History of Stern Grove Festival in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2026

Stern Grove Festival is a free performing arts series in San Francisco, established in 1938. It takes place during the summer in Sigmund Stern Grove, a natural amphitheater with eucalyptus woods spanning 33 acres. The location is about two miles south of Golden Gate Park, bordered by 19th Avenue, Sloat Boulevard, and 34th Avenue.

June 4, 1932: Sigmund Stern Memorial Grove Dedication

On June 4, 1932, the Sigmund Stern Memorial Grove was dedicated and two weeks later, the first open air symphony concert was held.

July 10, 1938: First Summer Concert of Stern Grove Festival

On July 10, 1938, the first summer concert of the annual Stern Grove Festival was performed by the Bay Region Symphony of the Federal Music Project.

1938: Establishment of the Stern Grove Festival

In 1938, the Stern Grove Festival was established as an admission-free series of performing arts events held during the summer months in San Francisco at Sigmund Stern Grove.

1942: Festival Hiatus Due to World War II

In 1942, the Stern Grove Festival went on hiatus due to World War II.

1943: First Performance by the San Francisco Ballet

In 1943, the San Francisco Ballet performed at the Stern Grove Festival for the first time, becoming a staple in the summer season lineup.

1963: San Francisco Symphony Performance and Ansel Adams Photography

In 1963, during the 25th Anniversary Season, the San Francisco Symphony performed at Stern Grove; photographer Ansel Adams was in attendance and took photographs of the grove.

1966: First Jazz Concert at the Festival

In 1966, the Stern Grove Festival had its first jazz concert, with Turk Murphy, John Handy, and Vince Guaraldi performing; the concert was taped and televised nationally on the Bell Telephone Hour.

1980: Stern Grove Documentary Aired on PBS

In 1980, a documentary about Stern Grove aired on PBS stations across the country.

2004: Renovations on Sigmund Stern Grove Begin

In 2004, renovations on the Sigmund Stern Grove began.

June 2005: Completion of Renovations and Opening of the 68th Season

In June 2005, renovations on the Sigmund Stern Grove were completed in time for the opening of its 68th season.

2006: YouTube Channel Featuring Concert Videos

In 2006, Stern Grove Festival's YouTube channel started featuring concert videos and pre-concert talks.

2009: Roberta Flack Performance

In 2009, Roberta Flack performed at the Stern Grove Festival.

2012: Anita Baker Performance

In 2012, Anita Baker performed at the Stern Grove Festival.

2013: Michael McDonald Performance

In 2013, Michael McDonald performed at the Stern Grove Festival.

2014: Smokey Robinson Performance

In 2014, Smokey Robinson performed at the Stern Grove Festival.

2015: Randy Newman and Talib Kweli Performances

In 2015, Randy Newman and Talib Kweli performed at the Stern Grove Festival.

2016: Janelle Monae and Julieta Venegas Performances

In 2016, both Janelle Monae and Julieta Venegas performed at the Stern Grove Festival.

2017: Kool & the Gang Performance

In 2017, Kool & the Gang performed at the Stern Grove Festival.

2018: Ziggy Marley Performance

In 2018, Ziggy Marley performed at the Stern Grove Festival.

2019: The Isley Brothers Performance

In 2019, The Isley Brothers performed at the Stern Grove Festival.

May 2020: Cancellation of Festival and Airing of "Best of Fest" TV Special

In May 2020, the Stern Grove Festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, a TV special entitled "Best of Fest" was aired, attracting over half a million viewers.

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