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Over the last two decades, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has grown from a one-day local attraction to a world-renowned three-day festival. The faces, stages, and weather may have changed over the years, but the MUSIC will always remain the heart of our yearly gathering. Please enjoy this journey through Hardly Strictly history.

2012

We celebrated the life of Warren Hellman, the founder of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, with a public event, where both in-person and remote attendees joined us for music and memories.

2011

2011's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival paid tribute to Hazel Dickens, a dear friend of Warren Hellman, dedicating the event to her memory following her passing earlier that year.

2004

Inspired by Emmylou Harris's not-strictly-bluegrass band Spyboy, the festival rebranded itself as "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" to incorporate more musical diversity.

2001

The first "Strictly Bluegrass" at Golden Gate Park.

2023

Celebrating in the park: 3 days, 6 stages, 75 sets. 

2022

A glorious return to the park: 3 days, 6 stages, 71 sets.

2021

27 sets. Three days of fantastic performances brought to you live from the Bay Area, with additional sets filmed in New Orleans and SF earlier in the year. All live-streamed.

2020

When the dust settled it was obvious that we couldn’t stop there. Using additional performances as well as some of our favorite archival footage, we created a bi-weekly web series to continue our musical journey. Join us below as we “Let the Music Play On & On”.

2012

We celebrated the life of Warren Hellman, the founder of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, with a public event, where both in-person and remote attendees joined us for music and memories.

2011

2011's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival paid tribute to Hazel Dickens, a dear friend of Warren Hellman, dedicating the event to her memory following her passing earlier that year.

2004

Inspired by Emmylou Harris's not-strictly-bluegrass band Spyboy, the festival rebranded itself as "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" to incorporate more musical diversity.

2001

The first "Strictly Bluegrass Festival" at Golden Gate Park.

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