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Stern Grove Festival
Rating Details »
Category: Performing Arts [Edit]
19th Avenue and Sloat BoulevardSan Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 252-6252
- Hours:
Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
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192 reviews for Stern Grove Festival
The best outdoor concert I have ever been to!
It's 100% free! You are allowed to bring in your own beer. You are allowed to bring in your own food. The whole place is GA and there are usually plenty of places to hide away and sit and watch on the hillside. There are ample eucalyptus trees giving Stern Grove a natural beauty and plenty of shade on hot days. Just a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
It's amazing when you take away some of the BS you go through when going to any other concert (no outside alcohol, no outside food, high ticket costs and service charges)- you realize how much you put up with. There is a better way and it's called Stern Grove.
I went to 2 shows this last summer and was blown away both times. I'm definitely coming back next year!
I have SO MUCH to say about Stern Grove that I will keep it short to spare all the yelpers. So one sentence from multiple perspectives:
as a Native San Franciscan: I grew up attending bday parties, festivals with family and friends, work retreats, and all things fun and recreational here.
as an aspiring Urban Planner: Stern grove as a park, and as a home for festivals and gatherings, epitomizes everything I want to create--a green space where different people/communities congregate to enjoy life, stay grounded, explore, learn from, respect, and love each other.
yes, the festivals are that powerful. it helps sustain the livelihoods of san franciscans, bay area residents, and all it's visitors.
I think I'm ready to move up to the varsity squad for doin' up the Stern Grove Festival ("SGF") thanks, in part, to some helpful neighbors on the blanket beside me...no more amateur hour...next time...it's for real.
San Francisco is choc full of free events. If done carefully one could find solid free events every weekend if not every day. The SGF is even head and shoulders above all the rest because its product, and how it is run, give the impression that you've paid for the event.
The setting: essentially the stage is set amidst a dense forest of random trees and sublimely smelling eucalyptus trees...feels like you are camping with thousands of your closest friends.
Technical: this stuff is old hat to them. The sound quality is amazing and reaches everyone well...it honestly feels like a no brainer tot them it is done so well.
Facilities: could use more restrooms..but honestly it is OK and really...what place/event couldn't use more restrooms.
The crowd: with the exception of one stressed out knucklehead* the crowd has always been utterly fantastic. I've been to regular relatively known band shows, SF Symphony, and now the SF Opera and each crowd is just plain awesome. This last visit we were befriended by a large group who supplied us with cookies and cups for our wine...as well as awesome conversation. This is key...I always seem to remember bringing the booze (flasks, beer, wine, what have you) but always forget the grub. This is a prime opportunity for a really kick-ass day in the park...so make sure to really put a little thought into grub, drinks, and ...well...extras for idiots like myself.
While I don't go as often as I'd like (because really each time is a great day) I will make sure to go at least once per season. Now that I know some secrets to really do it up down on the reserved tables (I'm so not telling) the SGF will only get better.
*If I dropped a grip load of dough on Opera tix I believe I'd have a right to speak up to some idiots who were quietly chatting nearby as it is rude. However, if I am at a free show, in the park, and am a person who showed up late (meaning the serious types are down below) and camp out next to numerous families (w/lil' kids) and big groups of people with about a dozen wine bottles, I have forfeited the right to shush and reprimand people who are actually keeping their conversations really quiet. So--to the agitated dude who yelled at us: you wasted more mental energy in your dirty looks, shaking of head, and then yelling at us during the intermission then actually moving, or getting there earlier, or perhaps, just enjoying a free concert in the park on a a beautiful cozy SF Sunday afternoon. Chill. The. Fuck. Out.
Sorry for the rant.
Another 5 star nod for a great festival. I've been to the Stern Grove Summer Music Festival at least 5 times throughout the years, and it is one of the best free things you can do in the city during the summer.
