The final major free outdoor concert of the summer, “Empire’s Bay & Boots,” featuring country artists, is set for October 6 in Union Square, but it faces a scheduling conflict with San Francisco’s renowned Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival. The event, named for the artists’ record label and the genre’s iconic footwear, marks the culmination of a season that included performances by alt-rock band Portugal. The Man and a local rave by Dirtybird.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, held in Golden Gate Park’s Marx Meadow, typically attracts around 250,000 attendees daily over three days. With set times now announced, fans must choose between the Union Square show and acts like Yo La Tengo and Emmylou Harris.
This year has seen a significant surge in country music’s presence in San Francisco, highlighted by Outside Lands featuring acts such as Sturgill Simpson, Post Malone, and Shaboozey. The lineup for “Empire’s Bay & Boots” includes the rising star Louis, who blends R&B with country, reflecting a broader trend toward inclusivity in the genre following Beyoncé’s impactful album “Cowboy Carter.”
Also performing is Nashville native Scott, known for her Southern rock and ’90s-style country pop, drawing comparisons to Shania Twain with her heartfelt songwriting.
These free outdoor concerts stem from a three-year agreement with the city, allowing for another music festival in Golden Gate Park a week after Outside Lands. The series is set to return in 2025 and 2026, promising more opportunities for music lovers in the city.
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