Grateful Dead summer in San Francisco

This summer will be a special one for all Deadheads.

All roads lead to San Francisco as the city marks the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead.

It’s a summer of celebration highlighting the iconic band’s profound influence on San Francisco and American (counter) culture in general.

There are months of special events, concerts, exhibitions, and tributes citywide.

The celebration will reach a crescendo August 1 to 3, when Dead & Company headlines three nights of performances at Golden Gate Park’s Polo Field, supported by tribute bands playing throughout San Francisco and City Hall and other landmarks illuminated in tie-dye.

Haight-Ashbury, the Grateful Dead’s home during the transformative 1960s, will again become the colorful heart of festivities.

“From Haight-Ashbury to the Excelsior District where Jerry Garcia grew up, the Grateful Dead’s influence is integral to our city’s cultural fabric,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.

“Sixty years later, we proudly honor their legacy through concerts, community events, and celebrations, reflecting San Francisco’s enduring spirit of creativity and musical innovation.”

Formed in San Francisco in 1965, the Grateful Dead redefined live music with improvisational performances blending rock, jazz, and blues. The band’s legendary concerts drew millions of devoted fans, creating a global community of “Deadheads”.

60th-anniversary festivities:

Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park: Grateful Dead band members Mickey Hart, and Bobby Weir, joined by John Mayer, Jeff Chimenti, Oteil Burbridge and Jay Lane, headline three unique performances on August 1–3. Visit deadandcompany.com

Jerry Day Celebration: The free, annual Jerry Day concert on August 2 commemorates Jerry Garcia’s 82nd birthday and the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. Performances feature Melvin Seals & JGB, Stu Allen & Mars Hotel, and Grahame Lesh, Elliott Peck, and Alex Jordan. The concert is followed by “Jerry Nite,” the official Jerry Day after-party that supports Jerry Day and the Excelsior District, Garcia’s childhood neighborhood.

Jerry Garcia Street Sign Unveiling: A commemorative “Jerry Garcia Street” sign will be unveiled at Harrington Street, Garcia’s childhood neighborhood, on August 1 at 11 am.

Haight Street Daydream: Haight-Ashbury merchants are hosting celebrations on July 19 and August 16, featuring live music, art showcases, special promotions, and vibrant street activities.

One for the Vault: Great American Music Hall will host a three-night tribute from August 1 to 3, celebrating the Grateful Dead’s historic 1975 performance at the historic venue. The lineup features artists including Melvin Seals & JGB and AXIAL TILT 2025.

SF Giants’ Jerry Garcia Tribute Night: On August 12, attendees at Oracle Park receive tie-dye jerseys, accompanied by a special pre-game performance from Moonalice.

Annual Haight-Ashbury Street Fair: On September 7, enjoy performances, art, community spirit, and a vibrant lineup that historically includes legendary artists.

Jerry Garcia in the Lower Mission: From October 29 – November 23, Magic Theatre premieres a musical exploration of Garcia’s early years in the Mission District.

Dead-icated Stay: Hotel Zeppelin’s package celebrating the 60th anniversary includes a suite equipped with a vintage record player, handpicked vinyl albums, The ABCs of The Grateful Dead book, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream, and a 10% discount on food and beverage from the hotel’s restaurants, including at PLS (Peace, Love, Soul) and on Post.

Counterculture Museum now open

Now open, the Counterculture Museum is the first institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the art, music, and activism of countercultural movements—from the Beat Generation to hippies and beyond. Co-founded by Estelle and Jerry Cimino, creators of the Beat Museum, the museum will serve as a cultural anchor point to the historic neighborhood and feature original artifacts and multimedia storytelling.

Visitors can explore an exhibit displaying a rare recording of the Acid Test with the Grateful Dead. Recorded in 1966, the tape is one of the earliest recordings of the Grateful Dead and is a piece of a larger movement, led by author Ken Kesey, advocating for the use of the psychedelic drug, LSD.

More on Grateful Dead events at San Francisco Travel.

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