This summer, I was lucky enough to score one side of a picnic table (that seats 6 people) through a lottery on their website, which would normally cost $500 donation. When we got there, I saw these seats were prime -- front and center! With our picnic lunch in tow, we were ready for a good show. Of all the times I've been, this was the best! This was my second time seeing the San Francisco Symphony here, this time they played Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. Simply beautiful.
The weather was nothing less than frigid cold, so I bought a SF Symphony mug for sale for 10 bucks, and had it filled with hot chocolate. Expect this to be the norm at Stern Grove. Concerts start at 2PM on Sundays in the summer, but I suggest going super early...even at 10-11 to reserve a good spot for parking and on the lawn. As you can see from my pics, it fills up fast.
Again, admission is free, but they highly encourage even just a dollar donation. They stressed that every event held costs about 100k to run, so any help they can get to subsidize the costs would be much appreciated.
Overall, a good outdoor event that's fun for all ages!
Saw the San Francisco Ballet perform this past Sunday at Stern Grove. WOW!
The place was packed and some people were cranky but it was truly amazing. The ballet is not cheap so ...very cool they got the SF Company out there.
Next year I plan to make it out a lot more, only one week left this year (opera).
Should you go, get there early for sure. Limited parking and they stop letting people in when they're at capacity. Bring a full picnic--every one was pretty fancy pants, us not so much with Coronas and gas station food. :)
So I'm definitely a fan of Stern Grove Festival w/out a doubt! This venue has so much potential for an unforgettable musical experience
But that didn't happen last week at LES NUBIANS
We scored a fantastic shady spot in front of the meadow - we could see the stage from our vantage point & were expecting great things
Unfortunately the speakers were positioned in a way that hardly any sound was projecting out towards the meadow & we barely heard the band & couldn't hear anyone when they were speaking
Walking back through the "theater" itself, the sound was crisp & loud & even walking back up the hill towards the Entrance, the sound was loud.....so we know you got it in you!
Very Minor Suggestion: Please angle the speakers towards the meadow so we poor souls who arrive too late to score a spot directly in front of you can still enjoy a fantabulous day at the Grove
Other than that - this place rocks! Great food booths or bring your own picnic ( TJs is super-close ); there are also REAL bathrooms in addition to a multitude of port-a-potties; people are super-nice & it's always a great time enjoying the sun, good music, good food & great friends
Annnnndddd - if you're willing to get here 5 hours early to claim a spot in front (& many people are indeed willing to do just this) you'll be set....
Bring plenty of cash for Park donations & food booth-indulgences; blankets & low-sitting chairs; hats & plenty of sunscreen
Thank You, Thank You, THANK YOU Stern Grove for the free shows! We are grateful for YOU!!!
Here's the thing about FREE stuff: what the FUCK are you complaining about?
*shortest AND bestest review. ever.*
What can be better than good music in sometimes good weather in the summahtime in the city?
I'm a lazy bastard who rarely ventures out of the Mission but so far the grove has tempted me twice this season.
The Roberta Flack show drew record crowds of all ages, the weather was stellar, though we got there so late (1pm, hahahaha) we joined some of the sorry folks sliding down steep parts of the hill as all the prime real estate was taken that morning.
Yesterday we watched in dappled sun The Mighty Underdogs and Lyrics Born Re-view tear it up; we got there early enough to have a whole log (!) to ourselves on the hill. Add to that a cooler full of cheese, salami, fruit and beer. Perfection!
I've lived in SF for so long and have never been to the Stern Grove Festival for their free concerts on Sundays. What was I thinking? I mean, its FREE!
This past Sunday was my first time there and it couldn't have been a better day. New boy in my life, new friends, beautiful weather, great food and wine. It was an awesome day.
The crowd is great. Tons of people just sitting out picnicing and enjoying the weather. Lots of musicians bring their instruments and play. It's kid friendly and there is a new line up every Sunday.
