Jerry Day is a blast from S.F.s past

The 23rd annual “Jerry Day” took place on August 1 in San Francisco's Excelsior neighborhood, celebrating Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia. The event, held at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, drew thousands of attendees who embraced the nostalgic “Summer of Love” spirit through music and dance. Generational connections were evident as older fans shared memories while younger attendees experienced the culture for the first time. Despite the joyous atmosphere, organizers faced a serious challenge: an 80 percent cut in city funding for next year. To counteract this, they relied on donations, merchandise sales, and a GoFundMe campaign to keep the event free.

Founding organizer Tom Murphy emphasized the importance of recognizing Garcia's local roots, especially after the street was renamed in his honor. Many attendees expressed their joy in being part of a community that honors the music and legacy of the Grateful Dead. The festival's vibrancy and dedication to preserving Garcia's memory underscore the event's significance in the local culture.