Stern Grove Festival

The Stern Grove Festival Association is a non-profit arts presenting organization committed to providing the people of the Bay Area with admission-free access to diverse, outstanding performing arts. Every year since 1938, the organization presents admission-free, outdoor concerts at Stern Grove Festival. A San Francisco tradition, music and nature lovers gather at The Festival to enjoy music, picnicking, and relaxation in a serene meadow surrounded by giant eucalyptus, redwood, and fir trees.

Stern Grove Festival was founded by Mrs. Rosalie Meyer Stern, a civic activist and arts patron who envisioned a series of free performances open to the public in Sigmund Stern Grove, a stunning natural amphitheater in San Francisco. At the core of the Festival’s mission is the belief that the arts build healthy communities. The Festival is, as Mrs. Stern wished, designed for everybody—San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors, Festival regulars as well as first-timers, and people from all backgrounds. Over the years, The Festival has presented more than 800 performances for more than six million concert-goers.

In keeping with Mrs. Stern’s original vision, the Festival has offered admission-free performances by some of the world’s greatest artists. The Festival has presented such notable performers as the San Francisco Symphony, Los Lobos, Kronos Quartet, Isaac Stern, San Francisco Ballet, Diana Krall, Miriam Makeba, Los Van Van, Femi-Kuti, Mavis Staples, Cubanismo, Zakir Hussain, Youssou N’Dour, Eddie Palmieri, Cassandra Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Arrested Development, Dr. John, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ozomatli, Lucinda Williams, Allen Toussaint, Roberta Flack, Joan Baez, and many more.

In addition to the summer concerts, Stern Grove Festival presents interactive community outreach programs for audiences of all ages.

In 2004, Stern Grove underwent a $15 million renovation, designed by renowned landscape architect, Lawrence Halprin. Completed in June of 2005, Stern Grove was transformed into a world-class performing arts facility and a jewel in the heart of the city, while maintaining its natural beauty and charm.

The Festival's annual summer season of admission-free concerts are announced on May 1.