Dead & Companywill honor the 60th anniversary of theGrateful Deadfeaturing a three-day blockbuster event in Golden Gate Park from Friday to Sunday, August 1st to 3rd, attracting approximately 60,000 attendees each day at the Polo Field.
For diehard DeadheadsBoth first-time visitors and returning pilgrims will find Golden Gate Park once more as a revered meeting place—a tribute to music, nostalgia, and the lasting enchantment of the famous jam band.
Here is your full guide to the event:
Who is playing every night?
Every night begins with a featured guest: bluegrass expert Billy Strings on Friday, Aug. 1; Sturgill Simpson (playing as Johnny Blue Skies) on Saturday, Aug. 2; and Trey Anastasio Band on Sunday, Aug. 3. After each artist’s 75-minute performance, Dead & Company – including original Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, along with John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane – will take the stage to close the event.
When and where will the performances take place?
- Dates:Friday-Sunday, Aug. 1-3
- Venue:Polo Grounds, Golden Gate Park
- Gates open:2:30 p.m. |Shows Start:4 p.m.
Patrons may start queuing as early as two hours prior to the entrance opening.
What you should be aware of regarding park road closures
Expect wide-reaching park closuresThe Polo Field will be inaccessible until August 20. Major roads, such as Middle Drive and sections of JFK Drive, will be closed to cars—and in certain areas, also to walkers and bicyclists—particularly during the concert period.
How to reach the performances
The preferred method of transportation is public transit. Muni will increase service on the 5-Fulton and N-Judah routes, providing free travel for ticket holders through the Your Ticket, Your Fare initiative. On-site bike storage is available, and local shuttles will run between the location and downtown San Francisco.
Entry gates include:
- North Main Gate:JFK near 30th Avenue
- South Gate:Middle Drive and Metson Road
- VIP Entrances:John F. Kennedy Drive and 36th Avenue; Martin Luther King Jr. Drive close to the South Gate
Where to locate Shakedown Street and unique merchandise
Shakedown Street, the open-air market closely associated with Dead tours, makes a return as an officially approved event on the JFK Promenade during the three-day music festival. Almost 100 vendors will be positioned along the JFK Promenade between Transverse and Blue Heron Lake streets from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Prepare to find a wide range of items including tie-dye clothing, tapestries, grilled cheese, and incense.
A temporary Dead & Company retail space located at Polk Hall inside the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (99 Grove St.) will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, from July 30 to August 3. This shop will offer unique items and collectibles that are not sold at the concert venue. The store does not accept cash.
Ticket details and ways to watch from home
General admission weekend tickets initially cost $635, while VIP options went as high as $9,548. Althoughtickets are sold out, fans at home can watch all three nights on nugs.net in HD or 4K. On Sunday, Aug. 3, the last performance will also be shown live inselect IMAX theaters nationwide.
What to pack – and what to leave behind
- Bag policy:Clear bags preferred; small, non-transparent purses permitted (maximum size 6 by 8 by 3 inches).
- Hydration packs:Permitted if less than 2.5L and without additional pockets.
- Chairs and seating:No individual chairs or metal-supported seating. Blankets smaller than 2 by 3 feet are permitted.
- Prohibited:Large blankets, tarps, inflatable items, and forgotten possessions.
More Appreciated Dead events throughout San Francisco
Other citywide eventswill extend into the fall, featuring art shows, post-event parties, tribute concerts, panel talks, and unique performances – from Jerry Day in McLaren Park to the San Francisco Giants’ Grateful Dead-themed night at Oracle Park on August 12.
More Information
Dead & Company: Honoring 60 Years of the Grateful Dead’s Music:4:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday, August 1-3. Tickets begin at $245. Polo Field, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.www.ticketmaster.com
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