This past Sunday was Les Nubians and they were rocking the stage. It is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends and family. Definitely should get there early to claim a spot. The concert doesn't start till 2pm, but people are there by 9-10 am to sit and veg out, so definitely get there early.
A friend described it as a free concert in the forest in the middle of the city. How can it get any better than that?
LOVE IT!
Free music concert in the middle of the woods...breath taking...
major props to the people who make it happen every year.
went here for the first time for the kailash kher concert, incredible! bunch of beautiful people hanging out, dancing, eating and having a good time.
LOVE IT!
Stern Grove Festival - this place and event is something special. My friend and I wanted to do something different. We missed Les Nubian last week and heard about symphony in the park from friends. We got there about half an hour before Inouye Jazz went on, so secured a seat up in the grove. We remarked how us late-comers wore all kinds of inappropriate shoes for climbing atop dirt, rocks, and logs. We brought a blanket and a bottle of wine. It got a little chilly, so good thing our friend rolled through so we had an extra body for heat! Regardless, the whole scene is magical. I HAVE to share this place with my sisters (they are musical people).
You can make a donation by texting 90999. The event is free, but please donate! You can also volunteer to help out at the events. Volunteers get great seating closer to the front:D.
Our transportation: Bart to Balboa Park, took 29 bus (runs south first, takes a right on Grafton, then heads north on 19th). Took a short walk, admired spanish tiling on houses. Friend parked on back side of Stern Grove and so kindly drove us back to B-town.
Saw the SF Symphony today there - awesome performance! Highly recommend it for anyone who loves the outdoor, free music, picnics and other such things. :) They have difference performances each week, check out their website for lineup.
We arrived right as the performance started so I would definitely recommend arriving EARLY - i hear folks start showing up as early as 9am...not sure I'd wait that long just for a show to start...BUT I'm sure you can totally make a day of it when you bring a your basketful full of delicious goodness to hold your stomach over. Even if not, there are booths out that sells food so I'd just bring cash for that.
Grab your group of friends, go check it out, you won't be disappointed just make sure you show up early to get your spot and bring blankets and throws to sit on. :)
Also, if you come late like we did, be prepared to walk at least a few blocks AFTER parking your car...
Stern Grove is one of the myriad reasons we're all so in love with San Francisco. There are few things as enjoyable as spending a gorgeous Sunday afternoon at Stern Grove, listening to great music, drinking wine, eating food and making new friends with your blanket neighbors.
I've been going every Sunday religiously for the last 3 years, and here are a few pointers that'll help.
1) Get there EARLY, and by early, I mean noon (even though the music doesn't start until 2pm). That'll give you plenty of time to find a good spot and set up your picnic.
2) Avoid driving at all costs. Parking is a nightmare and I've known a few people who have gotten towed by not carefully reading signs. The Muni "M" and "K/T" lines drop you right off at the entrance making public transportation super easy.
3) Bring cash - you'll need it to donate. Stern Grove was a gift to the city under the condition that the concerts always remain free, but that doesn't mean they don't cost money to produce. Dropping a donation in the bucket on your way in is probably the best $10 you'll spend all month.
4) Miscellaneous stuff not to forget: Umbrella (it's still SF), corkscrew, trash bag (stay classy, SF - don't litter), blanket to sit on.
Summertime brings slightly warmer weather and free music and theatre along with it. From lunch-time concerts in Justin Herman Plaza to day-long fettes in Golden Gate Park, free music is everywhere. A definite confirmation that summer has hit San Francisco is the highly awaited kick-off of the Stern Grove Festival - a 70+ year old tradition of bringing free music and theatre to the public in the magical setting of Sigmond Stern Grove, located at the corner of 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco.
What's makes the Stern Grove Festival especially magical, aside from being such a wonderful community driven tradition, is it's setting. The amphitheatre is tucked deep into the grove, like a bowl in a forest of eucalyptus, redwood, and fir.
This festival is wonderful and is always top of my list for things to do. Such a wide variety of things I'd like to see: I saw Alonzo Kings' Lines Ballet there once as well as a live music performance. Great shows and fun audiences!
