Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has revealed the third round artists on the festival’s 2023 lineup.

Among the new additions are Rufus Wainwright, Say She She, Sierra Hull, Steve Earle, Margo Cilker, Mighty Poplar, Bombino, Brennen Leigh, Thee Sacred Souls, The Heavy Heavy, and Irma Thomas. These artists and more join the initial lineup, announced last month, including Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Leyla McCalla, The Church, John Doe Folk Trio, Valerie June, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, John Craigie, Neal Francis, Bahamas, and Gaby Moreno and the second announcement, which added Kurt Vile & The Violators, Lilly Hiatt, Nora Brown w/ Stephanie Coleman, Lucero, The Travelin’ McCourys, Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express, Buffalo Nichols, Beth Orton, and Carrie Rodriguez.

“Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is quite legendary in my book and I always wanted to play there,” said new addition Rufus Wainright. “I am honored that after 50 years I finally am worthy of being on one of the stages in the Golden Gate Park.”

Related: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival Reveals Initial 2023 Lineup: Jason Isbell, Neal Francis, Kingfish, More

Set to return to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park September 29th–October 1st, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023 has grown over the past two decades from a one-day local attraction to a globally recognized three-day festival that attracts upward of half a million people each year. This year, the free fest will feature multiple stages including the recently announced return of the Arrow Stage, which will maintain a low footprint to offer festivalgoers an intimate atmosphere.

“Many have wondered in recent years if we’d ever bring back the Arrow Stage,” said Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Curator Chris Porter. “We felt this would be the ideal year for it to make its way back into the festival’s landscape, as it will present music on a significant stage in another lovely area of the park. I’m equally excited about Horseshoe Hill as it allows us to present some particularly eclectic programming in a more intimate setting than we would have been able to in the past.”

Also featured on the Hardly Strictly lineup are Rickie Lee Jones and City Lights Poetry with Tongo Eisen-Martin, Kim Addonizio, and Evan Kennedy, all of whom were part of an Artists Sneak Peek available on the HSB23 app, which is now streaming all of the artists on the 2023 lineup. Keep an eye out for another lineup update on August 30th exclusively in the app.

Tickets for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023 are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the festival website. Click below for tips on how to prepare for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023.

How to prepare for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023:

The following items are allowed:
•Backpacks and clear insulated bags no larger than 22″ x 15″ x 10″
•Small bags, fanny packs and purses smaller than 6” x 8” x 3”
•2.5 liter or smaller hydration bladders or packs, refillable water bottles
•Small soft side cooler for medical or childcare needs 9” x 6” x 3”

The following are not allowed:
•Large bags or hard-sided coolers
•Large lounge chairs (respect your neighbors)
•Cases of beverages (this pertains to alcohol, soft drinks and water)
•Camping in Golden Gate Park

In addition:
•Free water refills will be available between Banjo Stage and Arrow Meadow
•All attendees will go through a security checkpoint with metal detectors

View Tips