Golden Gate Park is hosting three major music events over consecutive weekends this August. The programming includes the 17th annual Outside Lands festival, a three-night Grateful Dead anniversary celebration with Dead & Company, and a country-focused concert featuring Zach Bryan and Kings of Leon. Together, these events are expected to draw 450,000 attendees between August 1 and August 15.
Another Planet Entertainment (APE), the Bay Area-based promoter behind the events, expanded its programming after piloting a post-Outside Lands concert last year. The 2025 lineup includes performances past 7 p.m., which were previously limited to Outside Lands. According to APE’s Allen Scott, this month’s concert series marks the largest ticketed attendance for any San Francisco venue within a single month.
APE was inspired by London’s British Summer Time (BST) concert model, which also spans several weekends. In San Francisco, APE’s initiative now rivals Coachella and Stagecoach in terms of duration and ticket sales. As part of its agreement with the city, APE has also hosted several free concerts across San Francisco, including events at the Embarcadero, Civic Center, and Union Square. Additional free shows are planned for September.
A highlight of the programming is the three-night Dead & Company residency, held in honor of the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary. Taking place August 1–3, the concerts coincide with Jerry Garcia’s birthday and will feature guest headliners Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson, and Trey Anastasio Band. APE had been in talks with the band for two years and previously hosted their “final tour” at Oracle Park in 2023.
Each night at Golden Gate Park is expected to draw 57,000 people, with 74% of ticket holders traveling from outside the Bay Area. Economic impact is projected to exceed the $31 million generated by the Oracle Park shows. The venue’s Polo Field will host both the Dead & Company and Zach Bryan shows, while construction for Outside Lands will continue between performances.
To reduce costs and environmental strain, APE is reusing infrastructure and adding aesthetic elements tailored to each concert. Outside Lands’ cannabis space, Grass Lands, will also be available during the Dead & Company shows. Turf preservation measures include reducing irrigation in the weeks before the events, which helps protect the root system despite heavy foot traffic.
In addition to ticket sales, the cultural impact of the Grateful Dead anniversary is already visible across the city. Celebrations include Jerry Day at McLaren Park, an art exhibit by Mickey Hart, and themed banners throughout San Francisco. APE plans to publish an economic impact report after the concerts conclude.