The only drawbacks to the venue are ones that can't really be helped necessarily: You'd have to get there four hours ahead of time to get decent seating. Once I arrived two hours early for a performance and had to fight for a spot way up in the trees where I had to lean down to see the dancing onstage through the trees. For two hours before the performance, I had to fight for my little space as people squeezed in beside me and kicked dirt on my kid's blanket. Then there was the funny smell, and I realized someones dog had left me a present underneath where we were sitting. I'll definitely be going back, but perhaps it works better with a big group where getting there early could be fun and you can guard your space within a group.
Free music every weekend of the summer? YES!
Since I moved to the outer sunset, I've made it a point to have a fun picnic with various friends every Sunday that I am in town.
Stern Grove is an awesome venue and they have SUPER performances.
Donate $ and get a 'I know I did something good' sticker to show off to your friends and neighbors.
Saw the SF Symphony play at Stern Grove last Sunday. I can't but not give 5 stars for:
the SF Symphony
Stern Grove
the smell of eucalyptus in the air
Well, that's just 3 reasons but I am doubling up on a couple, mm'kay?
It does get really busy and I arrived a little late so it was already packed - however the higher you climb the more space there is - just less of a view as it is obstructed by branches and leaves. Darn those branches. Perhaps it is also a good reminder that it's all about the music and the atmosphere.
I'm feeling nice enough not to complain about the idiots who kept shortcutting through the trees with the result of kicking me in the back several times (you know, that hurts! An apology would have been nice) as the slid into the hill and tried to squeeze through the tiny space between me and another concert-goer - despite there being a path RIGHT THERE and uncrowded. I can't fault the festival for having rude members in their audience.
If you like music, especially played out in the open air, this series of events should definitely be in your diary.
I could not live without music. Stern Grove Sunday concerts are one of the reasons I love this city. Good God, you get a little of everything.
I remember last year when Allen Toussaint was here and he kept pausing and looking up and saying, "San Francisco, do you know how beautiful this is?" Then he'd sing for awhile and stop and sweep his hand and go, " How ya doin' up in those hills, San Francisco?": Then he'd be jammin' and making REALLY GOOD MUSIC and eventually just look up from his piano and say, "I been around for a long time, how come I never knew about this, San Francisco?"
The band was so tight and the day was sunny and there was even an Indian couple with the woman in her sari with a red dot on her forehead just dancing their asses off. It doesn't get any better than that! I FREAKIN' LOVE SAN FRANCISCO!
Disclaimer: this low rating is not intended to reflect the quality of the performers at the Stern Grove Festival or the other people who attend it, both of which were great. But the way the shows (or at least today's show) are organized...
What a nightmare. Maybe I should have devoted my whole day to being over at the grove and everything would have run smoothly. While I like Curumin a lot, I didn't feel like doing that, especially solo, so I just planned to show up a little before 2, catch their set and take off. Seemed easy enough to do, especially since the festival's website makes it seem that the K & M lines drop you off right outside and it's just a matter of strolling in. But I soon found out that this isn't Golden Gate, folks.
I got to what looked like the entrance (big signs stating so at least) and found several security guards milling about listlessly. The flow of people was anything but overwhelming, but the guards were still repeating, "Can't have everyone coming into this entrance. Go in through the Vale Ave entrance, it's five blocks down." As if that isn't already unnecessary and annoying, I found that the "five blocks" counted the first stretch of Sloat where there aren't intersecting streets on the right (but where there are four blocks on the left!) as one block. Do the math.
