Bay Beats Is Hosting Another Free Concert in Golden Gate Park

Bay Beats is celebrating local music once again with a free concert at Golden Gate Park’s bandshell this Saturday, Oct. 18.

The San Francisco Public Library’s free streaming service will be hosting math rockers Still Deer, San Leandro-based rapper Casey Cope, San Jose indie-pop artist Pacing and Oakland garage punks The Strange Ones as part of the third annual Bay Beats launch party.

Founded back in 2023, the Bay Beats program adds albums of every genre by local musicians to its catalog annually. All four artists appearing on Saturday are new additions to the platform, and represent a tiny fraction of the 180 albums being added to Bay Beats this weekend. The concert is a celebration of these newcomers, and its lineup reflects the eclectic mix music-lovers can find in the collection.

“We wanted to celebrate with the community that makes our music scene so special,” librarian and Bay Beats team lead Brian Weaver said in a statement. “These artists represent the incredible range of talent we’re adding to our catalog, and we can’t wait to share their sounds with everyone at the park.”

In addition to the live music lineup, the afternoon party will include giveaways, games and a set by DJ Apple Gomez. Don’t worry about packing a picnic — there will also be food trucks.

Bay Beats gives each of its chosen artists a $250 honorarium to stream their work. (It would take approximately 66,000 Spotify plays to earn the same amount.) Every year, a star panel of judges decides which albums will make it onto the platform after a three-month open submissions period.

Bay Beats last held a free concert at the music concourse in May and has previously hosted shows at San Francisco libraries. This Saturday’s show is made possible by sponsorships from Amoeba Music, White Crate, BFF.fm, Illuminate and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

The 3rd Annual Bay Beats Launch Party, featuring The Strange Ones, Pacing, Casey Cope and Still Deer, takes place at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell (75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.) between 1 p.m and 5 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2025.