Dirtybird DJs Return for a Free Show in San Francisco’s Embarcadero Plaza

A year after drawing thousands to the Embarcadero in San Francisco, homegrown electronic music label Dirtybird will throw the second-annual free Back to Baysics dance party at Embarcadero Plaza on June 14.

The influential San Francisco label’s D.I.Y. beginnings trace back to 2005, when it emerged as a champion of funky, bass-heavy dance music with an outsider appeal. Dirtybird has since been acquired by San Francisco-based, globe-spanning label EMPIRE in 2022, and has thrown numerous high-profile events with a who’s-who of electronic music. (The Dirtybird Campout, coming to Mendocino in July, features major artists like Jungle, Aluna and Justin Martin.)

Last summer, Back to Baysics packed the plaza with electronic music lovers of all ages who came to see Belgian DJ Sacha Robotti and local acts Deron Delgado and Moody Jones. The DJ lineup for this year’s party has yet to be announced.

Back to Baysics is part of a free concert series from Another Planet Entertainment (the producers of Outside Lands), the Recreation and Parks Department and Mayor Daniel Lurie’s office. “Our arts and culture are helping to drive San Francisco’s comeback, and this is a perfect example of that energy,” said Lurie in a statement.

The concert series was born from Another Planet’s agreement with the city to produce free concerts in exchange for hosting ticketed shows in Golden Gate Park after Outside Lands. More free concerts will be announced this summer at Union Square and Civic Center, and again in 2027.

Lurie sees live music as key to downtown’s recovery. Building on his predecessor London Breed’s success, he proposed legislation to create five more “entertainment zones” that allow bars to sell alcohol to-go during specific hours, including block parties and special events. Lurie also supports state legislation to create more liquor licenses to reduce red tape for new bars and restaurants.

Back to Baysics takes place at Embarcadero Plaza on June 14, 1–5 p.m. Free RSVP here.