Rilo Kiley Will Perform at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
The band replaces Alison Krauss and Union Station at the free festival in San Francisco.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Folk
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Rilo Kiley will perform at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival on October 3, 2026, replacing Alison Krauss and Union Station. The latter group withdrew from the San Francisco event following medical advice for vocal rest.
Why it matters
Organizers of the festival have asked performers to include a tribute song for Dolly Parton, who died on August 25, 2026. At least 15 artists have already agreed to participate in this musical memorial during the three-day event at Golden Gate Park.
Rilo Kiley is scheduled to perform following a 17-year hiatus. The festival, which runs from October 2 to October 4, 2026, will feature music from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The players
Rilo Kiley
This indie rock band returns to the stage for a festival performance following a 17-year hiatus.
Alison Krauss and Union Station
The bluegrass ensemble canceled their scheduled festival appearance due to medical advice regarding vocal rest.
Robert Plant
The legendary rock musician will perform at the festival alongside his group Saving Grace.
Dolly Parton
The iconic country singer and songwriter passed away on August 25, 2026, prompting a series of festival tributes.
The details
In addition to Rilo Kiley, Robert Plant and his group Saving Grace have joined the official schedule. The festival remains free for all attendees at Golden Gate Park.
Timeline
August 25, 2026: Dolly Parton passed away.
September 23, 2026: Festival organizers released the updated schedule.
October 2-4, 2026: The festival runs at Golden Gate Park.
October 3, 2026: Rilo Kiley is scheduled to perform.
Industry Dynamics
The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival continues the long-standing tradition of free public music events in San Francisco. This year, the addition of major acts like Rilo Kiley reflects ongoing shifts in the folk and indie festival circuits following significant artist cancellations.
Attendees can access the free festival at Golden Gate Park starting at 11 a.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. throughout the weekend. As no tickets are required, fans should plan for high attendance during the weekend sessions.
The takeaway
The festival will serve as a significant memorial site for Dolly Parton fans this year. Visitors should note that daily musical programming concludes promptly at 7 p.m. each evening.
Further reading
Learn more about the local scene in the Folk section.
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If a headliner cancels, would you still attend a free music festival?
