The Grateful Dead are one of the most iconic bands formed in the 1960s, with loyal fans and new listeners still enjoying their signature blend of rock, blues, folk, and psychedelia today. The band was founded in the Bay Area during the counterculture movement and quickly became known for its time in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Now, a new exhibition is coming to San Francisco this September, detailing the iconic band’s connection to San Francisco through artwork.
Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park
The immersive exhibit honoring the Grateful Dead and Golden Gate Park, titled “Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park,” is coming to the SF County Fair Building on September 5. The exhibition features artwork, memorabilia, large-scale projections, and numerous installations detailing the iconic band’s history and connection with San Francisco.
“The Grateful Dead’s story is inseparable from Golden Gate Park and San Francisco,” said Sarah Madland, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager. “Bringing this immersive experience to the County Fair Building invites visitors to step inside that history while creating new memories in one of the world’s great urban parks.”
The exhibition is created by the Haight Street Art Center in partnership with performance company Third Rail Projects. Visitors can expect to see rare memorabilia, including the iconic “Furthur” bus and Jerry Garcia’s BMW. The exhibition’s run will be short, closing on October 25, 2026.
A free concert in SF honoring the Grateful Dead
On September 7, Golden Gate Park will host a free concert from Grahame Lesh and Friends to celebrate the opening of the exhibit. The group is led by Grahame Lesh, the son of founding Grateful Dead member Phil Lesh. The free concert will take place in Robin Williams Meadow, from 2 to 6 pm during the holiday weekend.