Free downtown concerts return this summer

San Francisco is bringing back free summer concerts downtown for the second year in a row, with a major kickoff June 14 at Embarcadero Plaza. The series, headlined by San Francisco’s own Dirtybird label, aims to boost foot traffic and show that the city’s core is once again a destination for live music, nightlife, and civic pride.

The facts

Mayor Daniel Lurie announced the return of the city’s free downtown concert series in partnership with Another Planet Entertainment and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. The season opens with “Back 2 Baysics,” hosted by Dirtybird Records at Embarcadero Plaza on June 14. Future events will bring headliners to Civic Center Plaza and Union Square, continuing through the summer.

The concerts are part of a three-year agreement between Another Planet Entertainment and the City, allowing the company to host paid events in Golden Gate Park in exchange for producing three free concerts annually through 2027.

The context

Last year’s shows, which featured Portugal. The Man, Don Louis, and Sophia Scott, drew tens of thousands of people. The Dirtybird concert alone nearly tripled Sunday foot traffic at Embarcadero Plaza. Local businesses reported surges in sales, and tourism agencies highlighted the shows as a key draw for visitors.

These concerts are just one part of a broader downtown revitalization strategy under Mayor Lurie. Since taking office, the Mayor has prioritized turning downtown into a 24/7 neighborhood—cleaner, safer, and more lively.

In just the past few months, the city has:

• Created a permanent SFPD Hospitality Zone Task Force for Union Square and Yerba Buena
• Signed legislation for entertainment zones in nightlife districts like the Castro, with more in the works
• Expanded the “Vacant to Vibrant” program with new pop-ups downtown, including during NBA All-Star Weekend and the Chinese New Year Parade
• Pushed for more liquor licenses to encourage new bars and restaurants to open downtown

Civic and business leaders are enthusiastic. “Downtown is the hub now,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Director of Economic and Workforce Development. “Our investments in public-private partnerships and street activations are paying off.”

The GrowSF take

Downtown should be the beating heart of San Francisco—and thanks to free concerts, new nightlife investments, and smart leadership, it’s starting to feel that way again.