Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has revealed the first group of performers set to take the stage at its 2026 festival, returning to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park from October 2–4. Celebrating its 26 year, the beloved free festival continues its tradition of bringing together acclaimed artists from across the musical spectrum.
The initial lineup features performances from AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Hiss Golden Messenger, Kathleen Edwards, My Morning Jacket, Old Crow Medicine Show, El Khat, Tyler Ballgame, William Tyler & Yasmin Williams, and John Craigie with The Coffis Brothers.
Fans eager to get a taste of this year’s event can stream a special lineup medley now through the official Hardly Strictly Bluegrass website and mobile app. Festival organizers have also confirmed that more artists will be announced in the coming weeks, adding even more excitement to one of the country’s most anticipated annual music celebrations.
“Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has been on our radar for years because it is a gift to the people of the Bay Area…a chance for all to enjoy the ritual of live music free of charge. We’re honored to get the invite this year, and we can’t wait to feel the energy of such a special event,” said Patrick Hallahan of My Morning Jacket.
Ahead of the 2026 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, organizers will host a special tribute concert recognizing the remarkable career of Steve Earle, a longtime fixture of the festival who has appeared every year since 2002.
Taking place on Thursday, October 1, at The Masonic in San Francisco, the benefit event, An Evening Honoring Steve Earle, will bring together an impressive lineup of friends, collaborators, and fellow musicians to celebrate the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s enduring legacy.
The evening will feature appearances by Buddy Miller, Elizabeth Cook, Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Jackson Browne, Hot Tuna, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, Molly Tuttle, along with additional surprise guests. Buddy Miller will also lead the night’s performances as musical director, while Reckless Kelly, joined by Greg Leisz, will serve as the house band throughout the celebration.
“We can think of no better way to bookend our silver anniversary than celebrating 25 years of Steve Earle at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. We are so fortunate to have legacy artists like Emmylou and Steve who have embraced our annual gathering since the beginning. We wanted to recognize their efforts with concerts benefiting charities that are important to them. This year’s proceeds go to the non-profit Sweetwater Spectrum, a community that provides adults with autism or similar intellectual/developmental disabilities with innovative, community-based, long- term housing. Our final flourish is that Buddy Miller will be with us as musical director once again, bringing his unique, special sauce to this tribute,” said executive producer Sheri Sternberg.
Tickets for “An Evening Honoring Steve Earle” are available here.
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS 2026
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
October 2-4, 2026
INITIAL LINEUP
AJ Lee & Blue Summit
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Hiss Golden Messenger
Kathleen Edwards
My Morning Jacket
Old Crow Medicine Show
El Khat
Tyler Ballgame
William Tyler & Yasmin Williams
John Craigie W/ The Coffis Brothers
ADDITIONAL ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED
OUT OF THE PARK CONCERTS:
Molly Tuttle – Bing Concert Hall Stanford – Sep. 28
AJ Lee & Blue Summit & Bandits on the Run- Sweetwater – Oct. 2
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – The Fillmore – Oct. 2
John Craigie & Anna Moss – GAMH – Oct. 2
Tyler Ballgame – Cafe Du Nord – Oct. 2
El Khat – The Freight – Oct. 3
Old Crow Medicine Show & Ismay – Sweetwater – Oct. 3
Kathleen Edwards – The Guild – Oct. 4
Jimmie Dale at Hopmonk (Novato) – Oct. 5
Hiss Golden Messenger – The Little Saint (Healdsburg) – Oct. 6
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