The History of the Amphitheater

The Jerry Garcia Amphitheater was created in 1970 when the SF Recreation Department completed construction of a multi-purpose outdoor Greek-style amphitheater. The Amphitheater opened in 1971 and the press reports the amphitheater adds “a new cultural dimension to San Francisco” describing it as providing “excellent acoustics” & seating for 700.

From 1975-77 the 3rd, 4th, 5th SF Blues Festival was held in the amphitheater until it outgrew the space. It then moved to the Golden Gate Park Band shell, then Kezar Stadium, then to Fort Mason until the final Festival in 2008.

From 1996-1999 SF Parks and Recreation (SFRPD) expended capital funds to install ADA compliant restrooms, seating, parking spaces and pathways up to the amphitheater. During the construction project amphitheater lighting and hillside stage electrical panels were removed.

To promote both the park and this unique venue and bring back the use of the still-unnamed amphitheater for live music, dance and theater performances the local district improvement group F.A.C.E. - Friends of Crocker-Amazon and the Excelsior - presented a free concert in the amphitheater to celebrate musician Jerry Garcia of the band Grateful Dead, who grew up in the Excelsior and often went to McLaren Park. On Sunday, August 3, 2003, the amphitheater played host to the very first concert and celebration of “Jerry Day” held to honor Jerry Garcia’s August 1st birthday. Local music KALW 91.7 FM and the San Francisco Examiner newspaper covered the concert featuring tribute bands performing Grateful Dead and other songs. During intermission the musicians and audience enjoyed a birthday cake frosted with Jerry’s photo, served with Cherry Garcia ice cream provided by F.A.C.E.

On July 21, 2005 Resolution Number 0507-003 was passed by SF Recreation & Park Commission which proclaimed the “unnamed Greek style amphitheater in John McLaren Park…shall hereinafter be known as the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater”.

The October 29 2005 Official City Dedication of the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater was organized by Friends of McLaren Park (FOMP), Friends and Advocates of Crocker-Amazon and the Excelsior (F.A.C.E.) and supported by District 10 & 11 community members, musicians and artists. The celebration’s Master of Ceremonies was Wavy Gravy, former San Francisco Mayor (current California Governor) Gavin Newsom presented FOMP and F.A.C.E. with an Official Proclamation, and The Jefferson Starship and several Grateful Dead Tribute Bands entertained the crowd.

Voters passed a 2012 Parks Bond which set aside some funding for capital improvements in McLaren Park. In 2015 McLaren Park Collaborative members voted for SFRPD to set aside a small amount of 2012 Bond funds to repair the surface area in front of the amphitheater stage and install a handrail on the path leading from the stage to the green room.

Following the 2015 Grateful Dead “Fare Thee Well” Tour which SFRPD sponsored as a live-streaming concert in AT&T Ball Park (now Oracle Park), the concert and tour sponsor, The Madison House, donated $25,000 to SFRPD to pay for an improvement in the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. McLaren Park Collaborative members voted for SFRPD to install the official “Jerry Garcia Amphitheater” park sign outside of the entrance.

In 2016 SFRPD initiated the “McLaren Park Visioning Process,” starting with a day of family-friendly fun—a Treasure Hunt, designed for participants to discover several special places within the park. Follow-up meetings focused on specific areas of the park, such as vistas, paths and trails, sports courts, the amphitheater and main picnic area. These meetings continue today. If you are interested in participating, visit the RPD website or drop us a line.

Beginning in 2020 structural renovations began at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater io create more site amenities funded by the 2012 Parks Bond. To better facilitate vendors the area around the restrooms and ADA parking was expanded in 2022-23. In spring 2024 the green rooms were furnished with small couches and tables to provide a better experience for performers. Further planned improvements funded by the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond will continue into 2025 and are being discussed at community meetings. More info about the planned and completed renovations, and dates for planned community meetings can be found at the SFRecPark.org website.