So after wasting about 15 minutes walking to the other end of the groves and then back around toward the stage, I met more security guards at all of the entrances to the amphitheater area telling people that we needed hand stamps to get in. Where do you get hand stamps? No one seems to know. At each entrance the guards would point me to another entrance until eventually I just claimed a spot up the side of the hill in one of the terraced areas because I was tired of not being able to just listen to the music. Then another security person: I am "blocking" something (?). So I ask him where I can actually enter. He points to two different places where I had just been told that they were not letting more people in. Obviously as confused as I was, the guard pointed to a spot where he said I should climb under a hand rail. Really? "Yeah, just go under that rail and you'll be fine." I did and he was right. For what it's worth, I later learned that the crucial hand stamp is given when you leave the amphitheater area so that you can re-enter.
If it was frustrating to read all of that, imagine what a pain in the ass it was to live it, especially when all the while you are not listening to the band you came to see. Since Curumin's set turned out to be a ridiculously short 45 minutes (again - ?), I only got to see about 20 mins of music. Hugely disappointing. It's too bad too, because the groves and the set up of the amphitheater within them are truly beautiful. Would be a great place to see music if the event organizers would let you.
Watched the S.F. Symphony yesterday. It was our first time at Stern Grove, what a beautiful outdoor setting! I would recommend getting there early. The concert started at 2:00 pm, we arrived at noon. It was pretty filled up but we managed to find a nice wall spot on the first tier. As a previouse reviewer stated, it's free and there should be no complaints but here's the thing: Yes FREE, but I noticed so many people were only there to socialize and not appreciate the music. They were being so noisy, talking LOUD, as if they were at home -- totally disrespecting the beautiful music! Just because it's FREE doesn't mean you should go if you don't care for classical music and spoil it for those of us who do. A lot of kids were being disruptive and super noisy, not all but a LOT! There, that's my complaints and I'm sticking to them!
I can't believe these concerts are free. This past weekend was my first visit to Stern Grove, and I completely enjoyed myself. The San Francisco Ballet was performing and the dancing and live music was incredible. The area is beautiful and a great place to spend a Sunday afternoon. Bring a blanket and picnic, but be sure to get there early (a minimum of two hours) otherwise you're going to have a hard time finding decent seats.
Beautiful space among the urban landscape. Wonderful time to spread out and listen to stellar acts from Les Nubiens, Rebirth Brass Band, Ojo de Brujos and more. If you come out to SF during summer don't you dare forget to swing by this epic space!
The Stern Grove Festival is the best free experience in this city! My Mom & I heard Joan Baez last Sunday here. We enjoyed sitting on the grass amongst the trees and just soaking in the sun and folk music. People from Oakland and the South Bay were friendly to us nearby. Folks from all walks of life seemed to be nestled under those trees on this day. And everyone seemed happy.
After a recent trip to India, we were feeling homesick. So decided to go for Kailash Kher's Kailasa group. It was good music, good crowd.
For photos from the trip and music of Kailasa, please check out:
http://locomotoring.ne...
Only thing missing was samosa and chai.
Just gets better and better. I brought my 73-year-old mom and my 4-year-old son to see Roberta Flack yesterday and we all had a grand time. How fun!
Ok, so I may be a little biased because my first Stern Grove free concert consisted of:
-My favorite ballet company in the universe, LINES Contemporary Ballet
-Legendary jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders
-A reserved picnic table
-Parking
-Picnic lunch
-A bottle of yummy red wine
-The great outdoors
-Six amazing friends
I got hooked up with the table and parking as a birthday gift, but I can see why people get here really early in the morning and camp out to watch their favorite artists perform. The venue is great and the scene is generally mellow - I would do this again in a heartbeat, even without the picnic table.
I just wish San Francisco weather would be a little more, oh, I don't know, SUMMERY, in the middle of the summer.
Heaven. The best day of my entire life to date was taking a picnic lunch and sitting in the sun at Stern Grove, listening to some kind of South American flute band play while we ate strawberries and cool-whip and drank champagne in the cool grass lawn just aside from the stage. I don't know if every performance is as magical as that one, but I'm hooked.
What an absolutely gorgeous park and venue! Parts of it feel almost primeval...
