Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove - San Francisco, California

Mike R.

I hadn't been to Stern Grove in more than a decade because it stopped programming jazz. Back then, I found the venue uncomfortable because I sat for two hours on an inclined spot of bare dirt way above the basin floor, with both bad sightlines and awful sound.

This year, I was surprised to see Herbie Hancock and the SFJazz Collective lined up for an enticing Sunday bill. I was very happy to score tickets when they first became available and was looking forward to the concert.

We arrived 45 minutes before the 2pm start of the show, coming in from the 23rd Avenue entrance. On the way in, we passed the grassy meadow where you can't see the stage, so have to watch the show on a big screen TV. I knew we were in trouble because it already was at standing room only capacity.

We continued into the main basin. The area below the walkway was filled with picnic tables sold for $2500 to $4000 and a largely unoccupied media area. The general admission audience was parked on the side of a tall, bare dirt hill amid large trees that would obscure sightlines. There was absolutely nowhere to sit that we could see. Staff told us that there wasn't anyplace to sit except, maybe, at the top of the hill. As we are 74 and 75 years old, that didn't seem a realistic solution.

The staff member said the only other option was the meadow, where we could watch the show on TV, so we walked back there. There still was nowhere to sit, so I tried a different tack: I have a torn ligament that requires me to wear an ankle brace, so I asked about ADA seating. I was pointed to a taped off strip of bare grass on the meadow, which had no seating at all and in all which the spots already had been claimed.

At that point, we decided to leave. As we were leaving, we saw hundreds of people trying to enter the venue. With half an hour to go before showtime, they weren't stragglers but they weren't going to be able to sit or even stand anywhere.

I know my opinion is unpopular, but I think this the worst venue at which I ever have attempted to enjoy music. Too many tickets distributed, virtually no seating anywhere comfortable, a big portion of the audience seated on an adjoining meadow watching TV, and no ADA accommodation all seem disrespectful of audience and musician alike, at least if you don't spend a small fortune for a reserved table.

I don't see myself retuning, but, obviously, tens of thousands of happy campers fill the basin every Sunday, so I know that others don't see things as I do. If you do plan to go, it appears essential that you arrive about noon when the doors open.

Ethan F.

Venue is good if it’s not super super packed - the selection of artists was not great this year 2024 - lots of volunteers but getting in can still be a chore - I haven’t had to sit on the hill but I hear that’s not the best 🤷🏼‍♂️ I’ll keep going - it’s a good time w friends

Sherry A.

Beautiful park with Nasturtium growing everywhere on the hills. The amphitheatre is very huge and I would love to see a concert here sometime. The acoustics must be incredible with all the beautiful trees.

Richard S.

Incredible concert venue! Two weeks in a row one day hot the other a bit cool both unforgettable experience. Stern grove concert series is in its 86th season and just getting better.

Kay B.

A friend had tickets for Bob Mould and Patti Smith. We arrived at 1pm for the 2pm show. There were no more seats where you can see the stage unless you went up the hillside. You’d have to sit in uneven grounds on a patch of dirt. (A couple who sat next to us relocated from the hillside as people above them were slid down on them.) Ended up sitting in the meadow to the right of the stage. They had a screen to watch the stage and it’s near the food trucks. Sound is great if you’re ok not seeing the artists. Otherwise you’d have to come waaaay early or pay several thousand for the reserved seats.

Usha D.

I was here for the San Francisco Symphony and believe me it was amazing. This time we went with our mat to put on the floor and sit comfortably in the middle of the groove. There's food service available and in fact this time I heard there were food trucks as well. Restrooms are there and if you have a water bottle you can refill it with water since it's hot. But San Francisco weather is just perfect at this time. So enjoy the music and forget everything. One thing to make sure is that you should register yourself first otherwise entry is not allowed.

James D.

Another amazing green space in lovely San Francisco. Perfect place for photo opportunities in the morning with the soft light post fog.

Amazing short hikes and place to bring dogs to. Event space is very well put together. A must visit for sure!

Joey D.

We saw The Flaming Lips! Venue is Unique. Surrounded by trees and lush forest. I’ve also come here on non concert days to just sit amongst nature and relax.