Stern Grove Festival

NileGuide Expert tip:

Bring a picnic and come early, or be prepared to not be able to see the stage, which is just fine for many who bring their dogs and pick a spot on the meadow west of the concert grounds. (No dogs are allowed in the music pavilion on concert days.)

Description:

• San Francisco's longest running music festival is also its longest running free festival, which only partly explains its popularity. Set in the beautifully renovated Stern Grove festival pavilion next to the historic Trocadero, the summer long festival features world music greats, American masters, big name bands, and annual performances by the San Francisco Symphony, Ballet and Opera. Locals know to get there at least 3 hours before the 2 pm start time to nab a nice flat picnic spot that's not behind an enormous eucalyptus tree. They bring a picnic lunch, sweaters for the inevitable fog, and copious amounts of wine or beer. And then they stand and dance. Join them!