck offers his masked country mystique. Girl Talk and Chromeo deliver high-energy electronic sets. Indie rock pioneers Sleater-Kinney also join the bill. Furthermore, the San Francisco Symphony returns for a special July 6 performance. It features the captivating Taimane. Local talent receives significant spotlight too. Acts like Michael Franti & Spearhead, The California Honeydrops, and Lyrics Born round out the diverse programming.
A New Era of Access: Ticketing and Community Focus
For 2025, Stern Grove introduces a new ticket lottery system. This aims to ensure equitable access to all free concerts. While all shows remain 100% free, attendees must now enter a lottery for each event. They do this via the festival’s website. This innovative approach provides everyone a fairer chance. This includes long-time supporters and first-time visitors. They can experience the magic.
Additionally, the festival expands its community outreach. It adds “Community Box Offices” across San Francisco. These locations provide in-person ticket reservations. They particularly benefit those without reliable internet access. Moreover, a rotating lineup of local radio DJs kicks off nearly every show. They further amplify Bay Area culture before each performance. This strong community focus remains a cornerstone of the Stern Grove tradition.
Why You Can’t Miss Stern Grove 2025
The Stern Grove Festival stands as one of the nation’s longest-running free music events. Its enduring appeal lies in its combination of iconic artists, diverse genres, and a beautiful natural amphitheater. The 88th season, therefore, promises to be one of its most memorable. With legends like Diana Ross and Damian Marley headlining, coupled with an array of other exceptional talents, Stern Grove Festival 2025 is an absolute must-attend. This applies to any music lover in the Bay Area and beyond.
