“Excelsior Buzz” is a recurring column on changes, tidbits and other news from the Excelsior. Got news? Send us tips at xueer@missionlocal.com.
Thousands gathering for the 23rd annual ‘Jerry Day’ on Aug. 2, 2025. Photo by Jordan Montero.
Jerry Day — generally considered the biggest annual event in the Excelsior — is almost upon us.
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On Aug. 1, for the 24th year in a row, Deadheads young and old will converge on the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park.
A series of free concerts will celebrate Excelsior native Jerry Garcia, who grew up on Harrington Street near Alemany Boulevard and co-founded the Grateful Dead. Garcia died in 1995.
This year’s lineup includes Melvin Seals & JGB, led by Hammond B-3 organist Melvin Seals, who played with the Dead for 15 years and continues to tour and perform the band’s songs. Stu Allen & Mars Hotel, a Bay Area Grateful Dead tribute band, will also play.
The celebration this year will be followed by afterparties across the city. If that’s not enough Garcia for you, Forever Grateful is currently hosting several events and a Dead exhibit, but you’ll have to travel all the way to the Haight.
A mural in the Excelsior District reads “Be Kind To Yourself” on Feb. 20, 2026. Photo by Mariana Garcia.
This Saturday, July 11, San Francisco is holding a citywide day of service called One City Day, a volunteer initiative led by Mayor Daniel Lurie and First Lady Becca Prowda inviting residents to beautify their neighborhoods.
In the Excelsior, the main event is a cleanup centered around Mission Street and Jerry Garcia Street (formerly Harrington Street.) The cleanup runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
As for what to bring: Dress in layers, wear closed-toe shoes, pack sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. Participants can pick up gloves, tools and bags at the Recovery Room at 4528 Mission St. near Jerry Garcia Street.
You can sign up for the cleanup here and see a few more Excelsior-based volunteer opportunities on this map.
San Francisco’s gloomy, foggy and not-so-hot summer is here. Where can kids in the Excelsior and District 11 go to have fun?
Youth art exchange camp participants doing art projects. Photo courtesy of Laura Padilla.
Laura Padilla, the executive director at the Excelsior Action Group, a local organization supporting small businesses and community projects, shared a list:
More summer camp resources can be found here.
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