Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2025 lineup: Lucinda Williams, Courtney Barnett among first acts announced

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Americana-tinged singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams and Aussie indie rocker Courtney Barnett are among the standout names among the first group of acts announced for this year’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival. The three-day, multi-stage festival returns to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park in October, marking its 25th anniversary.

Other acts announced for the bill include Samara Hill, The String Cheese Incident, Reverend Horton Heat, Watchhouse, Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets, Dan Tyminski Band, Josh Ritter & Royal City Band, and local favorite, Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes.

“For 25 years, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has been a testament to the power of music to bring people together—free, inclusive, and rooted in the spirit of community,” said Sheri Sternberg, one of the founders and Executive Producer of HSB. “What started as a humble celebration of bluegrass has grown into a beloved San Francisco tradition that honors the past while embracing the future. We’re proud to carry forward the legacy of Warren Hellman and look forward to gathering once again in Golden Gate Park for a weekend of unforgettable music.”

“I’m excited to return to Golden Gate Park for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass,” says Courtney Barnett. “Last time I played there was with Kurt Vile in 2017 and we all had such a great time!”

This year, in honor of the long-running festival’s 25th year, some special events are planned in addition to the festival. Lyle Lovett will be appearing with the San Francisco Symphony on Sept. 13 at Davies Symphony Hall.

There will also be a tribute to Emmylou Harris at the Masonic on October 2. Artists set to appear at the Emmylou Harris tribute include Harris herself, Allison Russell, Albert Lee, Margo Price, Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Sam Bush, Shawn Colvin, Steve Earle, and Buddy Miller, who will serve as the show’s musical director.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass returns to Golden Gate Park October 3-5.