San Francisco’s legendary Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival is dropping its 25th anniversary lineup, and honey, it’s a musical feast that’ll make your indie-loving heart explode.

This year’s festival is serving up a delectable sonic smorgasbord that’s way more diverse than your grandpa’s traditional bluegrass playlist. We’re talking headliners like Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, jazz sensation Samara Joy, and the iconic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - proving once again that this festival is about musical liberation, not genre imprisonment.

A Legacy of Musical Rebellion

The festival’s roots are as cool as its lineup. Founded by Warren Hellman, a billionaire who basically said “let’s make awesome music free for everyone,” the event has always been about breaking musical boundaries. Case in point: the legendary Hazel Dickens, who initially refused to play because she didn’t trust Hellman, but eventually became a festival staple - even roasting him onstage. Talk about iconic energy!

More Than Just Music

This isn’t just a music festival; it’s a cultural moment. With a tribute to Hazel Dickens featuring powerhouse performers like Laurie Lewis and Della Mae, and an art exhibition celebrating the festival’s history, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is serving up nostalgia and innovation in one killer package.

The festival runs October 3-5, and did we mention it’s completely free? Yeah, in a world of $500 festival tickets, this is basically a musical miracle. So grab your friends, pack some snacks, and get ready to experience the Bay Area’s most democratic musical experience. Music lovers, unite!