Alice’s Summerthing

I was surprised that the song sets were not all created equal. Entry was 30 minutes late where they started to let people in. The concert was shorten and ended around 4pm?
I been to two previous Alice Concerts (formally called Now and Zen) in the past with headliners Neon Trees and Natasha Bedingfield.
Alice 97.3 fm should explain to the crowd why time was changed for entry and song sets. The headliner is suppose to be given more time to sing normally. Kelly did mention she was late and apologize for short song set and that she will be back to the Bay Area in August on her tour. The last two concerts I went to, I don’t recall the last act singing so short. If anyone knows the answer, let me know.
Also Alice should have mentioned on their website that they only allow sealed bottle water because my friend had to pour out a perfectly good liter of water because she only took one sip. bummer.
All in all all the acts sang their hearts out and were happy to be there and so were we, the audience.

What’s there to complain about with free concerts? 2015 was the first Summerthing that I attended, and of the entire lineup, I honestly only knew of Kelly Clarkson, but it was still a great event despite Kelly’s incredibly short set.
Doors opened at 11, and the show started at 12. My friends lined up around 10, and weren’t too far back. By the time I arrived closer to 10:30, the line had probably doubled and wrapped around the block. Once we got in, we scoped out a spot for us, before checking out the food trucks and vendors, and were able to get a great spot on Hippie Hill. It was a bit far from the stage, but we had a great front view, above most of the crowds. The park progressively filled up, but it was never too crowded.
You can bring your own picnic baskets, as long as there’s no glass. But if you don’t feel like packing a basket, there are food trucks and vendors available.
There are also tents from sponsors, with fun goodies — Peet’s Coffee was handing out tastings of a new iced coffee drink, Clover was passing out milkshake samples, as an example. The Monterey Bay Aquarium had a large tent and was handing out beach towels.
Fun, family friendly event!

What’s not to love about a free concert in Golden Gate Park with awesome music artists?! I’ve been coming to Alice’s Summerthing off and on since they first started, probably around a decade ago. I’ve always had a great time and have never had any problems getting in or with security when I come early or late. This year was so much fun and they had a fantastic lineup! Kelly Clarkson, Mat Kearny, Rachel Platten, and Elle King! They were all awesome performers! One of the best years ever!
There really is something fun for everyone… live music, food booths, food trucks, booths to win prizes, a tattoo lounge, photo booth station, and various businesses sampling out their products. This year they had Peet’s coffee sampling their new javiva blend (like a frappucino) and KIND sampling new healthy snack bars. Also, you can spin the wheel and win prizes from Alice 97.3 and Metro PCS. Every year they have new booths from new sponsors. Regardless, it’s a fantastic time for people of all ages. You are allowed to bring food, but there are some restrictions for coolers, glass bottles, cans, etc. Come early with a blanket or towel and snag a great spot on the lawn. It gets super crowded.
Possible negatives — With so many people, the lines to order food or visit booths can get long. Also, with each performer, I only wish their set was longer. It seemed to go so quick! They were all such great performers that I didn’t want it to end. Lastly, it can be really hard to find parking.
It’s always exciting when Alice 97.3 first announces the lineup for the year’s concert. Every year, it’s around the last Sunday in June in Sharon Meadows in Golden Gate Park, approximately 12pm-4:30pm. This is a great, relaxing, fun outdoor activity with awesome live music! So grateful that Alice 97.3 puts on this fantastic free concert for all us music lovers!

* tip: 3^rd summer here! doors open at 10:30am, next time leave at 8:30 am!!! The lines are long despite it being only 11am! But at least the lines are more secure this time! Thank you security guards :)
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* NO open drinks ! but you can bring in sealed drinks.
* there are security guards at the front, but nearly none inside the event… people smoke weed !!! yuck !
* arrive early to acquire FREE and CLOSE parking!!! then first grab close up seats on the lawn, and THEN wander around the booths to win free stuff !!!

Love Alice Radio, and love this free concert even they throw every year. Be sure to look for free goodies at the events, this year I got free sunglasses, some free tickets to the water park in Concord, $ 5 from Paypal, free concert shirt, and some free bags. Parking is hard, so get here early! Also, bring your own food and drinks, as drinks in the venue will be pricey. Weather is also an important factor, so check the forecast before you go! Note, pets are allowed!

I’ve been hearing about Alice’s Summerthing and Alice Now and Zen fest, but every year I’ve been unable to attend, until this year. I’ve heard such great things about it, but this year, it sucked. Hundreds of people were disappointed because the event was closed off to countless patrons by about 2pm. It was ridiculous. Not only that, but apparently there’s never been a line for this FREE event until this year. AND it rained. AND there’s absolutely no parking, even at the UCSF parking garage. AND the public transportation takes forever to get here and back.
In speaking with the security who refused to let anyone in, I asked for a good reason why I was being fenced off along with many other angry people. I saw friends and FAMILY being separated for goodness sake!
Me: What exactly is the capacity?
Security: I’m not sure, but we’re over capacity.
Me: Who checks and decides if the place is below or above capacity?
Security: The fire marshal. It’s a fire hazard to be over capacity.
Me: I understand, so where’s the fire marshal?
Security: I’m not sure. He’s probably not here anymore.
Me: So there are hundreds of people leaving the event, yet nobody is allowed to go in. How is the fire marshal checking to see if the venue is less than capacity? Why can’t people be let in as people are leaving in groups?
Security: We just can’t let anybody in. We probably won’t be opening up the place for the rest of the event. These people are stupid for waiting here. I’m just following my boss’s orders.
Lame. Hmph. I totally won that conversation, and I’m sure he knew it. Spent over an hour trying to get in. Awful day. At least I could hear Sara Bareilles.