6 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
400 Grateful Dead banners to fly across San Francisco as 60th anniversary celebrations begin
With more than 400 Grateful Dead -themed banners displayed across San Francisco, the city is diving headfirst into a multi-week celebration of the legendary band's 60th anniversary.
City leaders hope the effort will bolster local businesses and tourism during a crucial phase of economic recovery.
The concerts are expected to draw 60,000 fans nightly, with special guests including Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson (as Johnny Blue Skies) and the Trey Anastasio Band.
'San Francisco is coming alive to celebrate 60 years of the Grateful Dead,' Mayor Daniel Lurie said in a statement marking the official kickoff Tuesday, July 22. 'Our bars and restaurants will be packed, our hotels will be booked, our neighborhoods will come alive, and there will be more revenue to fund the services that benefit all San Franciscans.'
Hotel demand between July 31 and Aug. 3 has surged by more than 50%, according to city officials — a spike that has them optimistic about exceeding nearly $31 million in economic impact generated by Dead & Company's 2023 visit to Oracle Park.
To ease the flow of concertgoers, Muni will provide expanded service on the 5 Fulton and N Judah lines, and offer free rides to ticket holders through the 'Your Ticket, Your Fare' program.
Shakedown Street, the unofficial open-air market synonymous with Dead tours, returns as a fully sanctioned event along JFK Promenade during the three-day concert. Nearly 100 vendors are expected.
'It's a vibrant, colorful bazaar of modern-day hippies selling their wares,' said organizer Molly Henderson.
Other c itywide events will stretch into the fall, including art exhibitions, after-parties, tribute concerts, panel discussions and special performances — from Jerry Day in McLaren Park to the San Francisco Giants' Grateful Dead tribute night at Oracle Park on Aug. 12.
'This three-day festival is more than just an anniversary — it's a homecoming,' said Phil Ginsburg, general manager of San Francisco Recreation and Parks, in a statement. 'It promises the kind of energy, joy, and soulful creativity that only Deadheads can bring.'
Meanwhile, the Grateful Dead announced Tuesday that a 50th anniversary deluxe edition of its album 'Blues for Allah' will be released Sept. 12, featuring a newly remastered album and nearly two hours of unreleased live and rehearsal recordings. The set captures the band's groundbreaking 1975 comeback with rare performances and restored audio from original analog tapes.