And how amazing that this series of performances and concerts is free, free, free!
Aside from getting here early if you want a prime seat or viewing area (mentioned plenty of times in other reviews) I must warn you to NOT wear your 5 inch wedge platform shoes if you're going to be sitting up high within the trees. Boy, did I feel like a twit.
Went to see Joan Baez and it was absolutely the best. My only complaint is that the festival staff failed to enforce their policy of removing unoccupied blankets used to save spots thereby forcing those physically present to go searching endlessly for a place to sit. Many people arrived early to spread a blanket covering way more room than they needed and disappeared until shortly before concert time. I arrived at 10 AM for the 2 PM concert and there were empty blankets saving spots everywhere and nothing was being done about it.
I can understand allowing such inconsiderate behavior for less popular artists but for Joan Baez??? C'mon now, please don't tell me you didn't expect such a tremendous turnout for her....
Just to let yelpers know how popular this concert was, they stopped letting any more people in by 1 PM.
So, 5 stars go to the festival and half a star to festival staff for being wimps.
Peace
What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday! Watching and listening to FREE top-quality performances on a beautiful stage in a gorgeous grove while surrounded by masses of happy people having a grand time together--can it get much better? I think not.
Word to the wise: get there early. This cannot be repeated enough. Of course, it depends on who's performing, but for 2 o'clock start times it's wise to get there no later than 11:30 if you want a good spot (and much earlier than that if you want one fairly close to the stage). Bring a spread of food, some card/board games, and some friends and have a fabulous picnic before the real fun starts.
i can't believe it took me so long to finally come and check out one of the free concerts here! the place was packed. its pretty cut-throat though so make sure that if you have a big group to get there early to stake out a good spot. by early i mean 10-11am. make sure to bring some blankets and snacks with you. it was definitely a nice and relaxing way to spend a sunday afternoon.
I have not been to a Stern Grove concert in many years. It was an impromptu gathering with my frenchman and his cool chef and foodie friends. We had lots of blanket space plenty of amazing food, and wine. We had goose Pate, tuffle cheese, gourmet sandwiches, melon, french bread, strawberries, many types of salads, two types of salami, 3 types of wine and homemade lemonade with grey goose.
Great music and good friends. The sun made an appearance but is was mainly overcast. I don't like driving on 19th AVe very much so on the way back I took Sunset, alot less traffic. It's worth it to go once. dress in layers and get there by 11AM for good seating.
Awesome. Hanging with my friends and some very cool down to earth strangers (new friends) at Stern Grove today.
Bajofondo was absolutely incredible!
Why haven't I checked this out sooner.
Next Sunday is suppose to be good too. Get there early to save a spot.
Great place for summer concerts - lovely trees, large stage, tiered patches of lawn. Good bathroom facilities.
Be sure to get there early, say around 11-11:30a for better seating. I think ambitious concert goers get there around 10.
I pitstopped at nearby Lucky's (Lakeshore Plaza) to pick up some food around 10.45a. I ordered coffee from a woman who said there was a family from Marin that had come in at 7a to stake out prime territory. I hightailed over to SG being that it was 11.15a.
I love SF for these wonderful free community perks.
Beer & wine allowed. No smoking.
My first concert was a showcase of a few great Brazilian bands...
I arrived late as any respectable lady should, and was not allowed entrance into the actual facility. So, I whipped out my Native-American-turned-boyscout-turned-city-boy club card, tucked my 40 under my skirt, and tumbled down the side of the banky-bank dodging eucalyptus stumps along the way and around the fence to the 4,670,563,434,946,235,234 urbanites who were hobo-camping it out with their children, dogs, and Gatorade coolers full of jungle juice. Or beer. listening to la musika!
After around an hour of trying to reach my only (stoned) friend at the place, we were able to connect and find a spot on the hill to sit and listen. And it was grand.
If you take your kids, go early.
