The 23rd annual “Jerry Day” event in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park celebrated the legacy of Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia, with a free admission price tag. The event, which has been held since 2001, is a tribute to Garcia’s life and music, and it brought together thousands of fans, from young adults to seniors, who came dressed in their signature hippie attire.
The event took place at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park, where guests enjoyed live music performances, merchandise sales, and a festive atmosphere. Organizers had to rely on donations and ticket sales for VIP packages, which ranged from $100 to over $150, due to reduced city funding.
Deadheads of all ages were seen dancing, some barefoot and with dreadlocks, while others sold homemade goods, such as shroom chocolate and crystals. Vendors also sold fan-designed Grateful Dead merchandise, including T-shirts, stickers, and lanyards.
The event’s founder, Tom Murphy, revealed that the street where Garcia grew up in the Excelsior neighborhood was renamed “Jerry Garcia Street” on his 83rd birthday. The event has become a significant cultural phenomenon in San Francisco, with its attendees embodying the free-spirited spirit of the ’60s and ’70s.
While some younger fans were inspired by their parents’ experiences as Deadheads, others found new ways to connect with the music and community. As one attendee stated, “This is beautiful. It’s absolutely incredible. A free show in the park? Everyone is just stoked to be here, stoked to be alive.”
Source: https://missionlocal.org/2025/08/jerry-day-is-a-blast-from-s-f-s-past