Stern Grove Festival Bringing Snarky Puppy, Patti Smith, Lettuce & More To San Francisco For Free Concerts

San Francisco’s Stern Grove Festival returns this summer for its 86th season of free concerts. Snarky Puppy, The Flaming Lips, the San Francisco Symphony with Lettuce and Patti Smith are among the acts set to play the amphitheater at Sigmund Stern Grove in the Sunset District during the 10-week season.

The admission-free shows will take place on Sunday afternoons. Snarky Puppy and Isaiah Sharkey get the series underway on June 18 before Indigo Girls (with Full Band) and Neko Case share the bill on June 25. Next, Santigold makes her first Bay Area performance since 2018 on July 2.

Lyle Lovett will be joined by his acclaimed Large Band on July 9, while West African vocalist Angelique Kidjo headlines the action on July 19. The collaboration between the San Francisco Symphony and Lettuce is set for July 23 before Bob Moses brings EDM to Stern Grove on July 30.

Legendary bluesman Buddy Guy will make the lone Bay Area stop of his Damn Right Farewell Tour at Stern Grove on August 6. Then, iconic poet and rocker Patti Smith performs on August 13. Finally, The Flaming Lips top the bill on Sunday, August 20 for the festival’s annual The Big Picnic fundraiser.

While admission is free, tickets must be secured via the nonprofit-led festival’s online ticket reservation system. Head to www.sterngrove.org to find the date free passes (typically one month before show date) will be offered on a first-come, first served basis for each show.