Hardly Strictly 2014 is upon us, readers, which means free music, extra traffic, and if the weather is any indication, plenty of sunburns and drinks. Here's what's in store.
If you're attending the festival, you'll first want to scope out the full schedule and the map to go with.
A few items to note:
- While beer and wine are a-okay, the SFPD has banned hard liquor and glass bottles from the park and promises to be enforcing the ban, so adjust your strategies accordingly.
- In related news, per HSB's website, "smoking is not allowed in any area in Golden Gate Park."
- As usual, bicycle parking will be available on JFK east of the Transverse Drive overpass. Bring a lock, make a mental note of where you left your bike, and don't hang it from a tree.
- Water is available for purchase at the food tents or for free at the one drinking fountain in the middle of Lindley Meadow, but you might want to bring your own bottle, just in case.
- The meadows open at 10am, so send an early-ish riser to stake out a spot before the main events get into full swing.
- For those of you not prepared with a fancy picnic basket, there will be the usual full array of food and beer vendors, so don't forget your wallet.
- Can't make it to the show, or don't want to brave the crowds? HSB will be airing live webcasts of its four stages again this year.
Needless to say, don't move your car unless you have to, as parking around the Richmond, Sunset and into the Haight is going to be packed. Last year's unofficial estimates had attendance numbers around 750,000, so keep in mind that buses running through the Haight will be jammed with folks and Uber fares in and around the neighborhood will likely experience surge pricing.
If you are planning on attending, don't forget to stock up on sundries like bottled water, beer and sunscreen. Running low? The closest convenience store to the event is the mini-mart at Balboa and 26th Avenue. If you're a pro, you might want to stop in the Haight on your way to or from the festival to hit the neighborhood's corner stores and markets for snacks, beverages and more with fewer crowds to contend with than closer in to the action.
But wherever your weekend takes you, stay hydrated and make sure to enjoy yourselves. Happy Friday, everyone.
