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Stern Grove This wooded park is best known for its spectacular summer concerts By Allison Serrell, About.com Guide
What it is: Stern Grove is a 33-acre park in the residential Sunset District. Built by the WPA in the early 1930s, the park consists of thickly wooded eucalyptus, redwood, and fir groves and two natural lakes. It is best known for the annual Stern Grove Festival, a series of free summer concerts established in 1938. Running from mid July through August, the concerts take place in the scenic outdoor amphitheater.
When to Go: The concerts take place on Sundays, when local families and friends gather to picnic and relax in a natural setting. Performances range from classical to jazz and pop and also include dance and opera. Some of the internationally recognized artists who have performed here include The English Beat, Rickie Lee Jones, and The San Francisco Symphony.
Location: In the Sunset district at Sloat Boulevard and 19th Avenue
Getting there: There is no public parking; visitors are encouraged to take public transportation. Take the #23 Monterery OR #28 19th Ave to Sloat and 19th Ave.
Information:
- All concerts take place on Sundays at 2pm.
- There is no admission charge and no tickets are necessary.
- Arrive early to ensure a space at the Concert Meadow.
- There is a café serving light fare and soft drinks; most visitors bring their own picnic and beer or wine.
- Weather can be chilly in the park during summer, and extra sweaters are advised.
- Check the Stern Grove Festival website for more information.
Schedule for 2011 Summer Performances:
June 19: Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings June 26: Jazz Mafia Symphony July 3: Neko Case July 10: Afrocubism July 24: The San Francisco Symphony July 31: The San Francisco Ballet August 7: Aaron Neville August 14: Javier Limon and Buika August 21: The San Francisco Opera 05/09/11 >> go there
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