San Francisco’s popular Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival returns this weekend to Golden Gate Park for in-person performances.
The free music event is scheduled for Friday through Sunday and features dozens of acts, including Elvis Costello, Marcus Mumford and Emmylou Harris.
"It's so much fun," Concord resident Wayne Horvog said. "People taking care of each other, just having a real good time together. It's just a great three days."
Performances take place on multiple stages at Hellman Hollow, Lindley and Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park. Entrances open at 11 a.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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The festival dates back to 2001, but it went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic with performances seen online.
This time around, bands and fans are back without any COVID-19 restrictions.
"It's in the past," Oakland resident Julie Kliewer said. "Nobody's wearing masks. We're outside. I'm a nurse. I've worn a mask forever. I think this is time to do this."
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In 2019, the last Hardly Strictly Bluegrass event prior to the pandemic, organizers said about 500,000 people passed through the gates. Because it is a free event, it's difficult to say how many people will turn out this year since organizers can't track advance ticket sales.
For safety and security purposes there are restrictions on bags, coolers and other large items.
The festival also will be streaming two of the stages online throughout the event.
For more details, a schedule, a map and event rules, visit hardlystrictlybluegrass.com.
