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Stern Grove Festival Revamps Ticketing System for 2025 Season

The San Francisco summer concert series introduces a lottery, community box offices, and volunteer options to improve accessibility and equity.

FILE: The crowd during Chaka Khan’s set at the Stern Grove season finale on Aug. 25, 2024.
Thousands of attendees dance during the final day of Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco on Aug. 25, 2024. The organizers of San Francisco’s beloved free summer concert series introduced a revamped ticketing system in response to feedback from festivalgoers, as the event looks to reduce the stress often associated with securing tickets.
Chaka Khan performs for thousands during the final day of Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco on Aug. 25, 2024. The organizers of San Francisco’s beloved free summer concert series introduced a revamped ticketing system in response to feedback from festivalgoers, as the event looks to reduce the stress often associated with securing tickets.
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Overview

  • The new ticketing system replaces the criticized first-come, first-served model introduced in 2021, which was seen as stressful and inequitable.
  • Fans can now enter a lottery six weeks before each concert, with a two-week window to apply and winners notified by email.
  • Additional options include in-person ticket distribution at community box offices, giveaways through partners, and volunteer opportunities that grant free admission and parking.
  • The changes aim to address growing ticket demand while meeting crowd management and safety requirements necessary for event permits and insurance.
  • The 2025 lineup has not been fully announced, but the Pointer Sisters are confirmed to perform on August 10.