A Guide to Music Festivals in the San Francisco Bay Area

Experience the Best of the Bay’s Music Scene

Music Festivals in the San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area is renowned for its vibrant music scene, boasting a rich history of legendary artists and iconic venues. One of the best ways to experience the Bay Area’s diverse musical offerings is by attending one of its many music festivals, which showcase a wide range of genres and talent. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the biggest and most popular music festivals that take place in the San Francisco Bay Area each year, providing you with all the details you need to plan your festival experience.

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival

Held annually in the picturesque Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands is one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated music festivals, featuring an eclectic lineup of top-tier artists spanning various genres, from rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic music.

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
Time of Year: August
Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Website: https://www.sfoutsidelands.com/
Highlights: Outside Lands also showcases local food and drink vendors, art installations, and comedy performances, offering a well-rounded festival experience that highlights the best of San Francisco’s creative scene.

BottleRock Napa Valley

BottleRock Napa Valley is a three-day music, wine, and culinary extravaganza held in the heart of California’s wine country. The festival features a diverse lineup of musical talent, alongside offerings from some of the region’s finest wineries, breweries, and restaurants.

BottleRock Napa Valley
Time of Year: May
Location: Napa Valley Expo, 575 3rd St, Napa, CA 94559
Website: https://www.bottlerocknapavalley.com/
Highlights: In addition to the incredible music and gourmet food and drink, BottleRock offers a unique “silent disco” experience, where festival-goers can dance to music played through wireless headphones.

 

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

Description: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a free, three-day festival held in Golden Gate Park, featuring an impressive lineup of bluegrass, folk, and Americana artists.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
Time of Year: October
Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Website: https://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/
Highlights: As one of the largest free music festivals in the country, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a beloved San Francisco tradition that welcomes music fans of all ages to enjoy the performances in a beautiful park setting.

 

Noise Pop Festival

Description: Noise Pop is a week-long indie music and arts festival that takes place in various venues throughout the Bay Area. The festival showcases emerging and established indie artists, as well as film screenings, art shows, and panel discussions.

Noise Pop Festival
Time of Year: February/March
Location: Various venues across the San Francisco Bay Area
Website: https://noisepopfest.com/
Highlights: The festival’s diverse programming and multi-venue format offer attendees the opportunity to explore the Bay Area’s thriving indie music scene and discover new artists in intimate settings.

Why the San Francisco Bay Area is a Great Place for Music Festivals:

The San Francisco Bay Area is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and artistic expression, making it an ideal location for music festivals. The region’s rich history of musical innovation, from the counterculture movement of the 1960s to the thriving indie scene of today, provides a strong foundation for diverse and dynamic festival lineups.

Moreover, the Bay Area’s stunning natural beauty and temperate climate create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor events, while the abundance of unique venues offers countless options for indoor festivals. The region’s strong focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices also ensures that many of these events prioritize environmental responsibility.

Finally, the Bay Area’s culinary scene is second to none, with many music festivals featuring a wide array of gourmet food and drink offerings from local vendors. This fusion of music, art, and gastronomy creates a one-of-a-kind festival experience that truly captures the essence of the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

The San Francisco Bay Area’s music festivals offer an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all genres, showcasing the region’s diverse musical talent and vibrant creative scene. From the lush landscapes of Golden Gate Park to the breathtaking views of Treasure Island, each festival provides a unique atmosphere that celebrates the best of the Bay Area. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to check out these incredible events and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the San Francisco Bay Area’s music scene.

EXPLORE EVENTS

Upcoming San Francisco Events

07

October

2025

Night Tapes at The Independent San Francisco

The Independent

08:00 PM
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08

October

2025

múm / with Mr. Silla – The Independent

The Independent

08:00 PM
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09

October

2025

Jeremy Jordan & Age of Madness / with Homestyle Dinner Rolls- The Independent

The Independent

08:00 PM
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09

October

2025

Fleshwater at The Fillmore San Francisco

The Fillmore

08:00 PM
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10

October

2025

Balu Brigada – Portal (Early Show) at The Independent

The Independent

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10

October

2025

Dermot Kennedy at The Fillmore San Francisco

The Fillmore

08:00 PM
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10

October

2025

Balu Brigada – Portal (Late Show) The Independent SF

The Independent

10:00 PM
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12

October

2025

Rival Schools & Narrow Head / with Graham Hunt- The Independent SF

The Independent

08:00 PM
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13

October

2025

The Good Fight 10 Year Anniversary Tour / Oddisee

The Independent

08:00 PM
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13

October

2025

Nation of Language at The Fillmore SF

The Fillmore

08:00 PM
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14

October

2025

James Vickery at The Independent San Francsico

The Independent

08:00 PM
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15

October

2025

Covet at The Independent SF

The Independent

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16

October

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Johnny Stimson at The Independent San Francisco

The Independent

08:00 PM
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17

October

2025

DURRY with Gully Boys at The Independent

The Independent

09:00 PM
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18

October

2025

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at The Fillmore

The Fillmore

08:00 PM
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18

October

2025

Oliver Hazard x The Last Revel: Head West at The Independent

The Independent

09:00 PM
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19

October

2025

Isabella Lovestory with Cece Natalie, Ali RQ – The Independent

The Independent

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20

October

2025

Aidan Bissett with Zach Hood, Lulu Simon at The Independent

The Independent

08:00 PM
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21

October

2025

Superchunk with Case Oats at The Independent SF

The Independent

08:00 PM
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21

October

2025

grandson: INERTIA Tour at The Fillmore

The Fillmore

08:00 PM
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22

October

2025

Hazlett at The Fillmore San Francisco

The Fillmore

08:00 PM
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23

October

2025

The Army, The Navy at The Independent

The Independent

08:00 PM
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23

October

2025

John Maus at The Fillmore SF

The Fillmore

08:00 PM
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24

October

2025

Crawloween San Francisco Halloween Bar Crawl

Maye's (Starting Location)

06:00 PM – 11:00 PM
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24

October

2025

The New Mastersounds at The Fillmore

The Fillmore

08:00 PM
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24

October

2025

Frost Children with DJ Thank You at The Independent SF

The Independent

09:00 PM
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25

October

2025

San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl: Crawloween

Maye's (Starting Location)

02:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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25

October

2025

The Hip Abduction at The Fillmore

The Fillmore

08:00 PM
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25

October

2025

Oklou with Cecile Believe at The Independent

The Independent

09:00 PM
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26

October

2025

Jason Mraz at The Fillmore San Francisco

The Fillmore

07:30 PM
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San Francisco Events

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