Ticket prices for concerts have skyrocketed recently. Thankfully, there are free concerts across the Bay including San Francisco, Foster City, and San Jose. Whether you listen to electronic, bluegrass, or jazz, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget our weekly Off the Grid events in Foster City, OMCA, and Pleasant Hill also feature free live music performances.
Downtown First Thursdays (1st Thursday of each month)
On 2nd Street in Downtown San Francisco, there’s a free monthly street party from 5pm – 10pm. Past events have included street disco, DJs, live music, drag, fashion, and other street performances. Keep an eye on their website for event details a few weeks in advance.
Steve Aoki (May 13)
The Urban Vibrancy Institute is throwing a block party in San Jose’s SOFA district. The event is free, but you’ll need to join the waitlist to grab a ticket. The event includes a live DJ performance by Steve Aok and 40 local creators including local makers, artists, community members, and food vendors.
Pleasant Hill Summer Concerts (May 25 – October 31)
At least two days per month, Pleasant Hill City Hall is hosting a Sunset by the Lake Summer Concert Series. Performances include The Billy Martini Band, The Great Space Coaster, Dakila, The Bell Brothers, The Uninvited, Johnny and June Forever, Dirty Cello, and The Big Jangle. There’s also a family fun zone for children with a bounce house, fun activities, and face painting.
Livermore Symphony: Celestial Sounds (May 31)
This is not a free event. Check out this symphony inspired by planets, comets, moons, and stars accompanied by images of our galaxy. Scientists from Quest Science Center and Las Positas College will be in the lobby during intermission to talk about the cosmos. There will also be telescopes available for use during the intermission and after the concert.
Tri-Valley Concert Series (June 12 – September 6)
The Tri-Valley is hosting nearly 40 free concerts this summer featuring local Bay Area artists. Catch everything from blues to rock and roll to jazz. Shows typically run from 6 to 8pm. See the full lineup here.
Stern Grove Festival (June 15 – August 17)
Every Sunday in Stern Grove Park, there’s a free outdoor musical performance. Musicians include The California Honeydrops, Channel Tres, Sleater-Kinney, SF Symphony, Damian & Stephen Marley, and Diana Ross. Visit their website to see the full lineup and enter the lottery. Off the Grid is also headlining — just kidding, but we will be there serving up delicious bites.
Foster City Summer Concerts (July 11 – August 15)
Three times per month, Foster City is holding a concert from 6-8pm at the amphitheater in Leo Ryan Park. The summer concert series features artists ranging in genres including motown, rock, pop, country, 80’s, and dance. Performers include Careless Whisper, Patton Leatha, Tinman, Relative Key, The Bell Brothers, and Mercy & The Heartbeats. View the full lineup here.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (October 3-5)
You don’t want to miss this free iconic music festival at Golden Gate Park. This year is extra special as it’s the 25th anniversary! The three day event features 80 acts across 6 stages. The lineup is far too large to list here, but you can read it in its entirety here. Off the Grid will be there enjoying the show and dishing out all your favorites. The schedule is planned to be released this fall.
