Dead & Company Celebrate 60 Years of the Grateful Dead in Golden Gate Park: A Weekend to Remember

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park transformed into a sacred musical ground August 1–3, 2025, as Dead & Company returned to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead; a band that shaped the city’s culture and provided the soundtrack of generations. With an estimated 180,000 fans over three nights, the event was more than just concerts; it was a pilgrimage, a festival of community, history, and timeless music.

Featuring original Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, alongside John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane, plus special guests like Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson, Trey Anastasio and Grahame Lesh, the weekend was a powerful blend of legacy and reinvention.

Night One – August 1: A Stranger, a Homecoming, and a Heavenly Encore

The weekend kicked off with an energetic first set including “Feel Like a Stranger,” “Dancing in the Streets,” and “Tennessee Jed,” immediately wrapping the crowd in familiar grooves and smiles. But the emotional heart of Friday’s show arrived in the second set when Grahame Lesh, Phil Lesh’s son, joined the band on stage to perform “Box of Rain.” This rare and beloved tune, written by Phil for his own father, felt especially poignant performed in the very city where the Dead’s journey began.

“What do you want me to do / to do for you / to see you through?” echoed through Golden Gate Park, reminding everyone of the deep generational ties that keep the Dead’s music alive.

The rest of the second set traveled through classics like “Playin’ in the Band” (also featuring Grahame), “Eyes of the World,” and a stirring “Terrapin Station.” The night closed with a soulful “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” a tribute that hung softly in the cool San Francisco air.

Night Two – August 2: Full Throttle into the Psychedelic Beyond

Saturday opened with high-octane momentum. From “Midnight Hour” through “Bertha” and “Jack Straw,” the band ripped through a first set packed with intensity. The combination of “Dear Mr. Fantasy > Hey Jude” kept the energy soaring. Unusually, they closed the first set with a rare first set performance of “Morning Dew,” delivered hauntingly by Sturgill Simpson, adding an unforgettable emotional punch.

Set two began with a warm embrace: “Uncle John’s Band” invited the entire park into a communal singalong. Then came the legendary jam sequence of “Help on the Way > Slipknot! > Franklin’s Tower,” showcasing the band’s improvisational mastery. Later, Grahame Lesh appeared again to anchor the psychedelic “St. Stephen > The Eleven > St. Stephen,” reminding everyone of the band’s adventurous roots.

The set slowed into introspection, closing on the deeply emotional “Brokedown Palace”—no encore followed, leaving the crowd in a reflective hush.

Night Three – August 3: A Triumphant Farewell and New Voices

Sunday’s first set opened with a spirited “Good Times” before launching into the iconic “China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider” pairing, played with tight, joyous precision. The band’s “Shakedown Street” brought smiles with playful teases of Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” and The Commodores’ “Brick House,” adding a funky twist to the night.

The second set was a highlight reel of collaboration and soul. Trey Anastasio’s guest spot on “Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain” dazzled the audience, blending his signature style into the Dead’s classic soundscape. Grahame Lesh returned once more on “Cumberland Blues,” connecting the past and present. But perhaps the standout was an expansive, emotional “Sugaree” that many agreed was one of the best they’d ever heard, culminating in the hopeful anthem “Touch of Grey.”

Beyond the Music: A Celebration of Legacy, Community, and Personal Journey

This weekend wasn’t just about the songs—it was a full-blown cultural moment for San Francisco. The city decked itself out with MUNI busses outfitted in Dead regalia, Dead flags, declared Jerry Day on what would have been Jerry Garcia’s 83rd birthday, and unveiled Jerry Garcia Street. The historic Haight-Ashbury house where the band once lived overflowed with fans capturing memories. VIPs like Mayor Daniel Lurie and Nancy Pelosi shared the vibe alongside longtime Deadheads and new fans alike.

San Francisco itself seemed electrified—alive in a way that felt both celebratory and restorative. The whole city was buzzing with energy; streets and neighborhoods were filled with people, music, and color.

This vibrant scene stood in stark contrast to the quieter, more subdued atmosphere that had lingered through the years following the COVID pandemic, making the weekend feel like a true revival of San Francisco’s communal spirit.

And of course, as a Bay Area native, this entire weekend felt like a homecoming—a reunion and a big party rolled into one. The music, the city, the people—it all came together to remind me why this place, and this community, hold such a special place in so many hearts.

For my wife and me, this wasn’t just a concert series—it was a journey through San Francisco’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Over three days, we walked nearly 50 miles, exploring Upper and Lower Haight, Mission/Dolores, Civic Center, SOMA, Fillmore, Inner Sunset, and Inner Richmond. One standout moment was visiting Mickey Hart’s art exhibit in the Lower Haight, a stunning visual experience that offered a new dimension to the band’s legacy. Each neighborhood offered its own flavor of the city’s spirit, history, and culture—a perfect complement to the music echoing through Golden Gate Park.

Final Thoughts

Dead & Company’s 60th anniversary celebration was more than a series of concerts—it was a heartfelt homage to a band, a city, and a legacy that refuses to fade. From rare gems like “Box of Rain” and collaborative moments with Grahame Lesh and Trey Anastasio, to crowd-favorite singalongs and boundary-pushing jams, the weekend was a testament to the timeless power of the music.

Bob Weir summed it up perfectly the morning after: “60 years… I’d say that’s a damn good start.”