Welcome to Dead Set Live, where every beat, every riff, and every note played comes to you straight from the stage! Tonight, we’re diving headfirst into the monumental event that’s set to define the summer for Deadheads worldwide: Dead & Company’s three-night concert series at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, celebrating an incredible 60 years of the Grateful Dead’s timeless music. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a pilgrimage, a family reunion, and a living testament to a band that continues to resonate across generations.
But before we fully immerse ourselves in the anticipation of Golden Gate Park, let’s take a moment for tonight’s Fare Thee Well Radio Show. “Fare Thee Well” is our poignant tribute to the vibrant musical journeys undertaken by members of the Grateful Dead after the passing of their iconic frontman, Jerry Garcia. It’s a sonic exploration of how the spirit of the Dead’s music continued to evolve and flourish through diverse projects, ensuring that the flame of improvisation and connection burned brightly.
From the Sphere’s Psychedelic Depths to Golden Gate Park’s Anniversary Bash – The Dead & Co Saga Continues!
Welcome back to Dead Set Live, your exclusive journey into the raw energy of live music, where every song resonates with the vibrant spirit of a captured moment! Tonight, we’re following the sonic footsteps of Dead & Company as they navigate a truly monumental year, transitioning from their groundbreaking Las Vegas residency to a historic anniversary celebration in San Francisco, with whispers of even more to come.
But first, let’s tune into tonight’s Fare Thee Well Radio Show. “Fare Thee Well” is a heartfelt musical tribute to the enduring spirit of the Grateful Dead, focusing on the incredible bands formed by its members after the passing of their visionary frontman, Jerry Garcia. It’s a space where we honor Garcia’s profound legacy by exploring the diverse and vibrant musical paths undertaken by the surviving musicians, showcasing how the improvisational magic and communal bond continue to thrive.
The “Dead Forever” Residency at The Sphere: A Groundbreaking Chapter Concludes
Dead & Company recently wrapped up their highly anticipated “Dead Forever” residency at the cutting-edge Sphere in Las Vegas. From March 20th to May 17th, 2025, the band delivered an eighteen-show run that pushed the boundaries of live performance. Fans experienced a truly immersive spectacle, with the Sphere’s revolutionary visual technology bringing the Grateful Dead’s psychedelic universe to life in unprecedented ways. Imagine classic tunes like “Bertha” or “Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain” accompanied by breathtaking, ever-evolving visuals that danced across the massive curved screen. It was an auditory and visual feast, a fitting way to mark the band’s 10th-anniversary celebrations.
The residency was a resounding success, and the band’s co-manager has already expressed significant interest in returning to the Sphere in the future, even hinting at a potential “Dead Forever II” run, perhaps during cooler months in Las Vegas in 2026. The whispers of a 2026 Sphere return are certainly exciting news for Deadheads who revel in that unique, immersive environment.
A Homecoming: 60 Years of the Grateful Dead in Golden Gate Park
Now, the focus shifts to San Francisco, the birthplace and spiritual home of the Grateful Dead, as Dead & Company prepares for a three-night concert series at the iconic Polo Field within Golden Gate Park from August 1st to 3rd, 2025. These shows are not just another set of concerts; they are the centerpiece of the Grateful Dead’s monumental 60th-anniversary celebrations and mark Dead & Company’s first public performances outside of their Las Vegas residency since 2023.
This highly anticipated return to Golden Gate Park will also serve as a poignant tribute to the late Phil Lesh, the beloved bassist and original member of the Grateful Dead, who passed away in 2024. His presence will undoubtedly be felt as the band honors the rich legacy he helped create.
Each night will feature a 75-minute opening act, setting the perfect stage for Dead & Company’s unique sets:
- Friday, August 1st: The astonishing Billy Strings will kick off the weekend with his virtuosic bluegrass.
- Saturday, August 2nd: Sturgill “Johnny Blue Skies” Simpson will bring his distinct musical stylings to the park.
- Sunday, August 3rd: The legendary Trey Anastasio Band will lead into the final night of Dead & Company’s performance.
