Conceived and established in the Excelsior District of San Francisco (Jerry Garcia's childhood neighborhood), Jerry Day is a civic and cultural event that celebrates one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time and San Francisco native son – Jerry Garcia. This event captures the true spirit of Jerry Garcia as we celebrate his legacy, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, and recognize his childhood roots from the Excelsior District of San Francisco. By uniting the diverse communities of San Francisco and beyond, through Jerry’s music, we are creating something extraordinary for Jerry’s childhood neighborhood – the Excelsior District, McLaren Park, and the City and County of San Francisco.
Jerry Day 411
On August 3rd 2024, Friends of JGA (Friends of Jerry Garcia Amphitheater) and the Jerry Day Committee will present the 22nd Annual Jerry (Garcia) Day Celebration. The event is usually held at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, McLaren Park, located at 45 John F. Shelley Drive, bordering the Excelsior District of San Francisco. After two years of doing the event at alternative locations (Chase Center, Terrapin Crossroads, San Benitio House), we plan on bringing the event back to the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater on August 3rd, 2024.
The early roots of Jerry Day was conceived and founded in 2002, when the community came together in order to fundraise for a dilapidated playground located in the southeastern section of San Francisco's Excelsior District. Realizing the need for financial help and awareness, a native of the community contacted the Jerry Garcia Estate in order to get their financial support and blessing to memorialize Jerry Garcia in his childhood neighborhood. From this, a long term relationship began where the local community was able to use his artwork to fundraise for the playground and to rename an amphitheater in his name, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. Our first Jerry Garcia / Excelsior event happened on September 19th, 2002 at the Italian American Social Club where we raised $5000 for the playground and called the event 'Jerry Shirt' after a shirt that was used as a fundraiser for the playground.
The following year, with the help of a few community members, we decided to keep the event going and moved it to the McLaren Park Amphitheater in 2003, renaming it 'Jerry Day.' From this we were able to rename the amphitheater to Jerry Garcia Amphitheater and host an annual Civic and Cultural Event for the City and County of San Francisco. After years of park revitalization, ongoing awareness, and community empowerment, we were recognized by the City and County of San Francisco, and were honored to win the Best Community Building event award in 2009.
Now in our 22nd year, we are continuing to raise awareness and increase the production value of Jerry Day. Our main goals are still the same: raise awareness and a level of pride for the local communities; while we still honor our most famous native son, Jerry Garcia, the leader of the Grateful Dead and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Overall, Jerry Day plays a vital role in uniting the diverse and low income neighborhoods around McLaren Park, providing them with an opportunity to bring more attention and resources to their community.
In addition to this, we expose thousands of residents, youth, and travelers to various forms of art through music, art, and cultural history; while still staying true and authentic to Jerry's art, music, and his Excelsior roots.
Happy Jerry Day to all!
Notable Dates:
On July 21st, 2005 - the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission (PDF) passed a resolution to name the amphitheater in Mclaren Park "The Jerry Garcia Amphitheater". The amphitheater is located in the SF neighborhood where Jerry grew up. To find out how to get there, [Click Here].
On August 7, 2005 - the community officially unveiled the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater to the general public by hosting Jerry Day 2005 and having Tiff Garcia, brother of Jerry Garcia, be the first one to Welcome everybody to the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater!
October 16th, 2016 - Plaque is unveiled near Jerry's second childhood home at 87 Harrington St. Plaque is at Harrington and Mission.
August 1st, 2017 - 2nd Plaque is unveiled near Jerry's first childhood home at 121 Amazon St. Plaque is at Amazon and Mission.
August 1st, 2022 - Jerry's 80th Birthday. Ceremony at Childhood plaque at Jerrys first childhood home at 121 Amazon Ave. Plaque is at Amazon and Mission St.
August 3rd, 2024 - the 22nd annual Jerry Day celebration