New Deadhead Documentary 'Summer Tour' to Screen This Summer

The film focuses on the Deadhead community following Dead & Company on their final tour in 2023.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new documentary called "Summer Tour" is set to hit theaters this summer, focusing on the Grateful Dead's loyal fan base, known as Deadheads, as they follow the band's offshoot group Dead & Company on their final tour in 2023. The film, directed by Mischa Richter and co-produced by actress Chloe Sevigny, debuted at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival and has just been acquired by the distribution company Utopia.

Why it matters

The Grateful Dead have one of the most dedicated fan bases in music history, with Deadheads known for following the band on tour for decades. This documentary provides an intimate look at this unique community during the final tour of Dead & Company, which was formed by original Grateful Dead members after the band's founder, Jerry Garcia, passed away.

The details

Summer Tour follows Deadheads as they travel across America to attend the final Dead & Company tour in 2023. The film was directed by Mischa Richter and co-produced by actress Chloe Sevigny. It debuted at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival and has now been acquired by the distribution company Utopia, which plans to release the film this summer with a multi-city tour that will include screenings and performances by Dead-inspired bands.

  • The film debuted at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival.
  • Dead & Company performed their final tour in 2023.

The players

Mischa Richter

The director of the documentary "Summer Tour".

Chloe Sevigny

The co-producer of the documentary "Summer Tour".

Utopia

The distribution company that has acquired the rights to the documentary "Summer Tour" and plans to release it this summer with a multi-city tour.

Dead & Company

The offshoot band formed by original Grateful Dead members that is the focus of the documentary "Summer Tour".

Jerry Garcia

The founder of the Grateful Dead, who passed away before the formation of Dead & Company.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are so happy that Summer Tour has found a home with Utopia. We can't think of a better fit for our film due to Utopia's experience with and love for music documentaries.”

— Mischa Richter, Director of "Summer Tour"

“Summer Tour is a lovingly crafted hang-out documentary that roadtrips alongside such an iconic music fandom. There's a timeless quality to Mischa's film. It's a love-letter to community, music, alternative lifestyles and gathering together irl.”

— Charlie Sextro, Utopia

What’s next

The documentary "Summer Tour" is set to be released this summer with a multi-city tour that will include screenings and performances by Dead-inspired bands.

The takeaway

The Grateful Dead's loyal fan base, known as Deadheads, will be the focus of this new documentary that provides an intimate look at the community during the final tour of the band's offshoot group Dead & Company. The film's release this summer with a multi-city tour is a testament to the enduring appeal and cultural significance of the Grateful Dead's music and fanbase.