Contributor: Brittany Hopkins
Since it's nearly impossible to judge the changing seasons by peering out our windows, I like to believe that we San Franciscans keep track of time by which festivals we're planning for next. The folks behind Stern Grove Festival just announced the lineup for its 78th season and that means summer is almost here.
Pink Martini brings the entire outdoor amphitheater to its feet at last year's Stern Grove Festival. (Photo courtesy of the Stern Grove Festival Association)
This free music festival — which takes place in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater in Sigmund Stern Grove at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard — kicks off Sunday, June 14, with a "Big Picnic Concert" featuring The Doobie Brothers and The California Honeydrops. From there, you can catch a few new acts at 2 p.m. every Sunday until Talib Kweli and Zakiya Harris featuring Elephantine close out the festival on Aug. 16. This year's festival has everything from a mambo orchestra and a salsa dance company to the San Francisco Ballet to a Hawaiian vocalist and hula dancers.
Snagging a seat to picnic in the dirt is completely free, but for a good view, do get there early. Or you can simply reserve seating for 2 to 10 people for $150-$1000.
(Photo courtesy of the Stern Grove Festival Association)
We'll share a few ideas for your picnics as the festival nears. In the meantime, scroll down for a taste of what's to come, then head over to the Stern Grove Festival website to check out the full lineup.