The city is celebrating the band's profound influence on San Francisco and American culture with months of special events, concerts, exhibitions, and tributes citywide.
The celebration will reach a zenith August 1-3, when Dead & Company - a re-incarnation of the Grateful Dead that formed after the group's 2015 Fare Thee Well shows - headlines three nights of performances at Golden Gate Park's Polo Field, supported by tribute bands playing throughout San Francisco and City Hall and other landmarks illuminated in tie-dye.
The Haight-Ashbury quarter, the Grateful Dead's home during the transformative 1960s, will again become the colourful heart of festivities.
“From Haight-Ashbury to the Excelsior District where Jerry Garcia grew up, the Grateful Dead's influence is integral to our city's cultural fabric," said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.
"Sixty years later, we proudly honour their legacy through concerts, community events, and celebrations, reflecting San Francisco's enduring spirit of creativity, connection, and musical innovation.”
Formed in San Francisco in 1965, the Grateful Dead helped redefine rock music with improvised performances blending rock, jazz, and blues. The band's legendary concerts drew devoted fans, creating a global community of “Deadheads” bonded by shared musical experiences.
The 60th-anniversary festivities include Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park with Grateful Dead band members Mickey Hart, and Bobby Weir, joined by John Mayer, Jeff Chimenti, Oteil Burbridge and Jay Lane. See deadandcompany.com for details.
The free, annual Jerry Day concert on August 2 commemorates band leader Jerry Garcia's 82nd birthday - he died of a heart attack in 1995 - and the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park.
A commemorative “Jerry Garcia Street” sign will be unveiled at Harrington Street, Garcia's childhood neighbourhood, on August 1 at 11am.
Haight-Ashbury merchants are hosting celebrations on June 21, July 19 and August 16, featuring live music, art showcases, special promotions, and vibrant street activities
At the annual Haight-Ashbury Street Fair on September 7 will showcase performances, art, community spirit, and a line-up of musicians.
From October 29-November 23, Magic Theatre premieres a musical exploration of Garcia's early years in the Mission District.
Find more information on these and other events celebrating the Grateful Dead's 60th Anniversary here at sftravel.com.