While three-day passes and single-day tickets (starting at $635 and $245 respectively) are likely sold out, the spirit of the event will permeate the entire city.
The Main Event: Dead & Company in Golden Gate Park (August 1-3, 2025)
San Francisco’s legendary Polo Field within Golden Gate Park will be transformed into a cosmic playground from August 1st to 3rd, 2025, as Dead & Company takes center stage. Featuring original Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, alongside the exceptional talents of John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane, these three unique performances promise a transcendent experience for the tens of thousands expected to attend daily. Imagine the energy of 60,000 souls swaying to the rhythm of classic tunes, amplified by the natural beauty of the park – it’s going to be truly special.
Each night of this monumental celebration will kick off with a captivating 75-minute opening act, setting the perfect vibe for the main event:
- Friday, August 1st: Get ready for the bluegrass phenom, Billy Strings, to ignite the stage with his fiery picking and heartfelt melodies.
- Saturday, August 2nd: The charismatic Sturgill “Johnny Blue Skies” Simpson will bring his unique blend of country, rock, and soul to the forefront.
- Sunday, August 3rd: The incomparable Trey Anastasio Band will close out the opening sets, ensuring a high-energy transition into Dead & Company’s final performance.
While official tickets for these highly sought-after shows (three-day passes started at $635, single-day at $245) are likely sold out, the atmosphere surrounding Golden Gate Park will undoubtedly be electric. Keep an eye on the official Dead & Company website for any last-minute updates, merchandise releases, or streaming information.
More Than Just Music: A City Embraces the Legacy
San Francisco is transforming into a city-wide celebration to commemorate 60 years of the Grateful Dead. Beyond the main stage, fans can look forward to:
- Sanctioned Shakedown Street on the JFK Promenade: The beloved tradition of Shakedown Street will be officially embraced, offering a vibrant marketplace for unique merchandise, food, and community gathering.
- Heart of Town Concert Series at Pier 48: Presented by Relix and the San Francisco Giants, this three-night series at Pier 48 (July 31st – August 2nd) will feature Grahame Lesh & Friends with an all-star lineup, ensuring the music continues before and after the Golden Gate Park shows. This area will also host a dedicated vending village for Grateful Dead-inspired goods.
- Jerry Day in McLaren Park: On August 2nd, the annual tribute to Jerry Garcia will take place at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, a free event honoring his enduring influence.
- Haight and Sunset Neighborhood Activations: Pop-up shops, art installations, and celebratory events will sprout up in the historic Haight-Ashbury and Sunset districts, immersing attendees in the cultural roots of the band.
And for those looking to commemorate the experience, there will be ample opportunities for merchandise and vending. VIP packages, such as the “Golden Road Super VIP,” offer exclusive access to private merchandise stores, alongside general vendor areas at both the Golden Gate Park concerts and the Pier 48 “Heart of Town” event. Expect a vibrant array of official and fan-created items to capture the essence of this historic anniversary.
Mickey Hart’s “Art at the Edge of Magic” Exhibition
Adding another layer to the celebration, percussionist and visual artist Mickey Hart will host a major art exhibition, “Mickey Hart: Art at the Edge of Magic,” at the Haight Street Art Center. Opening on July 24th with a special reception on July 31st (the day before the Golden Gate Park shows), the exhibit will feature nearly 100 pieces of his unique work, including paintings and prints on various surfaces. Hart’s art, much like his music, is a vibrational expressionism, often created using the power of sound waves. This marks his first museum show in San Francisco and offers a fascinating glimpse into another dimension of his creativity. The exhibition will run through September 21st and will be free to all visitors.
This August, San Francisco truly becomes the epicenter of the Deadhead universe. With incredible live music, a city-wide celebration, and a deep dive into the art of its legends, it promises to be an unforgettable commemoration of 60 years of the Grateful Dead. This multi-faceted celebration underscores the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead – a legacy that continues to inspire creativity, community, and, of course, incredible live music. Whether you’re heading to San Francisco or simply tuning in from afar, the spirit of the Dead will be palpable. This 60th anniversary promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the ongoing story of this legendary band.
