Stern Grove Festival Announces Star-Studded 2026 Lineup

Public Enemy, Al Green, Patti LaBelle among headliners for popular free summer concert series in San Francisco

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:33pm by Ben Kaplan

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A striking abstract composition of bold, geometric shapes in shades of red, white, and black, conceptually representing the diverse musical acts and community-driven spirit of the Stern Grove Festival.The vibrant 2026 Stern Grove Festival lineup celebrates the beloved San Francisco tradition's enduring legacy of bringing the community together through free, world-class live music.San Francisco Today

The Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco has unveiled its 2026 lineup, featuring an impressive roster of musical acts including Public Enemy, Al Green, Patti LaBelle, Major Lazer, Japanese Breakfast, and more. The free outdoor concert series will run from June 14 to August 16, with tickets available through a lottery system. The festival is celebrating its 89th season as the longest-running non-profit music festival in the U.S.

Why it matters

The Stern Grove Festival is a beloved San Francisco tradition that brings the community together through free, high-quality live music performances. The diverse lineup showcases both legendary artists and up-and-coming local talent, reflecting the city's rich musical heritage and vibrant cultural landscape.

The details

The 2026 Stern Grove Festival will feature a wide range of musical genres, from hip-hop and R&B to indie rock and electronic dance music. Headliners include Public Enemy, Al Green, and Patti LaBelle, along with acts like Major Lazer, Japanese Breakfast, Violent Femmes, and the San Francisco Symphony. The festival will also highlight several Bay Area-based artists, including Marinero, La Misa Negra, Nicki Bluhm, and Goapele.

  • The Stern Grove Festival will take place from June 14 to August 16, 2026.
  • The festival's 'Big Picnic Weekend' fundraiser, featuring Public Enemy and Al Green, will be held on August 15 and 16.

The players

Stern Grove Festival

A long-running non-profit music festival in San Francisco that has been bringing free, high-quality live performances to the community for nearly nine decades.

Matthew Goldman

The board chairman of the Stern Grove Festival, who emphasized the importance of supporting live music and honoring local artists as the festival celebrates its 89th season.

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What they’re saying

“As we celebrate our 89th season, supporting live music feels more important than ever. With half our lineup rooted in Bay Area talent, we are honoring our local artists and staying true to our mission while ensuring this beloved tradition continues to thrive for generations to come.”

— Matthew Goldman, Board Chairman, Stern Grove Festival

What’s next

Tickets for the Stern Grove Festival will be available through a lottery system posted on the festival's website, sterngrove.org. Attendees will also have the option to purchase table reservations for large groups.

The takeaway

The Stern Grove Festival's diverse and star-studded 2026 lineup underscores its enduring importance as a beloved San Francisco tradition that brings the community together through free, high-quality live music performances. The festival's commitment to showcasing local talent alongside legendary artists ensures that this nearly century-old institution will continue to thrive for generations to come.