If you take your dogs, leave them in the trunk. God loves them, but they get in the way of people trying to stumble the non-existent paths, and your leashes only work to create hurdles for equestrian butt to hop. No bueno.
Minus one star for being unable to accommodate the large crowds itchin' for some free musical twitchin'
I don't care if it's foggy and cold, this place is great. Majestic trees, a respite from the urban madness, a fun atmosphere, good facilities, alcohol allowed, not over-commercialized, great acoustics, high-quality and diverse line-up, oh and last but not least, FREE. I can't really think of a better way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon...
It does get crowded fast (especially if the sun is out), don't expect to get a good spot within 30/45 minutes of the performance (come earlier and have a picnic, that's what a lot of people do).
The best thing I love about the Bay area is their dedication to and embracement of the arts and exploration of cultural activities.
Stern Grove's Free Summer Series is an excellent example of this.
Plus, the venue is beautiful and the acoustics are amazing for an outdoor venue.
I have only been to two shows in the last couple summers, but they were both amazing (Seu Jorge (spelling?) and Goapele/Hugh Masekela). One time I tried to get there for a Crown City Rockers performance and the place was maxed out at noon!
The seats up in the hills near the tree are nice, but you gotta get a hefty blanket because some of the ground underneath will start to form your ass into the shape of different branches. So unless you are a glutten for pain or discomfort, come prepared and layer up your clothes!
Every summer I look forward to the performances at Stern Grove. I love the idea of having a picnic with friends, surrounded by trees while I grove to the melodies of a FREE concert.
The performances are always eclectic and the place is always picnic blanket to picnic blanket, elbow to elbow. I've see Ozomatli and the Makaha Sons as well as not so well known, but equally, cool and note worthy.
Sometimes, depending on the performance, you may need to get there early (I'd say even before 11AM) if you want a prime picnic spot so make sure you bring lots of food/snacks to munch on till 2 PM, a book to read and don't forget to layer and bring plenty of blankets, because once the fog rolls in, it can get pretty cold!
There's plenty of street parking on 19th Ave. You may not be super close to the park, but it's just a matter of a couple of blocks walking. I'd also recommend taking MUNI.
So much fun!
I'd driven by Stern Grove so many times but never had a chance to go. My friend urged us all to enter the online lottery for picnic tables, and two of us were lucky to win two halves of a picnic table. Unfortunately, we weren't able to arrange it so that we had two halves of the picnic table, but the people we shared with were nice enough to accommodate our request to sit together. Each picnic table seats 12, though if you really, really squeeze, you can kinda seat 15.
We didn't buy food there, but instead brought a gigantic picnic of pasta salad, cheese, salami, ceviche (yes, I have fancy friends), but I would only recommend bringing food on the fancier side if you have a good area to spread. We arrived at around 12:30 or so, and most of the choice spots were taken. By the time the show (MC Rai) was about to start at 2 p.m., the place was absolutely packed.
I was pleasantly surprised that it was not a zoo getting in or out (though we left ~15 minutes before the end of the show). I wouldn't recommend driving, but we drove and were able to find parking just 2 blocks away. Really, a generally pleasant way to spend the afternoon nestled away in the eucalyptus trees...
Admission-free concert!?!?...
Alcohol allowed?!?!...
SF Opera?!?1
This is why I love SF and it's summer festivals. It was good to be back at the Stern Grove, and what better way than to catch the last of the summer concerts....the SF Opera. Despite hiking up steep dirt pathways, stepping over people's heads, lugging our bags of snacks, wines, and blankets, we finally found a spot to camp out. Though the stage was miles away we still had a good time as we chatted, talked, ate, and drank away. Though we couldn't see the stage clearly, as it was hindered by the ginormous trees, having the opera as background music was perfect.
Definitely check out a show at the Stern Grove if you've never been. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait for the 72nd season next summer. Note: it can be cold, so bring a jacket; come early to grab a better spot; and apparently you can reserve the tables for free.
